When I was seventeen, I disappeared. I walked out of my apartment with a backpack and never looked back. I left the life of Cora Mitchell behind, seeking freedom from my real-life nightmare. But my freedom came with a cost. I lived a fictitious life for the next six years, never letting anyone close enough to see underneath the facade that was Andra Walker. I was content with my simple little life. Until I met Julian. And the moment I started allowing myself to open up, allowing someone to see through the superficial, was the very same moment the Monster from my past would return to find me. But this time, I wouldn't run away without a fight."
Whitney Barbetti delivers a one two punch in this bundle of her two books He Found Me and He Saved Me. In He Found Me, Andra is a woman with a troubled past who is hiding and also depriving herself of having a normal life. Only a few people around her know about the torture she endured while growing up. The entrance of Julian, a writer who's staying at the ranch where Andra works, changes her life as she knows it. Their chemistry is electrifying from the very beginning yet Andre doesn't tell Julian much about who she really is. As things between the two grow, Andra is contacted by Six, a mysterious man who she's known all her life. He informs her a monster from her past is trying to become part of her present. My heart ached for Andra who wants what anyone wants, a normal life and to be loved, but ghosts won't let her.
After the ending of He Found Me, I was in desperate need for a resolve to Andra and Julian's story. I got my wish and more in the conclusion. The book find *Juliandra*, the nickname Andra gives herself and Julian, together once again and even more in love. You literally feel their bond and love grow with each scene while they're seeking shelter from the storm that it is Andra's uncle Hawthorne. Accompanying them are Six, Andra's mother's friend, and Mira, his companion who helps Andra learn to defend herself. On the outside, both Six and Mira are tough and stoic, but you see them humanize as the story unfolds. Secrets are exposed and lies uncovered on their journey for justice. Though I was I was biting my nails and on the edge of my seat towards the last of the book, I was very pleased with the ending for Andra and Julian. n A bonus of the bundle is an epilogue that's the icing on the cake to this perfect series
I couldn't get into it at the beginning AT ALL, but then it gets better. This book was a weird space of trying to be a romance but also a mystery/thriller? There is a need to suspend reality because I had more questions than not regarding the missing persons angle and also just "why doesn't she do this?!" Reading the books as one set back-to-back was odd, too, because it felt like two completely different books. I'm more curious about the Mira / Six story now.
Whitney Barbetti has a way with words that draws you in and keeps you engaged till you read the last word. I'm glad she bundled these two books together for her readers to enjoy.
The main character is so strong and works so hard to get away and live a life for herself. It's a story of strength, And the unexpected love she finds that stands the test of turmoil and inner demons.
Not mention you get an intriguing look at some side characters who are also getting a book that's sure to be more emotional and intense.
I've read these novels individually and loved them both. You can't help but feel connected to the characters. Sure sometimes you want to shake them but sometimes you want to hold them and let them know everything will be okay.
He Found Me What a rollercoaster of a ride this was. Rollercoaster ride of emotions, oh the emotions and the feels, the chemistry between Julian and Andra have me goosebumps again and again. A girl tired of running and in spite of suffering the things she's gone through, yet she has a fighting spirit and fiery personality. Andra is hard working and full of witty comebacks. Julian...... Sigh!!!!!! The perfect gentleman, the exact type of guy that andra needs. But there are secrets and a lot of unanswered questions which are really intriguing. But my favorite parts of this book is the feel and emotional journey of love is just beautiful and sweet and heart warming. But that ending.........I can't wait to find out what actually happened and what will happen next. Loved loved this one.💖💖💖💖💖💖
He Saved Me What a beautiful ending to a beautiful story of courage and Love. This book takes off right where we were left off in book one but this time we also get to see things from Julian's perspective. The initial part of the book was sorta a thrilling ride as Julian is stubborn enough to find Andra no matter what even though he has not a single clue as to where she might be. Also got to see and feel more six' character. His equation with andra. Definitely intrigued to know more about Mira and six. Mira is a sassy strong woman who takes no BS from anyone. But also managed to calm the six who is always serious or in a missed mood. THAT REVELATION THOUGH😳😳. I was a bit surprised but somewhere I had felt that theory to be true. The ending is fast paced. I was reading soooo fast didn't realize when the book ended😜. But the most enchanting thing of beauty was the bond between Julian and Andra. The way he supports her in everything no matter what. Just.....sigh!!!!! Julian you are the best!!!!💕😘😘😘. Loved loved this one.💖💖💖
Tainted by circumstance and secrets Andra has lost a bit of herself until she moved to a farm where she found a second chance at life.
Overall: It was easy to not define Andra by her past circumstances since the story began with her starting her new life on the farm. The focus was on building a relationship with the new tenant and life on the farm. Andra’s character didn’t feel damaged just cautious and protective of her heart. Each time I saw Six’s name I got excited at the prospect of reading more about him. I forgot this was where Six got his introductions.
I felt there was too much dialogue and not enough angst. Andra’s character was too straight forward and too matter of fact. Julian did balance this out with his slower pace, yet I still felt it was so so. There was also too much exposition and explanation. I get that stories need attention to detail, but there is such a thing as too much.
Narrator: Erin Spencer was the solo performing narrator of He Found Me. Erin read these scenes word perfectly with great sound quality and style. Erin brought these characters to life.
