What do you think?
Rate this book
Searching For #4.6
Searching for Disaster
When Isabella MacKenzie tries to move on from her disastrous past, Officer William Devine is determined to show her that love is the only way to heal. This sexy enovella, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s heartwarming Searching For series, follows the high-powered women of the popular matchmaking agency Kinnections, located in the small, picturesque town of Verily, NY.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2016
175 people are currently reading
1567 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Probst
120 books10.2k followersJennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
November 19, 2016
I've really enjoyed all the books I've read thus far from this series. I busted out laughing a couple of times with this one. Plus, I especially liked how Isabella went about getting Liam to forgive her. You CANNOT go wrong with Star Wars!!!
October 12, 2016
Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst is a 2016 Pocket Star publication.
This story may be short, but it sure packs a punch.
Isabella, “Izzy” MacKenzie fights addiction every day, but is holding her own, putting her life back together. But six years ago, a one-time encounter with sexy police officer William, ‘Liam’ Devine still haunts her.
Liam has never really moved past that one unforgettable night he spent with Izzy, but she chose her life of drugs over him.
When the two miraculously come face to face again after all these years, it seems like maybe these two were just meant to be… at least Liam thinks so.
Can he convince Izzy to give their relationship a chance?
Wow! Liam is the guy we all hope to have for a boyfriend! He was absolutely dreamy, and exactly the type of solid guy Izzy needs in her life.
Izzy’s fears were understandable, because she didn’t quite trust herself, but she was also too hard on herself and needed to relax and live in the moment, and believe in herself more, something Liam and her friends are there to help her accomplish.
I really enjoyed this story of redemption and second chances! I have really loved this entire series and am saddened to discover this is the last installment!
However, I am happy I had the chance to follow along as each of these women featured in the series found true love and happiness.
4 stars
This story may be short, but it sure packs a punch.
Isabella, “Izzy” MacKenzie fights addiction every day, but is holding her own, putting her life back together. But six years ago, a one-time encounter with sexy police officer William, ‘Liam’ Devine still haunts her.
Liam has never really moved past that one unforgettable night he spent with Izzy, but she chose her life of drugs over him.
When the two miraculously come face to face again after all these years, it seems like maybe these two were just meant to be… at least Liam thinks so.
Can he convince Izzy to give their relationship a chance?
Wow! Liam is the guy we all hope to have for a boyfriend! He was absolutely dreamy, and exactly the type of solid guy Izzy needs in her life.
Izzy’s fears were understandable, because she didn’t quite trust herself, but she was also too hard on herself and needed to relax and live in the moment, and believe in herself more, something Liam and her friends are there to help her accomplish.
I really enjoyed this story of redemption and second chances! I have really loved this entire series and am saddened to discover this is the last installment!
However, I am happy I had the chance to follow along as each of these women featured in the series found true love and happiness.
4 stars
October 19, 2016
4.5 "You've Always Been Mine" Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Isabella MacKenzie comes from a big Italian family & was always the rebellious trouble maker on an endless quest for adventure. Izzy battled addiction & has been clean & sober now for two years. She finally feels at peace with herself & is in a good place. She's living in a small town called Verily that's in upstate NY, & is working as a receptionist at Kinnections Matchmaking Agency. She has great friends & feels happy.
Izzy's twin & friends think she needs love in her life & want her to find that someone special. They give her a Book of Spells & convince her to do a love spell that's to help you find your true soul mate. Soon after, Izzy crosses paths with a beautiful man she had a one night stand with six years ago. His name is Liam & he's now a police officer in Verily.
-How was it possible that after all these years the connection still flamed and burned between them?
-The memory of that night still haunted her. Had she ever experienced such a sensual, intimate encounter? Liam allowed her to connect on a level she never knew existed, and it changed her forever.
-"I believe we met again in Verily because our story wasn't over yet. I believe it's just beginning."
What are the chances they'd run into each other again. They shared such a powerful connection & both never forgot one another. Liam decides he won't miss this opportunity at a second chance with Izzy, & he goes after her hard. Izzy is more reluctant. She see's Liam as this good, responsible rule follower. Her opposite in every way. She thinks they are too different, & her insecurities threaten to sabotage her. Liam shows Izzy that everybody deserves to be loved & that he is it for her. I really loved this book & thought it was a fabulous conclusion to this amazing series!
(ARC provided by author)
Isabella MacKenzie comes from a big Italian family & was always the rebellious trouble maker on an endless quest for adventure. Izzy battled addiction & has been clean & sober now for two years. She finally feels at peace with herself & is in a good place. She's living in a small town called Verily that's in upstate NY, & is working as a receptionist at Kinnections Matchmaking Agency. She has great friends & feels happy.
Izzy's twin & friends think she needs love in her life & want her to find that someone special. They give her a Book of Spells & convince her to do a love spell that's to help you find your true soul mate. Soon after, Izzy crosses paths with a beautiful man she had a one night stand with six years ago. His name is Liam & he's now a police officer in Verily.
-How was it possible that after all these years the connection still flamed and burned between them?
-The memory of that night still haunted her. Had she ever experienced such a sensual, intimate encounter? Liam allowed her to connect on a level she never knew existed, and it changed her forever.
-"I believe we met again in Verily because our story wasn't over yet. I believe it's just beginning."
What are the chances they'd run into each other again. They shared such a powerful connection & both never forgot one another. Liam decides he won't miss this opportunity at a second chance with Izzy, & he goes after her hard. Izzy is more reluctant. She see's Liam as this good, responsible rule follower. Her opposite in every way. She thinks they are too different, & her insecurities threaten to sabotage her. Liam shows Izzy that everybody deserves to be loved & that he is it for her. I really loved this book & thought it was a fabulous conclusion to this amazing series!
October 10, 2016
ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
It’s a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to the Searching For Series since this is one series that I absolutely adored and cherished form Jennifer Probst. If you have been following the series, then you are all aware that Kate, Kennedy, Genevieve and Arilyn all got kinnected to their perfect match and so now it’s time for Isabella MacKenzie to get kinnected to her soul mate.
If you remember from the previous book, Searching for Beautiful, readers were introduced to Genevieve MacKenzie and her twin sister, Isabella. Unlike the rest of the MacKenzie clan, Isabella fell through some hard times and turned to drugs, sex and alcohol for comfort. And so in Searching for Disaster, it is now time for Isabella to get her second chance at life and love.
“The breath left her body. How could she fight this man? His words and his actions and his physical presence pulled her down like a tide of water, trying to overwhelm her. And as she fought to swim, struggling to pry herself away from this extreme connection, Izzy began to wonder why she was trying to fight so hard in the first place.”
Six years ago, Isabella met a man named Liam in college. He was sweet, gentle, understanding, and there was something about him that was memorable. One night with Liam was a night neither of them could forget. It was also the night sparks flew and magic happened but it was also the night that Isabella turned to drugs and Liam walked away from her.
Fast forward to six years later, Isabella is two years clean and sober. She has a new job. Slowly, Isabella is claiming back her life and finding the happiness that she deserves. As a receptionist at Kinnections, a matchmaking company, Isabella’s love life is nothing but perfect but more like a disaster that is until Officer William Devine walks back into her life once again.
It turns out that the Liam, Isabella had a one night stand happens to be Officer William Devine, who happens to be partners with Officer Stone who is involved with a relationship with Arilyn Meadows. Call it kismet, fate or luck but Liam will stop at nothing to make Isabella see that they were meant to reconnect for a reason.
“The truth sang in his blood and seeped into his skin. His soul recognized her love for him.”
As Isabella and Liam enter into a relationship, doubts, fears, and insecurities begins to creep in as Isabella begins to think that she is not good enough for Liam. Who would want an ex-druggie as a girlfriend? As much as Liam tries to show and tell Isabella that her past doesn’t change how he feels her about, Isabella finds a way to destroy their relationship. So how far will Liam go to prove to Isabella that she is worth loving? And will Isabella be able to let go of her fears and start believing that she is worthy of love?
Searching For Disaster was the perfect novella to wrap up this amazing series and cast of characters. Liam and Isabella’s story was just another reminder that love has magically way of healing and for Isabella, it took a loving man to show her that she is worthy of love. So if you believe in the magic of love, friendship, and kinnections then this novella and series might be for you. As always, Jennifer Probst never fails to deliver romance that sizzles and has a way of tugging those emotional heartstrings!! All there is left to say there is no need to search far for a perfect, sweet, cozy and fun-filled romance than the Searching For Series.
Jennifer Probst
It’s a bittersweet feeling to say goodbye to the Searching For Series since this is one series that I absolutely adored and cherished form Jennifer Probst. If you have been following the series, then you are all aware that Kate, Kennedy, Genevieve and Arilyn all got kinnected to their perfect match and so now it’s time for Isabella MacKenzie to get kinnected to her soul mate.
If you remember from the previous book, Searching for Beautiful, readers were introduced to Genevieve MacKenzie and her twin sister, Isabella. Unlike the rest of the MacKenzie clan, Isabella fell through some hard times and turned to drugs, sex and alcohol for comfort. And so in Searching for Disaster, it is now time for Isabella to get her second chance at life and love.
