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The Truth Within (Pelican Bay, Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Sloane Kennedy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 3,793 ratings
I’m not a fighter. I never was. So how do I make the one man who might just be worth fighting for see that? At twenty-five years old, Ford Cornell should have his whole life ahead of him but instead, the would-be artist is drowning in denial and just trying to get through each day. And the boy who once believed life was about following impossible dreams has finally come to accept that it’s really only about surviving a living nightmare… one of his own making. But the bruises are becoming harder to hide. So is the truth… I refuse to fall for a guy who won’t accept the truth about who he is or what he wants. Not again… They say bad things happen in threes. For Sherriff Camden Wells, it’s more like fours… or fives… or dozens. After an ugly lie destroys his career and the man he’d planned to spend the rest of his life with cuts him to the core with the ultimate betrayal, forty-year-old Cam is counting on his new job as sheriff of the quiet town of Pelican Bay to be the fresh start he needs. What he isn’t counting on is meeting a young man who makes him want to break all his own rules. He wants me to accept something that will cause me to lose everything. I may not have much but it’s something and something is better than nothing… right? Ford’s gotten used to his role as his older brother’s punching bag and being his mother’s never-ending disappointment. They may not be the Cleavers but family is family and Ford’s seen up close and personal what happens when you don’t have anyone in your corner… or when you go against family. And there’s just no way he’s strong enough to survive that… Nothing about us should make sense but maybe that’s why it does… Two men… one living a lie and one knocking down the walls of the closet he was forced to live in for so long. When one white-hot encounter leads to another and then another, Ford and Cam are forced to accept that their need for each other isn’t going away anytime soon. But being together means one will need to go against everything he believes in. So which man will bend and which will break? And what will the truth ultimately reveal? **This book CAN be read as a standalone, but you may want to consider checking out books 1 and 2 in the series to fully enjoy all the secondary characters you'll meet in this story. Book 1 - Locked in Silence Book 2 - Sanctuary Found
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  1. Book 3 of 5
    Pelican Bay
  2. Print length
    332 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 15, 2018
  5. File size
    2.9 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  1. I’d fought to get here. To this moment. To the man next to me. He was my sanctuary… my truth.
    Highlighted by 126 Kindle readers
  2. In short, Ford Cornell was beautiful… there was just no other word for it. But he was also so very broken.
    Highlighted by 116 Kindle readers
  3. I sighed and looked at the mural that depicted everything Ford didn’t have. Unconditional love. Acceptance. Real family. “Why did you paint this, Ford?” “Because of you, Cam.” His words caught me off guard and I snapped my eyes back to his. He wasn’t even looking at the painting. “Because you make me want to choose something that is going to cost me everything.”
    Highlighted by 97 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07JG8Y859
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (October 15, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 15, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 3,793 ratings

About the author

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Sloane Kennedy

Sloane Kennedy

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Although Sloane Kennedy always dreamed of being a writer as a teenager, she didn't take the plunge until 2015 when she released her first novel. Since then, she has released nearly 30 books including the Amazon best-selling "Pelican Bay" and "Protectors" series. While she initially began writing M/F romance, she found her true passion writing gay romance and nearly all of her most recent releases reached the #1 spot on Amazon's Gay Romance bestseller list and several have made it to Amazon's overall bestseller list. Sloane was born in Germany but grew up in the U.S. and although she currently lives in Wisconsin, the place where she has always felt most at home is Seattle and many of her books take place in the Emerald city. When not writing, a menagerie of 2 dogs, 3 cats and 2 horses takes up what little time she has left in the day!

Website: www.sloanekennedy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009132831061

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
3,793 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an amazing installment in the Pelican Bay series, with well-developed characters and sweet, sexy romantic moments. The writing is praised for its brilliance, and customers appreciate the heartwarming story arc that focuses on family building. They love the love story between Cam and Ford, and one customer notes how the characters come to life through the author's skillful portrayal.

