Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Reviews Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen





Title: Goodbye Paradise
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: Hello Goodbye
Release Date: March 21st 2017


Synopsis

Most people called it a cult. But for twenty years, Josh and Caleb called it home.

In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners’ world.

But Joshua doesn’t need temptation to sin. His whole life, he’s wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves.

It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.

Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away — until it all backfires.

Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesn’t want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels?

Warning: Contains a hot male/male romance, copious instances of taking the Lord's name in vain, and love against the kitchen counter. This book was previously released under the title: In Front of God & Everyone.



Buy Links 

Kobo 


Review by Amy

***4 stars, voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy***

This was a mostly sweet, sweet story. Joshua and Caleb have been raised on a polygamist colony farm all their lives. They're both approaching the age where the males are kicked out unless they're deemed worthy. Both Josh and Caleb have rather impure thoughts about each other, at least by the colony's standards. When Josh is quite suddenly removed from the farm, Caleb is desperate to find him; luckily, they had a quick and tentative plan in place should this occur.

Caleb adjusts more quickly and easily to the "normal" world than Josh; I was actually a bit surprised by how much more forward Caleb was with Josh. The truck driver that helps is probably the sweetest, kindest man I've read in a long, long time and the letters between him and Josh later in the book were fantastic.

Caleb and Josh are able to find sanctuary and help from a previous colony member and her husband. They graciously welcome and fold both men into their lives seamlessly. Josh feels like a bit of a "moocher" since he's not working, but he eventually finds his niche in caring for Daniel & Maggie's baby.

Caleb & Josh's journey wasn't without potholes and missteps. It's about them learning to love, trust and believe in each other. I think their journey was beautiful and I'll definitely read more in this series.


Review by Stephanie



Brilliant! Sarina is just... Gah!

Out two MC's are from a cult Compound in Wyoming. The beginning of the book shows us a little of what life was like for them growing up there. I will say I am thankful that that's not completely what the book is about though. Our guy Josh gets blamed for a theft and gets booted from said Compound.
Only, he didn't know that Caleb had a plan. Caleb always knew it would happen, just not the when.

So that night, Caleb joins Josh, and they journey across the US with a very interesting character they meet at a truck stop. Washington, the driver,  is probably one of my favorite characters. granted after the beginning, his role is quite small. There's just something about him though. He's so calm and just, chill. He's the guy you'd want as your grandfather. The letters between Washington and Josh are just so adorable. Josh is just so adorable.

Anyway, Josh and Caleb run away to their dear friend 's sister's place in Massachusetts. Let's just say the name of her farm is pretty clever. Maggie is so delighted to FINALLY get some more people out of the Compound. But, the guys don't want to take advantage too much, so they quickly make themselves useful to Maggie and her growing family.

This really was just a great story of coming out and trusting each other, and making yourself a family whether it's blood or not. Caleb and Josh are just so damn special. Even when Caleb is being a sacrificial lamb and breaking Josh's heart. Speaking  of... way to make us cry at THE END of a book!!! I mean, seriously?? lol I joke, it was totally worth it!! Especially seeing Josh rally for the cause!

I absolutely cannot wait for the second book. This one gave me life and I'm really hoping the next one will as well.

5 wonderful stars!



Author Bio

Sarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of New England.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

With Elle Kennedy, Sarina is the author of the RITA award winning HIM, and its sequel, US, as well as the WAGs novels.

Sarina also has a new Vermont contemporary romance series, True North. She's also unrolled new hockey novels from Penguin Berkley including Rookie Move.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.



   

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