Blackbird Fly Home

Doyle Global Securities #1

by Kendel Duncan

Sometimes life will surprise you
Sometimes it will disappoint you
Sometimes it will kick you in the balls
Sometimes it will make you so happy you feel like you can fly
And sometimes, just sometimes, it will do all of those things.
The kick in the balls, both literally and figuratively, happened to Noah Pierce a long time ago. Ten years to be exact, when, to cap off a brutal and horrendous four-year relationship with the man who claimed to love him, that man buried a butcher knife in his side. It was the final wound in a seemingly endless cycle of bruises, cuts, breaks, sprains and other things that sent him to the hospital. He thought he was going to die. But when he opened his eyes in that ER room and saw a stranger with kind yet determined eyes looking back at him and with his boyfriend nowhere in sight, Noah knew that life was going to change for him. And it did.
For ten years he was stronger, he was better, he was……hollow.
He didn’t realize that last part until he saw one man. One pair of haunting blue eyes beside the very man who had ruined Noah all those years ago. One pair of frightened eyes. One pair of hollow, hopeless eyes that Noah couldn’t have walked away from if he tried…..because someone else hadn’t walked away from him all those years ago.
Noah didn’t realize it at the time, but by saving Jesse Miller from the clutches of his ex, he was going to learn to fly…..

This is an adult M/M romance intended for readers over 18.
It has an HEA (happily ever after) for the main characters in this book with no cheating.
Trigger warning: This book contains mentions of past sexual abuse.

Genres: Abuse, M M Romance, Crime

347 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2017

About the author

Kendel Duncan is the pen name for Author Dara Nelson. Why did I choose a pen name? Simple – different genres. I started out writing M/F paranormal romance books, vampires and such. And while I still do love a good vampire tale – it’s the M/F part that guided me to separate my writing. My characters changed. They let me know that my heart, my love, my joy was in writing M/M fiction so that is where I am firmly ensconced and where I plan to stay.
So a little about the lady behind the curtain: After growing up in Northern California, I now call the Seattle-Tacoma area of the beautiful Pacific Northwest my home. I am passionate about writing, about photography, about my family, my husband, my kids, about nature....basically I’m passionate about everything in my life - and that shows through in my romance/erotica/suspense novels. When I am not writing, you can usually find me hiking somewhere around Mt. Rainier or visiting with the many animals on my farm.
First and foremost, I am a writer.  It's not what I do, it's what I am. It's my lifeblood, it's my heart, it is what makes my soul sing.
It is from that passion that I choose to give back, that I reach out to other authors to offer tips, suggestions, help and guidance.  And also to the incredible LGBTQ community that I now firmly hold in my embrace.
Because we all have a voice....and it deserves to be heard.

Reviews

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like this book, but there were a few problems that brought the rating down. First, the instalove/instalust is just too much in the face of the abuse Jesse suffered. I understand he wasn't actually sexually abused, but the mental scars are there. I don't think he would jump into sex just because Noah saved him and their instant connection. Also, Noah has been in his shoes, so why is he jumping into sex with a mentally abused victim right away. Noah lost major points on his inability to say no to Jesse's advances. I also believe reading this author's other series should be a must before starting this one. I think the reader would get more enjoyment out of it for sure. I kept wondering about other characters' stories and it was distracting. I also go to know facts that have already happened so now it will kinda spoil the other books I haven't read. I will be reading the other series because I did enjoy it. I love ex-military types, and when they get together. Yummy.

[Bárbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC provided by the author*

This was an amazing story!

Loved the badass cast of characters, loved the page-turning action!!
And, damn, the intensity of the emotions- this book was just so amazing all over.
True, it leaned heavily towards the insta-love kind, but I think in this case, it made sense within the type of connection the characters shared.

Honestly, I can't wait for the second book. I want to read everything about Ten and Bas!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

1.5 stars

This book had not one, but two damaged men trying to break free from their abusive past and a premise like that is something I will often take a chance on. Sometimes you know within the first few pages that a book isn’t for you and yikes, this book definitely was not for me for many reasons.

The book opens with getting us briefly caught up on Noah’s previous relationship with Jacob and the abuse he suffered. He then not only meets Jesse in chapter one, but rescues him. The rescue consists of a quick conversation in a public restroom where Jesse not only agrees to go with Noah, who is a complete stranger, but he also allows Noah to complete a short, surgical-type procedure on him right there in the restroom. If this was an action movie, maybe I could have suspended my disbelief a bit more but since it wasn’t, this didn’t work for me at all.

The men then go into hiding with the help of Noah’s friends and co-workers. Noah works for some type of black ops organization that is headed by Morgan, who was instrumental in saving Noah from Jacob. We never find out exactly what this organization is or what exactly they do. We also never learn the full story of how Noah was saved by Morgan. There were a lot of secondary characters that come and go on page and I learned that the author has a previous series titled Black Ops Heroes. Blackbird Fly Home is listed as a stand alone, as well as the first in a new series, but I felt like I was missing vital information all of the way through the book regarding this organization, as well as many of the characters.

Back to Noah and Jesse. They men fall for each other instantly—like one look at each other instantly. But the voices of the characters did not appeal to me and while instalove works fine sometimes, here it was just another area to overcome. Jesse has been extremely sheltered and his voice, as well as his mannerisms, are child-like, which was off putting when he wanted to start an intimate relationship with Noah. He’s been under Jacob’s control for almost a decade and he’s been free from him for about a minute. He’s also a virgin, which is explained in context. After years of abuse, he’s not only ready to stay with Noah forever, but he’s ready for an intimate relationship with him as well. Noah tries to resist, blah blah, but not for long. This then didn’t feel like the best representation of the abuse that both men had suffered.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Akknieszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aż trudno uwierzyć jak wspaniałe ksiażki wpadają mi ostatnio w ręce :)
Ta historia o dwóch złamanych chłopakach na długo zostanie ze mną. Z zapartym tchem czytałam każdą stronę i czekałam na to, co będzie dalej. Wiedziałam, że zło czai się za rogiem, ale mimo tego nie mogłam przestać.
To jedna z tych książek, które pokazują jak wielką moc ma miłość od pierwszego wejrzenia i jak wiele więcej można zdziałać we dwójkę.
Piękna historia o budowaniu na nowo swojego życia po ogromnej traumie.
Bardzo zasłużone 5 gwiazdek! 💗

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Noah was rescued 10 years ago from the abusive tyrant Jacob Knight by Morgan, who helped him heal and offered him a job, as well as a solid friendship. When Noah goes out for a drink, he spots Jacob, but it’s his companion, Jesse, who catches his attention. He recognizes that vacant, defeated and frightened look in his eyes, so he takes the opportunity he’s given and rescues Jesse, but Jacob won’t give up that easily and he’ll come after what he thinks is rightfully his. Will Noah and his friends be ready when Jacob finally shows up to take Jesse back?

There were things I loved about this story and then there were moments that made me think, what? My heart broke for both Noah and Jesse, who have both suffered through abuse from Jacob Knight. I loved both Noah and Jesse, but I thought their relationship moved way too fast. It was too instalovey, but I certainly can’t deny the chemistry between them. It was electric and off the charts.

I loved the support system from the secondary characters and I can kind of understand the multiple point of views the author used, I think there were about 7 or 8 at least, but they were confusing at times, because I had no clue who these people were who were suddenly talking. I think a big part of the problem is that, while this is book one in this series, it seems to be a spinoff of her Blacks Ops series. If you’ve read those books or at least some of them, you’ll be okay, but I haven’t so I was completely lost at times. A character would suddenly appear and their backstories weren’t elaborated on enough for me to be familiar with them, especially Kelly, Jesse’s brother. He and Noah meet and before you know it, they are fist fighting, and I had no clue why. I think I figured it out eventually, but all the previous characters are written like the reader should know their story. I’d love to read some of their stories and get to know them better, but looking at the blurbs of the previous series, they mention no names, so I have no clue whose book is whose and I don’t really do MF which seems to bleed over into all the books, so I guess that’s that!

Anyway, besides the point of views from the secondary characters, the book was pretty well-written and had some action-packed twists and turns I didn’t see coming. The characters, except for Jacob, of course, were all likable.

All in all, this was an enjoyable story and while sadly, I don’t think I’ll go backwards to meet all these great men from the previous series, perhaps I’ll go forward and give the next book a chance to see what the future holds for Ten and Bas, the next couple in the series. Recommendable, but with caution, because there are a couple of scenes in this story that weren’t easy to read and were quite disturbing.

*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one intense read. Despite the coercive control, the domestic abuse, and rape, the story was, at its heart, a love story. The relationship begins the moment Noah spots Jesse at a bar, under the control of the man who used to abuse him in their relationship. Noah rescues Jesse, and while all they want is a life and to move past their memories, they keep coming back, both physically and mentally whenever their past reappears in their lives.

The story does jump around some with head-hopping POV's, and with the POV of the antagonist and the secondary characters, it doesn't get a little confusing.

I do like the message and how strong Noah and Jesse are at the end. This is why I gave it five stars. The story between two men who have thought they are damaged beyond repair finding love makes this a tense, yet wonderful read!

[Esther Alayeto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly can not express just how much I love this book. An amazing story of two incredibly strong men who find each other and despite all the horrors that they have survived, find love and help one another heal. Noah and Jesse are wonderful characters that I fell in love with and I was cheering them on the entire time. Beyond their attraction, their understanding of one another and their patience with each other is amazing. This is a MUST READ!! I can't wait to read more from this AMAZING series!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Lindsay Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start!!

This was a good start to the series it felt a little broken in place's not enough explanation on some things but I enjoyed it..I'm looking forward to book two.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this.. it had the right amount of dark and light.. it had the right amount of wrong with right . it was wonderful.. i cannot wait for the next one.

[Laura ~Passion flower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blackbird Fly Home (Doyle Global Securities #1) was graciously provided to me by Gay Book Promotions for an honest review.

"Blackbirds and Pitbulls.."

There are times when you come across a book that stops you in your tracks, actually takes your breath away, and, leaves you speechless. Well, I've recently come across one such book, and, I'm still spinning a day later. It was one of those books that was so incredibly emotional and awe-inspiring that it had me reading it with my hand over my mouth, with rivers of tears running down my face, with an interspersing of smiles and huge sighs of relief. It had pulled me in with its beautiful cover, and, riveting blurb, and, while I do not usually read stories with this type of soul-gripping theme, as soon as I saw it, I knew, I knew, I had to read it. And this book is called, Blackbird Fly Home...

Blackbird Fly Home, by Kendal Duncan, was an incredibly powerful, emotional, and awe-inspiring read. The plot was heart-wrenching, suspenseful, heart-warming, and, the pace kept me on the edge of my seat and I'm still a frazzled mess. It was a loaded story with stunning and beautiful symbolism, massively strong and realistic characters, and, a theme that should carry with it a warning, but, also with a need to read it as well.

This is a story that broke my heart. It's also a story that has left me with such an overflowing amount of pride and an inexorable amount of hope that enabled me to absolutely adore the main characters, Jesse Miller and Noah Pierce. These two young men were born with guardian angels right by their side, that is for sure. And, as they bravely attempted to make their way through various kinds of struggles, despite being consistently and severely tested, these two damaged souls, continued on even as they trudged their way through roads, seemingly mud-laden. As they had individually almost reached the end of their perspective lines, they met their Saviors. As they grabbed and held on with all of their might, they were slowly able to make it through the storms of hell. And, along the way, they discovered that they knew what they wished to do, to not only save one another, but, to also..be a human being with a purpose. With this, they were able to see the light getting brighter and brighter. A different kind of light, but, a warm and soothing light none-the-less. As they had each other as that source of light, with that, also came a light of strength, of love, and of healing...

As both men continued to crawl their way though survival, they, thankfully, had many friends and family members who had extended their own big and muscular hands out for them to grab a hold of, as another source of protection, that both men desperately needed. These secondary characters? Loved them! *squeee* Their dedication, strength, and, even their absolute love for their partners, was beautiful and honorable. So..yes, this book was heavily laden with cameos made from characters from the prior series, and so, I do stress the reading of all of them prior to reading this particular one. While this is my first book by this author, I did feel confused and lost, at times, and was actually disappointed that there was clearly a lot of background information from these other characters that would have made this particular read easier to understand as a whole.

Despite the weight of the story, I do feel that there were many peaceful, sunny, humorous, and, loving moments as well. That being said, I also wish that there had been more visibility of the actual plot, and, more character background and development for not only the main characters but also for the secondary characters as well. Even though it's part of a series, I still felt that there were many questions left un-answered, and...even though the ending was somewhat abrupt...the end of the rainbow was....beautiful....:)

*star rating: 4.45 'I really liked it' stars*

[Ruth Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing start to an amazing series!

You first met Noah in the black ops hero's series. You finally get to the story of Noah and Jesse in this start to an amazing series. I would like to mention the black ops series because if you read that first then the characters you read about in this book become clearer. This is a wonderful series full of characters for you to fall in love with this book. The author writes with such skill that youngster the world these men live in and you never want to leave. Loved this book so much, I can't recommend it strongly enough.

[Emilyrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by this author and I wasn't disappointed. Really looking forward to the next book in the series and I think I'll be having a look back at the Black Ops series too. Would certainly recommend reading this book!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a real worry that these two will jump from the frying pan into the fryer. They do. In more ways than one, actually. Both of these men are damaged, hurting, and trying their best to cope with what life has thrust on them. Noah is a decade removed from his nightmare until he comes face to face with it in a crowded bar. But it's not the man of his past that has him frozen, it's the blue eyes of the man's new victim. Unable to walk away when he should be running with all-due haste, he resolves himself to his fate. Determined to save Jesse from his tormentor, he sets up a rescue and an escape. But not everything goes to plan.

The two men suddenly become codependent and I don't think it's particularly healthy, but despite that glaring problem, they are actually perfect for one another. It took a monster to bring them together and will take an act of God to separate them. Unfortunately, that monster thinks of himself as God and does everything within his power to do just that. Noah and Jesse have the support of Morgan and his entire team, though, so they won't be left alone to face their mutual tormentor.

Noah and Jesse jump straight into the deep end with their relationship. There's really no superficial or surface things that they indulge in when getting to know one another. I think this is an oversight and it would have increased my enjoyment if there were a moment or few of lightness and seeing these two men spending time being just me instead of having their growing feelings being swirled around with and nearly drowned by fear, apprehension, reassurances, and dredging up past hurts.

That aside, I think that there's immense healing and potential to be had by these two. When they resolve their past they can move forward. I really like that Jesse is the one to save Noah because despite needing Noah's rescue in the beginning, Noah has had an entire decade to repress and avoid all the darkness in him allowing it to grow and eclipse the hope his heart truly yearns for. With Jesse's love and a well-timed and honest threat Noah makes the changes necessary for true and lasting healing to fix him. They're a good pair.

Overall, this was an intense book that jumped from crisis to crisis yet had a hopeful, lighter resolution for Jesse and Noah. Ending with the bombshell for Ten made for a great opening to the next book in the Doyle Global Security series.

Read and willingly reviewed this ARC.

[Laurensliteraryloves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing new addition from Kendel Duncan! This book had me completely invested in Noah and Jesse's story and the journey towards happiness, love and peace. This first book in Kendel's new series does not disappoint! It has all the action and passion of her Black Op's books, but allows the reader to invest deeper into the character development. I am now anxiously awaiting book two!

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely amazing book. It had me hooked from the first till the very last page. It is superbly written, fast paced and captivating. I was biting my nails, curling my toes, holding my breath, sitting on the edge of my seat. The suspense was killing me.
Noah saves Jesse from the clutches of the same evil man he escaped ten years ago. Their connection is instant and they bond very quickly over their mutual experiences. At first, I thought it was too quick, but then again it is fiction. And the story had me enthralled throughout the book in such a way that it didn’t matter much how fast they were coming together. They just clicked and it felt good to read about their love despite their horrific pasts.
Their past experiences were hard, very hard to read. I can’t believe that one man is capable of doing that to another. Imagine how strong Noah and Jesse must be to survive all that.
Jesse is a mixture of shy and bashful, and strong and wise beyond his age. Noah is closed-off and self-conscious about his ability to love again. Together they have the ultimate power to face their demons. Their chemistry is off the charts.
I loved how all the men from the Black Ops came to help these men no questions asked. It shows how strong friendship and love is. The family is expanding with more characters I really look forward to reading about. And I want a nurse like Bailey. He is too adorable for words.
This is the first book of the spin-off series of the Black Ops Heroes series. It can be read as a stand-alone. It might be easier to follow this book with all the different characters if you read the Black Ops books first.

[Violet Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Doyle Global Securities Series. A spellbinding book the writing was fantastic. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters intriguing. The characters were well developed and thought out. Noah and Jesse are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, abuse, a Club, a Pitbull, a lost brother, a taser, a cabin and so much more in this book. This book is a mixture of brutality and innocence. Filled with action and emotions a strongly melding. Some might think that things between Noah and Jesse might have been too quick and simply. But the way this book was written to me it was believable. Everyone is different and reacts to things differently so it could happen.

Here is a quote from the book, “He silently closed the door behind him and took a deep breath, “I used to be you,” he said quietly. The man’s head whipped around and the terror in his eyes broke Noah’s heart. “What?” he whispered. “I used to be you and he nearly killed me.” The man’s eyes went wide and Noah could see not only the fear in them but also a thousand questions. But he knew the man wouldn’t ask him a single one of them, though, because that was how Jacob had trained him. Noah knew this because Jacob had trained him the same way.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

[Karen Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars...
This is an offshoot from Kendal's Black Ops Heroes series, and although you don't have to read the other series, which I might add is awesome, it's not a necessity. Blackbird fly Home is the first book in the new series, Doyle Global Securities. Here we meet Noah who has a seriously troubled past, and while he Thomas got ten years was enough, when he comes face to face with his tormentor and warden of his nightmares he realises he'll probably never be fully over it. What shocked him the most is the beautiful young man who is now the focus of his criminal X, and the dead look in his eyes. He knows that look, he used to see it in the mirror. So he makes it his mission to get Jesse away from his deranged X boyfriend. He puts a plan in motion, which doesn't go as planned, people are hurt, and they are in hiding, what develops between Noah and Jesse is a beautiful love story. Jesse is so innocent, and Noah just wants to take care of him. They fall quick and heavy, but will they survive the wrath of the X?
**ARC provided by author for an honest review.**

[tammy rufo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start out by saying that I have read all of Kendel Duncan's books and think that she is an amazing MM author.

I discovered her series Black Ops Heroes a few months ago and have read them each multiple times, I never thought I would love a couple more than Drake and Hunter. Boy was I wrong!!!

Blackbird Fly Home is an amazing first installment for her new series. Noah and Jesse really hit me in the "feels". They are a wonderfully wounded couple, I felt like their HEA was mine!!! You will laugh and cry right along with them, I have never cheered so hard for a couple!!!

To enjoy this book you don't have to read the Black Ops Heroes series but I would encourage it. It will enhance your reading experience, plus quite a few characters from Black Ops Heroes pop up in this book. Which I really enjoyed, it was like visiting with old friends!!!

I can't wait for more!!!

[Sarita Chapdelaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! This is an excellent start to a new series by Kendel Duncan. It is well-written, fast-paced, emotional and deals with abuse in a very constructive way. Noah and Jesse are abused by the same man but in very different ways. I think the author wrote about the abuse with compassion and understanding for the victims which made it easier for me to read. Noah and Jessie use their inner strength, their love for each other and the help of a counsellor to start the healing process. Their relationship is incredibly strong considering the circumstances around which it started. All the secondary characters added so much to the story as well. I love how I could not put this book down once I started it as it was so compelling. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
I was given an ARC to review by Gay Book Promotions.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGNIFICENT BEGINNING

This was a magnificent beginning to this series. It is technically a branch off from the Black Ops Heroes, that is where we were introduced to Doyle Global Securities. As remarkable as that series is, you don't have to read it to enjoy this one. This story was perfect. It gives you the full scope and importance of the relationship between Morgan and Noah. The story that takes place around Noah and Jesse is tough, very private and needs to be brought to light. Justice can't be served in the dark. I loved the flow of the story. I loved the surrounding characters and their relationship to the story. I see this as being another INCREDIBLE group of sexy hard core friends who will take on the world for those they love and friends they care about. I can't wait for the next adventure to begin. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS MAGNIFICENT BOOK!!!

[Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful heartfelt story filled with danger, intrigue and two extremely beautiful men. I cried so hard for Noah and Jesse that I actually had to take a break from reading. I usually don't like insta love in a book except for the alpha/omega concept but for some reason it worked for these two. It was like their souls were crying out for each other. I haven't read the Black Ops series so I was a little lost when it came to the other characters relationships but the author have just enough info for it not to take away from the main story. A highly enjoyable book. I look forward to the next one in the series and I will definitely be going back to read the Black Ops series, 4.5 stars. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed love story with and intriguing plot and a huge crew of bad a*s characters! The story catches you from the first page and it is a page turner all the way to the end.

Great character development, hot sexy interactions and lots of feels! Noah and Jesse connect like magnets and they sizzle on the pages both through their emotional and physical connection.

Noah and Jesse are beautiful in their strength of communication and their commitment to live beyond their trauma.

Blackbird Fly Home is an amazing read! Highly recommend!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackbird Fly Home is a virtual rollercoaster of a fairy tale. It has its villain, its victims and a story of redemption with a HEA. It involves abduction, mind-control, physical and sexual abuse and how victims overcome it, become stronger because of it and confront their abuser with the help of many friends. I was fortunate to have an advance copy to read and review and I really enjoyed it, as you will too.

[Joscelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse and Noah grab you by the heart strings and pull you along until the last page. They are wonderfully wounded characters who come out all the stronger because of their trials and tribulations. The Doyle Global Securities series is going on my must read list for sure.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book*

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is the story of the relationship that develops between two men who were victims of the same predator. Noah and Jesse are surrounded and supported by Morgan Doyle and his organisation of former military men who now work as civilian security experts.

This story has all the elements of a book I should have loved - but it didn’t quite work for me. I have sympathy for Noah and Jesse’s experiences but the two men never felt real enough for me to truly empathise with them. Noah and Jesse’s connection is extreme instalove and there is an awkward sort of adult/child relationship between them that didn’t sit right with me. There isn’t a whole lot of description in this book and much of the dialogue is stilted, melodramatic and unnatural. I found it difficult to get a true sense of any of the characters until I was well into the story.

I really struggled with the way the author explores Jesse’s history of emotional and sexual abuse. I felt uncomfortable with how Noah and the others treat Jesse as a child - right up until Noah and Jesse have sex. Sex with Noah quickly solves ten years worth of horrific abuse. The pairing feels almost exploitative at times and left me uneasy. I applaud the author for writing about psychological abuse but I’m not sure that the story does justice to the complex needs and experiences of abuse survivors.

This story is advertised as the first in a new series but I feel like I was expected to know more about Morgan Doyle and his organisation than I did going in blind. I’m not sure if readers need to read the Black Ops Heroes books before this series but from the blurbs I couldn’t find any obvious prequels.

As a reader, I get distracted by errors and they were continuous in this book. I initially dismissed the formatting issues and copy editing lapses because I assumed I was reading an unproofed ARC. I wasn’t. I was reading the published version of a book that has been out for nearly a year.

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

The storyline and plot in this book were incredibly interesting. It was the perfect type of story for me. It has drama and sweetness and a little bit of suspense. I appreciated that we got a handful of different POVs, it helped build the setting and story.

I want to point out that this book is incredibly insta-love, insta-connection, insta-comfortability. This is seen a lot in romance books, but I think this book took it to a whole new level. The dialogue between Noah and Jesse reflects this a lot. Their interactions are definitely cheesy and I think that if the rest of the book was like that then I would have been more bothered by it. But, there were emotional and serious things happening that helped counter all of the mush. Noah and Jesse lean on each other and given the circumstances, rightfully so, but I did keep thinking that they were a bit cheesy.

I realized after starting this that this book is the start to a spinoff series from this author's Black Ops Heroes series. After reading just a couple chapters of this book, I wish I would have read the other series first! There were times while reading that I could tell it was something referenced from those previous books. It was clear by the time I finished this book that there was a ton of stuff referenced that I missed by not reading the other series. It is not needed or a super big deal, I still understood and enjoyed this story, but I think I would have had a better grasp on Noah and his friends/coworkers' situations if I would have read them. I am now thinking I might go back and read that series because all of the guys seemed interesting and their stories intriguing! We got the POVs of a few of them as well as the POVs from the two MCs for the next book which I am excited about. Again, it helped build the story for me and get pulled in by all of these characters.

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

This was a story with two men who help save each other. Noah has basically been surviving since escaping his abusive ex ten years ago but helping Jesse escape the same man gives him a chance to really start living. Jesse has a different but still abusive experience with the man but he clings to the man he knows will understand and help him heal.

Morgan helped Noah escape and also gave him a job and something to focus his life. He stands beside Jesse and Noah to stand up to their abuser but also to not allow them to push either away. Jesse is finally able to grow into the man he was meant to be.

I liked both of these characters and while they were both damaged in different ways they find way to help each other. I could feel Noah’s fear that he couldn’t be the good man that Jesse needed but I loved watching Jesse and their friends help him through his doubt. Jesse is so much stronger than he thinks and many of his action prove that but with the support of Noah he feels that he can succeed and get over what he has gone through. I loved all the characters in the book and look forward to reading more about them. I may even go and read some of Kendel’s other series too.

The cover art by Dara Nelson is nice and has a nice picture of the characters together and I love the connection to Noah’s tattoo.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Where did all the MEN go?

I've read every book in the Drake Malone series and they were good but the last 3 books as well as this book the MEN have turned into wimpy, whiny and constantly sobbing males. PLEASE, get back to the stories and characters I want to read about instead of this drivel. 2 stars because I got some laughs out of it and the parts weren't supposed to be funny. Read through Kindle Unlimited.

[Doreen Frantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was tough….the abuse experienced by Noah in the flashbacks was hard to read. For this reason it was so good watching his relationship develop with Jesse. An excellent read about the resilience of a person, who despite hardship, still manages to open themselves to love. I enjoyed the interaction of this family of lost souls. The humour, friendship and love shared by all was awesome. A terrific read.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Can't wait for the next one.