“The breath left her body. How could she fight this man? His words and his actions and his physical presence pulled her down like a tide of water, trying to overwhelm her. And as she fought to swim, struggling to pry herself away from this extreme connection, Izzy began to wonder why she was trying to fight so hard in the first place.”Six years ago, Isabella met a man named Liam in college. He was sweet, gentle, understanding, and there was something about him that was memorable. One night with Liam was a night neither of them could forget. It was also the night sparks flew and magic happened but it was also the night that Isabella turned to drugs and Liam walked away from her.
Fast forward to six years later, Isabella is two years clean and sober. She has a new job. Slowly, Isabella is claiming back her life and finding the happiness that she deserves. As a receptionist at Kinnections, a matchmaking company, Isabella’s love life is nothing but perfect but more like a disaster that is until Officer William Devine walks back into her life once again.
It turns out that the Liam, Isabella had a one night stand happens to be Officer William Devine, who happens to be partners with Officer Stone who is involved with a relationship with Arilyn Meadows. Call it kismet, fate or luck but Liam will stop at nothing to make Isabella see that they were meant to reconnect for a reason.
“The truth sang in his blood and seeped into his skin. His soul recognized her love for him.”As Isabella and Liam enter into a relationship, doubts, fears, and insecurities begins to creep in as Isabella begins to think that she is not good enough for Liam. Who would want an ex-druggie as a girlfriend? As much as Liam tries to show and tell Isabella that her past doesn’t change how he feels her about, Isabella finds a way to destroy their relationship. So how far will Liam go to prove to Isabella that she is worth loving? And will Isabella be able to let go of her fears and start believing that she is worthy of love?
Searching For Disaster was the perfect novella to wrap up this amazing series and cast of characters. Liam and Isabella’s story was just another reminder that love has magically way of healing and for Isabella, it took a loving man to show her that she is worthy of love. So if you believe in the magic of love, friendship, and kinnections then this novella and series might be for you. As always, Jennifer Probst never fails to deliver romance that sizzles and has a way of tugging those emotional heartstrings!! All there is left to say there is no need to search far for a perfect, sweet, cozy and fun-filled romance than the Searching For Series.
Jennifer Probst
March 15, 2017
Questo piccolo gioiello breve è un piacere da leggere esattamente come gli altri libri di questa serie deliziosa e romantica, che ci ha regalato una galleria di protagonisti semplicemente favolosi. Parlo delle donne dell'agenzia, ragazze dal carattere forte e determinato, così diverse tra loro eppure così amiche, che con grande spirito da imprenditrici hanno creduto in un idea e l'hanno fatta diventare un business, ma anche degli uomini che il destino ha messo al loro fianco, dal cinico avvocato divorzista all'ingegnere nerd, dal modello\imprenditore al poliziotto rude e scontroso.
É infatti uno dei marchi di fabbrica della Probst quello di creare protagonisti maschili indimenticabili e anche Liam Devine è uno di loro: bello, serio, sexy, determinato e innamorato, questa combinazione è già così com'è assolutamente letale, se poi aggiungete che ama i cani, altro punto comune tra i maschi della serie, non potrete fare altro che innamorarvi di lui, anche perché la tenacia con cui persegue il suo sogno d'amore con Izzy è incredibile. Ha capito fin da quella prima notte che nessun altra donna è come lei e quando finalmente la ritrova sa che è la donna che gli è stata destinata. Avrà bisogno dell'aiuto nell'ombra delle ragazze della Kinnection, ma sarà con la dolcezza e la costanza che alla fine riuscirà a convincere Izzy di essere l'uomo giusto per lei.
È molto bello anche il personaggio di Izzy, così insicura, tormentata, fragile anche se vuol far credere di essere una dura, sopravvissuta all'inferno della tossicodipendenza e per questo incapace di autostima. Ha paura e la esprime nel peggiore dei modi: scappando, ma avrà modo di capire, grazie alla sua famiglia, che è arrivato il momento di smettere di scappare e lasciarsi amare dalle persone che le sono accanto. Izzy e Liam, per quanto opposti sono fatti l'uno per l'altra, si incastrano perfettamente e si completano, anche il celebre librettino viola degli incantesimi, nonché il dono speciale di Kate, confermeranno quello che entrambi avevano intuito già dal primo incontro, mi è piaciuto tanto che l'autrice abbia voluto donare anche alla tormentata gemella di Gen la storia d'amore che si meritava in conclusione della serie. Continua su CrazyForRomance
Per acquistare il libro clicca qui
É infatti uno dei marchi di fabbrica della Probst quello di creare protagonisti maschili indimenticabili e anche Liam Devine è uno di loro: bello, serio, sexy, determinato e innamorato, questa combinazione è già così com'è assolutamente letale, se poi aggiungete che ama i cani, altro punto comune tra i maschi della serie, non potrete fare altro che innamorarvi di lui, anche perché la tenacia con cui persegue il suo sogno d'amore con Izzy è incredibile. Ha capito fin da quella prima notte che nessun altra donna è come lei e quando finalmente la ritrova sa che è la donna che gli è stata destinata. Avrà bisogno dell'aiuto nell'ombra delle ragazze della Kinnection, ma sarà con la dolcezza e la costanza che alla fine riuscirà a convincere Izzy di essere l'uomo giusto per lei.
È molto bello anche il personaggio di Izzy, così insicura, tormentata, fragile anche se vuol far credere di essere una dura, sopravvissuta all'inferno della tossicodipendenza e per questo incapace di autostima. Ha paura e la esprime nel peggiore dei modi: scappando, ma avrà modo di capire, grazie alla sua famiglia, che è arrivato il momento di smettere di scappare e lasciarsi amare dalle persone che le sono accanto. Izzy e Liam, per quanto opposti sono fatti l'uno per l'altra, si incastrano perfettamente e si completano, anche il celebre librettino viola degli incantesimi, nonché il dono speciale di Kate, confermeranno quello che entrambi avevano intuito già dal primo incontro, mi è piaciuto tanto che l'autrice abbia voluto donare anche alla tormentata gemella di Gen la storia d'amore che si meritava in conclusione della serie. Continua su CrazyForRomance
Per acquistare il libro clicca qui
September 30, 2016
Bittersweet.
That’s how I would describe Searching for Disaster, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s excellent Searching For series.
Why? Because it was a fabulous, heartfelt and sexy novella—which is unsurprising, given the quality of the previous books in this series—but it was also an ending. And honestly, I love this series enough to want it to never end.
I’ve been intrigued by Isabella MacKenzie, twin sister of Searching for Beautiful’s Genevieve MacKenzie, for a while now. Her story was always going to have a tinge of sadness about it given her history, but with the divine William Devine pursuing her, it was also a heart happy book.
Oh, Liam. I want to rave for hours about him, because he was HOT—Hollywood Hot—but also because he was strong, steady, alpha and mmm, delicious. And FYI, Liam + puppies = *dead*. He was just right for our broken heroine—a heroine who a little self-sacrificing and a lot stronger than she realized.
Together, they were the perfect pair to close out this series.
Happier than a pair of wiggling puppies, with a little goodbye frown—that’s how I ended this book, and this series. I would have preferred Izzy and Liam’s story be a little longer—especially as they sorted out their conflict—but then again, I’m probably just being greedy. Because I really didn’t want it to end.
I guess that’s why this sweet ending feels a little bitter... ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
That’s how I would describe Searching for Disaster, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s excellent Searching For series.
Why? Because it was a fabulous, heartfelt and sexy novella—which is unsurprising, given the quality of the previous books in this series—but it was also an ending. And honestly, I love this series enough to want it to never end.
I’ve been intrigued by Isabella MacKenzie, twin sister of Searching for Beautiful’s Genevieve MacKenzie, for a while now. Her story was always going to have a tinge of sadness about it given her history, but with the divine William Devine pursuing her, it was also a heart happy book.
Oh, Liam. I want to rave for hours about him, because he was HOT—Hollywood Hot—but also because he was strong, steady, alpha and mmm, delicious. And FYI, Liam + puppies = *dead*. He was just right for our broken heroine—a heroine who a little self-sacrificing and a lot stronger than she realized.
Together, they were the perfect pair to close out this series.
Happier than a pair of wiggling puppies, with a little goodbye frown—that’s how I ended this book, and this series. I would have preferred Izzy and Liam’s story be a little longer—especially as they sorted out their conflict—but then again, I’m probably just being greedy. Because I really didn’t want it to end.
I guess that’s why this sweet ending feels a little bitter... ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
March 25, 2017
2.5 stars
This is my first Jennifer Probst, and I read this without reading the previous four books. I was curious because of two things: this novella was nominated for RITA Awards 2017 (Contemporary Romance: Short) and when I read the blurb, it mentioned a former addict heroine.
Unfortunately, I am going to be the part of the very small minority of readers who didn't like this as much as I wanted. I had similar thoughts with this reviewer in terms of the "force" that put Liam and Izzy together. Somehow some of the common ways to keep couples together didn't for for me in this one.
