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How to Heal

Lovestrong, Book 5

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How to Heal

By: Susan Hawke
Narrated by: Michael Pauley
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Take one former bully, unable to forgive himself for the sins of his past....

Clark Danvers is a wild 21-year-old who’s trying to prove he’s an adult. With a two-year degree in hand, he manages the family car dealership and seemingly parties by night. Given the amount of times he’s been pulled over for speeding by Deputy Rick Matthews, public opinion seems to be right. But what people don’t see are the scars he carries both inside and out. Scars from a past he can’t run away from and will never be able to atone for, no matter how many times he beats himself over it.

Add one no-nonsense cop who longs to be a Daddy for the right boy....

Jericho “Rick” Matthews never expects the bratty kid who gets on his last nerve to pull at his heartstrings. When he finds Clark battered and fighting for his life in a motel room, Rick’s daddy mode is instantly engaged. Before he can think of anything else, he must first comfort this hurting boy.

To equal a pair of men who might just be what the other needs.

The two men who thought they couldn’t stand each other are drawn together after a date gone wrong. While Rick tenderly cares for Clark, he decides what this brat needs is a daddy...someone to help him break free from the past and embrace the promise of many happy tomorrows.

This is the fifth book in the Lovestrong series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Intended only for 18 plus listeners, this is an mm romance full of all the sweet feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.

Note: Possible trigger warning for mentions of self-harm and a scene involving a man who’s consented to having himself tied up. What he didn’t agree to was being left that way for an entire weekend. This highly emotional scene is the catalyst to evoke “Daddy’s” protective mode in a tale filled with themes of hurt and comfort and the struggle of overcoming a difficult past.

©2019 Susan Hawke (P)2019 Susan Hawke Literature & Fiction Romance Heartfelt Feel-Good
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How to Forgive By: Susan Hawke
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Narrated by Michael Pauley, <i>How to Heal</i> is the fifth book in Susan Hawke’s Lovestrong series. Don’t be put off by that “#5” though, this is only the second book in the series I’ve listened to and Ms. Hawke makes it easy to stay in the loop. It is a progressive series, and folks from different books pop in and out, but I had no problem following along. (It does make me want to go back and get the dirty details on what I’ve missed though!)

Michael Pauley is an excellent choice for this series. His smooth, sensual voice never fails to do his job, and the emotion he adds to the intimate scenes is stunning.

We meet Rick in <i>How Not to Break</i> and this sweet man captured a piece of my heart. Holding out hope that one day he’ll find a special boy of his own, I knew Clark was going to end up being perfect for him. Also, the fact that Clark is only 21 (yay, age-gap!), and tall and built, just adds to the appeal of the daddy kink for me.

Just a word about the way Ms. Hawke handles the daddy kink. This is not an age-play story and the daddy/boy dynamic is very relaxed for these two men. It’s done in a healing way, giving both characters what they need as it strengthens their bond.

<i>How to Heal</i> is a beautifully told story of Clark’s progress as he works through the guilt of his past transgressions. It’s a tough road, as Clark is a victim himself. Thankfully he has a great support system in the community which gives him the help he needs as he works his way through the process.

This is a well written and intricate tale. As information is revealed and loose ends sewn up, Susan Hawke weaves in some fascinating details. Sadly the 7 1/2 hours flew by too fast and just leaves me wanting <i>more</i>!

<i>an audiobook copy of How to Heal was provided to me for the purpose of my review</i>

A beautiful and moving story, Pauley is Wonderful

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Listener received this title free

I've been waiting for this story since book one in the series and it's absolutely been worth the wait. I never could have imagined the depth of feeling that Clark is experiencing still from his teenage years and it takes Rick to take the time and show Clark how to heal.
There's a beautiful tale of forgiving yourself and allowing happiness as well as experiencing a relationship that's perfect for two people regardless of what it entails. Susan has given us a wonderful Daddy story filled with acceptance, punishment, friendship and love. The two men work really well together and it's great getting to hear from characters from the previous books in this series.
Michael Pauley gives a perfect voice to Clark, the perfect amount of snark and vulnerability, and Rick is perfect in his domineering Daddy voice but so caring as well. Emotion is really felt throughout the whole book, especially in the first few chapters where an event occurs, bringing the two men together. Michael is amazing at bringing characters to life and heart to the story he's narrating.
A definite recommendation and there are so many more characters I would love to hear stories for!

Clark finally gets his story, so worth waiting for

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This book is a good addition to the Lovestrong series.
Whilst 'Daddy Kink' isn't my favourite troupe this wasn't done in full on Daddy/Boy mode so I found it a much more comfortable read.
I loved the dynamic between Clark and Rick and enjoyed the development of the relationship between them, especially Clark's redemption.
It was great to catch up with some of the other characters from previous books and I would love to hear more about Ricks brothers in books of their own.
I very much prefer Susan Hawke's style of writing over her alter ego Susi Hawke and look forward to listening to further releases.

Good addition to series

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I love this Lovestrong Contemporary romance series by Susan Hawke, and Michael Pauley does another excellent job of bringing the characters to life.
When we first meet Clark Danvers in the first book of the series (or the second if I count the prequel story How Not To Wait), he's a scared, angry boy of fifteen who has suffered under his father's tyranny for far too long, but in this book, he's a young man of just 21 and figuring what he wants in his life besides running the family business. His penchant for punishment and bondage bring him more trouble than he bargained for, so it was good to see Clark learn to accept help from his foe, Officer Rick who keeps nailing him for speeding tickets and other vehicular infractions.
It was awesome to see Rick Matthews finally find himself a boy since Shaw was never meant to be his. There is plenty of redemption and trust building for Clark with Rick. Could Rick give him what he's needed all along? I highly recommend that you read/listen along and find out for yourself.

Bad Boy needs Daddy Dom?

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Listener received this title free

Clark was a bully when he didn’t know better and has lived with the guilt ever since. He is young with the responsibility of carrying the family business but he is still that reckless boy at heart. Ricky, the cop who has been giving him tickets all his life might be the one to help him heal. What this kid had on his shoulders was heavy and I felt for him, much like Rick I wanted to take care of him and help him deal. Ricky is a great guy, caring and firm when needed. The narration made me feel like I was there with the characters. Great book.

Healling the guilty...

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