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The Protectors #12.5
Pretend You're Mine
Landscape architect Devon Rhodes doesn’t know what to think when he overhears a heated conversation in his new next-door neighbor’s back yard, but when he decides to intervene, he definitely isn’t expecting the encounter to change his life forever.
Forced to retire from his career as a professional ballet dancer far too soon, Sebastian DeVille has moved to the quiet suburbs of San Francisco to figure things out and maybe get away from his poor decisions for a while.
Well, one poor decision.
His very married ex.
An ugly argument with the man leads to an unlikely meeting with his sexy new neighbor and an unexpected Valentine’s date that neither Sebastian nor Devon will ever forget. But can one night of pretend romance really lead to a lifetime of love?
*Although this is part of my Protectors universe, this short story can be read as a standalone.
**Please note that this story was previously part of a promotional giveaway so it was intended to be a certain length. Although it is a complete story with an HEA, if you don’t care for short stories, Devon and Sebastian’s tale may not be for you.
Forced to retire from his career as a professional ballet dancer far too soon, Sebastian DeVille has moved to the quiet suburbs of San Francisco to figure things out and maybe get away from his poor decisions for a while.
Well, one poor decision.
His very married ex.
An ugly argument with the man leads to an unlikely meeting with his sexy new neighbor and an unexpected Valentine’s date that neither Sebastian nor Devon will ever forget. But can one night of pretend romance really lead to a lifetime of love?
*Although this is part of my Protectors universe, this short story can be read as a standalone.
**Please note that this story was previously part of a promotional giveaway so it was intended to be a certain length. Although it is a complete story with an HEA, if you don’t care for short stories, Devon and Sebastian’s tale may not be for you.
82 pages, ebook
First published February 8, 2019
404 people are currently reading
773 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
February 11, 2019
Oh my! So many feels in so few pages: fear, hope, betrayal, hurt/comfort, heartbreak, lust. And LOVE. Let's not forget love.
If you're allergic to insta love, this story may not be for you, but I fell head over heels for these MCs: Sebatian, a wounded (body and soul) ballet dancer, and Devon, a landscape architect who cherishes his little mutt dog.
The blissful epilogue just sweetens the deal.
If you're allergic to insta love, this story may not be for you, but I fell head over heels for these MCs: Sebatian, a wounded (body and soul) ballet dancer, and Devon, a landscape architect who cherishes his little mutt dog.
The blissful epilogue just sweetens the deal.
February 15, 2019
Short and sweet with the bonus it was free and it's by Sloane Kennedy. Checked all my boxes 💖
February 10, 2019
This was a short sweet romance with a bit of angst and sexy times. I liked both Bastian and Devon. Connection at first sight on Valentine's Day that turns into love and happy ever after!? Yes, nothing can beat that! Plus add a nasty mofo who gets what he deserves in the end, and the perfect story is complete.
February 11, 2019
*3,5 stars*
I mostly enjoyed this Valentine's romance by Sloane Kennedy.
I know that the novella length doesn't allow for a lot of relationship development, but this felt still too 'insta-lovey' for me.
Otherwise big burly landscape architect Devon and lean, lithe ballet dancer Sebastian had all my attention. I did like the mental image of them: One tall, strong and kind, the other much smaller, but athletic and vulnerable.
This is a story in a nutshell and I appreciate that, but imo lots of questions were left unanswered. Nevertheless, it was a lovely read for an afternoon!
I mostly enjoyed this Valentine's romance by Sloane Kennedy.
I know that the novella length doesn't allow for a lot of relationship development, but this felt still too 'insta-lovey' for me.
Otherwise big burly landscape architect Devon and lean, lithe ballet dancer Sebastian had all my attention. I did like the mental image of them: One tall, strong and kind, the other much smaller, but athletic and vulnerable.
This is a story in a nutshell and I appreciate that, but imo lots of questions were left unanswered. Nevertheless, it was a lovely read for an afternoon!
