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Kick #3

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Tanner è di ritorno a casa dopo diversi mesi passati all'estero in missione, lontano da tutto e da tutti. Ciò che ritrova non è però ciò che ha lasciato e il dolore di doversi confrontare con alcune terribili novità lo porta ad avvicinarsi con cautela agli amici di prima, in particolare a Finn, che negli ultimi mesi è quello che ha sofferto di più.

Il legame che li unisce è molto solido, forgiato in circostanze particolari, ma l'attrazione si insinua piano piano al di sotto dell'amore cameratesco, e li stuzzica a cambiare le carte in tavola. E una volta che quella linea è stata superata, non ci saranno più scuse, o limiti. E nessuna via d'uscita...



Questo ebook contiene contenuti destinati a un pubblico adulto.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2016

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306 people want to read

About the author

Lynda Aicher

44 books567 followers
I love to read. It's a simple fact that has been true since I discovered the worlds of Judy Blume at the age of ten. After years of weekly travel as a consultant implementing computer software into global companies, I ended my nomadic lifestyle to raise my two children. Now, my imagination is my only limitation on where I can go and my writing lets me escape from the daily duties of being a mom, wife, chauffeur, scheduler, cook, teacher, cleaner, and mediator.

If writing wasn't a priority, it would never get done.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~.
3,615 reviews1,152 followers
November 25, 2016
This is my favorite book in the series thus far, and it can be read as a standalone. The majority of the story takes place at a cabin with only the MCs present, so the other Kick men don't "interfere" with the relationship development.

In the first book, Finn is in a coma. He was injured in a whitewater rafting accident that killed his best friend Chris. When Finn wakes up from the coma, he has to contend not only with Chris's death but his own weakened state. This would be difficult for anyone, but it's even more so for a proud Marine.

The Farther He Runs begins nine months after the accident. On a classified mission that allowed no contact with the real world, Tanner returns to find one of his best friends dead and the other a mere shell of a man.

Tanner, Chris, and Finn were Marines and brothers. They held each other's secrets. They had each other's back. But there was always an undercurrent of something more between Tanner and Finn. And this time they can't hold back.

This is very much a relationship-focused story with a good dose of angst and comfort/healing. Tanner pushes Finn to be his best; he makes him run an extra mile, climb a wall, go harder, faster.

The dual third-person POV means we are privy to the men's most private thoughts. The love between them is not to be doubted. They have ten years of friendship under their belt and get each other like no one else. Tanner, who has Korean heritage and is still in the closet, has always felt like an outsider, but not with Finn, never with Finn.

With Finn, Tanner can let his submissive side show, and it's gorgeous to watch. Finn likes control, and Tanner brings out his dominant streak. The slow burn is a living thing just waiting to unfurl.

The scene where Finn demands that Tanner wear a plug and the way Tanner gives in was far hotter than it had any right to be. This isn't hardcore BDSM, but there's power play, spanking, toys, and unbridled passion.

I was so glad that there was no manufactured melodrama. The men never waver in their commitment to each other, and Tanner proves Finn can count on him.

The last chapter and epilogue give the story a strong sense of closure. The men put their grief to rest, but it doesn't mean they forget. They have each other and love, and that's everything.
Profile Image for Gigi.
2,149 reviews1,070 followers
December 5, 2016
2.5 stars

We are finally getting Finn's story, Grady Kelley's cousin who was injured in a river raft expedition and fell into a coma. (Read The Harder He Falls (Kick #1) for Grady and Micah's story, but I think this book does a good job explaining Finn's situation so it can be read as a standalone.)

Finn has recovered from his coma and struggles with constant pain from his injuries and the mental deterioration from the coma. He is stubborn and not letting any of his friends and family help him. Enter Tanner, an old friend of Finn's who is secretly carrying a torch for him.

Tanner quickly takes Finn under his wing and they retreat to a remote cabin in the woods to work on Finn's physical therapy. Sexual tension is in the air and the feelings grow between them.

While I liked book 1 and loved book 2, The Deeper He Hurts, this one is my least favorite of the series. I loved the healing/comfort, but the sexual tension payoff was minimal, at best. Like all books in this series, that sex was hot, but I wasn't able to get past the circumstances of how Finn and Tanner finally consummated their relationship. It was awkward and felt like an after thought.

Friends-to-lovers is a favorite trope for me, but I didn't buy into their relationship here. Too much negative inner dialogue, too much whining, not enough passion.

Fans of the first two books will most likely love this one, but I eagerly await the next in the series and marking this one as a no.

Cannot recommended this one. Check out The Deeper He Hurts (Kick #2) for some delicious angst, BDSM, dirty talk and passion.


Galley copy of The Farther He Runs provided by NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews

Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,732 reviews525 followers
October 3, 2016
I have been waiting for Finn's story since I read about his accident in The Harder He Falls and I have to say that it was well worth the wait....Finn and Tanner are perfect together!

Tanner has returned home after an eighteen month deployment to a barrage of emails and texts from Rig (a partner at KICK) letting him know that Finn and Chris have been in a serious accident that left Chris dead and Finn in a coma. (This happened several months ago and now Finn is out of his coma and on his long road to recovery) so Tanner heads directly to Finn's house to see with his own eyes how the man he has secretly loved for years is really doing.
The Farther He Runs (Kick #3)by Lynda Aicher

Chris, Finn, and Tanner were as tight as brothers forming a family of their own that was accepting of everything, from each of them being gay to the fact that Tanner was part Korean (and was constantly the butt of racist jokes by other Marines). They did everything together while they served, so now that one of them was gone and Finn was seriously injured Tanner knew that he had to convey his love for Finn once and for all. Believe me when I say that this was not an easy task for him, growing up with the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy firmly in place with his family that were deep in the Military he never spoke about his preferences, although Finn and Chris knew that he preferred men.
The Farther He Runs (Kick #3)by Lynda Aicher

This story was hard to read at times, I actually had to put it down and walk away for a little bit, it was heartbreaking one moment and heartwarming the next. I am really, really, really enjoying this series and I cannot wait for the next book! If you haven't read any of the series they can each be read as a standalone but to get the full impact of all the men I would suggest reading the entire series starting with book 1 The Harder He Falls.

