Goodbye Paradise (Hello Goodbye #1) by Sarina Bowen

Sweet, innocent, and with a budding understanding of a new world is how Joshua is seen in Goodbye Paradise. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book about religious cults and the ramifications from that type of upbringing.  It’s surprising and heartbreaking, having to watch young people being stripped from their families and then being thrust out into the real world when they threaten the powers within.

Lucky for Joshua, he had a friend. A friend that has been with him since the very beginning; a stronger more accepted friend within the confines of their group. Someone who isn’t slow like him, who is more skilled, more liked, and that will not be thrown out because he can’t measure up to what expected.

When the time comes and the evidence points to a negative demise for Josh, he never expected his friend, Caleb (the man he has longed to be much more than friends with) to come to his aid. He must be grateful and not let his sinful thoughts ruin this friendship or hinder their ability to survive.

What happens next is a wonderful tale of love, strength, acceptance, and courage. It’s a perfect read for any fan of an underdog story.

All the Stars

 





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.




 iBooks: soon

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