Discovering You

by Melissa Kean

When Lucy Howard goes to Daleford Manor to work for the mysterious and secretive Nicholas Davenport, an instant attraction flares to life between them. But when his past merges with his present, danger threatens to tear them apart. Desperate to keep her with him, Nicholas makes a decision that will change both their lives—and ultimately make the love they've discovered burn brighter than ever.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Suspense, Adult Fiction, Chick Lit

ebook

First published November 10, 2012

About the author

Melissa Kean lives in her home state of Florida with her husband and two children. She is currently a devoted stay-at-home mother who, in her free time, nurses her wild passion for writing. Her ultimate dream is that her characters will become as beloved to her readers as they are to her.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best free nook books I have ever read. I was definately worth downloading. The characters of Nicholas, ben and lucy are so well developed. I flew through this novel. I fell in love with nicholas, and I wanted to be lucy. There were times when I almost cried. I was able to identify with lucy more than most characters, because of her love of books. She is smart and loving. It was not an instant love affair, but they fell in love adn realized their love over time, with both characters makign mistakes along the way. great read, I would definatley recomend this novel to everyone

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that remind you that a sweet and innocent love is just as powerful as a book that has sex as well as love, maybe more so because the author couldn't rely on sex to bring the couple together.

What made the love between Lucy and Nicholas so powerful was that they seriously fell in love with who they were as people rather than how explosive they were in bed. I get really tired of books with male leads that prefer to conceal all their feelings and act like tough assholes, but this book gave me a reprieve from that. Nicholas was more than happy to act like a sappy, whipped man in the presence of Lucy, and that made me love him all the more. Some authors could really learn how to write romance from this book. All the small touches, the innocent kisses, the secret glances, they really built up the romance and actually made me believe in the love between the two. Even more worthy of praise is that Ms Kean made their love be passionate without including sex, which I think is an amazing and difficult thing to get across on a piece of paper, so kudos to Ms Kean. I could keep going on and on about this because I just adored the love between Lucy and Nicholas so much, but instead I'll say that you should seriously pick up this book right now, you won't be disappointed.

Besides this, I thought the plot was fairly original and intriguing. Again, what I loved about this book is that it didn't use sex as a device for plot advancement. Kean wrote this book with much thought and gave it an interesting plot that kept you on the edge of your seat and unable to put it down. I would know, I stayed up two days straight until 5 am because I wanted to keep reading it! So take my word for it, pick up this book right now and I promise you won't be disappointed.

[Vashti]

Well I decided to read this after reading all of the positive reviews. It did take me awhile to finish this, and not because it was such a long book, it just went on and on and on at times and I had to take a break. I don't mind long books if they are interesting,( actually the longer the better) but this one was very repetitive and I have to agree with many of the other reviewers :you're having a conversation while fighting off hoards of men, Ben was really not needed and quite stupid and childish. Lucy got on my nerves when every few lines her eyes were misting up or she was holding and choking back the tears. and I have to say as soon as nosey Lucy red Marie's manuscript I pretty much had the entire story figured out it was extremely predictable!!! But I couldn't predict the repetitive dialogue(ugh) yet I did persevere and finish it all the way to the end! This could have been a very great story but I felt there was no chemistry what so ever really between any of the characters, but for free book I can't complain and I have read much much worse

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

so i got this as a free nook book from B&N, and let's face it, it is not often you can get a full length novel for free on B&N.

and i have noticed several people pretty much complaining that lucy isn't a kick ass, in your face female lead for the book. BUT, i think based on the time period the author has set her story, that all the characters are very well written and any and all behavior is completely in-keeping with the period

i usually read paranormal romance/erotica, so this was a huge departure from what i normally read, and i quite enjoyed the book, even without all the naughty i am used to in my books ;)

if you have some time to read, i would recommend it, just be warned, it is a bit on the long side. but none the less, a very enjoyable read :)

[Kristina Brownell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't ever have high expectations for FREE nook books, but Discovering You was wonderful! It's a romantic mystery. The protagonists actually have substance. The romance aspect is perfect. The mystery is a nice distraction and adds to the story. Even the length of the book is substantial, but not over the top....and no sequel! Halleluiah! I love a good stand-alone novel....and this one has a great "chill out and enjoy me" quality.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't believe I flew through this book. Pleasantly surprised with the characters remaining true to themselves. Kean has a subtle way of keeping the reader engaged without disappointing. I bought a Nook about a year ago and have become a voracious reader. Thought I'd try this free one, so glad I did. Just disappointed this is her only book! Looking forward to many more!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was FREE on Barnes & Noble & it was AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!! I felt as if I should have paid for it!!! Would have totally been worth it!!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Nicholas and especially Lucy. I enjoy it when the characters speak their mind and don't hold back. For the most part the characters were well developed and easy to follow. There did seem to be parts of the story that were rushed or added in and did not flow, but it was a really good story and it did not take away from that. A solid 4 stars from me!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was kind of long, but there were some interesting twists in the story. I enjoyed reading it and I am kind of happy at the way that the book ended. Left it open to decide how you want the story to continue.

[Jessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very long, but very sweet. While I love some of the more popular romance writers and books, this was a refreshing change. No lords and ladies and society standards and no ten page crazy sex scenes. And the end was very satisfying.

[Franca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I couldn't put down! It reminded me of Pride and Prejudice... "nonsensical" Nicholas and Lucy longing for one another and the mysteries surrounding him made it hard to put down. I like the twists and turns of the book. Very well written, and a free ebook from B&N.

[Marty Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I read this book quickly - the story was fast moving and suspenseful. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Loved the characters. The romance was great too.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! I loved this book immensely. It had everything a reader could want. I would gladly revisit this story again and again...and I shall.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's start out by saying that it was a FREE ebook, so that was a star right there. The plot was pretty predictable after the details of the manuscript emerged and the crazy lady was not a stranger to Nicholas. That being said, the author developed the characters overtime and showcased their strengths and weaknesses. Lucy was a frustrating character for me, with moments where I was applauding her outspokenness and times where she was acting like an impetuous child that I wanted to smack. Ben's character seemed unnecessary and out of place for most of the novel-a page filler. Nicholas was a likable character even during his dark and gloomy days, and all throughout his 'transformation'. Overall it was an enjoyable read, although substantially longer than it needed to be, as the author could have condensed the book without sacrificing the plot.

[Olivia · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I am a quarter of the way through and feel like I have read a thousand pages. It just goes on and on and on . . . . I find myself skipping pages and pages of dialog. Too many WTF moments for me. If Mr. Howard had enough work at the shop to have two assistants, he would really send BOTH away for the summer? And Ben wasn't doing ANYTHING to help Lucy! What was his purpose in the story? If to provide a foil for Nicholas, it wasn't working. If Nicholas had been brooding and drinking himself stupid for five years, he would not fit so nicely into his five-year old clothes. He would have gotten fat from drinking and not doing anything. Anyway, I just can't stand the story any more and am closing the book on this one.

[Mim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit I read this book in one sitting. It is long but for the most part the plot carried the length for me.
So why did I give it 3 stars? It was so completely unrealistic for the period it was set in. To me this lack of research can only be attributed to laziness on the part of the author.
Perhaps it was intended to be a re-telling of Jane Eyre but where as the details of Jane's story rang true for a women in her position (orphaned, governess) during her time period the details of Lucy's story did not. While I admit romance typically should include an element of fantasy and UNLIKELY situations, discovering you was just totally unrealistic.

[Thalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly amazing story! From the very beginning I was hooked and I hated to put it down when I needed to. It got to the point where I felt a painful detachment when I was not reading it. I fell in love with all of the characters, especially the dapper Nicholas Davenport, the charming Lucy Howard, and sweet Beth. This book had many plot twists that had me gasping out loud. This is now by far my favorite book that I have read in a long time. It was full of mystery, romance, tragedy, action, and passion. It was an amazing book from beginning to end and it had me hanging on every word!

Happy Reading!!
~ Thalia

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy's life will forever change when she leaves the comfort of her home, the only child of a Book store owner, to go help a mysterious widower restore his home's library. When Lucy gets to the home she realizes it is much more than the library that needs help as the whole home, including the owner are in shambles.
The beginning part of the book felt a little slow and almost a bit like Beauty and the Beast- but in the end I had a hard time putting it down wanting to find out what happened to the characters, as I truly did come to like and hope for the best for the characters. Mystery, romance and murder keep this story rolling right along.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It really should have been a five star review, and I'm willing to give it a three and a half star review, but it really got a bit fantastical towards the third part in the book. I'm a sucker for a revamped Jane Eyre themed novel, and lets not mistake it as what it really is... But it got fairly repetitive and wordy especially during the antagonist scenes at the end, full conversations while you're beating off hoards of men? But I like it for the most part, and it was a free ebook. I loved the beginning, and basically was invested enough to skim the end.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas lost his beloved wife 5 yrs prior to insanity. As a result, he let his manor house go to ruin, including the Library, which he himself destroyed. He also became a major recluse. Five yrs later, Lucy is sent by her father (who was Nicholas' childhood tutor) to help Nicholas restore the Library to its former glory. His ex-mother-in-law, who is also insane, puts in a couple appearances, as does an unbeknownest twin sister. Excellent book, engrossing read. Some portions were predictible of what was to come but still a good book that I couldn't put down.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice clean romance with mystery involved. One of best free nook books I've read. Most free books I read in a few hours this was a much longer book and it took me a little longer so it kept me entertained longer. Started out reading thinking this is going to be like a Disney beauty and beast story because main characters are Lucy who loves books and Nicholas is a crabby monstrous reclusive man. However, it was a good story and I enjoyed reading it.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't even finish this book. I got a little over half way through and gave up. Nicholas is controlling, demanding, and selfish. And Lucy is the typical naive, innocent, virginal female. Their interactions were awkward and always dominated by Nicholas and what he wanted. Every page made me madder and madder. Luckily this was a free e-book, so I can delete it and forget it.

[Kosi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the BESTEST books I've read in a long time. I absolutely loved it and could not put it down till I was done!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story, I loved it. Sweet characters a.d an interesting plot. It was also clean.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I RARELY read historical romance. Especially historical romance that has zero sex in it. But I REALLY liked this book! It kept me up way too late on several nights.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a nice longer feel good read with some twists... I enjoyed the quirky characters and the cleanness of the book. I'm surprised this is her first book. Will be watching for more down the road!

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a free read on Barnes and Noble, and I actually loved it. it is two books in one and 1228 pages but was a page turner.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was such a great story that made me bubble up with happiness;) a great bonus; it was free!!

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was very long and drawn out but good just the same. I couldn't put it down because I kept waiting to see who would make the first move!

[Alyssa Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

its mister darcy meets belle from beautybin the beast... yet it has been one hell of a good read. give it a chance, the true romance will take your breath away.