March 15, 2019
I want more more MORE!
Never read a book where hero is ballet dancer. I loved Sebastian and Devon and their story.
Epilogue was perfect.
Now I need Darren’s story.
Recommended.
Never read a book where hero is ballet dancer. I loved Sebastian and Devon and their story.
Epilogue was perfect.
Now I need Darren’s story.
Recommended.
May 31, 2019
Oh how I do love Sloane Kennedy. This short had some hurt/comfort, some Protector guys showing up (Cain and Ethan), and some lovely MINE MINE MINE. Yeah, I really liked this.
June 18, 2019
2.5 stars.
I know it's a novella, but the romance happened in less than 24 hours. Not my cup of tea.
I know it's a novella, but the romance happened in less than 24 hours. Not my cup of tea.
March 14, 2019
I'm really not a fan of love at first sight or short love stories but that ...
This was so sweet. It feels so RIGHT. A GFY.
It's just about 1 day...one night especially between these two. GLORIOUS. I love it.
Devon and Sebastian are new neighbors. They meet while Sebastian is in fight with his ex (ass+++).
Devon falls completely for Sebastian and decide to help him to get rid of the douche.
It was light, fun and totally sexy!
Cute cute cute!
This was so sweet. It feels so RIGHT. A GFY.
It's just about 1 day...one night especially between these two. GLORIOUS. I love it.
Devon and Sebastian are new neighbors. They meet while Sebastian is in fight with his ex (ass+++).
Devon falls completely for Sebastian and decide to help him to get rid of the douche.
It was light, fun and totally sexy!
Cute cute cute!
February 22, 2020
4 short and sweet stars!!! 💕😍 This short featuring Devon (Ethan's older brother from The Protectors: Revelation) and his neighbor, ballet dancer Sebastian is a cute love story with some insta-love😍, GFY💞 low angst💔 and hot 🔥sizzling 💕chemistry. Although from the "Protectors" world the MC is not actually one of Ronan's guys.. (although he might as well be 😉, since he does a great job protecting Sebastian from his evil ex) I loved it and highly recommend it to anyone looking to read a sexy, low-angst novella.. (can be read as a standalone) 👍👍
February 11, 2019
Devon and Sebastian's story was a lot packed in to few pages. For the most part it worked. Overall, a solid read.
Side note: Never read this author's Protector series but Ethan and Cain have me curious.
Side note: Never read this author's Protector series but Ethan and Cain have me curious.
April 6, 2019
A heckofalotof insta everything squeezed into a very small space. But I enjoyed it. Need to look into the series it’s spun from.
Read
February 10, 2019I actually managed to finish it! Yay! :) Though I didn't care about the epilogue much. My bad, not the book.
Uhm, so if I ignore the fact that this was insta-lust, insta-love AND gay-for-you on top of that... if I ignore all that, well it was a good book. I enjoyed it, because despite that, I could feel their connection, their passion.
Fans of the Protectors series! Ethan and Cain made an appearance from Book 7 I think (?)
Uhm, so if I ignore the fact that this was insta-lust, insta-love AND gay-for-you on top of that... if I ignore all that, well it was a good book. I enjoyed it, because despite that, I could feel their connection, their passion.
Fans of the Protectors series! Ethan and Cain made an appearance from Book 7 I think (?)
February 23, 2019
Sweet, romantic and heartwarming ❤️
March 22, 2019
Reading this book made me feel like I didn't respect myself - it was that mind-numbingly awful. It was the book equivalent of your cat taking a shit in your favourite shoes* and then looking at you like, "what are you going to do about it? That's right - you're still going to love me, sucker."
*Is this something cats do? I don't know. I've never owned a pet. But I hear that almost all cats are assholes, so this sounds like something they'd do if they were mad at you.
*Is this something cats do? I don't know. I've never owned a pet. But I hear that almost all cats are assholes, so this sounds like something they'd do if they were mad at you.
