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True North #1
Finding West
Part One in a two-part series.
Kat Hollister is a tomboy who lives in t-shirts and dirty jeans and doesn’t give a shit what the world thinks. She lives alone in a small town in Alaska and closes everyone out, with only her dog Josie by her side. For Kat, love and relationships are for the weak, and she is anything but.
Until one cold night when she finds a stranger stumbling on the side of a dark road, a man who has lost his memory.
She gives him temporary shelter against the snowstorm, but what she doesn’t count on is the friendship that blooms. This man—who has no identity—starts to teach her things about herself she never knew, and she begins to wonder if maybe she'd been wrong about love and trust all along.
Finding West is a 60,000 word erotic romance. For readers 18 and up.
Kat Hollister is a tomboy who lives in t-shirts and dirty jeans and doesn’t give a shit what the world thinks. She lives alone in a small town in Alaska and closes everyone out, with only her dog Josie by her side. For Kat, love and relationships are for the weak, and she is anything but.
Until one cold night when she finds a stranger stumbling on the side of a dark road, a man who has lost his memory.
She gives him temporary shelter against the snowstorm, but what she doesn’t count on is the friendship that blooms. This man—who has no identity—starts to teach her things about herself she never knew, and she begins to wonder if maybe she'd been wrong about love and trust all along.
Finding West is a 60,000 word erotic romance. For readers 18 and up.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
14 people are currently reading
1450 people want to read
About the author
June Gray
37 books612 followersI am a writer who likes to titillate and enrage, who revels in breaking the reader's heart and putting it back together again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 7, 2014
*re-reading ready for book 2 release*
An amnesia/loner romance.
Cover: 7/10
Writing style: 8/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Amount of humour: 4/10
Amount of jealousy: 1/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
BLURB: Kat spent her teens as a loner, unsure and shy. Now she lives a lonely life with just a dog for company, staying a few miles away from her small hometown in Alaska and close to the prison. She's feisty, bold, strong and capable.
'I'm one stubborn, contrary motherfucker. And I have a potty mouth.'
On her way home from a trip to the diner, a storm begins to roll in, along with it stumbles a stranger, a tall dark and handsome one, with no idea of who he is.
'I had made a point of avoiding people - men most of all – for the last seven years, but in one moment of insanity, I had willingly brought one back into my home, to my safe haven.'
Stuck in Kat's house, her and the stranger find themselves able to fall into a domestic rhythm easily and sexual tension grows.
'I don't need to know my name beacause by the time I'm done, you'll forget yours.'
But Kat is afraid to get close to him, when his memory returns he'll be going back to his old life. And the stranger is afraid what he'll find out about himself.
“I came to your door a hollow man in more ways than one, but you filled me up. You gave this brain of mine something to think about and this heart of mine someone to care about.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I loved Kat and The Stranger, they were both confrontational, daring and bold. They butted heads and were both a little witty. I love how The Stranger's personality grew and how Kat softened. I really enjoyed the story, it was hot, romantic, heartbreaking and funny, I can't wait for the next one.
At 170 pages, 'Finding West' isn't a long book, but along with #2 it will create a decent sized read. I couldn't put it down, it sucked me in, I was dying to find out who 'West' was, where he came from, where their relationship was headed, and really, I didn't see any of it coming.
I love a memory loss story, this is probably my fave I’ve read so far, if you're looking for others, I can recommend:
I Have People by Taylor Dean
New Life by Bonnie Dee
Wait for Me by Elisabeth Naughton
An amnesia/loner romance.
Cover: 7/10
Writing style: 8/10
Heroine: 9/10
Hero: 9/10
Amount of humour: 4/10
Amount of jealousy: 1/10
Hotness: 8/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 8/10
BLURB: Kat spent her teens as a loner, unsure and shy. Now she lives a lonely life with just a dog for company, staying a few miles away from her small hometown in Alaska and close to the prison. She's feisty, bold, strong and capable.
'I'm one stubborn, contrary motherfucker. And I have a potty mouth.'
On her way home from a trip to the diner, a storm begins to roll in, along with it stumbles a stranger, a tall dark and handsome one, with no idea of who he is.
'I had made a point of avoiding people - men most of all – for the last seven years, but in one moment of insanity, I had willingly brought one back into my home, to my safe haven.'
Stuck in Kat's house, her and the stranger find themselves able to fall into a domestic rhythm easily and sexual tension grows.
'I don't need to know my name beacause by the time I'm done, you'll forget yours.'
But Kat is afraid to get close to him, when his memory returns he'll be going back to his old life. And the stranger is afraid what he'll find out about himself.
“I came to your door a hollow man in more ways than one, but you filled me up. You gave this brain of mine something to think about and this heart of mine someone to care about.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I loved Kat and The Stranger, they were both confrontational, daring and bold. They butted heads and were both a little witty. I love how The Stranger's personality grew and how Kat softened. I really enjoyed the story, it was hot, romantic, heartbreaking and funny, I can't wait for the next one.
At 170 pages, 'Finding West' isn't a long book, but along with #2 it will create a decent sized read. I couldn't put it down, it sucked me in, I was dying to find out who 'West' was, where he came from, where their relationship was headed, and really, I didn't see any of it coming.
I love a memory loss story, this is probably my fave I’ve read so far, if you're looking for others, I can recommend:
I Have People by Taylor Dean
New Life by Bonnie Dee
Wait for Me by Elisabeth Naughton
Want to read
August 23, 2013The idea for Finding West came to me one day while driving in Salinas, CA, when I passed a woman in a beat up old truck. She was wearing a flannel shirt and had no trace of makeup on her face, and in the passenger seat sat her dog. I imagined her to be without fuss or pageantry, happy to live on her own with only her dog as her companion. She would be strong, self-reliant, and a little bit of a prickly hermit.
Thus the character Kat was born.
Then I wondered what it would be like if that fiercely independent woman suddenly had to take care of a grown man. How would she react to the simple act of bringing a stranger into her home, occupying her space?
Would it change her identity? And his?
---
Finding West was meant to be one, long novel but due to my 70,000 word contract restriction, I had to divide it into two. I'm hoping to have the sequel, Heading East, done by November. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this little story of mine!
Thus the character Kat was born.
Then I wondered what it would be like if that fiercely independent woman suddenly had to take care of a grown man. How would she react to the simple act of bringing a stranger into her home, occupying her space?
Would it change her identity? And his?
---
Finding West was meant to be one, long novel but due to my 70,000 word contract restriction, I had to divide it into two. I'm hoping to have the sequel, Heading East, done by November. I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this little story of mine!
September 3, 2013
This gets a two thumbs up! A terrific read.
October 8, 2013
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
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Another 5 star book will close out my weekend! June Gray is a freaking artist!!!! I loved this book from the bottom of my heart. West is the epitome of hot alpha with a dirty mouth who knows just what to say and do. Such sweetness too! This story was breathtaking.
Kat
For Kat, love and relationships are for the weak, and she is anything but.Until one cold night when she finds a stranger stumbling on the side of a dark road, a man who has lost his memory.
The Stranger
A past forgotten ..not even a name.
He saw her beauty when she was blind.
Passion undenied
Explosive chemistry...
He couldn't let her go. He didn't want his old life back.
A promise
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Another 5 star book will close out my weekend! June Gray is a freaking artist!!!! I loved this book from the bottom of my heart. West is the epitome of hot alpha with a dirty mouth who knows just what to say and do. Such sweetness too! This story was breathtaking.
Kat
For Kat, love and relationships are for the weak, and she is anything but.Until one cold night when she finds a stranger stumbling on the side of a dark road, a man who has lost his memory.
The Stranger
A past forgotten ..not even a name.
He saw her beauty when she was blind.
Passion undenied
Explosive chemistry...
He couldn't let her go. He didn't want his old life back.
A promise
November 14, 2013
R E A L L Y? Another book for Kat and West? R E A L L Y? Do we need that?
I don't like books with cliffies where their HEAs appear in the sequels. I always felt that the momentum of the story kinda slowed a bit when told in a different book. The anticipation just got deflated somehow. And there will be all kinds of repetitive/flash back drama. Hate those.
Still, I'll read book #2 just because JG wrote it. And hoping that it will at least be a 4star read.
Thank you very much to Rachel who kindly lent a stranger this book.
I don't like books with cliffies where their HEAs appear in the sequels. I always felt that the momentum of the story kinda slowed a bit when told in a different book. The anticipation just got deflated somehow. And there will be all kinds of repetitive/flash back drama. Hate those.
Still, I'll read book #2 just because JG wrote it. And hoping that it will at least be a 4star read.
Thank you very much to Rachel who kindly lent a stranger this book.
August 24, 2013
Ms. Gray had me with her "Disarm series", from the moment I started reading "Finding West", she had me even more, because OMG!!! from the moment I started reading "Finding West", I couldn't put it down, I ended finish the book in one day, that how good it was...Thank God for take out :).... The characters of this amazing book are Kat and West...Kat is a tomboy who lives in t-shirts and dirty jeans and doesn’t give a shit what the world thinks of her. She lives alone in a small town in Alaska and closes everyone out, with only her dog Josie by her side. For Kat, love and relationships are for the weak, and she is anything but..Plus Kat has a mouth of a sailor, she funny and love how she keep giving West all different kinda names, from Lenny from south park to Bart Simpson.... Who is this stranger?? One cold night while driving home, Kat finds a stranger stumbling on the side of a dark road, a man who has lost his memory... Kat give this stranger shelter against the snowstorm, but what she doesn’t count on is the friendship that blooms between them and trying not to fall for the handsome stranger...Finally she came up with the name West, which both like...West had me at "Hello", I felt for West as fast as Kat did...I highly recommend this book, specially to find out who West is, and OMG, what a twist to the plot of the story..So pick up the book and take a journey with Kat to finding out who West is...If I could give it more then 5 stars, I would...
November 28, 2013
It was time for an eBook and has been a while since I'd done erotica, so... this looked like it might fit the bill. And it was free on Amazon, and about people forgetting who they are, and I've been on an amnesia kick - so what could be better?
It's a simple story: loner girl (Kat) living crusty in Alaska, finds guy in a snowbank, thaws him out at home, and wouldn'tcha know, he has amnesia. While waiting out the storm, they get hot n' bothered, then while waiting for the town sheriff to figure out who he is, they bonk themselves into oblivion. Identity confirms he's a jerk, he swears he's changed, but she swears he's played her (because she's SUCH a lovely individual), he leaves heartbroken with an open invitation to his other life, and the book ends with a '...to be continued'.
Frankly? Kat (and the author) are the emotional and mental equivalents of fifteen year olds. The character pouts, is belligerent, is childish and immature in her interaction with just about everyone... It's like Bella Swan's snot-nosed, bratty little sister, not an adult. We're *told* Kat is twenty-five, but honestly, are we supposed to suspend reality and believe that this girl has been SEVEN YEARS stewing over her prom date copping a feel, getting pressured for sex? C'mon!! And we're told that she's so tough, she carries a glock and bashes people's noses in with her head... but she's still so fragile she's got Prozac in the bathroom and is SEVEN YEARS recouping from trying to slit her wrists over gossip back in high school? Do they even ALLOW people with medications and past history of suicide to HAVE a registered gun? Cuz... I'd think no.
And the author wrote in the SAME VOICE for the incarcerated father... it sounded like at fifteen year old girl, not a concerned parent. Bad writing, Ms. Gray.
As if that wasn't enough, we have 'West' dreaming of his full name and her full name, and upon waking, he uses her full name while addressing her (but she's never told it to him)... and it doesn't strike EITHER ONE of them as odd. In fact, it's like the author forgot that she did that, because he has to have ANOTHER flashback later to recall his name, yet again. ((!?!?!?!))
And then there's the oh-so-humorous, "I was just a challenge to you - you came here and bonked me and used me!" crap. DUH! Unmarried tramp givin' herself up to a total stranger... why buy the cow if she's giving out milk, baby? ((StoOpid author.)) OF COURSE he came in and bonked you. Just like you walked in and bonked him. Hello! Like that's not the truth? And she's EVERY bit as responsible and yet the author doesn't seem to register this - of course the heroine is so abused! At least don't act surprised. It's called fornication for a reason, and it takes TWO to tango. Get OVER yourself, if your choice is to imbibe. This chick is NOT worth it, West. Run, and don't look back.
Yeah. There's a reason it was free. Oh, and I'm CERTAINLY going to wait for the sequel, in which Kat stops pouting in Alaska and packs up to follow West back east to NYC so she can bonk him into oblivion some more... while denying her part in any of it. Sounds like a GREAT read to me. (((((Not.)))))
Um, skip this one.
It's a simple story: loner girl (Kat) living crusty in Alaska, finds guy in a snowbank, thaws him out at home, and wouldn'tcha know, he has amnesia. While waiting out the storm, they get hot n' bothered, then while waiting for the town sheriff to figure out who he is, they bonk themselves into oblivion. Identity confirms he's a jerk, he swears he's changed, but she swears he's played her (because she's SUCH a lovely individual), he leaves heartbroken with an open invitation to his other life, and the book ends with a '...to be continued'.
Frankly? Kat (and the author) are the emotional and mental equivalents of fifteen year olds. The character pouts, is belligerent, is childish and immature in her interaction with just about everyone... It's like Bella Swan's snot-nosed, bratty little sister, not an adult. We're *told* Kat is twenty-five, but honestly, are we supposed to suspend reality and believe that this girl has been SEVEN YEARS stewing over her prom date copping a feel, getting pressured for sex? C'mon!! And we're told that she's so tough, she carries a glock and bashes people's noses in with her head... but she's still so fragile she's got Prozac in the bathroom and is SEVEN YEARS recouping from trying to slit her wrists over gossip back in high school? Do they even ALLOW people with medications and past history of suicide to HAVE a registered gun? Cuz... I'd think no.
And the author wrote in the SAME VOICE for the incarcerated father... it sounded like at fifteen year old girl, not a concerned parent. Bad writing, Ms. Gray.
As if that wasn't enough, we have 'West' dreaming of his full name and her full name, and upon waking, he uses her full name while addressing her (but she's never told it to him)... and it doesn't strike EITHER ONE of them as odd. In fact, it's like the author forgot that she did that, because he has to have ANOTHER flashback later to recall his name, yet again. ((!?!?!?!))
And then there's the oh-so-humorous, "I was just a challenge to you - you came here and bonked me and used me!" crap. DUH! Unmarried tramp givin' herself up to a total stranger... why buy the cow if she's giving out milk, baby? ((StoOpid author.)) OF COURSE he came in and bonked you. Just like you walked in and bonked him. Hello! Like that's not the truth? And she's EVERY bit as responsible and yet the author doesn't seem to register this - of course the heroine is so abused! At least don't act surprised. It's called fornication for a reason, and it takes TWO to tango. Get OVER yourself, if your choice is to imbibe. This chick is NOT worth it, West. Run, and don't look back.
Yeah. There's a reason it was free. Oh, and I'm CERTAINLY going to wait for the sequel, in which Kat stops pouting in Alaska and packs up to follow West back east to NYC so she can bonk him into oblivion some more... while denying her part in any of it. Sounds like a GREAT read to me. (((((Not.)))))
Um, skip this one.
August 23, 2013
NOTE: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!!
I really went through the gaunlet of emotions with this book. In the beginning I was not certain I would like the lead heroine Kat (great name by the way), I didn't know if I would like her crass mouth and rough exterior, but she ending up growing on me a bit. Then along comes "West" and I fell for him HARD. He was so sweet and kind to Kat. My heart melted for him with the trials and tribulations of his memory loss. I can't imagine what it would feel like to remember nothing about yourself and lose your identity completely. As their relationship begins to grow from strangers to friends to eventually lovers, I had a rough time with Kat through this process. She fought him tooth and nail and at times I was extremely aggitated by her. She finally got over herself and gave in to her wants and things were good for a little while until West starting regaining parts of his memory. Anyway, as West's memory slowly began to re-emerge, he realizes that maybe he doesn't like his former self (and rightfully so, he was an asshat in a big way). BUT...the big thing here is that West realizes he doesn't want to be that person anymore and chooses to be with and love Kat. However, as all the events leading up to West's memory loss unfold, Kat is quick to push him away and chase him off and I had a hard time with that as well. I think that West more than proved his faithfulness and love for her. He made it clear that she was what he wanted in life, but it was Kat who said NO! The story ends in a cliffhanger, which I already knew prior to reading the book, so I'm fine with that, but I will say it will be hell waiting for the last installment to come out. As much as Kat pissed me off, I still felt for her and want to see her get her HEA with West a/k/a Luke. They both deserve it.
On a final note, I'm a little nervous to see what happens in the next book. At the end of Finding West it seems as though Kat is going to pursue her dream in fashion. Of course, I'm sure she is headed to a fashion school in New York, which is exactly where West lives. My fear is that these two find eachother again, but because of West's manwhoring history, that is going to become a constant roadblock...which I'm not looking forward to.
I really went through the gaunlet of emotions with this book. In the beginning I was not certain I would like the lead heroine Kat (great name by the way), I didn't know if I would like her crass mouth and rough exterior, but she ending up growing on me a bit. Then along comes "West" and I fell for him HARD. He was so sweet and kind to Kat. My heart melted for him with the trials and tribulations of his memory loss. I can't imagine what it would feel like to remember nothing about yourself and lose your identity completely. As their relationship begins to grow from strangers to friends to eventually lovers, I had a rough time with Kat through this process. She fought him tooth and nail and at times I was extremely aggitated by her. She finally got over herself and gave in to her wants and things were good for a little while until West starting regaining parts of his memory. Anyway, as West's memory slowly began to re-emerge, he realizes that maybe he doesn't like his former self (and rightfully so, he was an asshat in a big way). BUT...the big thing here is that West realizes he doesn't want to be that person anymore and chooses to be with and love Kat. However, as all the events leading up to West's memory loss unfold, Kat is quick to push him away and chase him off and I had a hard time with that as well. I think that West more than proved his faithfulness and love for her. He made it clear that she was what he wanted in life, but it was Kat who said NO! The story ends in a cliffhanger, which I already knew prior to reading the book, so I'm fine with that, but I will say it will be hell waiting for the last installment to come out. As much as Kat pissed me off, I still felt for her and want to see her get her HEA with West a/k/a Luke. They both deserve it.
On a final note, I'm a little nervous to see what happens in the next book. At the end of Finding West it seems as though Kat is going to pursue her dream in fashion. Of course, I'm sure she is headed to a fashion school in New York, which is exactly where West lives. My fear is that these two find eachother again, but because of West's manwhoring history, that is going to become a constant roadblock...which I'm not looking forward to.
May 4, 2014
Possible spoilers below, reviewing as I read.
“I don’t need to know my name because by the time I’m done, you’ll forget yours.” hothothothothothot
I'm getting over her hostility. There's a difference between being guarded and being a bitch. She's so up and down that if I were West, I'd be slipping that Prozac into her morning coffee.
He asked to borrow her car to go shopping, but he doesn't have a licence (at least not on his person) or money...does he even remember how to drive, if he ever knew?
The man who remembers nothing of his own life just recited your full name when you never told him it, and you're not concerned? Also the dream told him his name and he didn't even address it.
Okay...what? He went all the way to Alaska to track down a girl his friend told him about in some shitty story? He hired a private investigator and put off a vacation in Puerto Rico for that? Wtf. That's the most unbelievable thing in this entire story, and that's really saying something.
"I thought about Kat, my mind retracing our steps from the very beginning when I’d awoken on a cold floor with a blanket over me and a woman’s socked feet in my line of sight. She didn’t know it but even in that disoriented moment, when I saw her sleeping form on the couch, I’d felt immediately at ease. I might have even been slightly impressed with myself for finally picking a girl who was different from the rest. I thought that maybe I was finally evolving." Umm...how could you have been proud of yourself for evolving when you didn't know what you were previously?
This book was...I don't know. The sex was hot, but other than that, they honestly didn't have a real connection, in my opinion. There was no reason for him to like her. She wasn't fun and challenging, she was just a bitch. I can't help but feel that the author kept forgetting that West had amnesia(no pun intended), and I feel like the subject of amnesia wasn't well researched. Furthermore, some guy has a head injury and can't remember a thing and they just go to a GP to check that out? They didn't seem to take it seriously or do any sort of testing or anything. It was just "You have amnesia. Good luck." I don't think I'll bother with book #2.
“I don’t need to know my name because by the time I’m done, you’ll forget yours.” hothothothothothot
I'm getting over her hostility. There's a difference between being guarded and being a bitch. She's so up and down that if I were West, I'd be slipping that Prozac into her morning coffee.
He asked to borrow her car to go shopping, but he doesn't have a licence (at least not on his person) or money...does he even remember how to drive, if he ever knew?
The man who remembers nothing of his own life just recited your full name when you never told him it, and you're not concerned? Also the dream told him his name and he didn't even address it.
Okay...what? He went all the way to Alaska to track down a girl his friend told him about in some shitty story? He hired a private investigator and put off a vacation in Puerto Rico for that? Wtf. That's the most unbelievable thing in this entire story, and that's really saying something.
"I thought about Kat, my mind retracing our steps from the very beginning when I’d awoken on a cold floor with a blanket over me and a woman’s socked feet in my line of sight. She didn’t know it but even in that disoriented moment, when I saw her sleeping form on the couch, I’d felt immediately at ease. I might have even been slightly impressed with myself for finally picking a girl who was different from the rest. I thought that maybe I was finally evolving." Umm...how could you have been proud of yourself for evolving when you didn't know what you were previously?
This book was...I don't know. The sex was hot, but other than that, they honestly didn't have a real connection, in my opinion. There was no reason for him to like her. She wasn't fun and challenging, she was just a bitch. I can't help but feel that the author kept forgetting that West had amnesia(no pun intended), and I feel like the subject of amnesia wasn't well researched. Furthermore, some guy has a head injury and can't remember a thing and they just go to a GP to check that out? They didn't seem to take it seriously or do any sort of testing or anything. It was just "You have amnesia. Good luck." I don't think I'll bother with book #2.
October 29, 2015
Es un libro cortito y no entiendo porque lo ha separado en dos, pero en fin..., más allá de eso es un libro que está bastante bien, la autora no se enzarza en descripciones absurdas y aún así te haces una idea perfecta de todo. La historia me ha gustado y los dos personajes principales también, ella vive escondida del mundo debido a cosas del pasado, y tiene una especie de agorafobia que le da muchos puntos a su personaje, lo que la ha convertido en una mujer independiente a tope. Y él no sabe quién es y cuando lo descubre...
Una pega importante que yo le pondría son LOS PLAZOS, es decir, todo pasa demasiado rápido. Puedo entender que sientas atracción, una enorme atracción (y más si has estado más sola que la una y el Sr. Extraño está para hacerle de todo menos asco), pero hablan de amor demasiado pronto para mi gusto, y lo digo en plural, porque lo que si me ha parecido genial es que en este caso no es ella la que está susurrando palabras de amor en el minuto uno.
Así ando ya liada con el segundo, a ver qué tal terminamos.
Una pega importante que yo le pondría son LOS PLAZOS, es decir, todo pasa demasiado rápido. Puedo entender que sientas atracción, una enorme atracción (y más si has estado más sola que la una y el Sr. Extraño está para hacerle de todo menos asco), pero hablan de amor demasiado pronto para mi gusto, y lo digo en plural, porque lo que si me ha parecido genial es que en este caso no es ella la que está susurrando palabras de amor en el minuto uno.
Así ando ya liada con el segundo, a ver qué tal terminamos.
September 12, 2024
Such compelling storytelling by June Gray.
Kat and West’s story was so unique but still ventured on other romances I’ve read before.
West had amnesia but Kat herself didn’t really know who she was. And they found themselves with one another and I thought it was beautiful.
What I love about Gray’s books is the wonderful writing, exceptional romance and the steamy scenes (of course). The themes are never just one dimensional, they exude different layers and emotions.
That is something I look for in any story I read and I know I can count on this author to display that.
The small-ish twist was unexpected! But I liked that that made an easy transition to the second book.
Kat and West’s story was so unique but still ventured on other romances I’ve read before.
West had amnesia but Kat herself didn’t really know who she was. And they found themselves with one another and I thought it was beautiful.
What I love about Gray’s books is the wonderful writing, exceptional romance and the steamy scenes (of course). The themes are never just one dimensional, they exude different layers and emotions.
That is something I look for in any story I read and I know I can count on this author to display that.
The small-ish twist was unexpected! But I liked that that made an easy transition to the second book.
September 5, 2014
3 to 3.5 Stars
West/Luke
Kat
I was recommend by my friend a month ago. She told me to read this relatively short book. She had told me it was one of her favorite "amnesia romance."
I was impressed and also disappointed. It wasn't because I had my hopes up high.
I just couldn't give a crap about Kat.
I do understand her life was tough. She's got all these barb wired walls around her. But her craziness got out of control for me.
If wonder if West would have fallen for her if he didn't have amnesia.
She was a bitch...her snarky comments were not amusing...
She was definitely bipolar...
Ya Ya Ya. Call me an insensitive bitch...but I just couldn't stand Kat 80% of the time.
West...He was seriously the star of this book...
He was vulnerable..sexy..dominant...sensitive...
I did not want to find out who he really was. I was also scared West and Kat's magic spell would just disappear.
Of course the book had to freaking end!!!!
I still don't know why Kat was such a bitch...
Despite my dislike for Kat...I do want to give her another chance...
I'm just going to be patient and hope she changes!
West/Luke
Kat
I was recommend by my friend a month ago. She told me to read this relatively short book. She had told me it was one of her favorite "amnesia romance."
I was impressed and also disappointed. It wasn't because I had my hopes up high.
I just couldn't give a crap about Kat.
I do understand her life was tough. She's got all these barb wired walls around her. But her craziness got out of control for me.
If wonder if West would have fallen for her if he didn't have amnesia.
She was a bitch...her snarky comments were not amusing...
She was definitely bipolar...
Ya Ya Ya. Call me an insensitive bitch...but I just couldn't stand Kat 80% of the time.
West...He was seriously the star of this book...
He was vulnerable..sexy..dominant...sensitive...
I did not want to find out who he really was. I was also scared West and Kat's magic spell would just disappear.
Of course the book had to freaking end!!!!
I still don't know why Kat was such a bitch...
Despite my dislike for Kat...I do want to give her another chance...
I'm just going to be patient and hope she changes!
August 23, 2013
June Gray ~ how I have missed you! After reading all of the Disarm Series I was anxiously awaiting your next book and was not disappointed.
Kat is a very different type of character ~ living in BFE with her dog and staying away from people as much as possible. Finding the stranger on the side of the road in the snow (with no memory of who he is) sets off a story that I could not put down. Watching both Kat & West let down their guards and fall for one another was beautifully written and the story had a twist that I was not anticipating.
Definitely a must read - impatiently awaiting the sequel!!!
Kat is a very different type of character ~ living in BFE with her dog and staying away from people as much as possible. Finding the stranger on the side of the road in the snow (with no memory of who he is) sets off a story that I could not put down. Watching both Kat & West let down their guards and fall for one another was beautifully written and the story had a twist that I was not anticipating.
Definitely a must read - impatiently awaiting the sequel!!!
August 26, 2013
I adore the story set in Alaska, where the nature is wildness and people friendly. I must admit the plot is very original and well wrote. The world is just little and if we add the fate then is really extraordinary for Kat, find one handsome stranger out cold in the snow that will change her life. Too bad wait the next book for the end because the story is so romantic, sexy and also a bit drammatic.
November 10, 2022
so what was the point of this book exactly
August 20, 2013
I must say June blew me out of the water, this book was a breath of fresh air. I haven't read anything like this yet and I loved it! And it was HILARIOUS!!!
I loved the Disarm series, but I think I loved this more. It hit all the key points in a wonderful and well written story. Kat is a hermit and one night she finds this tall, dark stranger on the side of the road. She takes him in and nurses him back to health. And slowly she starts to fall for him. He starts bringing her out of that shell she lives in.
West slowly starts remembering who he is and why he came to Alaska, and he is realizing he doesn't like the man he was. But what can you do other than go back? Especially when Kat finds out his secrets. It was an amazing story and I loved every second. I cannot wait for book 2 and see what happens And if all my questions are answered. These two need a HEA, all they've been through. I was a little ticked, I mean what he did ya, dickish, but he changed and for the better, I wish Kat could of seen that and not let him leave. But then it wouldn't make a story, I suppose. I just hope going East, finds West. MUST READ!!! Amazing book ladies, you will swoon over West and fall completely in love with this story.
Ps- hope its not next year, hope it's November we get the second book! Don't think I can wait that long!!
Some quotes I loved:
"Let's let the strange man pee first. He'll just taste like piss if you bite him now."(Hilarious!)
Freeballing < BEST TERM EVER! Haha.
"Because your tears of bitterness are not mixed in?"
"You saved my life. I'm Just wondering if I need to return the favor."
"Then I'll f^*+-ing kill him and put his body up like a scarecrow in my front yard to scare away any other potential serial killers." ( HILARIOUS!)
"But you wanted me here. I bet nobody else can say the same."
"I'm going to lay it all out for you just so there's no doubt. I care about you and I'm fairly certain you care about me."
"I came to your door a hollow man, in more ways than one. But you filled me up. You have this brain of mine something to think about and this heart of mine someone to care about. Is it so inconceivable, then that I have fallen for you?"
"But you're a good person now. Let's leave it at that."
"If you believe nothing else just believe that I've stayed, that out of all the women I've even with, I chose to stay with you."
"You know I've never fought for anyone score. But you changed everything."
"You're not a notch. You're the axe that broke the bedpost in half."
"I had no direction in my life I was defying and aimless. Until you."
"Whether I'm West or Luke, the basics, irrefutable fact is that I love you."
"I want to share with you my home, my life, everything."
"Because you're one of us. You're our jerk And we protect our own."(Franny is hilarious)
" I was lost long before I flew to Alaska. I was wandering through life without aim and then you found me and it was as if everything slid into place. In a tiny house in Alaska, I found my true North."
I loved the Disarm series, but I think I loved this more. It hit all the key points in a wonderful and well written story. Kat is a hermit and one night she finds this tall, dark stranger on the side of the road. She takes him in and nurses him back to health. And slowly she starts to fall for him. He starts bringing her out of that shell she lives in.
West slowly starts remembering who he is and why he came to Alaska, and he is realizing he doesn't like the man he was. But what can you do other than go back? Especially when Kat finds out his secrets. It was an amazing story and I loved every second. I cannot wait for book 2 and see what happens And if all my questions are answered. These two need a HEA, all they've been through. I was a little ticked, I mean what he did ya, dickish, but he changed and for the better, I wish Kat could of seen that and not let him leave. But then it wouldn't make a story, I suppose. I just hope going East, finds West. MUST READ!!! Amazing book ladies, you will swoon over West and fall completely in love with this story.
Ps- hope its not next year, hope it's November we get the second book! Don't think I can wait that long!!
Some quotes I loved:
"Let's let the strange man pee first. He'll just taste like piss if you bite him now."(Hilarious!)
Freeballing < BEST TERM EVER! Haha.
"Because your tears of bitterness are not mixed in?"
"You saved my life. I'm Just wondering if I need to return the favor."
"Then I'll f^*+-ing kill him and put his body up like a scarecrow in my front yard to scare away any other potential serial killers." ( HILARIOUS!)
"But you wanted me here. I bet nobody else can say the same."
"I'm going to lay it all out for you just so there's no doubt. I care about you and I'm fairly certain you care about me."
"I came to your door a hollow man, in more ways than one. But you filled me up. You have this brain of mine something to think about and this heart of mine someone to care about. Is it so inconceivable, then that I have fallen for you?"
"But you're a good person now. Let's leave it at that."
"If you believe nothing else just believe that I've stayed, that out of all the women I've even with, I chose to stay with you."
"You know I've never fought for anyone score. But you changed everything."
"You're not a notch. You're the axe that broke the bedpost in half."
"I had no direction in my life I was defying and aimless. Until you."
"Whether I'm West or Luke, the basics, irrefutable fact is that I love you."
"I want to share with you my home, my life, everything."
"Because you're one of us. You're our jerk And we protect our own."(Franny is hilarious)
" I was lost long before I flew to Alaska. I was wandering through life without aim and then you found me and it was as if everything slid into place. In a tiny house in Alaska, I found my true North."
August 21, 2017
4 Stars -
Finding West
is an adult contemporary romance by June Gray and the 1st book in her
True North
series.
Katherine “Kat” Hollister—known as ‘The Hermit from Sommers Lane’—lives alone in a small, isolated and quiet Alaskan town with only her German Shepherd, Josie, by her side. A tomboy who lives in t-shirts and jeans and doesn’t give a shit what the world thinks, she lives without pretense amongst her simple belongings, which suits her just fine. For her, love and relationships are for the weak, and she’s anything but.
Until one cold, snowy night when she finds a stranger unconscious on the side of the road. With no ID or anything that would indicate who he was or where he was from, and the nearest hospital almost an hour away, she can either leave him there to freeze to death or help the stranger.
Kat has made a point of avoiding people—men most of all—but in one moment of insanity she willingly brings one back to her home, to her safe haven, to give him temporary shelter against the snowstorm. But when he awakens, he has no memory of who he is or where he’s from. As Kat slowly nurses him back to health, what she doesn’t count on is the friendship that blooms. This man—who she names West—starts to teach her things about herself she never knew, and she begins to wonder if maybe she'd been wrong about love and trust all along.
But as West begins to regain his memory they discover he isn’t the man they both believe him to be…
Finding West is a well-written, engaging story about a woman who has spent her life isolating herself from others. Kat is a stubborn, contrary, recluse of a woman with a potty mouth, who hides herself behind baggy, unfeminine clothes. Finding a handsome stranger unconscious on the side of the road during a snowstorm sets this story off and running. As Kat slowly begins to let her guard down, West starts bringing her out of the shell she’s been living in. But as he begins to remember bits and pieces of his past, West finds himself at odds with the man he’s become, and the man he was. A beautifully told story, Finding West is a passionate, romantic read of self-discovery that ends in a dreaded cliffhanger, but I knew that going in and am looking forward to the conclusion—their HEA, I certainly hope—in Heading East.
Content: graphic language, explicit sex and oral.
Katherine “Kat” Hollister—known as ‘The Hermit from Sommers Lane’—lives alone in a small, isolated and quiet Alaskan town with only her German Shepherd, Josie, by her side. A tomboy who lives in t-shirts and jeans and doesn’t give a shit what the world thinks, she lives without pretense amongst her simple belongings, which suits her just fine. For her, love and relationships are for the weak, and she’s anything but.
Until one cold, snowy night when she finds a stranger unconscious on the side of the road. With no ID or anything that would indicate who he was or where he was from, and the nearest hospital almost an hour away, she can either leave him there to freeze to death or help the stranger.
Kat has made a point of avoiding people—men most of all—but in one moment of insanity she willingly brings one back to her home, to her safe haven, to give him temporary shelter against the snowstorm. But when he awakens, he has no memory of who he is or where he’s from. As Kat slowly nurses him back to health, what she doesn’t count on is the friendship that blooms. This man—who she names West—starts to teach her things about herself she never knew, and she begins to wonder if maybe she'd been wrong about love and trust all along.
“Kat, I love you. I honest-to-goodness fell stupidly, remarkably in love with you. No matter what other ugly things I dig up from my past, it will never change that one truth.”
But as West begins to regain his memory they discover he isn’t the man they both believe him to be…
Finding West is a well-written, engaging story about a woman who has spent her life isolating herself from others. Kat is a stubborn, contrary, recluse of a woman with a potty mouth, who hides herself behind baggy, unfeminine clothes. Finding a handsome stranger unconscious on the side of the road during a snowstorm sets this story off and running. As Kat slowly begins to let her guard down, West starts bringing her out of the shell she’s been living in. But as he begins to remember bits and pieces of his past, West finds himself at odds with the man he’s become, and the man he was. A beautifully told story, Finding West is a passionate, romantic read of self-discovery that ends in a dreaded cliffhanger, but I knew that going in and am looking forward to the conclusion—their HEA, I certainly hope—in Heading East.
Content: graphic language, explicit sex and oral.
October 1, 2016
A very good book that unfortunately didn't end well, but book #2 is on the way so we still can hope an HEA is on the way.
Kat is a recluse, living a self imposed lonely existence in a cabin in a small village in Alaska. Kat grew up in Anchorage, was bullied and teased in high school which really crushed her already fragile soul. She tried to commit suicide, her dad came to her defense and wound up in prison for beating up one of her tormentors. This small cabin is in the town where the prison is located so she can visit him. Other than her father and a few of the townspeople, she has very little contact with the outside world.
Then one dark, snowy night on her way home she sees a man stumbling down her road, obviously in distress and she must make a decision. Let the man die in the elements or try to help him by taking him in. Of course, she takes him in and finds he has amnesia and doesn't know who he is or where he's from (or why he's in Alaska). A relationship, of course, develops and Kat's defenses are melting--until he starts to remember who he is and finally the big reason why he is in Alaska and Kat can't handle it and goes back into her shell.
I liked the story but felt Kat should have given the relationship a little more effort. He told her as he started to regain his memories that he didn't think he was a very nice guy in the past and he regretted it and that he was going to change. But, when it all came out she just couldn't take it and ordered him away.
It looks like book #2 will be Kat taking up the stranger's suggestion that she go to fashion design school in New York (the stranger's home town). And, I trust they will meet again and all will be happy again (I hope!).
Kat is a recluse, living a self imposed lonely existence in a cabin in a small village in Alaska. Kat grew up in Anchorage, was bullied and teased in high school which really crushed her already fragile soul. She tried to commit suicide, her dad came to her defense and wound up in prison for beating up one of her tormentors. This small cabin is in the town where the prison is located so she can visit him. Other than her father and a few of the townspeople, she has very little contact with the outside world.
Then one dark, snowy night on her way home she sees a man stumbling down her road, obviously in distress and she must make a decision. Let the man die in the elements or try to help him by taking him in. Of course, she takes him in and finds he has amnesia and doesn't know who he is or where he's from (or why he's in Alaska). A relationship, of course, develops and Kat's defenses are melting--until he starts to remember who he is and finally the big reason why he is in Alaska and Kat can't handle it and goes back into her shell.
I liked the story but felt Kat should have given the relationship a little more effort. He told her as he started to regain his memories that he didn't think he was a very nice guy in the past and he regretted it and that he was going to change. But, when it all came out she just couldn't take it and ordered him away.
It looks like book #2 will be Kat taking up the stranger's suggestion that she go to fashion design school in New York (the stranger's home town). And, I trust they will meet again and all will be happy again (I hope!).
September 13, 2013
Oh man did i love this book....but now i have to wait for part two... :(
Kat Hollister...independent, withdrawn, fiesty, protective of her heart. One evil boy and a night ruined and shaped who she was; always keeping people at arms length. Then on a stormy night a man falls and hits his head on the side of the road. Underneath all that stealy exterior is a compassionate woman with a heart of gold. She takes the stray man in only to discover he has acute amnesia.
Snowed in for three days they get to understand eachother and discover little idiosyncrasies. She names him West and he sees beneath her facade.
The more West falls in love with Kat the more little snippets of his memory and identity appear. Everything that Kat is against he has done in the past. Only to eventually result in the true nature of his appearance. Heartache
Can't wait to read Heading East. I hope by the name of the title that means Kat is going to stop closing herslef off from people and find what makes her happy and eventually lead her back to Luke (West).
Yea June Gray can't wait for it to come out!!
Kat Hollister...independent, withdrawn, fiesty, protective of her heart. One evil boy and a night ruined and shaped who she was; always keeping people at arms length. Then on a stormy night a man falls and hits his head on the side of the road. Underneath all that stealy exterior is a compassionate woman with a heart of gold. She takes the stray man in only to discover he has acute amnesia.
Snowed in for three days they get to understand eachother and discover little idiosyncrasies. She names him West and he sees beneath her facade.
The more West falls in love with Kat the more little snippets of his memory and identity appear. Everything that Kat is against he has done in the past. Only to eventually result in the true nature of his appearance. Heartache
Can't wait to read Heading East. I hope by the name of the title that means Kat is going to stop closing herslef off from people and find what makes her happy and eventually lead her back to Luke (West).
Yea June Gray can't wait for it to come out!!
February 2, 2016
“I don't need to know my name because by the time I'm done, you'll forget yours.”
ilk defa bi kitapta kadın karakterin farklı farklı isimlerle bir erkek karaktere seslendiğini gördüm...
kitap güzeldi eğlencli, sevimli, seksi...... kitabın kapağıydı beni ona çeken ve hayalkırıklığına uğramadım........
Lets be honest..... the reason ı decided to read this book was the cover of it.... ıt was like magic want me to step into its world.... and I like it really really like it.. characters I mean Kat and stranger were really nice characters written beautifully...........
but like others this is series and ı need to read rest of it......
August 20, 2013
Advance Review Copy provided by author
So, what do you do when you’re not fond of people in general and you stumble upon a guy who doesn’t know who he is? Well, you bring him home and figure out that people in general aren’t so bad if you open yourself up to the possiblities. I’ll admit that Kat was hard for me to connect with. But, I think she is that way just by her nature. She has learned to rely on herself, convincing herself that she doesn’t need anyone. They all leave anyway… right?
For the rest of my review...
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
So, what do you do when you’re not fond of people in general and you stumble upon a guy who doesn’t know who he is? Well, you bring him home and figure out that people in general aren’t so bad if you open yourself up to the possiblities. I’ll admit that Kat was hard for me to connect with. But, I think she is that way just by her nature. She has learned to rely on herself, convincing herself that she doesn’t need anyone. They all leave anyway… right?
For the rest of my review...
Straight Shootin' Book Reviews
September 24, 2013
"Thank god. I can now offord to take my girlfriend out to a fancy dinner."
"Let's go eat at The Diner then."
"That's you idea of fancy ?"
"What ? They put those candles on the tables at night..."
"I came to your door a hollow man, in more ways than one. But you filled me up. You have this brain of mine something to think about and this heart of mine someone to care about. I had no direction in my life, I was defying and aimless. Until you. Is it so inconceivable, then that I have fallen for you?"
"Let's go eat at The Diner then."
"That's you idea of fancy ?"
"What ? They put those candles on the tables at night..."
"I came to your door a hollow man, in more ways than one. But you filled me up. You have this brain of mine something to think about and this heart of mine someone to care about. I had no direction in my life, I was defying and aimless. Until you. Is it so inconceivable, then that I have fallen for you?"
September 14, 2013
Wow, loved this book-but just a warning it's a series, and kind of a cliffhanger. Kat is a loner living in Alaska, and finds a guy hurt walking along the road. He has amnesia, and she lets him stay with her. She has her reasons for being alone, and West wants to break through. Slowly she learns to trust, and slowly he learns the truth of who he is/was while they fall in love. A great story of finding love, heartbreak and who you really are. Can't wait for the second and final book!!!
September 9, 2013
Alaskans don't get to read many books in the genre field about there State. When it does happen it is usually so generic you could substitute Wyoming or Montana or all of Canada.
Charcters here are Alaskan. Places are stand in for real places or in the of the Bush Company a real place. I can believe the author spent some time up here.
Join me in following another romantic series by this author.
Charcters here are Alaskan. Places are stand in for real places or in the of the Bush Company a real place. I can believe the author spent some time up here.
Join me in following another romantic series by this author.
August 22, 2013
AAAGGGRRRRRHHHHHH.......cliffhanger ending!!!!!!!!
I really liked Finding West. June Gray has a method of writing in where you get sucked into the story right away. It's amazing.
Now I have to wait for Heading East to see the continuation of the story, but in the meantime, how do you not instantly fall in love with West? dammnn....SWOON!
I really liked Finding West. June Gray has a method of writing in where you get sucked into the story right away. It's amazing.
Now I have to wait for Heading East to see the continuation of the story, but in the meantime, how do you not instantly fall in love with West? dammnn....SWOON!
March 22, 2014
I love June Gray and her writing!! Talk about leaving me hanging! I waited MONTHS to read this as I was told it was a "cliffy" thinking I was safe to read this now as the sequel should be out....I am so annoyed as I cannot get the sequel yet and want to scream!!!! Please JUNE I need to find out what happens with Kat and West/Luke!!!!!
August 22, 2013
ATTENTION LADIES......STOP WHAT YOU ARE READING AND READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
You won't be sorry. Once again June Gray delivers a can't take your eyes off the page book. Kat has to be one of my top 5 all time favorite leading ladies.
Thank you June Gray for what you do!
You won't be sorry. Once again June Gray delivers a can't take your eyes off the page book. Kat has to be one of my top 5 all time favorite leading ladies.
Thank you June Gray for what you do!
October 6, 2013
Totally loved it!!!
October 24, 2013
Absomazing!!!!
Loved it, cant wait for the next one.
Loved it, cant wait for the next one.
August 23, 2016
A really good book. A romance book not like the others. it was a refreshing change.
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