This is two book with one story. It's about a girl named Cora who lost her mother. Had her uncle,as a guardian, who hurt her. She runs away with help from friends. Changes her name to Andra. Seven years later she's working on a ranch and is met by a writer named Julian. She thinks she's found her home when sadly her past comes back to haunt her. Can she get away from her past or will her past come up and ruin everything she has made for herself. Great read. Couldn't put down till I was done with the entire book.
Guardian uncle who took advantage of her till she ran away. Changing her name and retreating into herself, and finding a job at a ranch. Until Julian a writer comes to the ranch. The possibility to open up and be more, when the past comes. Older, wiser, and not wanting to lose, she fights back. Not easy with the ghosts of her past. Good flowing story, and nice to have them together.
I liked these books. It was interesting as Andra/Cora came into her own and she finally reached freedom. I liked Rosa and the ranch, etc. I struggle with six and I’m hoping there is a book out there about him!
Wow this was an amazing journey into something that turned out more. I still feel as if there is more unanswered questions. I didn’t get the feeling this was over and there wasn’t closure. I need more .......
Reasons to buy this bundle: 1. WHITNEY BARBETTI WROTE IT!!!! <3 I love this woman and her words. Seriously, if you haven't picked this up, DO. IT. Then one-click Ten Below Zero. You will not regret it! And then just add Whitney to your auto-buy author list! ;) 2. You're getting 2 books. 2 BOOKS! Plus bonus scenes and an extended epilogue. 3. Julian and Andra's story is beautiful!
If you need a bit more than that then continue reading my review for each book.
He Found Me:
4.5 stars!
I really enjoyed He Found Me and you may be thinking, 'then why only 4.5 stars?', let me tell you. This can easily be a 5 star read. Hell, it is. The main characters, Andra and Julian, felt real and I freaking loved their back and forth banter. It wasn't insta-love, it was insta-lust and that made it even better. You clearly feel the sexual tension between them and it'll have you waiting for that right moment when everything just clicks. I loved everything about this book except for that one part at the ending. I will not tell you about it. You need to read this book. ;) Reading that part had me tearing up a bit and wishing someone got a broken ankle or something to keep them from running. Seriously...I didn't want it to happen. The moments before that were just so perfect!!
Andra comes from a very heartbreaking past. Losing family to having a family member abuse you will seriously f*ck you up so she's closed off and doesn't let anyone in. The exception being Rosa and Six (both know the real Andra; Cora) who play a really big part in Andra's life. And then comes Julian. That man had me at 'he's a writer' and then everything that left his mouth just made me love him even more. He and Andra are so alike that you just know they're meant for each other. He's sweet, has a way with words (and looks) damn, those looks that he gives Andra...and those dates...
Back to the point before I start swooning again about how perfect and fun they were. This was a very enjoyable read with just the right amount of mystery, romance and suspense. And witty comebacks. And a swoon worthy author. And...I need to stop now!
This was a great debut and I look forward to reading more from you Whitney! :D
I would definitely recommend this book and I can't wait for book 2!!
He Saved Me:
5 stars!!!
Whitney is truly gifted and wrote up ANOTHER story that made me fall in love with the characters, feel their pain, their strength and their love. This was the perfect conclusion to Andra and Julian's story!! <3 If you've read, He Found Me, then you know how it ended-Julian found her. He Saved Me picks up from there (you get a look into how he found her!!) and you also get to have more of Mira and Six! Hell yes!!!
Andra is hiding out somewhere so 'the Monster' doesn't find her. They're also trying to catch him because honestly, Andra doesn't need that a**hole lurking around in the world. He's better off dead. With the help of friends, Andra trains, becomes stronger and finally gets a chance to be free. It's what she always wanted.
This book isn't only about a romance. It deals with so much more and I wish I could say it but it's a major spoiler so you're left having to pick it up this emotional, riveting story and read it yourself. Do it. Don't even hesitate.
Once you're done reading this, add Six Feet Under to your TBR because it's going to be good. I have a feeling it's going to break my heart the way Ten Below Zero did.
If my review wasn't clear enough (it should be, I named all of Whitney's books because they are favorites of mine ;) ) I highly recommend this book if you loved He Found Me!
This series was so intense and beautifully written, I couldn't take my eyes off of the page. Whitney Barbetti does an amazing job describing the scene so you are able to visualize it. I found the background story to be very unique and interesting and I loved the suspense aspect throughout. It was nice getting Julian's POV. I also enjoyed getting more of Six and Mira in this book.
I loved this book. The story line was well executed and easy to follow. Lots of twists and turns in the plot. I like that in a book. It keeps me interested that way. The love story between the characters was very endearing. This book keeps your thoughts wondering what could happen to Andra next. I recommend this book if you like a romance with a mystery added in.
Andra Walker escaped from an abusive relationship and successfully hid for years under a new name. Then we are introduced to Julian, a writer that fictionalizes real crime stories. He tracked her down in a matter of months. Julian is 25 and has written numerous books that he spends months writing. Good story but more interested in Six.
I absolutely loved this book series it was beautiful I fell in love with the characters all except one who I hated! You will want more and boy did the author deliver I can't put into words how much I loved it!!
I only got half way through the first book....It was boring! There were also two major red flag questions in the half I did read. Maybe they're answered later or in the second book, but too little too late for me.