Discover new kitchen selections
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$4.99 with 67 percent savings
Print List Price: $14.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.

Audiobook Price: $17.46

Save: $9.97 (57%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Susan Hawke
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

How to Heal (LOVESTRONG Book 5) Kindle Edition

by Susan Hawke (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 717 ratings
Take one former bully, unable to forgive himself for the sins of his past…


Clark Danvers is a wild twenty-one 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+ readers, 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.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 5 of 8
    LOVESTRONG
  2. Print length
    396 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 14, 2019
  5. File size
    3.8 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 8 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  6. Maine Men - The Complete Series
    Kindle Edition
    $8.99
  22. #Love Wins - The Complete Series
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  23. Scratch The Surface
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  25. Personal - The Complete Series
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
Next page
Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07QRQFHSQ
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 14, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 396 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 5 of 8 ‏ : ‎ LOVESTRONG
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 717 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Susan Hawke

Susan Hawke

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

I’m a happily married mom whose kids are grown! I've always written stories, but only found the courage to publish in my 40s. This midlife career change has been amazing and proves it's never too late to follow your dreams. I plan to keep writing for as long as my readers want my books. I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My books are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to never give up and keep hoping, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I’d care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I’ve found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that’s what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
717 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a powerful and entertaining story, with one review highlighting Clarke Danvers' redemption journey. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, sweetness, humor, and healing power, with one customer noting it brings both laughter and tears throughout. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's understanding, with one review mentioning how it addresses several topics in a nice way.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

19 customers mention "Story quality"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it powerful and entertaining, with one customer highlighting the well-written compassion described throughout the narrative.

"...It is good to see him find himself and Rick. This a great redemption and self forgiveness story." Read more

"...It was so good to read of his journey to self-acceptance and love with assistance from Rick, his mom Lydia and his friend/therapist Seth...." Read more

"Amazing! Gotta love a redemption story. Clark and Rick are great... I love them together...." Read more

"...Great story of overcoming your past and stepping into a bright future!" Read more

10 customers mention "Readability"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read, with one describing it as a superb series.

"...I loved how this couple simply fell in love organically! This was a good read and I can’t wait to complete the LOVESTRONG series by Susan Hawke." Read more

"...Like the others in this superb series I laughed and cried and bit my lip but I mostly smiled and at times laughed out loud...." Read more

"Amazing! Gotta love a redemption story. Clark and Rick are great... I love them together...." Read more

"...Rick showed that Daddy's can grow as well. A great read and well worth your time although I would read the other books in the series first to get..." Read more

6 customers mention "Sweetness"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one describing it as "wickedly delicious."

"...The story is filled with the humor, sweetness and heat we usually get with this series. Definitely recommend." Read more

"...Seeing the effect Rick had on him, with his Daddy-like firm hand, was sweet...." Read more

"...Nice and sweet love develops with just a few bumps along the way." Read more

"I'm so happy Rick and Clark got their Hea together. soooooo sweet and hot. but the beginning was tough to get through real talk...." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one mentioning they laughed and cried throughout, while another describes it as a heartfelt story.

"...And Daddy Rick... whooo, hes steam! The story is filled with the humor, sweetness and heat we usually get with this series. Definitely recommend." Read more

"...'s love and guidance, stronger and more confident made all the tears worthwhile." Read more

"...I was laughing or crying through the whole thing. I absolutely adore Andy and so glad that Clark for his own book." Read more

"The humor, the tears, the emotions, this book has it all. I love Clark and his pouty, bratty nature...." Read more

3 customers mention "Enjoyment"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy each book in the series, with one mentioning that Clark and Rick are great characters.

"Amazing! Gotta love a redemption story. Clark and Rick are great... I love them together...." Read more

"I have read and enjoyed each book in this series. Each one has had so much meaning of it's own...." Read more

"Love the series..." Read more

3 customers mention "Healing power"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's healing power, with one noting its truly gentle approach.

"...n't like Clark in the first books, I loved his growth and truly gentle heart as he healed. Rick showed that Daddy's can grow as well...." Read more

"...I loved this story, the healing." Read more

"Truly healing..." Read more

3 customers mention "Sexiness"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sexy.

"...Nice and sweet love develops with just a few bumps along the way." Read more

"...Rick and Clark are just the cutest things around. My heart broke for Clark and the amount of guilt and anguish he held onto...." Read more

"...Of course the relationship that develops is hot and sexy!" Read more

3 customers mention "Understanding"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's understanding, with one mentioning how it addresses several topics in a nice way.

"This was a nicely done story. It addressed several topics in a very nice way. Topics such as bullying, emotional and mental abuse and self harm...." Read more

"...But to me, this one was the most meaningful and most powerful. Watching Clark work thru the guilt and the self-loathing was so heart-breaking...." Read more

"...I love Rick to for his patience, understanding and deep compassion. Great read" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Terry@BismARk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Redemption and forgiveness
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Clark is a great character that has evolved over the series. It is good to see him find himself and Rick. This a great redemption and self forgiveness story.
    Helpful
     Report
  • T. CH
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good read!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was a good read! I remember reading of Clark’s struggles at 15 and I knew he was acting out due pain and self-directed homophobia. It was so good to read of his journey to self-acceptance and love with assistance from Rick, his mom Lydia and his friend/therapist Seth. Six years later and Clark has matured into confident man, an astute manager of his family owned car dealership, someone who has taken full responsibility of his past, paid his dues as well as a philanthropist. Clark bravely faced his issues of the past so that he can have the time and energy to focus on his love and future! I loved how this couple simply fell in love organically! This was a good read and I can’t wait to complete the LOVESTRONG series by Susan Hawke.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Joanne
    5.0 out of 5 stars How to tell a great story.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Clark, ohhhh Clark, this poor guy has been a favorite since he tortured poor Grey in the first book. His pain bled through all that bluster and bullying and the influence of his overbearing, homophobic, abusive, demeaning , waste of skin, "father" was painfully obvious.
    Jedrick is one of five adopted brothers whose fabulous Mother Masie is a character for the ages.
    Rick , as he likes to be called , is a Daddy looking for his boy. He had a long term on and off relationship with Shaw , StNick's guy from HNT BREAK. But now Shaw is just his friend. Rick has run into Clark many times ,mostly when writing him a summons for speeding or other things. Clark is ,in his words , a pain in his ass. So when he and his new partner are called to the town notell Motel to deal with a possible dead body he's flabbergasted to see Clark restrained in the room. At first Rick thinks helping Clark is just his good Samaritan teaching from his Mom but then he realizes it's much more.
    I enjoyed this journey into couplehood for these two and the ribbing they take from his hilarious brothers, all of whom deserve books.( MAL AND DANA plz)
    The journey isn't totally smooth for Clark as he feels such guilt for his actions while a teen but he gets help and evolves into the guy youd want to know.
    Like the others in this superb series I laughed and cried and bit my lip but I mostly smiled and at times laughed out loud. Ricks cake baking and bathroom habits are epic.
    I cant wait to see who's next in Susan's How To makeover. Cause that's exactly what Clark accomplished , with Rick's help. 💗
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kathryn M
    5.0 out of 5 stars ♡Clark and Rick♡
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing! Gotta love a redemption story. Clark and Rick are great... I love them together. Clark has changed since we first met his character in previous books and he grows so much within this book. And Daddy Rick... whooo, hes steam!
    The story is filled with the humor, sweetness and heat we usually get with this series. Definitely recommend.
    Helpful
     Report
  • MG Lahey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Out of the darkness comes the light
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Okay, I hated Clark in the others books. The way he treated Grayson and others was deplorable. Then we found out what was behind it all and he was easier to understand. Seeing the effect Rick had on him, with his Daddy-like firm hand, was sweet. Clark is just like all of us; he just wants to be loved and accepted for who he is. Finding that with Officer Rick good for him, and Rick.
    Great story of overcoming your past and stepping into a bright future!
    Helpful
     Report
  • S Wilgus
    4.0 out of 5 stars Growing up is hard
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    We have met Clark Danvers in the earlier books in this series. At first he was just a bully, but we learned that he had been emotionally and physically abused. With no outlet for his feelings, he has internalized the guilt and pain he feels for his past actions until he feels the need for dark, painful penance. It is a devastating time for Clark, and he almost doesn't make it out the other side. Enter Daddy Rick with help from a perennial favorite of mine, Seth, to help him to grow and finally forgive himself. The story of his growth is great, and this book has all the feels. As much as I didn't like Clark in the first books, I loved his growth and truly gentle heart as he healed. Rick showed that Daddy's can grow as well. A great read and well worth your time although I would read the other books in the series first to get the most out of this one.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ladykat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Healing
    Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Of all the books I think I loved this one the most. Clark had so much he had to overcome and no outlet. He had started down the long road of self-deprecation, to the point he finds himself tied up in a hotel room and the being rescued by Officer Rick. Rick didn't have a good opinion about Clark, because of their previous encounters, but seeing him position close to death, changed that. Rick stepped into his daddy mode, and Clark learned what it meant to be someone's boy. I loved this story, the healing.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Calila
    3.0 out of 5 stars Decent
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2019
    *Received A Copy To Review From The Author*

    This is a perfectly fine read, but I won't remember it in a few days. There's nothing bad, but there's nothing great either. It's decent. The characters are mostly likable. Clark has done some stuff in his past that he's ashamed of (and rightfully so). Rick is a bit judgemental even though he denies it. I found him kind of overbearing. I think their dynamic shifts too quick and too lightly for me. And something about the way he treated Clark towards the end, during their big blow-up of a fight rubs me the wrong way and isn't called out. It was subtly abusive and it made me side-eye him and nothing that followed repaired it enough. I think it might've helped had I read any of the previous books in the series, (I just did a check mid-review and it seems like book 2 in the series is VERY closely tied to this one at the very least.) but I wasn't lost enough to not be able to follow along. Some of the drama and resolution felt a little stilted and rote if I'm honest, they didn't sound like actual humans at times. But it was mostly okay. It was what it was.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Vanessa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Letzter Teil
    Reviewed in Germany on October 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Auch dieser Teil der Reihe hat mich wieder überzeugt. Ich mag diese Kerle einfach. Diesmal ging's um Rick und Clark, die wir ja schon aus vorherigen Teilen kannten. Was soll ich groß sagen ... Ich fand's klasse.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved them
    Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This was by far the best book in the series ... I think anyways ... I think wolf may need a book tho
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A thought provoking addition to an excellent series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book is an excellent addition to the series. Clark has featured in the sidelines earlier on in the series, but not in a good way, and over the years that have passed since book 1, he has struggled in a way that no one has ever noticed. Until one night a hook-up goes badly wrong. When Rick finds him, he cannot believe that the young man he saw only a few days earlier is the wrecked sick person in front of him, and his Daddy instincts come to the fore.
    Time, patience, communication and some helpful friends, brothers and counsellors all contribute to the story and it is good to see couples from earlier books doing so well.
    This was heartbreaking in parts, but rewarding too.
    Report
  • Emma Burbidge
    5.0 out of 5 stars Daddy and his boy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This was a great addition to the Lovestrong contemporary romance series by S. Hawke with the redemption of former bully Clark Danvers.
    I was pleasantly surprised to find that Rick finally finds himself a boy to call his own. It's quite intriguing how Clark manages to get himself into a bad situation where Rick and his new partner in the sheriff's department find him on the verge of death tied up in a motel room. I very much enjoyed the development of the relationship between them and Clark growing up more with therapy and his new daddy Dom looking after him. Highly recommended for lovers of redemption and Daddy/Boy tales.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 22, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This was the best of the series yet. I've loved all the men in this series, but I am so happy that Clark found his HEA. After all the drama then went on with him as a teenager , it was nice to see him finally found his hot place with his daddy Rick. We all deserve a 2nd chance and he was only a product of his circumstances. Lovely story, very heartfelt .
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report