Absolution

The Protectors, Book 1

By: Sloane Kennedy

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

After four years abroad, artist Jonas Davenport has come home to start building his dream of owning his own art studio and gallery. But just as he's ready to put the darkness of his past behind him forever, it comes roaring back with a vengeance.

The only thing keeping ex-cop Mace Calhoun from eating his own gun after an unthinkable loss is his role in an underground syndicate that seeks to get justice for the innocent by taking the lives of the guilty. Ending the life of the young artist who committed unspeakable crimes against the most vulnerable of victims should have been the easiest thing in the world. So why can't he bring himself to pull the trigger?

After years of fighting in an endless, soul-sucking war, Navy SEAL Cole Bridgerton has come home to fight another battle - dealing with the discovery that the younger sister who ran away from home eight years earlier is lost to him forever. He needs answers and the only person who can give them to him is a young man struggling to put his life back together. But he never expected to feel something more for the haunted artist.

Cole and Mace. One lives by the rules, the other makes his own. One seeks justice through the law while the other seeks it with his gun. Two men, one light, one dark, will find themselves and each other when they're forced to stand side by side to protect Jonas from an unseen evil that will stop at nothing to silence the young artist forever.

But each man's scars run deep and even the strength of three may not be enough to save them.

Note: Contains m/m/m scenes and is intended for mature audiences.

©2016 Sloane Kennedy (P)2016 Sloane Kennedy

A definite hit

This was my first Audible experience and I must say it was amazing. I had already read Absolution but was offered the chance to listen and review for free. Can't pass up on that :)
Being able to hear the voices gives another level of meaning to the story. You can just feel it more. I was not disappointed and will definitely do more audio in the future.

Hot - Hot - Hot

4.5 stars, rounded up for superb narration!

Umm, please excuse me while I take a cold shower. Definitely one of the hottest books I've read in a while. I will admit it was a bit over the top and there was some pretty serious insta-love, but this book was totally addictive. I couldn't put it down! It reminded me of a soap opera, a secret guilty pleasure of mine. I had to know what happened next with Jonas, Mace and Cole. I am sooo looking forward to Ronan's book. As much as I want to run off and read it right now, I will patiently wait for the audiobook...

Holy Hot Threesome !!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

OMG yes for sure. Riveting story, breath stopping danger, damning anger and passion all rolled together.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I think Mace. I loved Jonas and Cole, but 'felt' Mace.. Such tragedy. His loss was unbearable. I cried for him and loved him.

What about Joel Leslie’s performance did you like?

Joel out did himself again. He improves with every story he reads.He seems to live each character. You can feel them and see them in your mind as he describes the actions in the book.

If you could take any character from Absolution out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Again Mace. I would love to pick his brain. He is so deep and private. I see a brooding hunk when I picture him. And I'd like to give him a big hug.

Any additional comments?

I am all excited about Book 2. Can not wait to get my hands and ears on it. Hurry up Sloan and don't forget Joel he has to read this one too. Great book, is on my favorite listen to again list.

Overall..., an Excellent Journey!!

This beginning to the Protectors Series is my second foray. Having read the series first, now enjoying the narrative, I have a totally new appreciation for Sloane Kennedy's work. Heavy angst is offset by the characters themselves. Damaged, suffering, healing, and bringing one another with them as they ultimately recognize where they needed to be, a well-crafted story, despite the dark subject matter.

Joel Leslie is a newer narrator for me; his voice, at times, would irritate and then elevate the subject matter. His sexy, rumbling bass register was perfect for portraying the large, dominant men crafted, but ambiguous for the softer/feminine points of view. All in all, it worked to create a pleasing trio of MC's, after acclimating myself to its resonance.

Of course I'm getting ready for book two, excited to revisit Ronan's story. As a former therapist, I truly appreciated Ms. Kennedy's research, creating the (believable) depth of her characters. She paid attention to the need, loss, and eventual healing of her people. Tying together a "thruple," into a believable finished product, was very impressive!

On to book 2! I see my FAVORITE narrator, Michael Dean, coming up. I confess to following his magic for YEARS, and consume almost anything with his name associated!!

Really enjoyable!

This is the first book in the Protectors series by Sloane Kennedy and is MMM. Joel Leslie does a fantastic job of differentiating the different voices for the 3 MCs. This is an angst fest, but very enjoyable. The ILYs happen pretty quickly, but seemed believable. The sex scenes were very hot and the narration of those was excellent. This was a very good audiobook and I am looking forward to listening to the rest of the series.

**I received a few copy of this audiobook from the author**

Excellent story and narration

This is my first time reading/listening to this author. I don't read many MMM books, but this one came highly recommended and it did not disappoint. This is the story of three broken men finding each other under really bizarre circumstances. It starts out with a really horrible case of mistaken identity between Jonas and Mas that almost leads to Mas killing Jonas. Cole is introduced as the brother of a girl Jonas sees murdered. What I really liked about this story was the way it progresses naturally. They don't just hop into bed, although there are great smexy times. They really develop their relationship while trying to unravel the mystery of who is trying to kill Jonas. Both Cole and Mas are alpha males, but it is really Jonas' love that is the glue that holds the relationship together. Each man is ready to give his life to protect Jonas and one them almost does. There is ALOT of angst surrounding the misunderstanding and lots of miscommunication; to the point I wanted to strangle Mas and Jonas. But there is also great action and romance. I really look forward to the next book.

Joel Leslie gives his usual masterful performance. Each man has a distinct voice and characterization. That so important because the story is written from all three's POVs. I really felt moved when each man told his story, especially Mas. It was heartbreaking.

Wonderful!

I think this has to be one of the best books that I have listened to. I really hope they keep this series going. It was a menage with m/m/m. I thought it had some great action, angst, love, and suspense. This book was a must listen to and must read.

good

I was highly entertained by this book. It took me a bit to get into it, but it picked up after a little ways in. the narrator brought all if the characters to life.

Loved this M/M/M romance!

I had a friend g/f get me into this genre and I must admit...its hot!
This is probably the 6th or 7th book in this genre now and I love it!
I will admit the narrator in this one took a bit for me to get used to...but the story and sex are worth it. I'm on to the next book!

pretty good.

it was my first novel about gay men and I was blown away by the third ready. it surprised me because I've only listened to books that had one or two narrators. great spin on a book. full of action and romance. I lived it.