March 27, 2019
Short, sweet, sexy, and free. Perfect Valentine's Day gift. Or, for that matter, the perfect pick-me-up on a cloudy day.
May 27, 2019
Short but perfectly formed romance from Sloane
I just love Sloane Kennedy's books and even though this is a sort story, it's no exception to the rule.
She just has such a knack of writing complex characters who find themselves in unusual situations and fall in love. This short was originally part of a special giveaway and it hooks into her Protectors series.
I loved Sebastian and Devon and totally felt their instant connection and chemistry. It was also great to catch up with Ethan and Cain.
I just love Sloane Kennedy's books and even though this is a sort story, it's no exception to the rule.
She just has such a knack of writing complex characters who find themselves in unusual situations and fall in love. This short was originally part of a special giveaway and it hooks into her Protectors series.
I loved Sebastian and Devon and totally felt their instant connection and chemistry. It was also great to catch up with Ethan and Cain.
February 9, 2019
Nice little freebie from Sloane, which features Devon and Sebastian. Devon is Ethan's brother from Revelation. Yes, it's insta-love but sweet.
February 12, 2019
3.5 stars
Although there was a lot of insta-love and everything happened way too fast, I really enjoyed this story. Mostly because I liked both MCs and could definitely feel their connection.
The epilogue wasn't my favourite, but that's just me.
Although there was a lot of insta-love and everything happened way too fast, I really enjoyed this story. Mostly because I liked both MCs and could definitely feel their connection.
The epilogue wasn't my favourite, but that's just me.
March 22, 2019
I’ve never read a Sloane Kennedy book I didn’t like. This book is no exception.
It’s short—very. You can read the whole thing in an hour or two, tops. But it’s perfect.
The connection these two characters have...well, it’s almost instantaneous and visceral, and you feel every minute of it. Sebastian is the perfect sympathetic character. Injured, from an abusive relationship, but still strong enough to stand up for himself when it matters.
Devon was the stronger one, and to watch him figure out who he was—and who he was with Sebastian—was so rewarding.
Hot MM sex, a sweet love story, and just a little bit of darkness where it was needed...
Definitely pick this one up.
It’s short—very. You can read the whole thing in an hour or two, tops. But it’s perfect.
The connection these two characters have...well, it’s almost instantaneous and visceral, and you feel every minute of it. Sebastian is the perfect sympathetic character. Injured, from an abusive relationship, but still strong enough to stand up for himself when it matters.
Devon was the stronger one, and to watch him figure out who he was—and who he was with Sebastian—was so rewarding.
Hot MM sex, a sweet love story, and just a little bit of darkness where it was needed...
Definitely pick this one up.
September 1, 2023
“I want to pretend you’re mine for a little longer, okay? Please?” 😭😭😭
Okay, this was 68 pages… but, it made me feel so many things 😩 I loved it.
Okay, this was 68 pages… but, it made me feel so many things 😩 I loved it.
February 20, 2019
I think I need to read some of the back stories to get the full impact of the “feels” because this was just so fast and I get the impression if I knew the other players I’d have enjoyed this more.
May 28, 2019
***2 Stars***
The idea here was pretty good, but unfortunately the story suffered from moving way too fast. There wasn't any time for character, story or relationship development....not for what Sloane Kennedy was trying to achieve here with the hurt/comfort.
Devon realizes and accepts he's gay and falls in love with a man within 24 hours. I've never been a hater of insta-anything, but even all that was a little too fast for me.
Let me back up and give you a little info on what this book is about since the blurb is vague.
Devon and Sebastian are neighbors (Sebastian recently moved in so they've never met). Devon overhears Sebastian fighting with an ex-boyfriend in the backyard, so in order to diffuse the situation he sends his dog over and "oops, I'm sorry my dog wandered into your yard" happens. It was cute.
