Hello Goodbye Series Book 1: Goodbye Paradise by Sarina Bowen

Hello Goodbye Book 1

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.

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Finally got to this Sarina Bowen book and it was great! I can't believe it took me so long since in a very small way it connects to the Truth North series! So this story follows Joshua and Caleb. They are both part of this terrible cult in Wyoming. For Josh, it is extra terrible because he is treated worse than a lot of members there. He is put down all the time and he lives in fear of the day he gets kicked out. That and he is in love with his best friend who is a man. And when the elders have the perfect chance to throw him out for something he didn't do, he has no idea what will happen next. But he is surprised to see he won't be alone. Caleb promises him that he will find him and that he just needs to wait until he gets there. Then they'll both be free. Caleb keeps his promise and together they make their way to Massachusetts where a friend who had runaway from the compound lives. And Joshua is stunned to learn that Caleb not only has always planned for them to leave together but he is in love with him as well. Together they will face a lot of ups and downs as they try to find their place in this new life. As well as coming to terms with who they are together and on their own. Loved this story. Joshua and Caleb were so sweet together! I couldn't put the book down. Just another great story by Sarina Bowen.