Like I said, I didn't read the previous books, so I didn't know if the Earth Mother and book of spells were important part of the series in overall ... but I truly felt uncomfortable with the matchmaking (even that love spells moment) for this couple. Izzy's issue is significant -- she's a former addict, it's natural that she fears that she will return to the dark side.
I am not going to pretend that I know what being an addict is like, but I can understand that it's a difficult journey to stay in the right path all the time. So when Izzy told the women at Kinnetics that she wasn't ready, and then those women still sort of trying to push Izzy, that they thought it was the "right" time to find a man, I felt HIGHLY annoyed.
Really, just because you're happy with a man, with a relationship, I didn't feel that it gave to the rights to tell other people when it was the right time to date, and in this case disregarding Izzy's concern and fears. For me it was like they were dismissing what Izzy wanted completely. Why? Because love is the answer of all problems?
I also couldn't warm up to Liam. I just wasn't enamored with his tough act when handling Izzy. That moment mentioned by that other reviewer, when Liam simply ripped her shirt after she told him to get out (by biting his lip) ... just screamed, well, not abuse, but an unhealthy kind of dominance behavior.
Maybe I was being over-dramatic, because the scene was written with Izzy clearly also being all hyped out with the sort of angry sex and desire but really, the way that Liam said “I’m going to do two things right now, Isabella, and there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop me. I’m going to fuck you till you’re not mad anymore” made me uneasy and worried for similar thing to happen in the future.
Oh, and I disliked that Probst used Liam's last name "Divine" when she wrote the book from his perspective. Why couldn't Probst use "Liam" instead. The use of his last name made him detached for me as a reader -- and that name, "Divine", made Liam sounded like an arrogant hero in my head. Which didn't help Liam's case because I already wasn't too impressed with him.
I did love the puppies. I didn't get the whole obsession with Star Wars (never did, watched them, by not my cuppa *shrugs*) but I thought it was cute that Izzy and Liam connected through that too. And I LOVED that near-the-end scene of Izzy and her dad.
But those moments couldn't made me liked this novella in overall -- not when I wasn't sold with the romance and one of the main characters (and in this case, the secondary characters as well) *shrugs*
This is my first Jennifer Probst, and I read this without reading the previous four books. I was curious because of two things: this novella was nominated for RITA Awards 2017 (Contemporary Romance: Short) and when I read the blurb, it mentioned a former addict heroine.
Unfortunately, I am going to be the part of the very small minority of readers who didn't like this as much as I wanted. I had similar thoughts with this reviewer in terms of the "force" that put Liam and Izzy together. Somehow some of the common ways to keep couples together didn't for for me in this one.
Like I said, I didn't read the previous books, so I didn't know if the Earth Mother and book of spells were important part of the series in overall ... but I truly felt uncomfortable with the matchmaking (even that love spells moment) for this couple. Izzy's issue is significant -- she's a former addict, it's natural that she fears that she will return to the dark side.
I am not going to pretend that I know what being an addict is like, but I can understand that it's a difficult journey to stay in the right path all the time. So when Izzy told the women at Kinnetics that she wasn't ready, and then those women still sort of trying to push Izzy, that they thought it was the "right" time to find a man, I felt HIGHLY annoyed.
Really, just because you're happy with a man, with a relationship, I didn't feel that it gave to the rights to tell other people when it was the right time to date, and in this case disregarding Izzy's concern and fears. For me it was like they were dismissing what Izzy wanted completely. Why? Because love is the answer of all problems?
I also couldn't warm up to Liam. I just wasn't enamored with his tough act when handling Izzy. That moment mentioned by that other reviewer, when Liam simply ripped her shirt after she told him to get out (by biting his lip) ... just screamed, well, not abuse, but an unhealthy kind of dominance behavior.
Maybe I was being over-dramatic, because the scene was written with Izzy clearly also being all hyped out with the sort of angry sex and desire but really, the way that Liam said “I’m going to do two things right now, Isabella, and there’s not a damn thing you can do to stop me. I’m going to fuck you till you’re not mad anymore” made me uneasy and worried for similar thing to happen in the future.
Oh, and I disliked that Probst used Liam's last name "Divine" when she wrote the book from his perspective. Why couldn't Probst use "Liam" instead. The use of his last name made him detached for me as a reader -- and that name, "Divine", made Liam sounded like an arrogant hero in my head. Which didn't help Liam's case because I already wasn't too impressed with him.
I did love the puppies. I didn't get the whole obsession with Star Wars (never did, watched them, by not my cuppa *shrugs*) but I thought it was cute that Izzy and Liam connected through that too. And I LOVED that near-the-end scene of Izzy and her dad.
But those moments couldn't made me liked this novella in overall -- not when I wasn't sold with the romance and one of the main characters (and in this case, the secondary characters as well) *shrugs*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2017
I'm just going to start by saying that SEARCHING FOR DISASTER by Jennifer Probst is hands down the best book I've read this year!! I have loved every one of the previous books in her Searching For series and this one is my favorite of all. All I can say is I really connected with these characters and every high and low they went through to end up together.
The story begins when Isabella and Liam met six years ago. They have an almost magical connection that both of them recognized, but for reasons of their own each walk away from. Liam continues on to become a police officer, but he's never gotten over the girl who stole his heart in just one night. And Isabella turns out to be Genevieve's troubled twin sister, Izzy, who likewise couldn't stop thinking about the man who made her feel more than she ever had before. A feeling she spent several years trying to find again with drugs, alcohol and casual sex.
Jump to present day, and Officer William Devine (Liam) is partners with officer Stone Petty (Arilyn Meadows' boyfriend). He's dated, but no woman compares to the feeling he found with Isabella MacKenzie. When he finally allows Stone to convince him to try Kinnections he's happy to find himself with a second chance with the woman he believes has always been meant for him. Izzy on the other hand, although two years clean and sober, still has some issues to work out within herself and doesn't believe she's ready for a relationship. Not even with the man she knows in her heart she still loves. The okay, I'm all in with this Happily Ever After thing did not come easy for these two and honestly, the journey was a bit heart-wrenching, but oh my, does joy come in the ending!!
I love the rich detail and depth Jennifer Probst always puts into her characters and story line. If you love your romance to be humorous, well-written, sigh-worthy, with dialogue that can be witty but is always real, has sizzling sex scenes, and usually causes a few moments where tears are running down your face you've become so emotionally engaged, then Jennifer Probst is your girl. She has long been a MUST-READ author for me.
Bottom line: I LOVED Izzy and Liam's story!! The entire Searching For series is consistently one of the best I've ever read. Which means there is actually a downside to Searching for Disaster because with it brings the end of a brilliant much-loved series. 5 stars.
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story begins when Isabella and Liam met six years ago. They have an almost magical connection that both of them recognized, but for reasons of their own each walk away from. Liam continues on to become a police officer, but he's never gotten over the girl who stole his heart in just one night. And Isabella turns out to be Genevieve's troubled twin sister, Izzy, who likewise couldn't stop thinking about the man who made her feel more than she ever had before. A feeling she spent several years trying to find again with drugs, alcohol and casual sex.
Jump to present day, and Officer William Devine (Liam) is partners with officer Stone Petty (Arilyn Meadows' boyfriend). He's dated, but no woman compares to the feeling he found with Isabella MacKenzie. When he finally allows Stone to convince him to try Kinnections he's happy to find himself with a second chance with the woman he believes has always been meant for him. Izzy on the other hand, although two years clean and sober, still has some issues to work out within herself and doesn't believe she's ready for a relationship. Not even with the man she knows in her heart she still loves. The okay, I'm all in with this Happily Ever After thing did not come easy for these two and honestly, the journey was a bit heart-wrenching, but oh my, does joy come in the ending!!
I love the rich detail and depth Jennifer Probst always puts into her characters and story line. If you love your romance to be humorous, well-written, sigh-worthy, with dialogue that can be witty but is always real, has sizzling sex scenes, and usually causes a few moments where tears are running down your face you've become so emotionally engaged, then Jennifer Probst is your girl. She has long been a MUST-READ author for me.
Bottom line: I LOVED Izzy and Liam's story!! The entire Searching For series is consistently one of the best I've ever read. Which means there is actually a downside to Searching for Disaster because with it brings the end of a brilliant much-loved series. 5 stars.
~Complimentary copy downloaded from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 10, 2016
For something so short, this story was incredibly deep. Isabella Mackenzie is an addict. She's been clean for two years and has made her amends. Trouble is that she doubts her own worthiness when it comes to happily ever after, which is just what Liam is offering her. He sees her... the good, the bad and the ugly. And loves her anyway. It's up to her to love herself enough to take a leap of faith with him.
TBH, I haven't read any other book in this series. And I'm glad I didn't. Because... based on the hints Isabella gives regarding the pain she caused those who loved her when she was under the influence, I got the chance to really get to know her character without any pre-judgments. I got sympathize with her weakness and doubts and fears and also celebrate her strength, determination and perseverance. I'm now very interested in starting from the beginning of this series after seeing and experiencing it's beautiful ending!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
TBH, I haven't read any other book in this series. And I'm glad I didn't. Because... based on the hints Isabella gives regarding the pain she caused those who loved her when she was under the influence, I got the chance to really get to know her character without any pre-judgments. I got sympathize with her weakness and doubts and fears and also celebrate her strength, determination and perseverance. I'm now very interested in starting from the beginning of this series after seeing and experiencing it's beautiful ending!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
July 20, 2017
Short and so sweet! Review to come!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
October 12, 2016
http://rpmbt-blog.com/rpmbt/review-se...
I will admit, I’ve only read a few of the books in the series, but hey, it’s OK, because they all can be read as a stand-alone. I wanted to read Izzy’s story after reading her twin Gen’s story a few months back, and Searching for Disaster did not disappoint!
Izzy has a troubled past, she was an addict and has ruined a lot of relationships in her life. Six years ago she made a decision that would alter her life for the worse and now that she’s clean and sober and finally living a good life, she never expected the guy who made a difference in her life all those years ago to show back up. Liam is the good guy, the straight edge, the one who does the right thing all the time, except when it comes to Izzy. He wants her still and will stop at nothing to have her.
Watching these two circle around one another throughout this book was so frustrating at times. I wanted Izzy to get out of her head and get with Liam, but she needed time to work things out. Liam on the other hand? OMG I loved his character. He’s a charmer and the way he shows Izzy how much he wants her and cares for her is beautiful. These two have a lot to get through to get a HEA but it was definitely worth it.
I loved the banter, the back and forth, and how supportive Izzy’s friends and family were of her. She has come a long way and it was time she got her happily ever after, and Liam is just the guy to give it to her. If you are a fan of this series or just looking for a quick and beautiful story, I highly suggest picking up Searching For Disaster today. This book is beautifully written and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters!
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
I will admit, I’ve only read a few of the books in the series, but hey, it’s OK, because they all can be read as a stand-alone. I wanted to read Izzy’s story after reading her twin Gen’s story a few months back, and Searching for Disaster did not disappoint!
Izzy has a troubled past, she was an addict and has ruined a lot of relationships in her life. Six years ago she made a decision that would alter her life for the worse and now that she’s clean and sober and finally living a good life, she never expected the guy who made a difference in her life all those years ago to show back up. Liam is the good guy, the straight edge, the one who does the right thing all the time, except when it comes to Izzy. He wants her still and will stop at nothing to have her.
Watching these two circle around one another throughout this book was so frustrating at times. I wanted Izzy to get out of her head and get with Liam, but she needed time to work things out. Liam on the other hand? OMG I loved his character. He’s a charmer and the way he shows Izzy how much he wants her and cares for her is beautiful. These two have a lot to get through to get a HEA but it was definitely worth it.
I loved the banter, the back and forth, and how supportive Izzy’s friends and family were of her. She has come a long way and it was time she got her happily ever after, and Liam is just the guy to give it to her. If you are a fan of this series or just looking for a quick and beautiful story, I highly suggest picking up Searching For Disaster today. This book is beautifully written and you can’t help but fall in love with the characters!
I have received this book as a member of the XOXperts, XOXO After Dark’s official street team, in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2016
Loved it!
Great end to an amazing series.
Sexy, romantic, funny, serious.... Perfect!
And we will see best friend Raven again in book #2 of the Billionaire Builders series ☺☺
September 21, 2016
When that special connection with a dog is made you don't try to take it away from Izzy and Liam, "Izzy raised her chin, ready to fight for her puppy. No one was going to separate them. Liam inched toward her to unite in the stand against Arilyn." There was one scene I loved, I think the puppies are playing matchmakers, and in turn driving their owners bonkers, and Liam his reactions are entertaining, “are you kidding me? I have no interest in shenanigans either. Yes, you’re hot and I want you bad, but I’m tired and cranky, and I just want to make him stop howling and peeing and chewing. Got it?” I loved this, this is my new favorite out of the series.
March 18, 2017
Lo stile della Probst mi piace sempre un sacco!!! Bellissimo!
January 13, 2018
Recensione di Xania per il Blog LE LETTRICI IMPERTINENTI
http://lettriciimpertinenti.blogspot....
Jennifer Probst continua a raccontarci la grande magia del libricino viola degli incantesimi, che passando di mano in mano, concede alle protagoniste della serie CUORI SOLITARI di trovare l’uomo dei loro sogni. Anche in DESIDERANDO TE, quinto episodio della serie, sboccerà un nuovo amore. I protagonisti sono Liam e Izzy che si sono già conosciuti ai tempi del college. L’incontro di una notte segna le loro vite perché non si dimenticheranno l’uno dell’altra ma Liam pone un out-out: o me o la droga. Da qui in poi si legge il romanzo ai tempi moderni.
Izzy è la scapestrata della famiglia. A soli trent’anni ha un passato di tossicodipendenza ma è riuscita a tirarsene fuori grazie all’amore della famiglia e dell’amica Raven. Ha trovato lavoro presso l’agenzia matrimoniale Kinnections ma il suo ricordo più importante è un aspirante poliziotto con il quale ha trascorso la notte più sensazionale della sua vita. Liam è ormai diventato un poliziotto serio e rigoroso. Anche lui ha vissuto ricordando una splendida ragazza che gli ha rapito il cuore ma che purtroppo ancora non teneva molto a lui per preferirlo alla droga.
Il loro incontro è inaspettato ma per tutti e due è un nuovo colpo di fulmine che li tramortisce. Si sentono sempre più legati, la loro passione sprigiona da ogni poro e sono sfrenati ma anche innamorati. Sarà izzy che causerà l’interruzione del rapporto perché ha troppa paura di non essere quello che serve a Liam, una donna seria senza un passato pericoloso che possa farlo vergognare. Liam dal canto suo ha tanto da offrire, tanto che potrebbe tenere lui in piedi il rapporto per entrambi, ma vuole che sia Izzy a rendersi conto di quello che prova veramente.
Questa storia d’amore ha una trama diversa dalle altre, parla di come il passato può essere d’intralcio al nostro presente ma come in fin dei conti, se è passato è ormai trascorso. Il presente è quello a cui bisogna aggrapparsi e se è bello, intelligente e carismatico come Liam, allora bisogno tenerselo stretto.
La narrazione con pov alternato ci dà una visione d’insieme completa che ci fa appassionare a questo romanzo anche se qualche difetto c’è. Il numero esiguo di pagine forse ha imposto un ritmo troppo veloce per cui anche in quei momenti dove, forse, ci si aspettava un minimo di corteggiamento, si è arrivati all’amplesso nel giro di un battito di ciglia. Trovo carente anche la traduzione che in italiano presenta delle espressioni che non sono nello stile dell’autrice, o per lo meno, non dei romanzi di questa serie. Almeno per quanto ne ho memoria ‘Avrei voluto zompargli addosso’ e ‘non si era mai preso una scuffia simile’ non rientrano nel linguaggio dell’autrice. Sarà, ma per me è uno scivolone con i fiocchi!! Ciò non toglie che le appassionate della serie lo leggeranno sicuramente.
http://lettriciimpertinenti.blogspot....
Jennifer Probst continua a raccontarci la grande magia del libricino viola degli incantesimi, che passando di mano in mano, concede alle protagoniste della serie CUORI SOLITARI di trovare l’uomo dei loro sogni. Anche in DESIDERANDO TE, quinto episodio della serie, sboccerà un nuovo amore. I protagonisti sono Liam e Izzy che si sono già conosciuti ai tempi del college. L’incontro di una notte segna le loro vite perché non si dimenticheranno l’uno dell’altra ma Liam pone un out-out: o me o la droga. Da qui in poi si legge il romanzo ai tempi moderni.
Izzy è la scapestrata della famiglia. A soli trent’anni ha un passato di tossicodipendenza ma è riuscita a tirarsene fuori grazie all’amore della famiglia e dell’amica Raven. Ha trovato lavoro presso l’agenzia matrimoniale Kinnections ma il suo ricordo più importante è un aspirante poliziotto con il quale ha trascorso la notte più sensazionale della sua vita. Liam è ormai diventato un poliziotto serio e rigoroso. Anche lui ha vissuto ricordando una splendida ragazza che gli ha rapito il cuore ma che purtroppo ancora non teneva molto a lui per preferirlo alla droga.
Il loro incontro è inaspettato ma per tutti e due è un nuovo colpo di fulmine che li tramortisce. Si sentono sempre più legati, la loro passione sprigiona da ogni poro e sono sfrenati ma anche innamorati. Sarà izzy che causerà l’interruzione del rapporto perché ha troppa paura di non essere quello che serve a Liam, una donna seria senza un passato pericoloso che possa farlo vergognare. Liam dal canto suo ha tanto da offrire, tanto che potrebbe tenere lui in piedi il rapporto per entrambi, ma vuole che sia Izzy a rendersi conto di quello che prova veramente.
Questa storia d’amore ha una trama diversa dalle altre, parla di come il passato può essere d’intralcio al nostro presente ma come in fin dei conti, se è passato è ormai trascorso. Il presente è quello a cui bisogna aggrapparsi e se è bello, intelligente e carismatico come Liam, allora bisogno tenerselo stretto.
La narrazione con pov alternato ci dà una visione d’insieme completa che ci fa appassionare a questo romanzo anche se qualche difetto c’è. Il numero esiguo di pagine forse ha imposto un ritmo troppo veloce per cui anche in quei momenti dove, forse, ci si aspettava un minimo di corteggiamento, si è arrivati all’amplesso nel giro di un battito di ciglia. Trovo carente anche la traduzione che in italiano presenta delle espressioni che non sono nello stile dell’autrice, o per lo meno, non dei romanzi di questa serie. Almeno per quanto ne ho memoria ‘Avrei voluto zompargli addosso’ e ‘non si era mai preso una scuffia simile’ non rientrano nel linguaggio dell’autrice. Sarà, ma per me è uno scivolone con i fiocchi!! Ciò non toglie che le appassionate della serie lo leggeranno sicuramente.
October 13, 2016
Searching for Disaster is Jennifer Probst latest book – and sadly the last one – in ‘the Searching For series’. Like the other books in the series, matchmaking company Kinnection and ‘the book of spells’ play a role in the story. This book tells the story of Izzy, the twin sister of Gen (her story is told in Searching for Beautiful) and police officer Liam.
Izzy finally has her life in order again; she has been clean for two years and she has a job at Kinnection, the matchmaking company. As a teenager and young adult she always felt a bit off and restless, leading her to the dangerous path of drugs. Shutting out family and most of her friends, Izzy needs to hit rock bottom before she finally wants to get better. Six years ago Izzy met Liam, but instead of listing to him she made a fatal decision. Liam has always been on her mind, but Izzy believes she doesn’t deserve a good man like him.
Liam works as a police officer in the quiet town of Verily. He’s content with his life; he doesn’t have to deal with the worst people can do and he dates with nice women. But lately Liam wants something more, more with work and more with a woman. Six years ago he had a one-night stand with Izzy, and every now and then he thinks of her, of wat could have been. When Liam sees her at again he knows they might have a second-chance.
When Izzy and Liam meet again they are immediately drawn to each other. Six years they met at a student party and thought they would have a normal one-night stand. But is turns out it was much more to both of them, over the years they have kept thinking about each other. Liam wants a start-over, but Izzy is still sees herself as an addict. Although she’s clean for two years now, she feels Liam needs a better woman, not somebody with her past. Liam sees past her former addiction, and sees the woman he wants to build a future with. Convincing her of this fact isn’t easy.
Like other Jennifer Probst books, Searching for Disaster is a sweet book, with a likable hero and heroine. Since this is a novella, a short story, the rekindling romance between Liam and Izzy progresses smoothly. Yes, there is a bit of angst and a reluctant heroine, but all is solved nicely. I wish the book was longer, to do more justice to the characters and to give more depth to the story.
I’ve enjoyed reading Searching for Disaster, but due to my issues I give this story 3.5 stars.
www.mariekesbooks.com
“She ached. How long had it been since a man held her? Touched her? Hell, even taken her to dinner or the movies? Too long. Yet maybe not long enough.”
Izzy finally has her life in order again; she has been clean for two years and she has a job at Kinnection, the matchmaking company. As a teenager and young adult she always felt a bit off and restless, leading her to the dangerous path of drugs. Shutting out family and most of her friends, Izzy needs to hit rock bottom before she finally wants to get better. Six years ago Izzy met Liam, but instead of listing to him she made a fatal decision. Liam has always been on her mind, but Izzy believes she doesn’t deserve a good man like him.
“What are you doing here?” Good question. She’d always been direct. He cleared his throat. “I wanted to talk.” She blinked. “About what?” A strangled laugh escaped his lips. His humiliation grew. “About us.” “There is no us.”
Liam works as a police officer in the quiet town of Verily. He’s content with his life; he doesn’t have to deal with the worst people can do and he dates with nice women. But lately Liam wants something more, more with work and more with a woman. Six years ago he had a one-night stand with Izzy, and every now and then he thinks of her, of wat could have been. When Liam sees her at again he knows they might have a second-chance.
“Her honesty humbled him. She never flinched when she told him her story, owning her mistakes as well as her triumphs. She had been fascinating and confident when he’d first met her six years ago. Now she was pure magnificence. Real. And the challenge of a lifetime.”
When Izzy and Liam meet again they are immediately drawn to each other. Six years they met at a student party and thought they would have a normal one-night stand. But is turns out it was much more to both of them, over the years they have kept thinking about each other. Liam wants a start-over, but Izzy is still sees herself as an addict. Although she’s clean for two years now, she feels Liam needs a better woman, not somebody with her past. Liam sees past her former addiction, and sees the woman he wants to build a future with. Convincing her of this fact isn’t easy.
Like other Jennifer Probst books, Searching for Disaster is a sweet book, with a likable hero and heroine. Since this is a novella, a short story, the rekindling romance between Liam and Izzy progresses smoothly. Yes, there is a bit of angst and a reluctant heroine, but all is solved nicely. I wish the book was longer, to do more justice to the characters and to give more depth to the story.
“I’m not weak, Liam. I’m strong. And maybe I screwed up before and didn’t choose you, but dammit, I’ll never make that mistake again. I’ll choose you every time.”
I’ve enjoyed reading Searching for Disaster, but due to my issues I give this story 3.5 stars.
www.mariekesbooks.com
October 20, 2016
My Thoughts:
Searching for Disaster was a sweet little page-turning novella, and the perfect way to end the Searching For Series. I am going to miss the characters that I have come to know and love. They are all unique and special. Ms. Probst has brought readers such real characters, with everyday problems, as well as the magic of love, unbreakable friendships, and strong family ties. When you delve into a story by Ms. Probst, you are taken to another place. I get lost and enraptured in her stories. They go by so fast, and I always am a little sad to say goodbye, when I come to the end.
In Searching For Disaster, we get Isabella "Izzy" Mackenzie and Officer William Devine's story. Isabella has always been the rebel or the "wild child," of her family. I disliked her when I initially met her as a secondary character. She is Gen's twin sister, whom we got to know in Searching for Beautiful. Fortunately, Isabella has changed. She had a severe drug addiction, and has been rehabilitated for two years. Gone is the flighty, irresponsible, and self-centered woman that we once knew. She has grown, matured, and is determined to continue to work on bettering herself.
Isabella is working at the matchmaking business, Kinnections. Kate, Kennedy, and Arilyn want to set her up with a love match, but Isabella isn't up for their matchmaking. Officer William "Liam" Devine is searching for something to make his life complete. He wants love. When he goes to Kinnections to get set up, he is shocked to see Isabella, whom he had a one night stand with six years ago, and never forgot. After Liam see's Isabella, he is determined to connect with the woman who got away. Unfortunately, Izzy is filled with self-doubt, and doesn't believe that she deserves a man like Liam. She is convinced that he can do better than her, and she will only hurt him in the long run. Can Liam convince her otherwise?
Searching for disaster brought the element of magic and fate, just like the other books in the series. I love the love spell plot thread in this series. I also enjoyed the fun banter and sexual tension between Liam and Izzy. Liam was a modern day "prince charming." He believed in Izzy, and did everything in his power to make her realize her worth. Even though Searching for Disaster was a novella, Ms. Probst did an excellent job of developing the characters and the story. The plot did not feel rushed, and I was happy with the ending. I highly recommend the Searching for series, and know that readers are going to really enjoy Izzy and Liams's love story.
My Rating:
I give, Searching for Disaster, by Jennifer Probst, 4.5 Magical, Sweet, Fun, and Falling Madly in Love Filled Stars. This novella was a pleasure to read, and I will miss all of these characters dearly. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but I think you get so much more out of them, if you read them in order.
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit http://www.abookishescape.com
Searching for Disaster was a sweet little page-turning novella, and the perfect way to end the Searching For Series. I am going to miss the characters that I have come to know and love. They are all unique and special. Ms. Probst has brought readers such real characters, with everyday problems, as well as the magic of love, unbreakable friendships, and strong family ties. When you delve into a story by Ms. Probst, you are taken to another place. I get lost and enraptured in her stories. They go by so fast, and I always am a little sad to say goodbye, when I come to the end.
In Searching For Disaster, we get Isabella "Izzy" Mackenzie and Officer William Devine's story. Isabella has always been the rebel or the "wild child," of her family. I disliked her when I initially met her as a secondary character. She is Gen's twin sister, whom we got to know in Searching for Beautiful. Fortunately, Isabella has changed. She had a severe drug addiction, and has been rehabilitated for two years. Gone is the flighty, irresponsible, and self-centered woman that we once knew. She has grown, matured, and is determined to continue to work on bettering herself.
Isabella is working at the matchmaking business, Kinnections. Kate, Kennedy, and Arilyn want to set her up with a love match, but Isabella isn't up for their matchmaking. Officer William "Liam" Devine is searching for something to make his life complete. He wants love. When he goes to Kinnections to get set up, he is shocked to see Isabella, whom he had a one night stand with six years ago, and never forgot. After Liam see's Isabella, he is determined to connect with the woman who got away. Unfortunately, Izzy is filled with self-doubt, and doesn't believe that she deserves a man like Liam. She is convinced that he can do better than her, and she will only hurt him in the long run. Can Liam convince her otherwise?
Searching for disaster brought the element of magic and fate, just like the other books in the series. I love the love spell plot thread in this series. I also enjoyed the fun banter and sexual tension between Liam and Izzy. Liam was a modern day "prince charming." He believed in Izzy, and did everything in his power to make her realize her worth. Even though Searching for Disaster was a novella, Ms. Probst did an excellent job of developing the characters and the story. The plot did not feel rushed, and I was happy with the ending. I highly recommend the Searching for series, and know that readers are going to really enjoy Izzy and Liams's love story.
My Rating:
I give, Searching for Disaster, by Jennifer Probst, 4.5 Magical, Sweet, Fun, and Falling Madly in Love Filled Stars. This novella was a pleasure to read, and I will miss all of these characters dearly. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone, but I think you get so much more out of them, if you read them in order.
*To Read More Book Reviews, Visit http://www.abookishescape.com
December 20, 2016
Isabella MacKenzie made some bad choices in the past and there are many things she regrets. She even let her possible soul mate walk away. After several years of struggling she finally managed to get herself back on track and now she has a job she loves and a nice home in a cozy town named Verily. She also has her family by her side again, something she couldn't be more grateful for. Everyone has forgiven her, but is Isabella ready to forgive herself?
Officer William Devine plays by the rules. He's a cop in Verily, a nice quiet town. He's working together with his best friend and has a great house. There's something missing in his life though. He's ready to commit, but there has only ever been one woman for him and he just had a single night with her. His determination to do the right thing ruined his chances with the carefree girl he immediately loved.
Izzy and Liam couldn't be more surprised when they see each other again. When they met Izzy was a free spirit and she traveled the world. Liam was about to start the police academy and didn't have any idea where he would end up yet. Has fate brought them together again? Izzy is ashamed of the things she's done and she doesn't know if she's worthy of someone as good as Liam. Will he be able to take away her doubts and convince the woman of his dreams that he's the one for her?
Izzy used to lead a turbulent life. She didn't always do what was right for her, but is trying hard to change this. She's vulnerable and insecure at some points, but she's also incredibly strong. I admired her vibrant spirit. She's clever and she has an intriguing personality because it has so many different facets. Liam has a warm heart and he has a kind and loving character that makes most women melt. He's only interested in Izzy though. I loved his strength, his determination and his persistence. It's clear from the moment they meet that Izzy and Liam have amazing chemistry, the sparks fly off the pages. They're a special couple and I adored that even their dogs like each other. Izzy and Liam obviously belong together, which was endearing to witness.
Jennifer Probst has a vivid writing that flows easily. She effortlessly combines hot scenes with deep emotional layers. Her main characters aren't perfect and I love that about them. She writes about feelings in an honest and pure way with an abundance of wonderful empathy. Her stories are all about two souls who should be entwined, but are having trouble getting there. The process is as important as the result. Jennifer Probst uses a lot of opposites and combines them with plenty of creativity. Everything comes together in a sexy and touching way. I really enjoyed reading Searching for Disaster, it's a beautiful heartfelt story.
Officer William Devine plays by the rules. He's a cop in Verily, a nice quiet town. He's working together with his best friend and has a great house. There's something missing in his life though. He's ready to commit, but there has only ever been one woman for him and he just had a single night with her. His determination to do the right thing ruined his chances with the carefree girl he immediately loved.
Izzy and Liam couldn't be more surprised when they see each other again. When they met Izzy was a free spirit and she traveled the world. Liam was about to start the police academy and didn't have any idea where he would end up yet. Has fate brought them together again? Izzy is ashamed of the things she's done and she doesn't know if she's worthy of someone as good as Liam. Will he be able to take away her doubts and convince the woman of his dreams that he's the one for her?
Izzy used to lead a turbulent life. She didn't always do what was right for her, but is trying hard to change this. She's vulnerable and insecure at some points, but she's also incredibly strong. I admired her vibrant spirit. She's clever and she has an intriguing personality because it has so many different facets. Liam has a warm heart and he has a kind and loving character that makes most women melt. He's only interested in Izzy though. I loved his strength, his determination and his persistence. It's clear from the moment they meet that Izzy and Liam have amazing chemistry, the sparks fly off the pages. They're a special couple and I adored that even their dogs like each other. Izzy and Liam obviously belong together, which was endearing to witness.
Jennifer Probst has a vivid writing that flows easily. She effortlessly combines hot scenes with deep emotional layers. Her main characters aren't perfect and I love that about them. She writes about feelings in an honest and pure way with an abundance of wonderful empathy. Her stories are all about two souls who should be entwined, but are having trouble getting there. The process is as important as the result. Jennifer Probst uses a lot of opposites and combines them with plenty of creativity. Everything comes together in a sexy and touching way. I really enjoyed reading Searching for Disaster, it's a beautiful heartfelt story.
October 12, 2016
ARC Review
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Jennifer Probst’s books remind me of delicious chocolate cake. Bursting with flavor, decadently rich, the Searching For series is very satisfying. Searching for Disaster is slightly different in flavor and approach. This story is more like a delicate pastry. It is multi-layered and delicate with subtle tastes. By book 4.6 we are familiar with the town of Verity, and we know how Kinnections works, but Izzy and Liam have a different kind of story to tell.
Izzy and Liam meet 6 years prior, before her drug addiction and his entrance into the police academy. They reunite at Kinnections where she is a receptionist and he is an officer with the Verity police department. Neither is able to forgot that night together and the attraction is immediate, but Izzy is very conscious of how fragile her recovery can be and does not want to re-introduce a factor from her past that might cause her to backslide. However, little by little Liam wins her over with his patience and honesty. She does not fall easily and he has to win her trust. I also really liked the fact that she does not feel the need to “name the relationship”, in other words, she does not need to label what they have. She does worry that she might not be good enough for him, so she proceeds cautiously, one day at a time.
Liam is used to things that are precise, controlled, and neat. However, with Izzy, he is more interested in the road less travelled. Izzy is a recovering drug addict and needs a different kind of approach. He appreciates the way she genuinely and honesty faces her life:
He’d realized imprefectness had a rough beauty about it, especially when people held a willingness to see the truth about themselves. . . . She never flinched when she told him her story, owning her mistakes as well as her triumphs.
Who does not admire someone who is willing to do the work to achieve something with depth and resilience?
I love the Search For series. The emotions, the dramatic storylines, the memorable characters, and the dogs (oh, the dogs), make these stories soul-satisfying. Nice ending, Ms. Probst. A very nice ending, indeed.
Originally posted at Love Affair with an e-Reader
Jennifer Probst’s books remind me of delicious chocolate cake. Bursting with flavor, decadently rich, the Searching For series is very satisfying. Searching for Disaster is slightly different in flavor and approach. This story is more like a delicate pastry. It is multi-layered and delicate with subtle tastes. By book 4.6 we are familiar with the town of Verity, and we know how Kinnections works, but Izzy and Liam have a different kind of story to tell.
Izzy and Liam meet 6 years prior, before her drug addiction and his entrance into the police academy. They reunite at Kinnections where she is a receptionist and he is an officer with the Verity police department. Neither is able to forgot that night together and the attraction is immediate, but Izzy is very conscious of how fragile her recovery can be and does not want to re-introduce a factor from her past that might cause her to backslide. However, little by little Liam wins her over with his patience and honesty. She does not fall easily and he has to win her trust. I also really liked the fact that she does not feel the need to “name the relationship”, in other words, she does not need to label what they have. She does worry that she might not be good enough for him, so she proceeds cautiously, one day at a time.
Liam is used to things that are precise, controlled, and neat. However, with Izzy, he is more interested in the road less travelled. Izzy is a recovering drug addict and needs a different kind of approach. He appreciates the way she genuinely and honesty faces her life:
He’d realized imprefectness had a rough beauty about it, especially when people held a willingness to see the truth about themselves. . . . She never flinched when she told him her story, owning her mistakes as well as her triumphs.
Who does not admire someone who is willing to do the work to achieve something with depth and resilience?
I love the Search For series. The emotions, the dramatic storylines, the memorable characters, and the dogs (oh, the dogs), make these stories soul-satisfying. Nice ending, Ms. Probst. A very nice ending, indeed.
November 4, 2016
This review first appeared on I Heart Romance & YA
Finally, we get Izzy's love story in this short novella! I admit to being very intrigued by her since I read Searching For Beautiful (OMG THAT BOOK!) and I am so, so happy that she finally got her HEA!
I am feeling a little bittersweet about this book because it marks the end of the ladies of Verily. So it is with a heavy heart that I review this book and say goodbye to Verily.
Second Chance Romance
I did not expect Devine and Izzy to have met years ago! I especially love that short flashback when these two met for the first time and had a one night stand! It was heartbreaking to read. This is also where we see the start of Izzy's addiction.
Izzy and Devine's HEA begins when Devine gets coerced by Arilyn and Stone to join Kinnections. And who does he see when he but Izzy?!
Emotional
I love that we see Izzy's fight to be sober and be drug-free. She is at the point in her life where she is trying to love herself and move on.
Puppy Love
The best part of this book are the puppies! How could you not love them? I love how Devine and Izzy's relationship blossomed around taking care of these puppies.
What I didn't like
Probably the only thing I didn't like about Searching for Disaster is the length! I totally understand that it is a novella BUT I WANT MOAR!
Another thing that really bothered me is the insta-love aspect of their romance. I understand that they had a one night stand years ago, but I think because this is a novella, their romance felt too fast.
Recommendations
I definitely recommend reading the other books in the series first to get the context and know more about Kinnections. Plus, the series is just AMAZING!
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
Finally, we get Izzy's love story in this short novella! I admit to being very intrigued by her since I read Searching For Beautiful (OMG THAT BOOK!) and I am so, so happy that she finally got her HEA!
I am feeling a little bittersweet about this book because it marks the end of the ladies of Verily. So it is with a heavy heart that I review this book and say goodbye to Verily.
Second Chance Romance
I did not expect Devine and Izzy to have met years ago! I especially love that short flashback when these two met for the first time and had a one night stand! It was heartbreaking to read. This is also where we see the start of Izzy's addiction.
Izzy and Devine's HEA begins when Devine gets coerced by Arilyn and Stone to join Kinnections. And who does he see when he but Izzy?!
Emotional
I love that we see Izzy's fight to be sober and be drug-free. She is at the point in her life where she is trying to love herself and move on.
Puppy Love
The best part of this book are the puppies! How could you not love them? I love how Devine and Izzy's relationship blossomed around taking care of these puppies.
What I didn't like
Probably the only thing I didn't like about Searching for Disaster is the length! I totally understand that it is a novella BUT I WANT MOAR!
Another thing that really bothered me is the insta-love aspect of their romance. I understand that they had a one night stand years ago, but I think because this is a novella, their romance felt too fast.
Recommendations
I definitely recommend reading the other books in the series first to get the context and know more about Kinnections. Plus, the series is just AMAZING!
Read the full review on I Heart Romance & YA
February 28, 2017
2.5 Stars. Searching For Disaster has a somewhat unconventional start for a romance novel as it opens with a one night stand and the heroine choosing drugs over a life with the hero. Immediate sex and cocaine right upfront would probably tend to be more of a turn off for me in a romance, but here it worked, I was pulled in to Izzy and Liam’s stories. I liked that he saw right through her, it wasn’t a matter of this cop in training being oblivious to her actions, he saw it, and decided that’s not for me, I liked the honesty from both characters even if it sent them in opposite directions, I liked that they communicated, not only at the start of the story, but throughout the book, this wasn’t one of those annoying romances where a failure to talk to one another is what pulls them apart, this woman has actual issues.
I enjoy most romance tropes, yet oddly with this one, it was when those more conventional romance elements came into play where I became slightly less interested, I just wasn’t loving the machinations to push this couple together, whether it was the earth mother magic spell or Izzy’s matchmaking friends, I just wanted them to find their way to one another more organically given the realism in the opening of the book.
There's a moment where Liam rips open Izzy’s blouse, I totally know the author and the hero approached that moment with good intentions, it’s actually a moment meant to emotionally reassure the heroine, and everything afterwards was consensual, but as a reader the blouse moment just felt kind of violating and off-putting to me, even though as I stated, I know violence and taking away Izzy’s power wasn’t the intent of the scene, it just for me, didn’t really fit the characters or the story but might work as heightened passion for other readers.
I know this review makes it seem like I only enjoyed the beginning, but I thought the puppies were adorable, the conversation between Izzy and her father was well done, and even though I’m not a Star Wars fan, I liked that Izzy and Liam shared a love of those movies, I think characters are always richer and more relatable to the reader when you get those little details that help make them a specific person rather than just a type.
I enjoy most romance tropes, yet oddly with this one, it was when those more conventional romance elements came into play where I became slightly less interested, I just wasn’t loving the machinations to push this couple together, whether it was the earth mother magic spell or Izzy’s matchmaking friends, I just wanted them to find their way to one another more organically given the realism in the opening of the book.
There's a moment where Liam rips open Izzy’s blouse, I totally know the author and the hero approached that moment with good intentions, it’s actually a moment meant to emotionally reassure the heroine, and everything afterwards was consensual, but as a reader the blouse moment just felt kind of violating and off-putting to me, even though as I stated, I know violence and taking away Izzy’s power wasn’t the intent of the scene, it just for me, didn’t really fit the characters or the story but might work as heightened passion for other readers.
I know this review makes it seem like I only enjoyed the beginning, but I thought the puppies were adorable, the conversation between Izzy and her father was well done, and even though I’m not a Star Wars fan, I liked that Izzy and Liam shared a love of those movies, I think characters are always richer and more relatable to the reader when you get those little details that help make them a specific person rather than just a type.
September 26, 2016
4.5 Fangs
What a perfect way to end the series! I have loved every single one of these books. The characters have all been memorable and so have their love stories. I'm sad to see it ending and I do hope the Book of Spells gets into the hands of some other lucky girl.
It's always hard to do a novella without the insta-love situation and I think Jennifer Probst had the perfect idea of introducing these two characters as a second chance romance. William Devine, known as Liam, met Isabella MaKenzie years ago and they shared one intense night encounter. Sadly, Liam wanted Isabella but she was dealing with her own demons and instead decided to choose drugs.
In the present, Isabella is clean and has been working at Kinnections for one month. She is not only good at her job but she loves it. When Liam shows up to sign up to find a match for himself, Isabella's axis goes wacky. In front of her is the only man she hasn't been able to forget. For his part, once Liam sees her again, he has no interest in meeting anyone new. He just needs to convince her that this time, it will work between them.
I loved this couple. They were so good together! My favorite section of the novel was during the visit to the rescue center and later on when they have to support each other while dealing with their new pets. It was adorable. Don't get me started on the pet names. They were fantastic!
The scene at the end had me laughing. I can only imagine Liam's shock. Like I said earlier, a perfect way to end this series.
4.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
"Regrets are part of healing. You can't never take back your actions, but you can forgive, make amends, and move on."
What a perfect way to end the series! I have loved every single one of these books. The characters have all been memorable and so have their love stories. I'm sad to see it ending and I do hope the Book of Spells gets into the hands of some other lucky girl.
It's always hard to do a novella without the insta-love situation and I think Jennifer Probst had the perfect idea of introducing these two characters as a second chance romance. William Devine, known as Liam, met Isabella MaKenzie years ago and they shared one intense night encounter. Sadly, Liam wanted Isabella but she was dealing with her own demons and instead decided to choose drugs.
In the present, Isabella is clean and has been working at Kinnections for one month. She is not only good at her job but she loves it. When Liam shows up to sign up to find a match for himself, Isabella's axis goes wacky. In front of her is the only man she hasn't been able to forget. For his part, once Liam sees her again, he has no interest in meeting anyone new. He just needs to convince her that this time, it will work between them.
"The demons always come."
I loved this couple. They were so good together! My favorite section of the novel was during the visit to the rescue center and later on when they have to support each other while dealing with their new pets. It was adorable. Don't get me started on the pet names. They were fantastic!
The scene at the end had me laughing. I can only imagine Liam's shock. Like I said earlier, a perfect way to end this series.
4.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 10, 2016
www.bookworm221.tumblr.com
I have only to say Thank you to Miss Jennifer Probst for giving us and amazing series and an equally amazing end to it.
In Searching for Disaster we get the see Isabella and Liam fall in love, they met when they were young and had an electric connection but some circumstances drew them apart and now years later they have another chance of finally figure out what that attraction and electricity really mean.
I loved this novella so much, Isabella is unlike any character that I've read, she is coming out of years and years of struggles, she is so strong and I really admire her for everything that she has gone through and for the way she is now and the way she is dealing with everything from her past, true, sometimes I wanted to yell at her a bit and tell her to follow her heart for the first time!!!
Liam was perfection, his entire demeanor towards Isabella was so swoony, he is an amazingly strong man, he is fighting for a chance to prove that he is the right choice and that he accepts and loves her for who she is now.
The writing was beautiful, I only wish it would have been a longer novella but that's just for my benefit because I wanted to keep reading about these wonderful characters.
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
I have only to say Thank you to Miss Jennifer Probst for giving us and amazing series and an equally amazing end to it.
In Searching for Disaster we get the see Isabella and Liam fall in love, they met when they were young and had an electric connection but some circumstances drew them apart and now years later they have another chance of finally figure out what that attraction and electricity really mean.
I loved this novella so much, Isabella is unlike any character that I've read, she is coming out of years and years of struggles, she is so strong and I really admire her for everything that she has gone through and for the way she is now and the way she is dealing with everything from her past, true, sometimes I wanted to yell at her a bit and tell her to follow her heart for the first time!!!
Liam was perfection, his entire demeanor towards Isabella was so swoony, he is an amazingly strong man, he is fighting for a chance to prove that he is the right choice and that he accepts and loves her for who she is now.
The writing was beautiful, I only wish it would have been a longer novella but that's just for my benefit because I wanted to keep reading about these wonderful characters.
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
October 13, 2016
This is the final novella in this series by Jennifer Probst. All of the Kinnections have been made! I hadn't read the blurb before grabbing this one. I love the series so I wanted to finish it out. I was so surprised to find Izzy getting her HEA! She has had a rough time of it and for Liam to find her worthy of his love, just pulled at the old heartstrings.
I liked getting their back stories. I liked the nod by the author to take care of yourself--your metal and physical health--first before you can move on to caring for another person. The other take away message is that good friends and good love can heal your soul.
As with all of the books in the series, the matchmakers meddle, the dogs become secondary characters and the humor reminds us we are all human. Cheers to the Kinnections women, Mother Earth, and the men who rock their worlds! Perfect topping on the series! Great job!
*ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review
I liked getting their back stories. I liked the nod by the author to take care of yourself--your metal and physical health--first before you can move on to caring for another person. The other take away message is that good friends and good love can heal your soul.
As with all of the books in the series, the matchmakers meddle, the dogs become secondary characters and the humor reminds us we are all human. Cheers to the Kinnections women, Mother Earth, and the men who rock their worlds! Perfect topping on the series! Great job!
*ARC provided via Netgalley for an honest review
March 21, 2017
HELL YES.
Dit boek was amazing.
Ik wachtte al superlang op een verhaal over Izzy, en toen Devine in beeld kwam dacht ik, hmm, this could be something. En fuck yeah it actually is.
Dit boek was een novella en dus aanzienlijk korter dan de andere boeken, but damn. Dit verhaal was echt sterk, supergoed geschreven en de karakters zijn amazing.
De scene in het dierenasiel liet me hardop lachen, gewoon zo cute en supergoed voor te stellen hoe ze daar stonden met puppies als kleine kinderen die niet los willen laten.
Deze twee zijn perfect voor elkaar, en Liam is amazing en Izzy is amazing en samen zijn ze magische perfectie.
I really enjoyed this.
EN TOEN
Ik wist vooraf al dat het boek maar 200 pagina´s was, maar ik dacht na vluchtig gekeken te hebben dat de laatste 100 pagina´s een excerpt waren van Op zoek naar jou, het eerste deel van de serie.
Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Want de laatste 100 pagina´s zijn nog een short story, eentje die eerder alleen een ebook was dus waarvan ik de intentie had om die ooit nog eens te downloaden.
Maar ook deze was hella nice, ookal was hij dan super kort.
Ik keek ook al wel uit naar een verhaal over mensen die actually ingeschreven stonden bij Kinnections en niet per se een relatie met de hoofdfiguren hadden, en here we are.
Riley en Dylan zijn amazing samen. Like, de trope van in een sneeuwstorm opgesloten zitten samen heeft me al vermoord. Gooi er ook nog references naar Disney films in en it´s done. ESPECIAlly when it is B&B. You can't compare shit to that, that's my shit. Maar this was veryy nice, they cute, I like them. Voor 100 pagina's heb ik het gevoel dat ik een redelijke backstory voor deze twee had, genoeg om het te shippen en niet het gevoel te hebben dat het nog een sad woordengeblabje als aanhangsel achter het boek was.
EDIT:
Kunnen we het er over eens zijn dat Dylan gewoon Dominic Sherwood is?
Like, I see you Jennifer.
THIS WAS GOOD SHIT.
Ik kijk superveel uit naar een volgende serie, want duidelijk gaat Jennifer er alleen maar op vooruit qua schrijfstijl en karakter-development, in tegendeel tot sommige andere schrijfsters (ik kijk naar jou Rachel, SCHRIJF WEER GOEDE BOEKEN DAMMIT, GEEN LEGE SEKSSCENES).
Ik ben vooral benieuwd of Regan, Izzy's best friend, nog een vervolg krijgt.
Gooooo Jennifer, keep writing the good shit.
EDIT:
Wat me wel weer opviel was het aanzienlijke aantal fouten in zinsverloop, dubbele woorden, verkeerde werkwoordsvorm zelfs.
De Nederlandse vertaler/editor moet hier echt zijn game upsteppen, want dit is in de laatste paar boeken echt opvallend out of control, kan echt niet voor zo'n goede serie, waar ze me ook 15 euro voor de nieuwste boeken voor vragen.
Dit boek was amazing.
Ik wachtte al superlang op een verhaal over Izzy, en toen Devine in beeld kwam dacht ik, hmm, this could be something. En fuck yeah it actually is.
Dit boek was een novella en dus aanzienlijk korter dan de andere boeken, but damn. Dit verhaal was echt sterk, supergoed geschreven en de karakters zijn amazing.
De scene in het dierenasiel liet me hardop lachen, gewoon zo cute en supergoed voor te stellen hoe ze daar stonden met puppies als kleine kinderen die niet los willen laten.
Deze twee zijn perfect voor elkaar, en Liam is amazing en Izzy is amazing en samen zijn ze magische perfectie.
I really enjoyed this.
EN TOEN
Ik wist vooraf al dat het boek maar 200 pagina´s was, maar ik dacht na vluchtig gekeken te hebben dat de laatste 100 pagina´s een excerpt waren van Op zoek naar jou, het eerste deel van de serie.
Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Want de laatste 100 pagina´s zijn nog een short story, eentje die eerder alleen een ebook was dus waarvan ik de intentie had om die ooit nog eens te downloaden.
Maar ook deze was hella nice, ookal was hij dan super kort.
Ik keek ook al wel uit naar een verhaal over mensen die actually ingeschreven stonden bij Kinnections en niet per se een relatie met de hoofdfiguren hadden, en here we are.
Riley en Dylan zijn amazing samen. Like, de trope van in een sneeuwstorm opgesloten zitten samen heeft me al vermoord. Gooi er ook nog references naar Disney films in en it´s done. ESPECIAlly when it is B&B. You can't compare shit to that, that's my shit. Maar this was veryy nice, they cute, I like them. Voor 100 pagina's heb ik het gevoel dat ik een redelijke backstory voor deze twee had, genoeg om het te shippen en niet het gevoel te hebben dat het nog een sad woordengeblabje als aanhangsel achter het boek was.
EDIT:
Kunnen we het er over eens zijn dat Dylan gewoon Dominic Sherwood is?
Like, I see you Jennifer.
THIS WAS GOOD SHIT.
Ik kijk superveel uit naar een volgende serie, want duidelijk gaat Jennifer er alleen maar op vooruit qua schrijfstijl en karakter-development, in tegendeel tot sommige andere schrijfsters (ik kijk naar jou Rachel, SCHRIJF WEER GOEDE BOEKEN DAMMIT, GEEN LEGE SEKSSCENES).
Ik ben vooral benieuwd of Regan, Izzy's best friend, nog een vervolg krijgt.
Gooooo Jennifer, keep writing the good shit.
EDIT:
Wat me wel weer opviel was het aanzienlijke aantal fouten in zinsverloop, dubbele woorden, verkeerde werkwoordsvorm zelfs.
De Nederlandse vertaler/editor moet hier echt zijn game upsteppen, want dit is in de laatste paar boeken echt opvallend out of control, kan echt niet voor zo'n goede serie, waar ze me ook 15 euro voor de nieuwste boeken voor vragen.
March 19, 2017
Davvero bello!
Ho adorato Liam dall'inizio alla fine, Izzy un po' meno, ma direi che posso capirla.
Anche se, ragazza mia, se nella vita hai la fortuna di trovare un uomo come Liam, è meglio se impari a farti meno problemi e afferri al volo l'opportunità!
Liam è dolcissimo e tenero, un uomo deciso, forte con dei principi e... super sexy!
Beh, questo non guasta mai!
Libro troppo breve... avrei voluto più Liam, più Han Solo e più Principessa Leila (leggendo scoprirete chi siano...)
Peccato la serie sia finita, anche se forse è rimasta una piccolissima porta aperta e il famoso libro degli incantesimi ricomparirà nelle mani di un'altra donna...
Ho adorato Liam dall'inizio alla fine, Izzy un po' meno, ma direi che posso capirla.
Anche se, ragazza mia, se nella vita hai la fortuna di trovare un uomo come Liam, è meglio se impari a farti meno problemi e afferri al volo l'opportunità!
Liam è dolcissimo e tenero, un uomo deciso, forte con dei principi e... super sexy!
Beh, questo non guasta mai!
Libro troppo breve... avrei voluto più Liam, più Han Solo e più Principessa Leila (leggendo scoprirete chi siano...)
Peccato la serie sia finita, anche se forse è rimasta una piccolissima porta aperta e il famoso libro degli incantesimi ricomparirà nelle mani di un'altra donna...
March 19, 2017
3,5 stars
April 9, 2017
Two short stories that were really good and with real diverse characters and good storylines!
Also liked all the references to Star Wars and Disney animated movies! :D
Also liked all the references to Star Wars and Disney animated movies! :D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews