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The Four #4.5
Rushed: Christopher
Rush
It’s been four years since I rescued young Christopher from what would have been a violent assault, and while I haven’t seen the now twenty-two-year-old since then, he’s never been far from my thoughts. But he's barely even a shell of who he used to be and I want to know why.
Christopher
He was once my knight in shining armor but now he's the threat. I've spent years hiding the truth from my family and I can't let Rush's reappearance change that. Not yet. But how do I tell him he can't save me this time? That no one can...
It’s been four years since I rescued young Christopher from what would have been a violent assault, and while I haven’t seen the now twenty-two-year-old since then, he’s never been far from my thoughts. But he's barely even a shell of who he used to be and I want to know why.
Christopher
He was once my knight in shining armor but now he's the threat. I've spent years hiding the truth from my family and I can't let Rush's reappearance change that. Not yet. But how do I tell him he can't save me this time? That no one can...
142 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 11, 2022
This is a standard Sloane Kennedy novel consisting of angst and pain, love at first sight, a possessive/strong MC and a "weak" MC, and the predictable HEA.
A trigger warning is included, which states that this book deals with HIV/AIDS. This isn't really a spoiler, but just in case:
What was missing here, understandably to be fair, is steam. There is no sex whatsoever in this book.
Christopher spent far too much time in his head, and Rush is his "magical cure." There's no mention of therapy. It's like Christopher is agoraphobic, and when Rush appears, BAM, he becomes social and returns to nursing school. It doesn't work like that.
The kitty and bunnies were cute though.
A trigger warning is included, which states that this book deals with HIV/AIDS. This isn't really a spoiler, but just in case:
What was missing here, understandably to be fair, is steam. There is no sex whatsoever in this book.
Christopher spent far too much time in his head, and Rush is his "magical cure." There's no mention of therapy. It's like Christopher is agoraphobic, and when Rush appears, BAM, he becomes social and returns to nursing school. It doesn't work like that.
The kitty and bunnies were cute though.
December 31, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
I’d never heard of this book before but a lot of Sloane Kennedy’s books feel like they were written specifically for me, and this was no exception, so I downloaded and finished it super fast. I always appreciate HIV+ rep (as long as it’s written well), and I rarely see it. The book is sort of instalove but it’s believable and felt right for the characters. The feelings came fast but things still happened sort of slowly.
I love hurt/comfort with tragic backstories, and there’s lots of both in this.
Even tho I did enjoy a lot of this, it wasn’t perfect. It’s a novella so pacing is tricky, but at the end it felt more like the author just wanted to be finished with the book, and pretty much skipped a very important scene I’d spent half the book waiting for and anticipating. Summarizing something with a couple sentences after the fact is not satisfactory, and it really left me annoyed.
While I don’t really mind when there’s little to no spice in books, I do feel it could’ve been good to include their first time after Christopher’s viral count became undetectable. Not necessary, but that would’ve been such a big moment for them.
I did enjoy it and would recommend.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Novella
Age gap
Former military
Friend's nephew
Hurt/comfort
Size difference
Cat dad
Past trauma
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Medium burn
Coming in his pants
Low spice
No penetration
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of childhood neglect
References to past attempted CSA of MC
Attempted SA of MC on page (stopped in time)
Several mentions of MC's underage family member being sexually trafficked/raped (past)
Vomiting
Minor bloody injuries to MCs
HIV positive MC
Discussions of the stigma around HIV
Mentions of suicide bombings and death of children (past)
Brief mention of suicide (past, unnamed person)
References to parent deaths (past)
MC assaulted by ex (purposefully infected with HIV)
Mentions of past disordered eating and unintentional weightloss
Mentions of suicidal ideation/thoughts
Alcohol consumption
Sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 22 and early to mid 30s
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 166
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I’d never heard of this book before but a lot of Sloane Kennedy’s books feel like they were written specifically for me, and this was no exception, so I downloaded and finished it super fast. I always appreciate HIV+ rep (as long as it’s written well), and I rarely see it. The book is sort of instalove but it’s believable and felt right for the characters. The feelings came fast but things still happened sort of slowly.
I love hurt/comfort with tragic backstories, and there’s lots of both in this.
Even tho I did enjoy a lot of this, it wasn’t perfect. It’s a novella so pacing is tricky, but at the end it felt more like the author just wanted to be finished with the book, and pretty much skipped a very important scene I’d spent half the book waiting for and anticipating. Summarizing something with a couple sentences after the fact is not satisfactory, and it really left me annoyed.
While I don’t really mind when there’s little to no spice in books, I do feel it could’ve been good to include their first time after Christopher’s viral count became undetectable. Not necessary, but that would’ve been such a big moment for them.
I did enjoy it and would recommend.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Novella
Age gap
Former military
Friend's nephew
Hurt/comfort
Size difference
Cat dad
Past trauma
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Medium burn
Coming in his pants
Low spice
No penetration
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of childhood neglect
References to past attempted CSA of MC
Attempted SA of MC on page (stopped in time)
Several mentions of MC's underage family member being sexually trafficked/raped (past)
Vomiting
Minor bloody injuries to MCs
HIV positive MC
Discussions of the stigma around HIV
Mentions of suicide bombings and death of children (past)
Brief mention of suicide (past, unnamed person)
References to parent deaths (past)
MC assaulted by ex (purposefully infected with HIV)
Mentions of past disordered eating and unintentional weightloss
Mentions of suicidal ideation/thoughts
Alcohol consumption
Sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 22 and early to mid 30s
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 166
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
June 3, 2023
Short but 👍 good!
January 10, 2022
I did not expect to love this so much. What a great novella!
April 19, 2022
Christopher puede pensar que es un joven normal, a excepcion de su casa cuando era niño, vivia relativamente tranquilo, pero no por eso desestimaba lo que podia pasarle, ya habiendo pasado 2 intentos de violacion en los cuales lo habian salvado justo antes, sabia que no tendria una tercera salvada que tenia que aprender a protegerse solo, aunque esa proteccion solo lo llevara a esconderse del mundo. Y sabia que tenia razon, la tercera vez no hubo nadie que lo salvara de su propia estupidez, y por eso ahora lo esta pagando, alejandose de su familia, viviendo en soledad para evitarles el dolor de lo que pudiera ser su futuro. Pero su familia no lo va a dejar estar, asi que un dia cuando King aparece en su casa junto con Rush (su caballero de brillante armadura), siente que su vida puede dar un giro, aunque todavia no sabe si para bien o para mal.
Rush ha decidido convertir Seattle en su hogar-base, ya que despues de la muerte de sus padres, no tiene a mas nadie cercano que King y su trabajo con el grupo de Los Protectores. Por eso cuando King le pide que lo ayude en algo personal, no duda en acompañarlo, solo para encontrarse en la casa del joven Christopher, despertando su instinto de proteccion y su deseo por ayudar. Sabe que Christopher necesita ayuda, pero por alguna razon lo quiere pedirsela a su familia, pero el esta decidido a hacer lo que pueda con el, para que el viejo Christopher vuelva a la vida y se abra de nuevo al mundo.
La relacion entre Christopher y Rush no sera un camino facil, Christopher debera volver a creer en el amor verdadero y confiar en Rush, y Rush debera intentar romper los muros de Christopher haciendose el mismo vulnerable, todo esperando que la relacion pueda ser firme y duradera.
El libro o mas bien la historia corta, no es mas que eso, un pequeño extra dado por el autor que no añade nada a la trama principal, mas que conseguir que hasta el ultimo de los jovenes consiga pareja. Claro, trata el tema de la discriminacion de las personajes VIH+, pero muy por encima, apenas lo nombran, siento que el autor pudo haberle sacado mucho mas provecho, de forma de incentivar a la gente a no discriminar a una persona por efecto de una enfermedad. Sin embargo, el romance fue meh, la pareja no me parecio que tuviera mucha quimica, y eso de que a Rush tenia conejos de mascotas? No se, no me termino de cuadrar el asunto.
Pero en fin, para ser un extra estaba bien, nada muy interesante y probablemente una historia que se me olvidara mañana, pero es un buen complemento para la serie, y aunque no vemos practicamente nada de los personajes de los libros anteriores, el solo insertar el libro cuando ya todos tienen años juntos, quizas ayudo un poco a recordarlos.
Rush ha decidido convertir Seattle en su hogar-base, ya que despues de la muerte de sus padres, no tiene a mas nadie cercano que King y su trabajo con el grupo de Los Protectores. Por eso cuando King le pide que lo ayude en algo personal, no duda en acompañarlo, solo para encontrarse en la casa del joven Christopher, despertando su instinto de proteccion y su deseo por ayudar. Sabe que Christopher necesita ayuda, pero por alguna razon lo quiere pedirsela a su familia, pero el esta decidido a hacer lo que pueda con el, para que el viejo Christopher vuelva a la vida y se abra de nuevo al mundo.
La relacion entre Christopher y Rush no sera un camino facil, Christopher debera volver a creer en el amor verdadero y confiar en Rush, y Rush debera intentar romper los muros de Christopher haciendose el mismo vulnerable, todo esperando que la relacion pueda ser firme y duradera.
El libro o mas bien la historia corta, no es mas que eso, un pequeño extra dado por el autor que no añade nada a la trama principal, mas que conseguir que hasta el ultimo de los jovenes consiga pareja. Claro, trata el tema de la discriminacion de las personajes VIH+, pero muy por encima, apenas lo nombran, siento que el autor pudo haberle sacado mucho mas provecho, de forma de incentivar a la gente a no discriminar a una persona por efecto de una enfermedad. Sin embargo, el romance fue meh, la pareja no me parecio que tuviera mucha quimica, y eso de que a Rush tenia conejos de mascotas? No se, no me termino de cuadrar el asunto.
Pero en fin, para ser un extra estaba bien, nada muy interesante y probablemente una historia que se me olvidara mañana, pero es un buen complemento para la serie, y aunque no vemos practicamente nada de los personajes de los libros anteriores, el solo insertar el libro cuando ya todos tienen años juntos, quizas ayudo un poco a recordarlos.
January 19, 2022
Rushed: Christopher
By Sloane Kennedy
I liked both Christopher and Rush. I liked them together as a couple, but I felt they were lacking just a tad in chemistry. I loved the bunnies and kitten. I liked most of the storyline as well.
Triggers:
By Sloane Kennedy
I liked both Christopher and Rush. I liked them together as a couple, but I felt they were lacking just a tad in chemistry. I loved the bunnies and kitten. I liked most of the storyline as well.
Triggers:
January 12, 2023
Rushed
I originally read this as part of the book boyfriend giveaway last year but couldn’t resist a re read now that it’s been released and it was just as amazing as I remember! Sloans men are just phenomenal and her gritty storytelling is out of this world
I originally read this as part of the book boyfriend giveaway last year but couldn’t resist a re read now that it’s been released and it was just as amazing as I remember! Sloans men are just phenomenal and her gritty storytelling is out of this world
January 13, 2022
3 instances of MCs falling down. Insta love. Plenty of introspection.
January 9, 2023
“Leave it to me to go crazy for a guy who’s both a hottie and a smartie,”
3.5 rounded up. This was nuts 🙃 but really fun. Which is an odd thing to say from such a dark premise/universe. I went feral when I fell down the The Protecters rabbit hole, so it was rad to get another couples story.
I wish it been longer like the previous books because “love at first sight” is incredibly hard to portray as genuine and not cringe. With that being said, I think it sorta worked for these two. Just left me wanting more.
The only thing I hated, yes hated, about this book was the name Christopher is said 496 times within a 166 pg book.
3.5 rounded up. This was nuts 🙃 but really fun. Which is an odd thing to say from such a dark premise/universe. I went feral when I fell down the The Protecters rabbit hole, so it was rad to get another couples story.
I wish it been longer like the previous books because “love at first sight” is incredibly hard to portray as genuine and not cringe. With that being said, I think it sorta worked for these two. Just left me wanting more.
The only thing I hated, yes hated, about this book was the name Christopher is said 496 times within a 166 pg book.
May 8, 2025
Aww, Chris finally gets his happily ever after.
Even after everything he's been through, Christopher was still a bright and introverted young kid with his nose in a romance book, daydreaming about his very own knight in a shining armour. But after too many close calls and yet another life-changing event, he closes off to his family and basically becomes a recluse. And Rush quite literally rushes into his life, all bright-eyed and smiley, to remind Christopher that his life didn't stop.
I know this is classified as a novella, but it's basically the fifth book, and one we didn't know we needed. I wanted to see what becomes of Christopher since we met him in Forgiven: Con and we usually don't get that. We have to use our imagination and think of that character as somewhere, all grown up and happy. I'm glad we got this book because I've loved it.
Even after everything he's been through, Christopher was still a bright and introverted young kid with his nose in a romance book, daydreaming about his very own knight in a shining armour. But after too many close calls and yet another life-changing event, he closes off to his family and basically becomes a recluse. And Rush quite literally rushes into his life, all bright-eyed and smiley, to remind Christopher that his life didn't stop.
I know this is classified as a novella, but it's basically the fifth book, and one we didn't know we needed. I wanted to see what becomes of Christopher since we met him in Forgiven: Con and we usually don't get that. We have to use our imagination and think of that character as somewhere, all grown up and happy. I'm glad we got this book because I've loved it.
February 3, 2022
Usually I would rag on a book with a sometimes unrealistic plot and situations, but this author makes it so palatable. The knight in shining armor come to life in a rugged hero who saves the sweet little sad and sick boy. And, for me, it worked. There was enough realism to keep it grounded amidst the good writing style of this author. I enjoyed this book and the two loving MCs. I even had a few tears.
January 7, 2022
4.5 Stars
Great read, I was glad Christopher was getting a story, but it was a hard read and I shed a lot of tears. There was happy too and I’m glad he got Rush with their love at first sight and Rush not leaving when Christopher tries pushing him away.
Great read, I was glad Christopher was getting a story, but it was a hard read and I shed a lot of tears. There was happy too and I’m glad he got Rush with their love at first sight and Rush not leaving when Christopher tries pushing him away.
March 9, 2024
I have really enjoyed this series as well as all of the related series. This was my last one for now (I'm not sure if any more books are planned in this universe) and I enjoyed it so much. In this book, Christopher is a young man who experienced a terrible childhood, witnessing frequent drug use and abuse. Now, as a young adult, all he wants to do is keep to himself and try to stay safe. He's got a big secret that make him want to withdraw from all his loved ones.
Rush crossed paths with Christopher four years ago when he saved him from an assault. He never forgot the man and now they have met again. This time, he doesn't want to walk away. Christopher seems so fragile and emotionally walled off that Rush knows he will have to go slow. Neither man wants to go slow, though. Can they make a future together with so many obstacles? This book has high angst, hope, healing, and a beautiful forever love.
Rush crossed paths with Christopher four years ago when he saved him from an assault. He never forgot the man and now they have met again. This time, he doesn't want to walk away. Christopher seems so fragile and emotionally walled off that Rush knows he will have to go slow. Neither man wants to go slow, though. Can they make a future together with so many obstacles? This book has high angst, hope, healing, and a beautiful forever love.
March 4, 2025
Christopher, scarred by a traumatic childhood, has given up on believing in happy endings and has become distant and fragile. Rush, who once saved Christopher from an attacker years ago, unexpectedly reconnects with him during a simple visit to drop off books. Though Christopher seems like a shadow of his former self, Rush glimpses the sweet, innocent boy he once protected. Determined to help Christopher heal from his past, Rush knows he will be back, no matter what it takes, to bring the real Christopher home and help him rediscover his true self.
This was a sweet novella where Rush was determined to bring back Christopher to the happy man that he remembered. It had an instalove feeling at times even though their relationship was hard won given the reasons for Christopher's deterioration. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
This was a sweet novella where Rush was determined to bring back Christopher to the happy man that he remembered. It had an instalove feeling at times even though their relationship was hard won given the reasons for Christopher's deterioration. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
January 10, 2023
Nice and easy read.
Rush and Christopher were waiting for each other. To bad life had to add the old one two punch. They met by chance. Not a good thing considering what was about to happen to Christopher but then he always believed in white knight riding to his rescue. But he was to young and he needed to grow up a little bit more. Life happens and he is felt a crappy hand. They are re introduced several years later and the same zing is still there now they can do something about it. It going to be Lang hard battle but they believe in each other.
Rush and Christopher were waiting for each other. To bad life had to add the old one two punch. They met by chance. Not a good thing considering what was about to happen to Christopher but then he always believed in white knight riding to his rescue. But he was to young and he needed to grow up a little bit more. Life happens and he is felt a crappy hand. They are re introduced several years later and the same zing is still there now they can do something about it. It going to be Lang hard battle but they believe in each other.
January 15, 2023
I love reading Sloane Kennedy's story even though they can be very dark and painful but the HEA are hard fought and won in the end. You really understood why Christopher withdrew from his family after learning he was HIV+ but his family was so hurt by his silence and distance. Rush was the perfect person to get through to him and I loved how he drew him out and I especially loved how he brought his bunny Thumper who became a kind of mom for Pip and then the whole gang were brought in. Perfect proposal with the new bunny who was very horny.
July 27, 2025
4 stars
I enjoyed this one, I wanted it to be longer.
Christopher breaks my heart, how many hits can one guy take. I understand why he didn't tell family but at the same time they were always going to be supportive.
Rush is fabulous. I loved how he treated Christopher from the start. He gave him the HEA he needed. Funny enough King reaction was what I expected of Luca in the previous book, and coming from him it was hilarious.
Wish this one could have been longer and still want more from these two.
I enjoyed this one, I wanted it to be longer.
Christopher breaks my heart, how many hits can one guy take. I understand why he didn't tell family but at the same time they were always going to be supportive.
Rush is fabulous. I loved how he treated Christopher from the start. He gave him the HEA he needed. Funny enough King reaction was what I expected of Luca in the previous book, and coming from him it was hilarious.
Wish this one could have been longer and still want more from these two.
January 23, 2023
ok
It was heartbreaking reading this story. It hardly has any smut times so if your looking for that your in the wrong book.
Book is sad and depressing, makes you really consider each and every person. Rush and Christopher deserve so much more and to think one person destroyed all of that. There are some really sick people in the world, hence why I have trust issues. I’ve known friends who have been in Christopher’s situation before and it’s so sad.
It was heartbreaking reading this story. It hardly has any smut times so if your looking for that your in the wrong book.
Book is sad and depressing, makes you really consider each and every person. Rush and Christopher deserve so much more and to think one person destroyed all of that. There are some really sick people in the world, hence why I have trust issues. I’ve known friends who have been in Christopher’s situation before and it’s so sad.
January 23, 2023
Wow when you have a story put you through a roller coaster of emotions!
Rush is rescuing people for a living , this one time he feels possessive and doesn't want to let go. Four years later can he walk away again? Christopher always wanted a happy ever after but for some reason he been thrown to the wolves,. He praying for a knight to rescue him, but 2 times he been rescued will the third time come? MM romance
Rush is rescuing people for a living , this one time he feels possessive and doesn't want to let go. Four years later can he walk away again? Christopher always wanted a happy ever after but for some reason he been thrown to the wolves,. He praying for a knight to rescue him, but 2 times he been rescued will the third time come? MM romance
October 27, 2024
Left me wanting more
I found myself engrossed in these characters but that left me frustrated when the next page I turned too was the epilogue! I was ready for more of their conversations, of the family as the next part in their fast developing relationship...what I got was a brief summary in the epilogue on what happened next. Not nearly enough on what she started with this story, such a shame
I found myself engrossed in these characters but that left me frustrated when the next page I turned too was the epilogue! I was ready for more of their conversations, of the family as the next part in their fast developing relationship...what I got was a brief summary in the epilogue on what happened next. Not nearly enough on what she started with this story, such a shame
March 3, 2023
Chris and Rush
I will read any Sloane Kennedy book and will cry at some point, and fall in love in another.
I wish this book was bigger. I wasn’t prepared to say goodbye yet. Expect hot AF scenes.
It’s bizarre how one decision in life can change everything for you.
Enjoy it as much as I did s2
I will read any Sloane Kennedy book and will cry at some point, and fall in love in another.
I wish this book was bigger. I wasn’t prepared to say goodbye yet. Expect hot AF scenes.
It’s bizarre how one decision in life can change everything for you.
Enjoy it as much as I did s2
January 10, 2023
Aweeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
Rush and Christopher were truly so sweet with each other. You could feel there love for one another jumping out on each page. This was the best little HEA ever!! A truly amazing way to end this series!!! Loved these two so much!!!
Rush and Christopher were truly so sweet with each other. You could feel there love for one another jumping out on each page. This was the best little HEA ever!! A truly amazing way to end this series!!! Loved these two so much!!!
January 21, 2023
Nice short story.
I read the 4 books about the other couples and loved them. This story was short but it was a sweet book. I was happy to see them get a HEA. Loved the kitty and bunnies.
I read the 4 books about the other couples and loved them. This story was short but it was a sweet book. I was happy to see them get a HEA. Loved the kitty and bunnies.
February 7, 2023
Disappointed Read😢
Like this author writing but this book was a little bit of a letdown for me😢. Too much reality for me and the reality of a shorter lifespans ruins the storyline for me😭.
Like this author writing but this book was a little bit of a letdown for me😢. Too much reality for me and the reality of a shorter lifespans ruins the storyline for me😭.
May 26, 2023
Help
Christopher was lost in a world of sickness till his uncle King brought Rush back into his life. Rush needs Christopher but Christopher is afraid the his HIV status will change everything.
Christopher was lost in a world of sickness till his uncle King brought Rush back into his life. Rush needs Christopher but Christopher is afraid the his HIV status will change everything.
June 3, 2024
amazing
An amazing and well written about two men who fall in love and all the obstacles they have to overcome to get their HEA.
Sensitively written and I loved every second of it.
Highly recommended series
An amazing and well written about two men who fall in love and all the obstacles they have to overcome to get their HEA.
Sensitively written and I loved every second of it.
Highly recommended series
August 30, 2025
♥️♥️
I loved this book so much! Getting to see Christopher happy was the best thing, that boy deserves it so much after all he has been through and he is such a loyal loving person that Rush gets his wish of having a love like his parents
I loved this book so much! Getting to see Christopher happy was the best thing, that boy deserves it so much after all he has been through and he is such a loyal loving person that Rush gets his wish of having a love like his parents
January 28, 2023
Great M/M novella
This novella hits several emotions: anticapation, heartbreaking, happy, sad, cute, fun, and so on. Love Rush & Christopher and all the fur babies.
This novella hits several emotions: anticapation, heartbreaking, happy, sad, cute, fun, and so on. Love Rush & Christopher and all the fur babies.
February 5, 2023
❤️❤️❤️
March 4, 2023
Short but sweet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews