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Love & Survival #1

Finding Each Other

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Katie Carter always wanted a close-knit family and a place to call home. Katie was raised by a flighty mother with wanderlust and an absent but loving father. Katie was alone in the world. So, she turned to music as an outlet for her hopes and dreams. Katie's career as a rising country music star is on fire. But she's not forgotten her desire for a family.

Jackson Holt comes from a family of overachievers. He bucks against familial expectations and demands to forge his own way. Living life on the edge, Jackson is an adventurer; an adrenaline junkie; a player. Then, outside a bar one night, Jackson realizes he's ready for something genuine, something meaningful. But he doubts he'll ever find it.

Falling in love may have happened quickly for Jackson and Katie, but that doesn’t mean it was easy. To survive and stay together, they must overcome insecurities, past demons, betrayal, and a violent stalker.

Katie and Jackson's story continues in book two of the Love & Survival Series.

Please read CW/TW's on Kindle READ SAMPLE or on the author's website.

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2023

31 people are currently reading
102 people want to read

About the author

Sara Hurst

17 books144 followers
Sara identifies as a geek and an extroverted introvert. She loves being out in a crowd and having a good time, but getting her there can be a pain.



Most of the time, you will find her nose buried in her phone, reading or rereading a book. Besides a good book, Sara loves technology, building things, and learning as much as possible about almost any subject.

Sara believes there can never be too much romance in this world and reads romance from all angles and facets of life, which makes Sara an ALLY to all, and she wants her books to show that.



She’s a wife and mom of three kids, two dogs, and two cats—a lover of baseball, hockey, motorcycles, spin classes, and roller coasters.

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/sarahurst
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahurstauthor
Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/sarahurst
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahurstwrites
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@sarahurstwrites

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5 stars
55 (67%)
4 stars
19 (23%)
3 stars
5 (6%)
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2 (2%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Reading  With April.
284 reviews127 followers
May 25, 2024
The slow burn almost had me tossing this book as it was seriously a slow burn, but I kept going and enjoyed it thus far. Side note I absolutely adore Jackson 🩷 However I did give only 3 🌟 because the burn was so slow, and there were a lot of repeated scenes just in different POV. I am moving on to book #2, though.
Profile Image for Ily Scott.
17 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2023
I don't always love a slow-burn romance, because far too often there isn't enough happening to keep me engaged in the characters, their relationship, or the overall plot. Well. I'm very happy to report that this book didn't suffer from that in the slightest.
I loved watching the development of Katie and Jackson's relationship, I cared about the external conflict, was excited about their successes, and was all in for the spice.

An excellent read from this author, and I'll be on the lookout for more in this series.

Thanks to Book Boyfriend Buzz for the review copy.
Profile Image for Shelly.
54 reviews
December 4, 2023
Wooooow! A book in a series that doesn’t finish in a horrible cliffhanger?! What a concept! 😂😂 When a story is well written, you need zero cliffhangers to get readers to come back. Jackson and Katie are top tier. A+. Chefs kiss. The instant attraction is so well portrayed, and it’s not just instant lust. I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us on their journey.

Also slightly side eyeing Mommy Dearest, where is she? Something fishy about that one… 🤥🫣🕵️‍♀️
Profile Image for Miss Andrews.
439 reviews15 followers
August 4, 2023
Oh. My. God. What a seriously addictive and compelling read. These characters welcome you with open arms, help strap you in and take you on one heck of a rollercoaster ride!!

The depth and emotions that jump from each page floored me. My heart was fully invested in each and every page as the words pulled me in and took my breath away.

There are so many side characters in this story, but they are all a vital piece of the puzzle in making this the best story possible.

I loved Jackson’s mum and dad. Their love for each other couldn’t have been any clearer and heartfelt.

I loved Foster’s character, there’s just something about him that captured my interest.

Jackson is a larger than life character. I loved the detail Sara Hurst showed for his career. It was fascinating and informative.

The instant bond he felt with Katie was so addictive, their chemistry was bright enough to light up the darkest of tunnels.

Jackson is the epitome of what us women want in our ideal man. He’s funny and endearing, sweet and kind, focussed and determined, gentle and open. What woman wouldn’t swoon at his feet. I’m not ashamed to say this man made my heart skip a few beats.

Watching him support Katie, his determination to have forever with her was so beautiful and sweet, so heartwarming.

I loved the relationships and camaraderie Jackson shares with the men in his family.

Katie is such a beautiful ray of sunshine, her ability to stand up for herself in business shows her strength of character, while her innate innocence shows her inner beauty. She has a beautiful personality that just pulls people into her warmth and light.

Sara is the first author I’ve read that has shown that not everyone experiences intimate moments in the same way and that’s okay because we’re individuals and unique to ourselves.

Katie puts a brave face on for the world despite her fear of what is to come. This is something that I think most of us can relate to. We can all put a face on for the world, knowing we can’t allow our fear to take over our whole life.

Sara Hurst has brought a beautiful and heartfelt story to life in such a way that these characters walk straight into your heart and take up permanent residence.

The depth and emotion within these pages is so spellbindingly beautiful it literally knocks you flat on your backside with the stuffing knocked out of you.

This is the first book in a trilogy and I can’t wait for the next book!!!

Absolutely beautiful and I can’t recommend highly enough.

So many stars it’s impossible to count them all.
Profile Image for Roisin Robbins.
255 reviews12 followers
December 16, 2023
Finding Each Other Review 
Sara Hurst 

Rating 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 3🌶🌶🌶

This is a new author for me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I do have to say that I was very happy with this author, and I will be reading more of her work.

A book in a series that doesn’t finish in a horrible cliffhanger! When a story is well written, you need zero cliffhangers to get readers to come back.

What a seriously addictive and compelling read. These characters welcome you with open arms, help strap you in and take you on one heck of a rollercoaster ride!!

The depth and emotions that jump from each page floored me. I was fully invested in each and every page as the words pulled me in and took my breath away.

There are so many side characters in this story, but they are all a vital piece of the puzzle in making this the best story possible.

Jackson is a larger than life character. I loved the detail the author showed for his career. It was fascinating and informative.

The instant bond he felt with Katie was so addictive, their chemistry was bright enough to light up the darkest of tunnels.

Jackson is the epitome of what us women want in our ideal man. He’s funny and endearing, sweet and kind, focussed and determined, gentle and open. Watching him support Katie, his determination to have forever with her was so beautiful and sweet, so heartwarming.

I loved the relationships and camaraderie Jackson shares with the men in his family.

Katie is such a beautiful ray of sunshine, her ability to stand up for herself in business shows her strength of character, while her innate innocence shows her inner beauty. She has a beautiful personality that just pulls people into her warmth and light.

Katie puts a brave face on for the world despite her fear of what is to come. This is something that I think most of us can relate to. 

The Author has brought a beautiful and heartfelt story to life in such a way that these characters walk straight into your heart and take up permanent residence.

The depth and emotion within these pages is so spellbindingly beautiful it literally knocks you flat on your backside with the stuffing knocked out of you.

This is the first book in a trilogy and I can’t wait for the next book. Absolutely beautiful and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Profile Image for Allison Comis.
789 reviews11 followers
March 13, 2024
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I loved everything about it. There was a lot of things going on. First Katie became a famous country music artist. She reconnected with her dad after something happened. She didn’t tell him everything but she was scared. She asked if she could stay with him on the break between tours. He agreed. He was getting remarried and she never met her. She also had 2 older children. They all went to her rehearsal to meet her for the first time. That is where she met Jackson one of their friends and they hit it off. I can’t wait to read the continuation of their story.
Profile Image for Beth.
243 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2023
Loved it! The tale of a sweet country music newbie hits all the right notes. Katie meets the one and the book details the development of their relationship. Not everything is sunshine and roses though and along the way the ever growing danger of a stalker threatens their safety. Book 1 in a series by Sara Hurst.
136 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2023
This book is amazing with a storyline that hooks you from the beginning! The story is a slow burn. However, definitely contains plenty of spice. I love the attraction and chemistry between Katie and Jackson. There is no dramatic cliffhanger, but a definite desire to know what happens next. I can’t wait to see how this continues!!
Profile Image for Stabby .
272 reviews
May 27, 2023
Fabulous and Moving

So I am not a MF reader but this book drew me in. I loved Jackson and Katie from day one. Their Connection is so palpable like they have their own energy field. You just get caught up in them and their live that flows out into everything. I loved this book and can not wait for Book two. Sara really knows how to keep you mesmerized.
Profile Image for Mindy.
258 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2023
This is a new author for me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I do have to say that I was very happy with this author, and I will be reading more of her work. I normally don't like to burn, but I have to say I didn't have that issue this time. I felt like I got into the story quickly and was very happy with the pace. I love the connection between Katie and Jackson, and I can't wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for Angela Gourlay (Angela's Reading Corner).
40 reviews22 followers
May 5, 2023
Wow! This book was amazing. So we written and the storyline had me hooked from the first page. I absolutely loved the romance and chemistry between Jackson and Katie. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
Profile Image for Jess Elizabeth .
289 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2023
A slow burn that is worth the wait! Lots of suspense and romance. An intense connection between Jax and Katie that you will be rooting for!
Profile Image for booklover596 .
9 reviews
May 2, 2023
I don’t usually like slow burn books but I absolutely loved this one . I couldn’t stop reading and can’t wait for book 2 , to come out .
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews116 followers
Want to read
August 5, 2023
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/5/2023)! 🎁
1,107 reviews20 followers
January 26, 2024
Suspenseful, Gripping Read!

This book sucked me in fairly quickly. Not only do the characters make you want to keep reading, the overall story does too. The couple is Katie and Jackson. Jackson races and Katie is an up and coming musician. Katie has a stalker so while the love story is a big part of this story, so is the story about her stalker. I loved watching the relationship bloom and grow, and I loved the suspense around the main story line. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Michele Del Rey.
2,959 reviews30 followers
July 27, 2023
Jackson and Katie found each other and fulfilled each other's dreams. Katie has always wanted a family and Jackson had that. What an amazing story about love and family.
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,366 reviews22 followers
December 20, 2023
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I don't know what I was expecting but this certainly was not it. I loved it though. Catherine "Katie" Carter is an up and coming country singer. She has put in the work and it is finally paying off. She doesn't have a lot of relationship experience. Imagine her surprise when she meets Jackson Holt. Jackson is Katie's soon-to-be-stepbrother's, Seth, best friend. Sparks fly from the beginning. Both Jackson and Katie have not had great experiences with relationships and come with some baggage. This along with both being famous and in the public eye might be a recipe for disaster.

This couple goes through a lot to come together. On top of forging a new relationship in the public eye, Katie has a stalker that seems to be escalating now that Jackson is in the picture. Katie is also building a relationship with her father and his fiancé. That is a lot. I loved Jackson's family. They are a close knit group that pulls Katie's family right into the fold. I can't wait to see where this series will take readers. This first book will have readers hooked for sure.
Profile Image for L. Clara.
Author 10 books108 followers
May 14, 2023
Slow burn but worth it!

To start I have to reitterate (i've mentioned in other reviews) how much i do not like books with no spice or slow burn romances.

With that being said jesus mary joseph and the camel! I would go to the ends of the Earth for Jackson Murphy Holt!

This is Sara's debut novel and it is so well written I'm confident the next 2 books in the series will just continue to expand her story tellying abilities & i cannot freaking wait!


Katie is a country music star. Jackson is a motocross superstar.

The moment they see each other from across the stadium she is rehearsing at the chemistry is so intense everyone around them can sense it.

They have a long road ahead of them as there is another man in Katie's world stuck in the shadows making himself known even more with each passing day that Katie & Jackson are together.
Profile Image for Jacqueline L.
45 reviews
July 7, 2025
I really enjoyed Finding Each Other! The family dynamic was one of my favourite parts. There was such a strong sense of support and connection that added a lot of warmth to the story. I did feel like Jackson seemed a bit too cool for Katie at times, which made me root for her even more as she found her voice and confidence. The thriller elements added an unexpected edge and kept me turning the pages. A great mix of romance, suspense, and emotional depth!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Justine.
85 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2023
This book was absolutely amazing. I loved every minute of it. I need the next one to come out soon. I really want to know what happens with it all. Well written and kept me on my toes towards the end. Definitely a slow burn but I loved it.
Profile Image for Alisha Khan.
18 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2023
"Finding Each Other" takes readers on a whirlwind journey through the lives of Katie, a rising country music sensation, and Jackson, a reformed playboy seeking genuine connection. The story beautifully weaves elements of forbidden attraction, found family, and the challenges of fame into a compelling narrative.

Sara Hurst masterfully crafts characters with depth and relatability, making it easy to invest in their journey. Katie's longing for a true sense of belonging tugs at the heartstrings, while Jackson's transformation from a carefree playboy to a steadfast protector is both heartwarming and authentic.

The chemistry between Katie and Jackson sizzles, and their evolving relationship forms the emotional core of the narrative. As the specter of a dangerous stalker looms, tension escalates, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages.

Hurst skillfully balances the slow burn of their romance with moments of instant attraction, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative. The unresolved questions about the stalker's identity add a layer of mystery that keeps readers guessing.

"Finding Each Other" is a testament to love's power to transform and redeem. It's a story of resilience, trust, and the strength to face the darkest of challenges. With its compelling characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a love story that goes beyond the ordinary. Hurst's Love & Survival Series promises a continuation of this captivating tale, leaving readers eager for more.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,710 reviews48 followers
September 30, 2023
I love a slow-burn romance with both sweetness and spice that centres on the the two people involved, their feelings, their thoughts and their growing connection. This book does just that. Katie and Jackson make it impossible not to want to discover as much as possible about them, to watch them grow closer and to become invested in a happily ever after for them. Every relationship has a few bumps, ups and downs and even some doubts to overcome or work through. Katie is a sunshiny person most of the time, an optimist and someone to whom others are naturally drawn. It is a stalker that throws her off kilter and having Jackson by her side is just what she needs. Jackson is most definitely hero material. Sweet, attentive, very protective and supportive, he makes her feel important and loved. Jackson is thinking in terms of a future with Katie, hopefully one that looks something like what his parents have together. While Katie is confident, determined and knows what she wants in her professional life, in her personal life that is not the case. In the past, she has found relationships to be hard and rather elusive, but Jackson makes everything seem possible. She wants a future with Jackson, but her stalker seems determined to make sure that never happens. I can’t wait to read the next book to discover what happens next for these two lovers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deborah Peach.
678 reviews26 followers
January 28, 2024
This is a story of first love, being star-struck, and obsession. Some of it is good, some of it bad. Love is good between two people who have never felt the emotion before. Obsession is wrong when it causes resentment and threatens the lives of those surrounding the one you are fixated on. This book keeps you guessing whether or not Katie and Jackson can outwit the one following Katie and menacing her at every turn. Watching Jackson step up and protect Katie while he falls head over heels for his country girl crush is endearing and sweet. There were moments when I held my breath, waiting for the two of them to be safe. Knowing that Jackson will do whatever it takes to defend Katie is heartwarming.

Falling in love was easy for Katie and Jackson but comes with pitfalls. Having someone obsessed with you when you're a country music star isn't easy, and Katie is learning that the hard way. She meets Jackson and is starstruck, but in a totally different way. The stars have fallen from the sky, making her feel what she has never felt before. Jackson is a celebrity in his world of motorbike racing, but his reputation is far from clean. It's tainted with a playboy image, jumping from one girl to the next. Katie's reputation is wholesome, the exact opposite of Jackson's, but the two know that they are 'the one' when they see each other for the first time.
Profile Image for Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) .
1,111 reviews45 followers
May 28, 2024
Finding Each Other is book one in the Love & Survival Series. These books will follow Katie and Jackson. They follow one continuous timeline and should not be read out of order.

-Celebrity romance
-Stalker
-A very slow burn
-minor cliffhanger

Katie and Jackson are to celebrities that meet by chance during a sound check for Katie. Jackson is invited to the stadium to see her and finds an instant pull towards her. What they don't know is that their relationship will be challenged by a stalker who will not share Katie with anyone. Will their love for each other become their end or will they find their happily ever after.

OOOOH this story starts off with a bang and that first chapter had me hooked. The stalker angle is one I love and the romance between Jackson and Katie is the bonus in this series. Their love is a very slow burn as Katie does not have a lot of experience with intimacy. Jackson is the other way around. The playboy motocross racer who has a girl at every track. But he is don with that and show Katie just how committed he is to be with her. The mystery surrounding the stalker will continue through the series and I cannot wait to see how it turns out. If you love a slow burn with a bit of mystery and angst, pick this one up!
Profile Image for Sherry Archer.
40 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2023
Katie an up and coming country music star has never been in love and she’s pretty sure she never will. Jackson ,OMG the name alone is sexy and he’s an 11 on the 1to 10 scale whew.., races motor cycles and has had many lovers but never love. The stalker brings the intrigue. The families tie it all together.

This is a slow burn Romance with a mystery plot that’s so engaging ,the slow burn isn’t annoying. This book is so well written I couldn’t believe this is the author’s first book. The characters are well written ,not over done and mostly likable, and the spicy scenes are really spicy not hokey or over done. However the amount of spice in a short period of time is what made this a 4.5 star read because it went on forever. Now I’m a girl who loves to read good sex scenes and these are good so when I look ahead to see how many more times because I’m just gonna skip them , it’s just too much . IMO some of them could have been saved for another time. Other than that I loved this book!!! Can’t wait for the next one!


55 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2024
What a whirl wind of a book. I absolutely loved the family story but also how well the two understood each other. Sarah did a brilliant job of connecting Jackson and Katie. This book was different then most romantic books I’ve read and the depth Sarah put into even the side characters was incredible. This book was addictive as you wanted to know what happens in this whirlwind of events. This was my first book of 2024 and I am so grateful it was and I am so excited for the next book. Sarah wrote with such passion and fire that I did not want to put the book down. I despise slow burn romance books but this slow burn was so good. The book was a compelling read that I adore. I loved Jackson ‘s parents love as well it’s beautiful. I also loved the insights you got about the racing life it was incredible and informative. I cannot recommend this read enough and I’m already starting the second book soon as I finish this review! I also loved the ending as if didn’t make me mad as most trilogy books do with a huge cliff hanger
Profile Image for Charlene Alana  Henderson .
992 reviews31 followers
May 20, 2023
This story is a slow burn romance , its the story off Katie and Jackson!

Katie is a music star.

Jackson is a motocross superstar.

The moment they see each other from across the stadium she is rehearsing at the chemistry is so intense everyone around them can sense it.

They and their family and friends have a long road ahead of them, as Katie has a stalker but this stalker that is stuck in the shadows making himself known even more with each passing day that Katie & Jackson are together.

Will they survive it and live happily ever after I hope so.

I couldn't put the book down I read it in one sitting it drew me in instantly. I highly recommend 10/10 for me the author wrote this book well.
Profile Image for Jessica Davis.
28 reviews3 followers
July 21, 2023
This book was super sweet, with a thriller-y twist and I love it. Katie and Jackson’s insta love relationship is almost too good to be true. Who doesn’t want a sweet, protective, loving bad boy? Katie is a super caring down to Earth woman who is just trying to live her dream of imaging music, and is plagued by a violent stalker. The only thing I’d warn others of is it’s told in dual pov which I love, but it’s almost a play by play per interaction per character and sometimes they’re a little repetitive, it wasn’t enough to get me to stop turning pages and left gasping at the end! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
Author 4 books9 followers
December 30, 2023
Once you get over the character dump in the first few chapters and start working everyone out the book has you on edge. Starting with a chilling start you are hooked from the first page; you will sit there even at the end of the book going 'BUT WHO IS IT?"
The love at first sight and how strongly the characters full for each other will have you read quicker then you thought you could
"You realize your father was wearing a gun, and you told him we were planed to have s*x. Are you trying to get me killed?"
385 page you wait 385 pages of holding your breath and laughing at the characters sheer bad luck but the author gets there and its everything you hoped it would be.
Profile Image for Jaime Cantrell.
574 reviews14 followers
February 11, 2024
Finding Each Other is Book 1 of The Love and Survival Trilogy. I love the storyline and the characters. Katie is a country singer and Jackson is a racecar driver. They have an instant attraction but it’s a bit of a slow burn. I love their Chemistry. This book will give you a whirlwind of emotions. There is romance, some spice, and I think it’s action-packed with a bit of mystery thrown in because of the stalker situation that’s going on. I am becoming a fan of Sara Hurst super-fast, and I cannot wait to read the rest of this trilogy and more of her books!

As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.

Happy Reading!
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