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52 customers mention "Story quality"52 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as an amazing and compelling read that matches the quality of the first book in the series.

"Long build up but gets better .. Love the animals stories that continue in the book....and the men are sweet sexy and smash times are great" Read more

"...This series is wonderful...." Read more

"Both had things to work through but together they are stronger. Ford needed to put himself first, get out from under the abuse, shame and guilt...." Read more

"...It took a lot of soul searching but they finally got it right. Great read and the start of a cute family.😃😃😍..." Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"23 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating their well-rounded nature.

"Ford is such a compelling character, I was drawn to him from the first time he appears. There is so much pain in his life...." Read more

"What a page turner, I love that the characters from previous books are very prent through out hope in continues in the 4th book...." Read more

"...The secondary characters in this book were great and the characters from other books were woven seamlessly into the rich tapestry that she created...." Read more

"...All great reads. These characters steal your heart from the start. Pelican Bay is the place to be." Read more

17 customers mention "Emotional content"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as sweet and sexy, with one customer noting how love can be healing.

"...Love the animals stories that continue in the book....and the men are sweet sexy and smash times are great" Read more

"...There is so much pain in his life. Cam is a sweetheart from the beginning, though he is wary. I love the family they are building." Read more

"...This is an entertaining, soap opera-ish, yet romantic tale. The premise involves fraternal abuse, family indifference, and self-denial...." Read more

"...I know the next book in this beautiful series will include more about Sawyer. I'm hoping there will also be a story for Theo and Walter's nurse." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's writing style, finding it brilliant and easy to read, with one customer noting their ability to craft complex stories.

"Ms. Sloane Kennedy is one of the most incredible writers I have ever known, and once again you can see that in The Truth Within!..." Read more

"...This author are a master of writing in such a way that you instantly care about the men in the books and just can't stop to read until you know what..." Read more

"Sloane can write complex stories, create characters you fall in love with and resolve painful issues with the stoke of her pen...." Read more

"The writing was great, the steam a typical Sloane hotness, and the angst was deep...." Read more

14 customers mention "Story arc"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story arc of the book, particularly appreciating the family dynamics and relationships, with one customer noting the inclusion of multiple side stories woven throughout the narrative.

"...It is one of the most heartbreaking stories I have ever read, and I have read all Ms. Sloane's series, but this is one of the reason why Ms...." Read more

"...I love the family they are building." Read more

"...Great read and the start of a cute family.😃😃😍..." Read more

"...of those characters was a little scattered in places, but it worked with the story arc, so I can't find fault with the way she did it...." Read more

5 customers mention "Heartwarming"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, with one customer noting how the characters come alive through the writing.

"...It’s a tough little story with a whole lot of heart." Read more

"I really liked this story it had a lot of heart and a heart warming love story for multiple people." Read more

"...The main characters were both so real and you can relate to them. I also loved seeing the characters from the other books and how they are doing...." Read more

"One of the best stories of family and love for our time. Truly inspiring men despite all the times of despair for all." Read more

5 customers mention "Love story"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the love story in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating Cam and Ford's path to love, and another noting that Cam is a hero among men.

"...I loved Cam and Ford’s path to love and the barriers they had to overcome. Love seems a bit more sweet when it’s hard won...." Read more

"The third book in this story is as good as the first. I loved Cam and Ford's story and my God the ending had me smiling with happy tears in my eyes...." Read more

"I loved this book. Ford and Cam are great, I loved reading their story. It was great to learn about their family...." Read more

"...Ford has such strength. He is a survivor. And Cam is a hero among men. I love their hodgepodge family that is starting out...." Read more

A heartwarming Story
5 out of 5 stars
A heartwarming Story
Another hit in the Pelican Bay series. Sloane hits the ball out of the park with this one as usual this is Ford and Cam story. Ford finally finds his own life in this book and Cam who has crushed on Ford from afar finally gets his love life after trying to convince Ford that he is entitled to a life away from his abusive family. I loved this story and am so glad that Ford finally gets his HEA.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Anna Lynn Y. Torres
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Ms. Sloane Kennedy is one of the most incredible writers I have ever known, and once again you can see that in The Truth Within! It is one of the most heartbreaking stories I have ever read, and I have read all Ms. Sloane's series, but this is one of the reason why Ms. Kennedy is a bestseller author. She brings you into the lives of her characters, I felt the pain that Ford went through in his life, the way his family treats him, and the care and love that Cam shows him whenever he could. The desire to pursue another life and be accepting of it, I felt all that with Ford. The rejection that Cam felt when he underwent the scandal in his previous life, how when he depended on someone to bail him out, be his alibi, and instead be left alone to deal with it, I felt that too. It is a story that can pull you through different kinds of emotions, and the moment when these two characters accept who they are and what they could become together is one of the happiest times I have ever felt with this book. To say that Ms. Kennedy pulls you into the story and makes you live through her characters is an understatement. She is able to get you there and make you feel ecstatic when you finally reach the "happily ever after" end of the story. Congratulations Ms. Sloane Kennedy for another bestseller, I am eagerly awaiting your next bestseller, thank you for always giving us a "must read" story.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars So far so good
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Long build up but gets better .. Love the animals stories that continue in the book....and the men are sweet sexy and smash times are great
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  • Terry@BismARk
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love heals
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ford is such a compelling character, I was drawn to him from the first time he appears. There is so much pain in his life. Cam is a sweetheart from the beginning, though he is wary. I love the family they are building.
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  • AnnElm
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another amazing book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This series is seriously taking all my feelings and just ripp them from my heart.
    I had so many feelings while reading this book and I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes so many times.
    This author are a master of writing in such a way that you instantly care about the men in the books and just can't stop to read until you know what happens to them.

    I have been dying to know what happened to Ford since the last book. With the event in the previous books with his violent and crazy brother I know it was going to be bad.
    Ford is a really good person who's been told and showed otherwise so often that he believes it. But when he meets the new sheriff Cam, feelings he's been trying to suppress comes roaring back.
    Cam, who feels the same attraction and wants nothing more than to help Ford, can't do anything about it. And they have lots of heavy baggage on both sides to overcome to find the happiness they deserve.

    So after wiping away my last tears ( the part with Gentry the bear, the thing with Riley and the part in the end with Walter got me good on top of everything else ) I really want to know,more about Theo and I hope we get to see more of Cam and Fords special family again.

    Trigger warning for those who don't like angst or the occurrence of domestic abuse and homophobia in books.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Tricia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful writing
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I became a Sloan fan through the Protector/Barritti/finding series. Those stories are often painful to read due to the repetitive subject matter. BUT, that is what brings all of those men together as a group. So... I cry a little, rage a little, and wait impatiently for each new story.

    The Pelican Bay series is different. Has some harsh experiences the characters have had to live with and deal with. But each one has been different. And I can say that with a fresh perspective because when I have to wait for a sequel, I will re-read the other books in line. Even reading all 3 in a row, there were no cases of "I just read that" or "That just happened to xxx". Not every author can do that, especially after the first couple of books.

    This series is wonderful. You might be able to read The Truth Within as a stand alone, there are short, non-distracting, references to help explain certain situations from the first 2 books. But, Dallas, Nolan, Maddox, Isaac, and Newt play a huge role in showing Ford what he wants and more importantly deserves and can have, that you will want to read their stories too.
    I'm ready for Sawyer & Jett, Theo & Alex? or Linc? or maybe Theo needs both??? Riley is too young for his HEA just yet...... :)
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Golden Child
    4.0 out of 5 stars Ford & Cam
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Both had things to work through but together they are stronger. Ford needed to put himself first, get out from under the abuse, shame and guilt. Cam needed to realize this was not the same as Carter and he was right to trust his gut. Love the full house at the old Fright house that has aptly been renamed Chaos house.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Milady
    5.0 out of 5 stars Arrested Development !!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Not only was the new sheriff a silver fox, but he was the one man I felt would be my downfall. When Cam first saw Ford he took he breath away. One trying to deny his sexuality and the other not a shame of who he is try to ignore their attraction to each other to no avail. Cam need to protect Ford from abuse is what finally breaks the ice.Finding Ford in a basement filling with water spurs him into action to not only save him but to claim him. But Ford training from the church stopped him from acting on his desire and pushing Cam away in the process. But the more time he spent with Cam the feelings that was programmed into him started disintegrate and all the things he put in the box in his head to forget is seeping out. It took a lot of soul searching but they finally got it right. Great read and the start of a cute family.😃😃😍
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Chris Greenwood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sheriff acts afordingly.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Book 4 of this series lives up to the high standards of this series, full of family angst and love and friendship.
    This series is best read in order but this book really excells.
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  • Urmi
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Must read series
    Reviewed in India on August 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    New sheriff in town Camden is the gift Ford never believed in. Even though Ford Is being abused by his bro and in the closet, Camden supports him and loves him. Add in the rest of the my fav Pelican bay men, a story you can’t put down.
    Hope to see sawyer s and Jett s story soon.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars wow
    Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    These just keep getting better and better with each one … o my god Ford what a roller coaster ride of life he had but to get his happily ever after … amazing
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  • ulla
    5.0 out of 5 stars Familie hat man, Fremde … sind nicht gezwungen zu bleiben
    Reviewed in Germany on October 21, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Wenn Ford eines in seinem Leben gelernt hat, dann dieses: So furchtbar seine Familie auch ist, irgendwie sorgt sie für ihn. Und ohne sie wäre er schließlich völlig alleine. Deshalb versucht er sein Bestes, der gute Sohn zu sein, egal was es ihn kostet …
    Cam ist der neue Sheriff in der Stadt und versteht einfach nicht, warum Ford sich von seinem Bruder und seiner Mutter so drangsalieren lässt. Außerdem versucht er verzweifelt, den jungen Mann nicht an sich heranzulassen, doch der ist ihm längst unter die Haut gegangen. Es gibt allerdings ein Problem: Ford ist nicht out und Cam hat sich geschworen, nie wieder das schmutzige Geheimnis von jemanden zu sein …

    Ja, ich bekenne mich schuldig, ein Fan von Sloane Kennedy zu sein und ihre Bücher zu verschlingen, sobald ich sie in die Finger bekomme. Natürlich entgeht auch mir nicht, dass sie nach einem bestimmten Schema schreibt und wiederkehrende Motive benutzt. Allerdings sticht „The Truth Within“ in meinen Augen aus der Masse heraus. Wie die komplette „Pelican Bay“ Serie, ist die Story nicht ganz so dunkel wie viele ihrer anderen Bücher. Auch wenn Ford geradezu durch die Hölle geht und auch Cam sein Päckchen zu tragen hat, so gibt es doch viele einfach wunderschöne, hoffnungs- und humorvolle Szenen in der Geschichte, die nicht zuletzt auch von ihren starken Nebencharakteren lebt. Man trifft nicht nur die Jungs aus den ersten Büchern wieder, sondern lernt auch noch einige weitere Bewohner des Örtchens kennen (und lieben).

    Besonders berührend fand ich in „The Truth Within“ mehrere Dinge (mit denen nicht nur Homosexuelle zu kämpfen haben): So dreht sich der Kern der Geschichte darum, was eine Familie eigentlich ausmacht. Reicht es, aus einem gemeinsamen Genpool zu stammen? Ford wird von seiner Familie geschützt, aber das hält sie nicht davon ab, ihn körperlich und seelisch zu misshandeln. Sehr eindringlich wird klar gemacht, dass seiner vertrackten Situation mit Logik alleine nicht beizukommen ist. Ford muss seine größte Angst überwinden, um zu verstehen, was er wirklich für sich und seine Zukunft will.
    Sloane Kennedy gelingt es, dies ohne Häme oder erhobenen Zeigefinger zu erzählen. Was für einen Außenstehenden einfach zu sein scheint, ist für Ford mehr als schwierig. Und das alleine zählt.

    Bei aller Grausamkeit gibt es aber auch Hoffnung. Ich kann darauf nicht näher eingehen, ohne massiv zu spoilern. Aber ich liebe die (wenn auch sehr idealisierte) Lösung, die die Autorin den Lesern präsentiert. Für mich ist sie ein Symbol der Hoffnung: Familie hat man, während Fremde nicht gezwungen sind zu bleiben. Aber vielleicht kämpfen sie darum, wenn sie einmal zu Freunden geworden sind und vielleicht erweisen sich diese Bindungen als tiefer und stabiler als die, die man mit Menschen hat, mit denen man zufällig ein paar Gene teilt.

    Fazit: Das Buch hat bei mir einen Nerv getroffen. Mir standen beim Lesen mehr als einmal Tränen in den Augen und ich liebe, liebe, liebe das Ende. Also mindestens 5 Punkte und eine Leseempfehlung. Man kann „The Truth Within“ wirklich als Stand Alone lesen, allerdings sind auch die anderen Bücher der Serie klasse. Ich kann schon jetzt eine Fortsetzung kaum erwarten.
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  • Liash
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loving this series!!
    Reviewed in Australia on January 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I love this series, and this book was no exception! I love that this series focuses on the relationship between the characters - whether romantic or other - rather than it being all about chemistry and bedroom activities. There is also no contrived drama/angst at that 75% mark that is the usual romance trope. What these guys are going through is realistic and reasonable - and there is good communication throughout. Yes they each have secrets that are revealed as the story progresses, but that is still about that relationship and trust development. Again, completely reasonable.

    Cam and Ford were both amazing characters, and complementewch other well. Cam arrived in town and is a little hurt and jaded after the events that went down in his old town, but tries to make the most of the situation he's now in. He has an instant attraction to Ford, but can tell that Ford is going through a lot and is in trouble. He can't help but feel protective of him, but also needs Ford to open up to him about what is going on before he can do anything - what he knows and what he's told being 2 very different things that make it hard for him to remain professional.

    Ford has been a victim all his life - the true extent of that is revealed throughout the story. He struggles to shake off the religious indoctrination and bigotry that his family have forced on him - making him believe that his thoughts and feelings towards Cam are of the devil and that he deserves punishment in the form of the abuse that his older brother puts him through. We have met Jimmy, his brother, in the previous books. The town bully who is now focused on using Ford as a punching bag, blaming Ford for all of his issues, and continuing to steal money from Ford to enable his habits.

    As the story progresses, Ford spends more time with Cam, and also with Dallas, Nolan, Maddox and Isaac - while he admires their relationships and doesn't feel any animosity towards them (more jealousy that they are so open and free with their feelings towards another man), he still feels guilt whenever he gives in to his desires. This gives Cam mixed signals on many occasions, leading to Cam having to put his foot down so he doesn't get hurt again with someone who refuses to be out.

    There are many plotlines raised in this one, and we're now seeing a lot of new characters. There was no mention of Maddox's friend Jett in this one, but Sawyer still plays a role. We also meet Ford's childhood friend, Theo, as well as his old neighbor, and also Cam's young charge, Riley. I loved that all of the smaller plotlines were closed out - some with surprising endings. The situation with Theo remains unresolved, as does the one started in book 2 with Jett. I'm hoping they get their books soon, and that we don't end up with too many open plotlines to adequately close out.

    Definitely a series I would recommend, and I look forward to reading other series' by this author too. Highly recommend - but while it could be read as a standalone, I also recommend starting at book 1 so you get to know all the characters in depth.
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