***I have received this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
Professional reader net galleyTop Reviewer100 Book Reviews80% net galley
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,841 reviews463 followers
November 30, 2016
I had to think about this one for a few days before writing this review. This is a complex story and even though it is a continuation in the KICK series, it can be a stand alone -although I would recommend reading at least one of the other books be understand the connection of the guys more thoroughly.

This is Finn's story and as I mentioned before a complex one. The author looks at the emotional issue of physical pain and coming back from major injury. She brings in survivors guilt and takes us through the pain and suffering of losing a close brother/friend. But then she heals with the blooming love between two best friends.

This book is a rich story full of hope, tenderness, and fiery hot passion that together brings us a fabulous read that sucks you in. A great addition to the smoking hot KICK series!

Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,945 reviews1,439 followers
October 6, 2024
Is the reason why this series is named "Kick" because it is a constant kick to the gut? This book can be read as a standalone however it is better if the books are read in order. Book three focuses on one of the guys who started this adventure business, Finn. Finn is recovering from his bad accident which left him in a coma and resulted in the death of one of his partners and best friends, Chris. His other partner and one of this best friends, Tanner is on leave from the military. When Tanner is able to make it back to see Finn, what he finds shocks him. Chris is dead and Finn is the walking dead.

This angst filled story is character driven between Tanner and Finn's relationship dynamics. These men have bonded over military service and deployed in hostile environments. Starting up a business together further brought them closer. Another common thread between Tanner, Finn and Chris is their penchant for kink. Finn always assumed Tanner was a dominant and into women. When Finn learns otherwise, the sexual tension in this story kicks it up a notch.

Ms. Aicher explores the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and the wide impact it has on soldiers. I am not a fan of this policy and yet I understand the original intent even if the execution was poor. With Tanner and Finn who had to keep their preference under wrap, this revised understanding of each other leads to some smexy hawt sex. The chemistry between the two is smoldering. The erotic power exchange is panty wetting goodness and I really enjoyed it. It is arousing as these two alpha males deploy a bit of D/s and delve right into rough kinky play. Of the three books in this series, this is the one which is most sexually arousing for me. This two characters are more than the sum of their sexual interludes. The genuine friendship which develop into a deeper intimate relationship is beautiful to watch. This two men find their way back to each other and become a stronger unit. They do have a missing piece with their lost friend, yet they can fill it with this new level of intimacy. I loved it. This m/m romance is recommended to kinky readers who like friends to lovers themes.

*provided by NetGalley
Profile Image for Truebluedah ♪.
163 reviews20 followers
February 19, 2020
I don’t know why I read this, but I did.
And ngl, it was really cute.

I think one thing I dislike about a lot of these types of romances is how it’s pure sex / smut and nothing else. I liked how this had an actual plot 👏🏼

And also, the way there relationship (Tanner and Finn’s) was, was really fuckin’ cute and made my heart meltttt.
The way they called each other brothers and like were intimate in ways other then sexually and shared their struggles was just ahhhhh
MY HEART
💕✨💖

Anyway, don’t plan to read anymore of these..
They’re kinda smutty but I do love the intimacy that I see.
☺️
Profile Image for Mandi.
2,359 reviews733 followers
December 22, 2016
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series (all can be stand alones) which follows an adventure company run by men who are gay and are into some kink. It's a safe space for good friends to explore their fantasies and needs.

If you have read this series, one hero in this book is the man, Finn, who was in the white water accident and left in a coma. Tanner, our other hero is a marine and deployed for quite some time. Finn and Tanner have always been good friends, and their other bestie, Chris, died in that rafting accident. Finn has been focused on recovering from his coma and trying to live a new life. Tanner has been concentrating on not dying over in the middle east. So when Tanner finally gets a five-week leave, he returns straight to Finn's house so they can mourn Chris's death together.

Finn is not only physically recovering, but he has become a recluse. He doesn't want to deal with the fact that his best friend is dead and doesn't want pity from his other friends due to his weakened physical state. This book starts out really strong with a lot of angst. Such delicious angst I almost couldn't stand it.

Eleven years of friendship forged under situations most couldn't comprehend, let alone survive, had created a level of intimacy no absence could break.

He tightened his hold, pressed his lips to Tanner's smooth jaw. His heart stuttered, clenched, and finally relaxed to allow air into his lungs. He sucked in a deep breath, gripped Tanner's nape, and rested his temple on Tanner's.


But you see - these guys are not sexually active with each other. They have only just been friends. Friends that has a love that runs deeper than most anything. So their touchy-feely, caressing of the jaw, holding on to one another - was really hot. They needed that physical touch, to remind one another they are still alive and to let their grief over their late friend come to the surface.

I don't know if it was because there is such a build up of this intimacy at the beginning of the book which was a set-up for me to be let down later, or what - but after a while, the romance started to not work for me. They are in this deep mourning - they meet with their other friends and go to the cemetary and everything is deep and dark and intense. And then the next scene, Finn and Tanner decide to go for a run, and Finn is like - Tanner, you must run with a butt plug in.

*scratches head*

Look - if you want to run with a butt plug in, be my guest. It just didn't fit in the story at that time. And shortly after that, there is mutual....release...and things progress from there. The kink and physical romance felt forced to me. Or just too - abrupt.

I like these guys though, and there are some really sexy scenes - and the angst in the beginning is terrific. The romance felt a little off.

Grade: C+
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
December 12, 2016
Leighhttp://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...

3.75 stars

I feel as if I am a glutton for punishment with this series. I love the characters, I am on totally board with the concept, and I feel the depth of the relationships each and every time. But the books themselves just don’t seem to hit a bullseye for me.

And yet, for some odd reason, I keep coming back for more.

The Farther He Runs tells the story of Finn and Tanner. After a deadly accident on the river which took the life of one of his best friends, Chris, and nearly cost him his own, Finn is pulling his life back together. Physically weaker than before, he must deal with the psychological loss of a man he thought of as his brother. Tanner, his other best friend on leave from the military, comes to visit Finn, and the sparks fly.

Actually, that’s not a good analogy. There isn’t a spontaneous explosion of passion. There is a deep love that simmers to the surface and these two people, each broken in their own way, find a way to re-navigate their friendship without Chris. They find a way to turn what was always platonic affection and trust, into romance and passion. And their relationship was steamy and sexy and satisfying.

The romance aspect of the story was perfect for me.

But I just had issues with the story itself. It moved very slow and was painfully repetitive. I understand that the friendship between Chris, Tanner and Finn was “the brother on my left and the brother on my right”. I just didn’t feel that it needed to be repeated in every situation. In addition, I know that they are all military brothers. I know that it is a big part of their lives that shaped them. I just didn’t feel like everything needed to be a military analogy.

I also wanted more interaction with the other members of Kick. Two thirds of the way into the book and all Tanner and Finn had done was go to a cabin in the woods. And have sex. Lots of sex. Really great-to-read sex! But it didn’t further the story. They did have a ton of romantic discussions, but there are only so many “silent” conversations between the two of them that I could take. Unless one of them had an undiscovered talent for mind-reading that the author hadn’t shared, it was a bit much.

The Farther He Runs was a good romance. It had likeable characters and emotion and heart working through a lot of internal issues. I just felt it needed more of a plot to truly go along with it.

ARC provided with no expectations.
Profile Image for Sherry L.
542 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2016
A copy of this book was given through NetGalley in exchange for an HONEST review.

m/m

The third installment in the Kick series packs no less punch than it's predecessors. A whirlwind of emotion and intense romance between brothers and best friends.

Each book I read in this series keeps knocking me back more and more. I think to myself that there isn't a way she can top the last book. Well here I am at book three and I am no less effected by Ms Aicher's words.

Her story this time is decidedly more intense in the emotional department. It was like watching the beautiful ebb and flow of the ocean. Calm one minute and tumultuous the the very next.

There was such beauty in this deep friendship and connection that Finn and Tanner had. Once barriers are broken there is no turning back for these two. Both strong men formed from the brotherhood that they share but softened on the inside from holding so many things at bay. Loss, grief, anger, torment and most of all love.

This book was truly a love story first with a healthy dose of heat. I cannot wait to see what comes next for this series.

Happy Reading~ Sherry

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Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
November 29, 2016
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley and I'm freely giving my honest review.*

This is the third book in the Kick series and I haven't read the previous books but this can easily be read as a standalone.

Finn was injured in an accident that killed his friend Chris and now their friend Tanner is visiting to say goodbye to their mutual friend. The three friend has served in the military together and have a close bound.

In many ways I find the writing chaotic in the beginning but after a while I got used to it and it grew on me. It's leaving me with a lot feelings and the honest description of the characters are very liberating to read.

I can sense the feelings between Finn and Tanner from the beginning of the book and the building up to they acknowledge their love to each other is beautiful written.

The author is describing the challenges they have with family in a distended way but still you can understand all the troubles Finn goes trough because his family discarded him when he came out and how it eats at Tanner hiding his sexuality from his family.

I loved this book and I'm definitely going to read the others in this series.
Profile Image for Federica Lemme.
169 reviews26 followers
September 6, 2017
Terzo libro e per ora ultimo della serie Kick di Lynda Aicher.
Dal primo libro, dall’incidente in kayak abbiamo visto Finn, una presenza/assenza per i primi due libri.
Qui finalmente capiamo che uomo è e cosa gli succede.
L’uomo che conosciamo ad inizio libro è un uomo spezzato. Ex Marine, abituato ad essere forte nel corpo e nello spirito si ritrova in un corpo che dopo tanti mesi di coma non gli risponde più come vorrebbe.
Dimagrito, indebolito, insicuro, spezza il cuore poverino.
E poi c’è Tanner, compagno d’armi e amico fraterno, insieme a Chris, da anni.
Entrambi devono fare i conti con la perdita di Chris ma non è facile. Inoltre Tanner deve fare i conti anche con questo nuovo Finn, e non sa come aiutarlo.
Una vacanza alla baita di Finn farà rinascere la speranza che alla fine tutto si può aggiustare e cambierà per sempre le dinamiche fra i due. Entrambi ora devono trovare un nuovo equilibrio, forzati dall’assenza di Chris che, da come viene descritto, sembra essere da una parte l’ago della bilancia di questa amicizia, ma anche un ostacolo alla relazione fra Tanner e Finn.
Mi è piaciuto molto questo terzo capitolo della serie.
L’aspetto bdsm, seppur presente non è il protagonista principale. Non ci sono scene nei club o stanze dei giochi, ma il bdsm è uno stile di vita, non una rappresentazione. E Finn è un dominante che deve solo ritrovare se stesso o capire come vivere con i cambiamenti che ha subito.
Tanner si sente in colpa, per non essere stato presente e per i sentimenti che prova per Finn.
Vale la pena mettere a repentaglio 10 anni di amicizia? Può continuare a negare i veri sentimenti che prova per l’amico?
La chimica fra loro è innegabilmente forte.
Le scene di sesso non sono numerosissime ma sono sensuali. C’è romanticismo e un amore profondo fra i due. E’ una storia che mi ha scaldato il cuore.
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
February 9, 2017
This is one of the most incredibly intense stories I’ve read-intense in the extreme. The powerful emotions and thoughts of the main characters had me absolutely riveted to my screen as I read. It was actually so intense that just over a third of the way in, I actually had to set it down for a couple of hours to give myself some breathing room. But even given that, I’ve already re-read this book and I’ve only had it a short time.

Finn and Tanner’s feelings for each other run so deep and strong that you can’t imagine anything ever tearing them apart-if they would ever give in to their feelings. Their shared experiences have created such a strong, solid bond between them that at times they don’t have to say a word to understand each other. They know each other better than they know themselves. The absolute, ultimate definition of soulmates and it was absolutely breathtaking to read. I could feel the emotion through both the author’s words and the characters’ thoughts-it was almost as if their actions and emotions became a living, breathing entity beside me as I read-even with the constant air of solemnity that was present in the story.

Both Finn and Tanner have their own baggage and scars from their pasts, primarily from their service in the Marines but also in regards to their families. When they are brought together after Tanner’s latest tour ends, the tension is already high, and once you add in the pain of loss and both Finn and Tanner’s deeply buried feelings for each other—not to mention the unbelievably high sexual tension—you have a recipe for something explosive. Once they fully give in, their chemistry catapults them into some of the most sensual and erotic scenes-with elements of BDSM thrown in for good measure, ones you’ll want to have some ice and fans ready for…and probably a spare set of batteries!

I haven’t read the other books in this series yet (but you better believe they’re already queued up and waiting for me), but that did not detract from my enjoyment of this story one bit. It can definitely stand on its own, though once you read it I think it’s a safe bet that you’re going to want to read the rest.

The Farther He Runs was a 5-star, Top Recommendation read for me, and has become one of my all-time favorite M/M books as well as my #1 read for 2016. It does touch on mature subject matter including the previously mentioned BDSM elements, as well as PTSD and grief from loss, and is strictly meant for readers 18+ due to these aspects as well as adult language and explicit M/M sexual content.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,136 reviews521 followers
December 6, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.25 stars

The Farther He Runs is the third book in Lynda Aicher’s Kick series and my favorite one so far. The stories all focus on a group of men who own Kick Adventures. Most of them are former military and many of them are Doms. Finn has been a character in the background of the first two books. Chris’ death and Finn’s injuries are a major story thread that ties the series together, but this is the first time we actually really meet him. So I think you could probably read this one as a standalone, but I think having the history of the accident and how it affects the other guys would enhance your reading of this book.

I will admit at first the book was a little on the slow side, or at least a little on the intense, darker end, as we start off really feeling Finn and Tanner’s grief. These men are so torn apart by losing Chris, and Finn has been suffering alone for a while. Tanner blames himself for not being there for Finn and these guys are just really struggling. But once they get away to the cabin and start spending time healing, the story really picks up. The chemistry and connection between the men is great from the start. They have been best friends for years, and along with Chris, the men have been inseparable. Aicher does a really nice job letting us feel the intense bonds of their friendship and their closeness, while at the same time seeing how their feelings having changed to become more romantic and sexual.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
December 7, 2016
Emotional and hot as hades….

If you thought for a second that two strong, tough Marines couldn’t handle emotion and angst then you never met Tanner Dorsey or Finn Kelley. They have been business partners, comrades-in-arms and brothers. Having “your six” wasn’t a throw away comment to them, it was the way they lived their lives and looked after each other. This time though things were different…

“How did I not know that about you?”
“I didn’t let you.”


Tanner and Finn were at a crossroads and dealing with circumstances that neither could have imagined. They needed more - from life, and each other - If they were brave enough to grab it. And they were braver then, well, almost anyone…

“Fucker.”
“Tease.”


Be prepared to have wet eyes and, well, other things, in this testosterone-filled, emotional romance. They were tough – beyond tough – but love and loss can bring down the tallest and strongest. There is grief and discovery and a bond that breaks through all fear and any hesitancy. These lovers know each other inside and out and finishing each other’s thoughts is just one of the things that bind together. Whether it is love wrapped in leather or a nipple clamp wrapped in acceptance, they have what the other needs, if they are brave enough.

Warmth filled these pages with hugs, sweet caresses, and a loving bond that was hard won. Throw in hot shower scenes and hotter exercise routines made this a romance I won’t soon forget…

“In the love flowing between them and the bond that promised to keep them strong and this – whatever this was – safe.”

~ Diane, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews224 followers
December 7, 2016
This is the third book in the Kick series and whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the other books in the series first. As I have come to expect from this series this is once again a read that is intense and emotional but my favourite of the series so far.

We encountered Finn in the first book of the series, though due to him being in a coma following an accident we didn’t get to know much about him, and I am glad that we get to catch up with him on his road to recovery. Like most of the characters from Kick, Tanner is a Marine though he is still active and we find him returning from deployment to learn of Finn’s accident and the death of their close friend Chris.
Tanner is at a crossroads in life on a number of fronts, one being his career and the other his hidden attraction to Finn. As the two friends take a break to help Finn recuperate and to take time to honour Chris they give in to their mutual attraction and the result is quite a lovely emotional read. I loved the intensity of the attraction between these two and how Tanner knew exactly what Finn needed to rebuild him in many ways to restore his sense of pride.
A brilliantly written book that deals with some intense issues but keeps you flipping the pages and I really hope there is more to come from this series.
Profile Image for Anne Bollmann (Annelise Lestrange).
735 reviews78 followers
December 4, 2016
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)

I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D


The Story

Finn’s survival and recovery from a tragic accident with his cousin and best friend ten months ago can only be described as miraculous. After many months spent into a comma and struggling to recover his movements and basic motor coordination, anyone would be happy to know they are alive.

Not Finn. His Marine pride insists on reminding him all that he had lost in the accident. His shape. His dignity. His best friend. Finn was now just a broken and shallow vessel of the man he used to be – the man he loved to be. And now his remaining best friend and long-term platonic crush, Tanner Dorsey, came home after deployment.

How is Finn supposed to look Tanner in the eye and feel worthy of his attention now?

If anyone ever cares to find out how a true bitch-slap from life can hurt, just ask Tanner Dorsey. After months with barely any communication outside the military world, Tanner comes home to find out one of his best friends is dead and the other, broken.

Tanner has mixed feelings about the tragic accident that took Chris’ life away. While his heart won’t stop bleeding for his best friend any time soon, it’s also his one in a million chance to show Finn, his platonic soul mate, that he is no lesser of a man for relying on others. For relaying on Tanner. However, how could he prove to Finn he would always be there for him?

How is Tanner supposed to convince Finn they could work together?


The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)

This was without any shade of doubt the best book in the whole series! Aicher is that kind of author that visibly evolves from one work to another and she managed to capture my heart from page 1 to 224 <3 In the past, I used to have reservations about the BSDM content on her books, as this isn’t quite my cup of tea, but in The Farther He Runs, I was panting at EVERY SCENE! I can securely say that Aicher doesn’t only know her business when talking about it, she can make you understand the pleasure in her character’s pain and she makes you enjoy it with them.

Aicher also touches her readers’ hearts with the military background of her main characters, how deeply they were touched by the army’s teachings. Complex characters, hot as hell sex scenes, and real and heartbreaking situations made this book a full five stars for me.

The narrative is third person with switching points of view between Finn and Tanner, just like the previous books with their respective couples. Aicher’s writing style is involving, but sometimes she beats too much around the same bush for my tastes. Oh, well.

I must admit that drama isn’t my go-to genre, even when it’s just a genre among many others inside a book and not the focus. To read a quite dramatic series as Kick turned out to be a delightful challenge, as I was able to test my mental strength, per say. Finn and Tanner’s story brushed so much with reality - their story was so boys-next-door - that moved me and had me tearing up a bit.

Let me explain: on fictional works, military men and women mostly are portrayed through their stereotypes, like all the other professionals in their respective fields. You have the hot marine, the sassy journalist, the hunky doctor, the nerdy IT guy, etc. It’s alright, it’s okay, as Ashley Tisdale would say. The Farther He Runs was the first contemporary romance that I have read that knocked all of this down. Finn and Tanner were hot marines? Yes. But, among anything else, they were real men, with real scars and suffering, with real feelings. We get to glimpse behind all their meticulously built walls and it was amazing, emotional and enlightening.

Even when the drama became too much, I couldn’t let go. I needed to see the light in the end of the tunnel for them, you know? My heart bleed with them, I needed the reassurance as much as they did. This feeling is indescribably awesome <3

As a dramatic romance, it’s to be expected that the plot isn’t anything out of this world – none of Kick books has a complex plot. And it’s okay. I may have said once or twice, but when you find yourself in social situations such as Finn and Tanner lived on, life itself is a challenge. You don’t need an extra mystery to top your worries or keep you up all night reading because society itself can be a mystery and people keep doing unexpected things for good and bad. This is all the mystery we need under such grim circumstances.

I kind of already went on about the characters, but let me just make a comment or two about Finn and Tanner to move on, alright? Hahahha!

I really liked both men, as they have the perfect balance of flaws and blessings on their personalities, and I wouldn’t know how to choose among them, haha! I loved them as a couple, as the dynamics friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite elements in any book <3 Even their sex was fun at times, not to mention the delicious switching. I loooove when gay couples don’t have ‘permanent’ roles in bed – Ava March spoiled me with all her delicious notions about true and free love, #sorrynotsorry hahaha

However, I must admit that Tanner is my true social hero between those two. Instead of going on and on about what he did/said, I’ll just break my own protocol and leave this here:

“No one ever came out as straight, so he’d never seen the point of informing anyone about whom he preferred to sleep with. (…) His sexuality didn’t affect his job or change who he was. It’d never been his identity, only a component he’d blended with the rest to form the whole him. The second he came out, he’d have one more stereotype to battle, and he was so fucking tired of defending who he was.”


I HAVE FINALLY FOUND A BOOK THAT SAYS EXACTLY WHAT I THINK ABOUT ANYONE’S SEXUALITY!

Ahem. Back to the book.

Did I mentioned the sex scenes? They aren’t only real, they are HOT AND DELICIOUS and beware of the BSDM, because it’s faint, but it is there. I admit I’m not a regular fan, but this book made me a believer, hahaha!

Also, we all should take a few moments to just gaze at this cover. At hose hard abs. At his gorgeous guy involved in such a gorgeous art. I’m in love. #justsaying

To wrap things up, I’d like to highlight some cool and kickass quotes to help you see the light convince you that you need to read The Farther He Runs:

“So many should’ves he just didn’t have it in him to do.” – Finn’s thoughts

“Assimilating back into normal was hard as hell when you couldn’t remember what normal was.” – Tanner’s thoughts

“He had to remember what was important. Friendship. Trust. A bond that extended years and had held strong through many challenges.” – Finn’s thoughts


And this winning dialogue:

Rig: Why are you just standing there?
Finn: I like lording over my minions.


If you like gay contemporary romance, army men, steamy hot sex and beautiful stories, you MUST read The Farther He Runs!

Thank you so much for reading my review and, once again, thanks to Loveswept for the invitation to review this book! It was my pleasure =D
Profile Image for books are love.
3,173 reviews23 followers
January 3, 2017
received in exchange for a honest review.
I think in this series this is my favorite so far. What tore me up with this one was the pain that Finn and Tanner were in. Tanner had so many balls and his journey was a tough one. Finn I think was waiting for Tanner. He needed this lost piece of him to complete him and make him feel safe, whole and help him gain back himself. He needed someone who wouldn’t coddle him but treat him with respect and love. Who would understand what he needed and help him heal. I hated that it was because of so much sadness that they breached and crossed the line and faced their feelings but glad they finally acknowledged them and found one another to love and be with.
Tanner was lost. He really was trying to find his identity. He was a marine but also a brother, son, and friend. He faced alot of prejudice through his life and was tired. He was also scared. He loved Finn I mean really loved Finn but didn’t want to lose him or himself along the way . Could he love Finn and still be who he was and what defined him? What defined him was what he was figuring out the most? He didn’t know where he belonged. Finn helped him with this as he helped Finn heal and find his place as well. These two together were precious and holy hotness the kindle smoked up. but more than the sexy sensual scenes was the intimacy they shared. They knew each other and had a special love. Not just one of kinship but of the soul. They saved each other and were there for one another no matter what.
Finn poor guy had been through alot. He was struggling with his new world. He felt weak and alone. Tanner took this pain and shouldered it when he got there. Watching them heal one another and breach the line of friendship to relationship and all it represents was fascinating. See them navigate those feelings and their way to defining themselves together and apart was intriguing.
the writing is angsty at times as we see them deal with their feelings and what they want but also realize how they feel about decisions around them that were out of their hands. We get some sad intimate moments, fun entertaining moments that are sexy as all getup but mainly we get love and camaraderie. We get two men on two journeys. One to define themselves and one to come to each other and both journeys will have you cheering, rooting for them and give you heartwarming and heartbreaking moments but no matter what you are entertained and intrigued by these two strong characters that need one another to heal and be the love the other needs to complete themselves. 
Profile Image for Anita.
2,022 reviews27 followers
December 12, 2016
Wow! Can we say book hangover!! Angsty, complex, sexy and exceedingly emotional. First let me say that I did not read books 1 and 2, The Harder He Falls (Kick, #1) by Lynda Aicher and The Deeper He Hurts (Kick, #2) by Lynda Aicher . While this book can be read as a standalone, I did have some difficulty. There were clearly some things that happened in the earlier books that would have helped my understanding. As I first started reading, I felt like there was this thread that was flailing about in the wind that I couldn't grab and if I could just get it, then everything would make sense. At any rate, my goodness, this was deep. Tanner and Finn have been very close friends since they were both in the Marines. Finn left the military and along with other Marine brothers, started Kick, what seems to be a sort of adrenaline junkie adventure venture. The book starts shortly after Finn has been in a horrendous accident in which he was in a coma for several weeks. Tanner and Finn's best friend, Chris, died in the accident. Tanner, who is still in the military, has been away on Special Ops duty so doesn't know all of this happened until very recently. While on a mission, all communication is suspended. Once Tanner returns, all of the guys from Kick and a few others visit the cemetery where Chris is buried to have a ceremony for their fallen brother. So Tanner, Chris and Finn were very close (the brother on my right and the brother on my left) and have visited kink clubs together. Finn is a Dom but since his accident, but hasn't felt very Dom-like. He's had to learn how to take care of himself all over again and feels weakened and in some ways, less of a man or at least a man in the military. Tanner and Finn love each other like men who've defeated death, experienced grueling conditions while deployed and had each other's back. (had to Google "he had my six." ). For Tanner, though, that love hovers near the line between brotherly and romantic love. Tanner comes back and he and Finn escape to Finn's cabin to heal and reconnect. There's lots of introspection that is distracting at times, but those inner thoughts do convey the depth of feeling that the two have for each other. So they spend several weeks at the cabin moving forward and retreating from their real feelings both emotionally and sexually until one memorable day involving a butt plug and a harness. So that blew me away. And they get kinkier as they days wear on. The writing is complex and detailed which was sometimes distracting. Hard to describe but there was so much feeling in each paragraph and utterance from Finn and Tanner that I felt drained - but in a good way. But you do REALLY get the sense that these two guys love each other unconditionally, deeply, emotionally and have loved each other for years. It's almost eerie that you get the sense they can't live without each other. That scene with the tattoo... oh I cried. This is not the first time I've read this author. I read a rather whimsical and sexy Xmas short tale she wrote Champagne Kisses by Lynda Aicher . I enjoyed that but this book is NOT whimsical in the least. But her writing skills that were evident in that book are clearly displayed here. Very character driven, good secondary characters. Just left me drained but did love the epilogue. Though it was a minor line, there was one sentence that Tanner says that stayed with me "so no one ever came out as straight so he'd never seen the point of informing anyone about whom he preferred to sleep with." As I read more and more LGBTQ books, I wonder why someone has to "come out." As a cis gendered heterosexual WOC, I guess I don't understand but as I said, that sentence just stayed with me. Anyway, I will read books 1 and 2. Just not now. Have to recover from my book hangover.
Profile Image for Jenna ✨DNF Queen✨Here, Sometimes....
437 reviews49 followers
February 2, 2017
So... Idk what happened here. On paper, everything is here, and it should be an amazing story.

But.

It didn't quite work for me. The best way I can explain it is... It felt like it was trying too hard.
The prose: overworked, overflowery, over-everything. And so much telling. Tellingtellingtelling... I'd have been so much more invested if I'd actually seen things unfold instead of being toldtoldtold about it. Maybe that's why I wasn't ... Convinced? Ugh I don't know. I really wanted to like it, and I liked all the pieces on their own... But somehow it didn't pull together quite right.
The BDSM: it was ok. I really liked the way she spun Finn's ... Role we'll say, to prevent spoilers.
The angst: dear lord the angst. This goes hand in hand with the prose comment. I understood very easily that this is a sad story. I didn't need to be toooold that it was sad. Over and over again.
Age: I liked that they were both older. But. I didn't get "mature" from them consistently. There was some "woe is me I'm old" mixed with emotional immaturity... It was odd.

Anyway... Finally and most disappointing... I would have rounded to 3 if I'd actually felt the chemistry between Finn and Tanner. But I just didn't. Again, great on their own. Both fantastic characters. A pairing that I normally would have been cheering for. But it just fell flat.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books737 followers
December 6, 2016
My Review:
She saved the best for last. I've enjoyed this entire series, but this book, by far, was my favorite of the series. Gah...talk about some amazingly emotional and sexy reading.

Kick is an outdoor adventure company that was started by three Marines...Chris, Finn and Tanner. Tanner stayed in the Marines, while Chris and Finn actively ran the company. As a trio, this group of friends always had one another's back and although they were all either bi or gay, they never crossed the bounds of friendship. But nine months ago while Tanner was deep into a warzone tour, there was a horrible river accident. It killed Chris and Finn almost died...and he's been recovering ever since. Tanner had no idea until he got home. Now he's trying to recover from the shock while also helping Finn.

But for these two, there has always been an undercurrent of more. They just couldn't mess with the balance of their friendship. But now with Chris dead and everything changed, emotions are high and things begin to evolve between the two of them.

I'm a sucker for a military guy and a wounded hero...this story had both those things, so it should have been a given that I'd love it. And I really, really did. The guys have been best friends for years, so when it comes to moving their friendship up to a different level, it's fairly seamless. (And that's why I'm a friends to lovers trope junkie.) I loved their time in the cabin and how they connected. I also really loved how Tanner knows Finn so well and knows how to push him hard. After seeing Finn in a bad way throughout the series, it was nice to see his marked improvement throughout this book. I wanted to cheer with him every time his running time got longer. I love that Tanner pushes him this way...competitiveness is such an amazing motivator for these two. Of course the rewards and even the challenges were pretty amazing too...whoa, hotness!

I just really, really loved the book. It was sexy and sweet while staying so incredibly emotional. I loved the two guys together and the fact that they truly do fit together sexually too, although Finn never really saw it until this book. Tanner truly is perfect for this Dom. LOVED IT!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Renee.
239 reviews
February 23, 2017
3.5 Stars..... This is Finn's story. I have been waiting for this book. Finn has been in the background of the last 2 stories. The first book with him in a Coma and the second book with him in recovery. Tanner is Finn and Chris's best friend. He has just been put on leave from the service and has found out about Chris and Finn's accident. This is a beautiful story of friendship and love. Finn and Tanner both have feelings for each other but are afraid to express them. They lock themselves away at Finn's cabin and both realize they can't deny their feelings any longer. I really loved the friendship they had. Yes, they had passion between them but the underlying friendship and comradery was beautiful to read. Tanner is exactly what Finn has been waiting for with his recovery. The strength he pulls from Tanner is extraordinary. This is by far the best book of the series so far.


Merged review:

3.5 Stars..... This is Finn's story. I have been waiting for this book. Finn has been in the background of the last 2 stories. The first book with him in a Coma and the second book with him in recovery. Tanner is Finn and Chris's best friend. He has just been put on leave from the service and has found out about Chris and Finn's accident. This is a beautiful story of friendship and love. Finn and Tanner both have feelings for each other but are afraid to express them. They lock themselves away at Finn's cabin and both realize they can't deny their feelings any longer. I really loved the friendship they had. Yes, they had passion between them but the underlying friendship and comradery was beautiful to read. Tanner is exactly what Finn has been waiting for with his recovery. The strength he pulls from Tanner is extraordinary. This is by far the best book of the series so far.
Profile Image for Lila Hunter.
Author 12 books87 followers
December 23, 2016
My View: The Farther He Runs brings friends-to-lovers and brothers-in-arms to a different level. The connection between Finn, Chris, and Tanner formed during their time in the military. There are many references to military terms and their time in service. One thing they didn't share was an "in-love" relationship.

I didn't read book #1 in the series, but I don't think is necessary to understand when the brotherhood between Finn and Tanner turned into something more. Many of the main characters' thoughts revolved around this concern. They both wanted more but didn't want to lose their friendship.

As soon as Finn and Tanner met again, their worlds turned into rights. I love the scene when Tanner arrives and the one when all the men paid their respects. Their time in the cabin was interesting and very creative. The BDSM elements weren't that convincing but didn't detract from the story.

We also get to see the characters from the previous books and learned more about their current plans and their futures. Overall, this is a good addition to the series.

What I liked the most: How the military and its brotherhood is portrayed.

I wanted more/less: Less inner dialogue.

Who should read it: Fans of the series.

Originally reviewed for Someone Else's Stories.

ARC provided by Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.


Merged review:

Rating: 3.5 star

Review to follow
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
December 24, 2016
Finally meeting Finn

I liked this better than book one but less than book two. Finn wasn't present, except in the background as either comatose or in recovery, in both of those. Here, he's still recovering from damage to both his brain and body, still grieving the loss of his friend Chris. Tanner was the third member of the original founders of Kick but he had stayed in the Marines. He's on leave and comes to say goodby to his battle brother Chris and help Tanner. Tanner and Finn have loved each other for a decade, as brothers, but both secretly wanting more, especially Tanner.

The story was a good hurt/comfort read and I did like the dynamic between the two men. Dual POV's also allowed me to appreciate the characters more. Mostly. I did get pretty tired of the internal dialogue, which was frequently the same for both of them; "I shouldn't, I don't want to lose our friendship". Perfectly reasonable thoughts but it went on too long for my taste. There was also some overkill using the "speaking with only their eyes" thing. At least it was translated for us.

The sex scenes weren't bad but not much kink. There was one pretty good scene but I was put off by the first one, the running-with-a-butt-plug scene. It was just...strange. I really want more Dom action in these books. The original premise was gay Marine Doms and so far, the best Dom, Asher, wasn't even a Marine. I think the series is needing more oomph in the plotlines and story arc. It was enjoyable though. It was more sweet than spicy but the love and loyalty between Tanner and Finn was lovely to read and kept the story interesting.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,456 reviews31 followers
November 29, 2016
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is the darkest and sexiest book in the series yet. Tanner, Finn and Chris had each other’s backs through the most difficult times of their lives and they spent the whole of their Marine Corps careers as an inseparable threesome. The third book in the series finds Chris dead, Finn recovering from serious injuries and Tanner returning home after a long deployment.

I am really glad I stuck with this series because the writing is so much stronger in this third book and I really loved both Tanner and Finn. This is an unusual friends to lovers story because Tanner and Finn know each other as intimately as two men possibly could. The intimacy between these two men who have fought together, lost loved ones together, started a business together and been supportive of each other’s sexuality even during DADT is incredibly powerful.

While the sex is unbelievably hot in this book, the kink is much, much lighter than the s/m relationship between Ash and Sawyer in book two. Where the pain play in book two was not my thing, the light D/s kink in the third book is perfect for me.

I really enjoyed the more complex themes in this book. Tanner’s adjustment to civilian life is complicated and sensitively written. Finn’s physical recovery is also written carefully - as is the survivor guilt felt by both men. The impact of Tanner’s career on his relationship with his family is also fascinating.

This is my favourite book in this series so far and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Deborah.
971 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2016
Finn is recovering from a bad accident. The accident left him in a coma and his best friend, Chris, was killed. The two of them, along with Tanner, started an adventure rafting company. It was during a rafting trip that the accident occurred. Tanner, who is in the military, was away when it happened. When he returns, he is shaken by what he finds. Chris is dead, and Finn is struggling to say the least! Tanner resolves to help Finn in any way he can. He takes him to a cabin to help him heal.

While in Tanner's care, sparks start to fly. Finn always knew of Tanner's tendencies towards kink, but he thought he was straight. He's surprised that Tanner is actually gay. The sexual tension ramps up from there!

The Farther He Runs is book three in the Kick series. All three books can be read as standalones, but I feel you need to start with book one to understand background. I liked the book, but I just didn't connect with either character. Maybe it was Tanner's military background to not show your gay, but I didn't feel any passion between them. Yes they have some heavy kinky scenes, but I didn't feel the emotions-no romance. I did like their friendship and their attitudes about doing what needs to be done for a best friend. If you are a fan of M/M and love the friends to lovers storyline, then try the Kick series on for size!

3 stars/3 flames

This book was gifted to me by the Jeep Diva for the purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are my opinions.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
1,752 reviews
November 27, 2016
The Farther He Runs: Kick (Kick #3) by Lynda Aicher
4.5 stars
M/M Military romance
Triggers: PTSD, coma, injury, kink
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Finn and Tanner - Whew! I love Finn and Tanner. Finn is injured and struggling. His friend Tanner comes back during his leave to help.

This story is heartbreaking, breathtaking, an emotional roller coaster. It made me laugh and cry all within the same paragraph. I loved that their relationship was built from trust, friendship, love and companionship. Despite their background - that they were thrown in to situations where they had to rely on each other or die, the friendship and relationship foundation that they found was unbreakable.

Tanner is going to help Finn if it costs him his relationship because that's what you do for the man you love. You help them no matter the cost.

The situation within this book, with all of the secondary characters, etc. just added to the story. The kink relationship between Finn and Tanner was both entertaining and erotic. I love how they were able to find common ground - to keep running through all of the pain and hurt - to keep fighting.

I can't wait to see if more is yet to come for these characters.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews39 followers
December 4, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the third in the series - and somehow I missed out the second story, which I will have to remedy - it would read very well on its own, but I was aware of the background and the set up thanks to book 1.

This is quite a tough book to read, it is not full of cheer - rather it is a study in just what war and having to deny your true nature can do to a man, as well as grief, and a serious injury. Tanner and Finn are tough, battle-worn and coming to terms with a future without their best friend, Chris. They are tenacious, warriors, and yet what they both crave is comfort and love from each other. Watching them break down barriers, and regain their feelings, and act on them is heart-warming and draining. It was so much more than a romance, it was truly a love affair of a book.

This story will stick with me for a very long time, I am not sure I need to read it again, as it is so clear in my mind. Thank you Ms Aicher for a very special story.

Wicked Reads Review Team
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