Lost and Found: Twist of Fate, Book 1

**Possible Spoilers**Lost and Found is such a well-written book. The premise is not new, but the execution creates a story that is fresh and unique.I enjoyed the backstory that the authors created for Xander and Benny as quintessential boyhood best friends. You can feel their joy and excitement as, together, they discover the world as you watch through these young boy's eyes. Forever in each others' pocket and confident in the strength of their friendship, they are ill-equipped for the devious machinations of one father, and the heartrending loss of the other which, together, is the catalyst that destroys what should be a lifelong relationship.These authors take us through the beginning of the pain, devastation, and anger that is experienced at such a hard time in life and make it understandable to feel that way into adulthood still.The way they handle the loss of Xanders' father and subsequent final destruction of his and Benny's friendship is hard to read. As those circumstances color the way Xander views the world and relationships for fourteen years, I can picture the loneliness and pain he lives through as he tries to make a place for himself in the world. A place that will ensure that he will be able to protect himself from further emotional conflict. I experienced the gamut of emotions right along with him. The devastation and confusion from the loss of a parent are palpable, and the questions he had that accompany such a loss are unanswerable. The betrayal of someone who is supposed to always be there for him and with him through good times and bad, and the anger and bitterness that he feels for fourteen years, as a result, is, from an emotional standpoint, awful to read. The dismay he feels when he finally sees Benny again and knows that he still cares deeply for him had me anxious and unsure right along with him. There were so many emotions that forced me through the wringer. I just wanted to grab Xander and hug him till it was all better.Bennett is a lovable character. He is kind and generous and wants to make a difference in the world. His oh so human actions and reactions when he was a child are, in hindsight, understandable but no less devastating to both Xander and himself. Bennett is accepting of his role in the loss of Xander. He knows the wrong he has done and suffers from the pain of being unable to rectify the damage he caused. His issues with his upbringing played a major role in the decimation of their otherwise healthy relationship and the ongoing inability to be his own person caused me to project a bit of anger and disgust towards him. But as this is a normal human condition, I was patient. In the end, it was worth the wait. Through the author's words, I could feel the pride of accomplishment he felt as he leaped that final hurdle to becoming his own man.As the authors bring Xander past the pain of betrayal and into forgiveness, I found myself questioning how I would handle similar circumstances. Surely not with the grace of which Xander finally showed and the gratitude in Benny's reaction to it. They work hard to overcome the sins and pain of the past, and the outcome is beautiful, sweet and well deserved. The passion that tentatively came to their attention so many years ago morphed into an overwhelming drive to possess and be possessed by each other. Underlying these passions was the gentle foundation of abiding love.I could go on and on, and I guess I already have but the highs and lows are such that there are no right words to describe how this book made me feel.On to lighter notes...Lucky is a sweet and personable character that I would love to see get his own story, possibly with Calvin. With Sloan Kennedy's penchant for the long game, I can see this happening.Aiden's story should be interesting considering the snark and obnoxiousness he displayed in this book. Jake seems to be good fodder for the writing mill also. I'd like to know more about him. It's curious that they each had strong feelings for the main characters in this book.Aunt Lolly is just a good time. She is someone I would love to hang out with her, with clothes on of course, and just listen to her talk.Now, if anyone needed an example of "the best of both worlds," you have it here in this collaboration between Sloane Kennedy and Lucy Lennox.They bring their own unique perspectives to this beautiful tale of friendship lost and lasting love found. Lucy's sweetness pairs beautifully with Sloane's edginess. Sloane is not afraid to throw harshness at a character and then lead them back to happiness, bumps, bruises and all, while Lucy allows her characters to experience the unsavory and hard to deal with parts of life and then eases them back to a better, happier place to be.This first installment of the Twist of Fate Series is very well done, and I look forward to reading more from these authors, both together and apart.

I loved this book so hard! My first disclaimer is that I am already a huge, gushing, sappy fan of Lucy Lennox. Every book/every couple in her Maid Marion series holds my heart. I have not, however, had the good fortune to have read a Sloane Kennedy book yet, despite owning several. Well, let me tell you that after reading Lost and Found, the books I do have are getting read right away. My second disclaimer, and testament to how much I love Lost and Found, is that I received an arc of this story but still paid for it the second I saw it was live on Amazon.There are so many awesome things about this story. Firstly, and most importantly, both MCs are wonderful, lovable guys. The beauty of the writing in this story is that despite the conflict they have to overcome, both men are likable from the get-go. Sometimes a story is written where the MC that was hurt comes off as a jerk and not really a sympathetic character. Other times, he's likable but the one who hurt him is less than desirable. In Lost and Found, I loved both Xander and Bennett immediately and throughout the whole story. Xander's anger toward Bennett is seen from page one, but despite his anger, it's easy to tell that it comes from a place of great hurt and my heart ached for him and I wanted to know what happened and I trusted that it was worthy of his emotions. And even though I knew that Bennett hurt Xander, his sweetness of person and remorse for the rift, shone through bright and clear and I couldn't help but love him and root for him while wondering what he did and knowing there must be more to the story as to why. Their reunion was hard won, and I loved that. There was no easy forgiveness because hormones controlled these men, or some other nonsense as happens in many stories. There was hesitation and resistance in order to guard broken hearts. But there was also persistence, true soul-mate love, and some wonderful secondary characters all combining to bring these two back together. So, I loved that they had to work for their HEA. I loved that both sides of the story were reasonable and understandable. Lost and Found had humor, depth, hotness, sincere and sweet love. I really couldn't be happier with it and I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to the next story.The best way I can think to convey the sincerity with how much I loved this story, as well as Lucy Lennox's other stories, and I'm sure after this also Sloane Kennedy's stories, is to say, life has not been all that easy lately, but despite this, Lucy's books always manage to penetrate whatever life-funk I'm dealing with and take me to a happy, smiley, laugh out loud, heart-full-of-love place while I'm reading and for the rest of the day after. And that's really no easy feat considering. And that is the best way I know to honestly and fully express how much/why I loved Lost and Found.Did I fall in love? With both from the very start.Would I re-read? Absolutely! Over and over. Actually, I already have read it more than once :)Were there moments- sad, funny, sweet, fantasy fueling- that I replay? Oh yeah!Was it worth the money? I received this book for free as an arc, but I still paid full price for the final version to have on my Amazon bookshelf. I also plan to buy the paperback.

"Lost and Found (Twist of Fate, Book 1)" by Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! My heart broke for both Xander and Bennett, who both suffered so much 15 years ago on that fateful night. Who would have thought it possible that after all that time and 2,000 miles away that they would cross paths again? And not just a two ships passing in the night either - rather a hiking and camping trip in the Colorado mountains that continues to find ways to throw Bennett at Xander in more ways than one.Can Xander remain professional and courteous as he leads Bennett and Aiden with the kids that they brought to see the beauty in the world that they don't see in their day to day lives? Can Bennett find it in himself to apologize to Xander for the choices he made all those years ago? Can two broken hearts be mended enough to get a second chance? Can you the reader survive the heart wrenching drama as you turn each page and move from chapter to chapter?I fell in love with both Xander and Bennett (and expecially Xander's Aunt Lolly). Lucy Lennox has a way of making me fall in love with her characters. Stressing out as the story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as you hope and pray that certain people see the light and what could be if they stop being stubborn idiots!I've read several books by Lucy Lennox and love her writing. This is my first Sloane Kennedy experience and think I need to check out more of her work.I can't wait for the next installment in this series - because, as usual, once you read the last line your response is "I need more!!!"

awwww and ooohhhh yeah, a roll around in the Forrest, what's not to love?!Xander works as a wilderness guide. His love of the outdoors and the need to be alone means he loves his job. Years ago he was betrayed by his best friend. He never got over it and refuses to ever have a connection with someone again. He will never be left behind if he doesn't care about anyone. He still carries a lot of anger and when his ex best friend turns up with a group of needy kids his anger spikes and he's determined to make sure Bennett knows how he feels.Bennett made a mistake years ago. He made the wrong choice. Now faced with the mistake he wants to do everything to make it up to Xander. Hit squarely in the face with Xander's anger he doesn't know what to do. All he wants is the chance to explain but Xander refuses to listen.Bennett is desperate to get his best friend back. He secretly loved him and still does. He knows Xander is worth the fight.Xander can't help being drawn to Bennett again but he has to fight to save his heart from being broken again. He too secretly loved his best friend but he refuses to let go of his anger.Can they have a chance at mending their friendship? Will they tell each other how they really feel? Will their separate lives stand between their true happiness once again?Awwww these two!!! I love them both! Poor Xander really broke my heart. They way he held onto the past like a shield made my heart constrict. I loved it when he let his guard down and the way he couldn't fight the pull of Bennett even when he wanted to.Bennett even though maybe seeming the bad guy was loveable from the start. I loved how he kept gently pushing to make Xander hear him.The storyline held me captive and i loved all the additional characters brought in. The kids on the trip were a great addition and Lucky just made me melt. Aiden, Bennett's best friend gave me some laughs but you could feel that he is hiding a darker past and i can't wait to find out what that is. Also Xanders aunt.... ummmm.... not sure anyone needs to see that! lmao She gave some great comic relief.I fell in love. Xander and Bennett were always meant to be and their connection was perfect. When they finally get together it's absolutely sizzling. I felt like i was getting splinters along with them when they finally come together. WOW!!! Tree loving is now firmly in place!Brilliant start to a new series i can't wait to get my grabby hands on the next one!5 beautiful stars!

I have been on a binge read of Lucy Lennox books of late and when i saw that this was Lucy plus Sloane Kennedy i needed to read this book as love both these authors.I was not disappointed at all,loved this MM story about Xander and Bennett,i thought Xander was too harsh on Bennett to start with but when you find out the whole back story this just makes you realise that even though family is supposed to be on your side that is not what always happens.Loved these two characters and was routing for them through out this book to get there hea.I flipping loved this story and how it all ended,now on to the second book in this duet about Aiden.

5 stars all the way from me. You know when you find a story that you love, and you immediately want the sequel?? Well, for me this is one of those stories. I adored Xander and Bennett, loved the kids, the Colorado scenery, Aunt Lolly, Aiden and even Jake [who I suspect may star in his own future story]. My biggest hate?? Bennett's super rich, bigoted, manipulative control freak of a father...what a complete nightmare!!Such a romantic story in many ways; a sort of second chances thing, but without there ever having been a first chance...read it for yourselves and discover what a gem this is. As for Aiden's story...bring it on!!

As a lover of angst filled books, this one held me captive at once.l felt for the child Xander and Bennett, and melted for the adult ones.With a picturesque backdrop of the awesome wilderness ,and with it's tough terrain, keeping us enthralled ,l fell in love.The constant inner turmoil of both characters , kept me feeling stressed throughout.l wanted to shout at them at times, and tell them to just open their eyes.The much needed humour came from a dotty Aunty Lolly, and l loved Bear the dog too.l felt both these authors gave us a lesson in how to write angst successfully,with the added bonus of so much sexual tension, it was definitely all in 3D and high definition.Beautiful...

Xander and Bennett were once childhood best friends when they were torn apart through circumstances.Lost and Found is the story of their coming together again after many years and the trials they go through to get there.Love both of them, as well as Bear the dog and Lucky. Aunt Lolly is hilarious and I can’t wait to find out more about Aiden.A fantastic read from two amazing authors.

I am a huge fan of Sloane Kennedy's work, I have also read work by Lucy Lennox but kept an open mind on the combination. It worked, I loved this book, I laughed, cried got angry a couple of times, but I loved this book. Sometimes I wanted to bang a couple of heads together!! But it works out. Can't wait to read more about aiden and in the future I want to read more about lucky. I loved him!If you like a decent length book, m/m, emotional rollercoaster rides, then you'll love this.

WOW simply a brilliant beautiful funny sexy book it had me laughing out loud crying and everything in between. I'm already a massive fan of sloane kennedy and Lucy Lennox so this collaboration was sure to be a winner and it didn't disappoint The characters were amazing and the storyline was epic couldn't put it down. A massive thumbs up for this book a DEFINITE must read

Lost and found was such a beautiful story I lovedYou could feel the strong connection between Bennet and xander from beginning to endI laughed I cried I fell in love with these two amazing guysTogether Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy gave us such a beautiful story one that will stay in my heart

I adore these authors work and this is going to be one superb series. I was quite choked up at so e of things Xander and Bennet had to cope with, but Bennett's dad really was a rat. It makes you wonder how people like him can sleep at night. Off to read book 2 which is Aidens story

Never read these authors before but seriously could not but this book down. From the very first page it pulled me in. So well written, made you want to laugh in some parts an shed a tear in others. I'm a sucker for a good love story. Can't wait to read Aidens story! Will also be looking out for more books by these authors. Give it a go you won't be disappointed!

What a great book. I couldn't put it down as it got me enthralled in the tale from the go. The guys were lovely and the storyline was really wonderful.Recommend reading highly 100%

Story was very interesting and moving just how people can meet after so many years and put all the hurt aside and rekindle and loving friend ship

Loved this story

great story

Nice story