Devon is a smitten kitten upon laying eyes on Sebastian. He senses the tension between the two men and immediately takes on the protector role. Sebastian is a dancer who, even though he has a horrible knee injury, has agreed to dance at a charity thing his ex's company is throwing so the two men are arguing about the upcoming performance.
Afterward, Sebastian shares his past, including the ugliness of his relationship with his ex. Devon decides he's taking Sebastian to the performance and springs the "I'm his boyfriend" thing at the last minute. Sebastian plays along and since he's also quickly fallen for Devon, he so wishes they weren't pretending.
This book takes place over the course of 24 hours and you're in the express lane the entire time. It was just too hard for me to buy into the depth of emotion the author was trying to achieve in such a short period of time.
February 14, 2019
❤❤ Pretend You're Mine is PERFECT for Valentine's ❤❤
For Devon and Sebastian it is love at first sight, this is OTT instant love but who cares it's Valentine's Day so the smoochiest the better for these two neighbour's.
This was even more special for me as Devon is Ethan's big brother, Ethan and Cain make an appearance, their own story was Revelation book 7 and one of my favourite couples from The Protectors series.
I loved this short story and adored the epilogue, this is a freebie now.
As always with short stories I want MORE.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
For Devon and Sebastian it is love at first sight, this is OTT instant love but who cares it's Valentine's Day so the smoochiest the better for these two neighbour's.
This was even more special for me as Devon is Ethan's big brother, Ethan and Cain make an appearance, their own story was Revelation book 7 and one of my favourite couples from The Protectors series.
I loved this short story and adored the epilogue, this is a freebie now.
As always with short stories I want MORE.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
February 15, 2019
This was a holiday freebie. It was a cute story about a "straight" guy who is unnaturally drawn to his new neighbor who seems to have problems with an ex. A former ballet dancer with an injury is basically bullied to perform at a charity event for the ex AND HIS HUSBAND. Devon offers to go as his "fake" date to make the ex nuts but when Sebastian combines pain pills with champagne it goes awry and quite amusing. Maybe Devon's not so straight after all. It was a cute story and it's set in a world that is already established but you don't need to have read any other books. I always like a story with a ballet dancer, even if he's got a gimpy leg. :-)
February 12, 2019
A discovered sexuality plot is hard to pull off in such a small space and this one doesn't really make it with nuance and emotionial depth. I like everyone here though and especially the dog and family members.
I might check out other books in the series.
I might check out other books in the series.
April 14, 2019
There is something special about a pretense that turns out to be real – at least I think so, especially in the case of pretend relationships. In this story, Devon wants his new neighbor from the start even though he thought he was straight, but Sebastian has a few emotional obstacles to deal with before he can admit that Devon is the man he wants. With an adorable dog as part of the cast, an evil, possessive ex in the mix, and a Valentine’s benefit that seems to bring out the worst in some people, this novella turned out to be very entertaining.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 3, 2019
***** A fabulous romance with hot sex, excitement, and two great guys. In Salvation, #7 of the Protector series, we watch Cain and Ethan's tale.
Here, we have Ethan's older brother, Devon, 35ish, a large, muscled Landscape Architect,
who comes to the aid of his new neighbor, even though they haven't met. Seabastian, recently retired dancer,
is being yelled at and bullied by a larger men, his ex. Devon and dog, Kirby, to the rescue. Devon learns about Sebastian's commitment to perform at a fund raiser for local kids, and Devon shows up at Sebastian's door in a tux with flowers, to escort him to the Valentine event.
The night is amazing as the men find out more about each other. Sebastian's story about his knee injury is career ending and heartbreaking. Devon has already figured out Sebastian is his "one," even though Devon hasn't ever considered a man before. GFY. It's a pure and simple fact.
Our couple is deliriously happy to have found each other, and the sexy times are magical, and first times for Devon have him brave and skilled.
A beautiful novella that feels full bodied. A spectacular love story !
As always, with Sloane Kennedy, I recommend this highly.
ENJOY !
======
Here, we have Ethan's older brother, Devon, 35ish, a large, muscled Landscape Architect,
who comes to the aid of his new neighbor, even though they haven't met. Seabastian, recently retired dancer,
is being yelled at and bullied by a larger men, his ex. Devon and dog, Kirby, to the rescue. Devon learns about Sebastian's commitment to perform at a fund raiser for local kids, and Devon shows up at Sebastian's door in a tux with flowers, to escort him to the Valentine event.
The night is amazing as the men find out more about each other. Sebastian's story about his knee injury is career ending and heartbreaking. Devon has already figured out Sebastian is his "one," even though Devon hasn't ever considered a man before. GFY. It's a pure and simple fact.
Our couple is deliriously happy to have found each other, and the sexy times are magical, and first times for Devon have him brave and skilled.
A beautiful novella that feels full bodied. A spectacular love story !
As always, with Sloane Kennedy, I recommend this highly.
ENJOY !
======
February 10, 2019
More than 5 stars, definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ... I’m throwing ALL the stars at this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
Stunning, stunning, STUNNING little diamond of a book ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!
More thoughts to come on all the things I ABSOLUTELY ADORED about this book, but in the meantime, I’ll say this was masterfully done ❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️!!! Beautiful, stunning, unputdownable (and the HEA was absolutely glorious) 😊😊😊!!
And this novella was so incredibly wonderfully paced, the characters were so beautifully fleshed out, and all the ends were tied up so expertly, that it didn’t READ like a short novella!! A massive BRAVO goes to this author, because WOW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
By far one of the absolute best and one of my absolute ultimate favorite novellas EVER 🥰🥰🥰 (and you all KNOW how incredibly RARE it is for me to say that, if ever)!!
Highly highly highly HIGHLY recommended!!
Stunning, stunning, STUNNING little diamond of a book ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!
More thoughts to come on all the things I ABSOLUTELY ADORED about this book, but in the meantime, I’ll say this was masterfully done ❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️!!! Beautiful, stunning, unputdownable (and the HEA was absolutely glorious) 😊😊😊!!
And this novella was so incredibly wonderfully paced, the characters were so beautifully fleshed out, and all the ends were tied up so expertly, that it didn’t READ like a short novella!! A massive BRAVO goes to this author, because WOW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!
By far one of the absolute best and one of my absolute ultimate favorite novellas EVER 🥰🥰🥰 (and you all KNOW how incredibly RARE it is for me to say that, if ever)!!
Highly highly highly HIGHLY recommended!!
June 2, 2021
3.5*
Really sweet insta-love story. I know it's part of a series but I don't thinks it's necessary to have read any of the other books, I haven't. If you're looking for a really quick read, full of sweetness and instant attraction/love Pretend You're Mine is perfect. Sweet is really the perfect word to describe this novella- the characters were sweet, the story was sweet, the epilogue was so sweet! So yeah, sweetness all around.
Really sweet insta-love story. I know it's part of a series but I don't thinks it's necessary to have read any of the other books, I haven't. If you're looking for a really quick read, full of sweetness and instant attraction/love Pretend You're Mine is perfect. Sweet is really the perfect word to describe this novella- the characters were sweet, the story was sweet, the epilogue was so sweet! So yeah, sweetness all around.
March 3, 2019
its a short and sweet story.
Devon and his new neighbor Sebastian... love/like at first sight? For Devon it's gay for you experience and Sebastian is recovering for downfall of his career as professional dancer and a recent bad breakup.
Devon is Ethan Rhodes's elder brother. (Ethan is part of Cain's HEA in this series.)
Devon and his new neighbor Sebastian... love/like at first sight? For Devon it's gay for you experience and Sebastian is recovering for downfall of his career as professional dancer and a recent bad breakup.
Devon is Ethan Rhodes's elder brother. (Ethan is part of Cain's HEA in this series.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews