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The Searchers #3

Finding Truth

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Matisse learned the pain of lies from those he loved…can he learn to trust again?

Matisse Boudreau is the first to admit he's not great at understanding people. Yet, one thing he knows is true, Nora Leslie is worth whatever puzzle he needs to solve. As Matisse and his best friends settle into their relationship with Nora, things become clearer—forces are at work to tear them apart. 

Nora's been participating in a strange and mysterious psychological study, but she can no longer ignore the voice inside her screaming that Dr. Daniel Murray is more than he seems, and he does not have her best interests at heart. When Nora pieces together the tragedies that seem to be dogging her, she comes to Matisse with her fears, and he'll use all his genius to prove her instincts are right.

With Matisse, Apollo, Cai, Seok, and Ryan all working together, they'll discover how truly dark the intentions of the doctor are, and how committed he is to keeping Nora in his sights.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2017

52 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

Ripley Proserpina

50 books520 followers
Ripley Proserpina spends her days huddled near a fire in the frozen northern wilds of Vermont. She lives with her family, two magnificent cats, and one dog who aspires to cat-hood.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews29 followers
August 10, 2019
I love this series and the development of the relationships between Nora and the guys. Each is different as are the guys. Nora seems to understand the quirks of them and that is what makes this so perfect.

In this book, Nora figures out something about the study she's involved with as Cai finally gets to come home after a bout with Scarlet fever and Strep.

There's much more here though, Matisse has been doing some illegal motorcycle racing and Nora is pissed when she finds out. The guys also realize that Nora needs to know everything about them. This is made even clearer when Matisse's mother calls demanding an appearance at Thanksgiving. His story is not so much heartbreaking as it is undeniably an example of selfishness on the part of his father.

There is much going on here, many things to resolve and not all the answers will be easy ones.

There's Tyler who Cai needs to help, there's the infamous Dr. Murray, relationship breakthroughs and so much more!

I really can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Renia.
315 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2022
2,85 stars.
Matisse is not my favourite character in this series but during the story he grew on me and in the end i liked him. The way the author made such deep characters with so different idiosyncrasies is something very rare and difficult to find and for me is very important aspect in a good book.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,868 reviews54 followers
August 7, 2017
I love everything about The Searchers Series. I love the characters, the normalcy of their unique relationship, and the reality of the world around them. This is not a sugar coated, rosy story. The world can be unfair, cold at times; when you find your family, find love, you need to hold on to it tightly. That's exactly what Nora is doing with her guys. This book picks up where Ryan's left off. All of the main characters make appearances, but this is Matisse's story.

Matisse is even more complicated than I thought at first and that is saying something. His brain is wired differently and processing emotions, human intentions and actions is a struggle. He's a genius in some ways, yet struggles daily in others. I found him so admirable. The amount of work he puts in to be a good friend and boyfriend is amazing. It would be so easy to separate himself from people and just concentrate on disappearing into the world of computers and numbers, but he works hard at keeping his realtionships. Once he decides something or someone is important to him, he studies them, picking up clues as to how to make them happy. Remarkable! This love and desire to do his best for others has landed him in trouble, allowed others to use him, betray him. His trust has been broken. And still he feels so deeply. My heart broke for him at times. It's clear to see that his family and now Nora are vital to him and his happiness.

This book concentrated on Matisse's story and his piece of the relationship with Nora, but it also wove in more details with Dr Murray and his study. There were some engrossing revelations. Now that certain details are known a new level of danger has been created. The suspense surrounding this part of the storyline is a wonderful counter to the love story. There is incredible depth to Ripley's writing. She takes care to polish even the finest details to create a sense of reality that is not found in many books. These characters, their emotions, talents, thoughts; their house and occupations all ring genuine. You know if someone coughs Apollo will head for the refrigerator and blender; you know if a threatening letter arrives Ryan will spring into action immediately. These characters have such a sense of authenticity. Such a good series!
Profile Image for Brittney.
180 reviews20 followers
August 8, 2017
I loved, loved, loved this book! This is an epic continuation of an already amazing series. Many truths are revealed throughout this book about the past of the guys and with Dr. Murray. I highly recommend setting aside an afternoon to read this book because you will not want to get off your couch until you finish the book.
Ripley Proserpina is so incredibly talented with her ability to make the books seem so realistic. I was griping my kindle and wanting to throw it at times (mainly at Dr. Murray's head) because I completely lost myself in the world she created. The author amazingly made the uniquely fabulous relationship between Nora and the guys seem normal in the cruel world we all live in. She holds nothing back in her descriptions of the tragedies that everyone has encountered in their lives and the unfairness of it all. However, this book is not sad and depressing to read, instead, it gives you faith in our ability to face any challenge head-on.
I absolutely love Nora and her never-ending ability to forgive and love. She is the perfect character for this book and none of the dialogue seemed to be forced or made up. Everything about this book is unapologetically real. Nora's relationship with each guy melts my heart and makes me fall in love with each of the guys as she does. I especially love how the author has been dedicating each book to uncovering the dark past of one of the guys and focusing on them while still being able to progress the plot and Nora's relationships with each of the other guys. The different POVs for each chapter were so necessary and I loved listening to what was going on in everyone's head.
I have zero complaints about this book except that I want the next book now! If you have not read the series yet, what are you waiting for? Go back and do it! This beautifully written book needs to be shared with the world.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bruce.
259 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the Searchers series and is a fantastic Reverse Harem. And it's based in a Contemporary setting. I love love love Matisses story! While it focuses on Matisse and his past and his relationship with Nora it still progresses the central storyline and you do hear from the other guys. But i love and adore Matisse. He's not like the other guys. He may be on the Autism spectrum and sometimes not understand the world or be understood by it but he sees it in a unique way and will see a solution that others may not. And Nora is perfect for him. She sees what he needs even before he does or what he really means. And the guys understand him. Thats what makes them more than friends. It makes them Family.

The story is really progressing. Nora is more comfortable in the relationship between all of them and they're a happy little family. But theres still the dark cloud over the horizon with the study and Dr Murray. Nora is starting to figure out that something is not right, and she can't continue to ignore it, especially after Tyler, another participant in the study, attack her.

Things are really starting to get exciting and theres much more danger in the air. And this time while there isn't necessarily a cliff hanger there is definitely something still to resolve. Can't wait for the next in the Searchers story. Will it be Seok or Cai? I'm almost thinking Seok because we got more of a glimpse of him, but because the next one might include more of helping Tyler I'm thinking Cai.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,899 reviews58 followers
August 10, 2017
This is Book 3 in The Searchers series (you must read the books in order) and it is "Matisse's" book. This new adult, non-paranormal reverse harem (RH) series keeps getting better and better! I love RH stories and in my experience a contemporary, non-paranormal RH series is a rare thing, so this series is a special treat for me.

The characters are complex, interesting and REAL. I love that each book is delving deep into one character so you can learn more about them, including their past, and see what shaped them into who they are now. All of the men we love are still present, and tidbits about them are laid just perfectly so that my anticipation for their books builds as the book goes along. My emotions are fired up over the specifics of what the characters have or are enduring, and my heart glows at the romance Nora has with each of the heroes, with small gestures or moments highlighting their history and the depth of feeling involved. I loved, loved little sentences that mention Ryan's scarf or Apollo's breathing techniques -that some could almost consider filler - but in reality are beautiful callbacks to the previous books, very skillfully woven in.

This is an ongoing series so there plot points that will carry on in the next book, but I wouldn't call the ending a cliffhanger-rather a complete arc of the overall story, and the best one yet at that.
Profile Image for Anna.
838 reviews
August 7, 2017
Finding Truth is the perfect name for this book. We get A LOT of truths out of this one. What happened with Tyler that made him act like he did. What's Dr. Murray really up to? What's Matisse hiding from everyone and why does he feel the need to do it? We spend a good amount of time on that last one. Matisse has been through a lot in his life and it explains why he is the way he is.

I really enjoyed this book. I like getting to know more about each of the guys in the different books but Matisse might be my favorite story so far. While the main focus of this book is Matisse and his past, we still get a lot of current story and time with the other guys as well. I think Cai has a lot of story in this one and I can see the next book being his. Especially after the turn of events at the end of this book.

This series is really good and I definitely recommend that you read it. I truly believe it just gets better and better with each book. And that ending....oh my goodness! Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Erin Walker.
31 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2017
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Can Ripley Proserpina make me fall in love with her characters any more? Honestly, I thought I loved Matisse from his time in the previous 3 books, but I'm over the moon for him now.

Matisse' family issues and his loyalty to his father come to light in this book. While I won't give too much away, you'll want to pay attention to the flashback of his time in high school. Not only do we find out why Matisse left home, but how he and Seok became friends. It's an interesting and heartbreaking story.

While that is going on we find out more about the study Nora is participating in. And none of its good. With the help of Matisse and the gang, they're determined to get Nora out of the study and to bring light to the issues they've found.

As with any Ripley book, characters and scenery are beautifully crafted so that the reader feels like they are observing everything going on. A race through the quiet streets suddenly becomes exciting through Ripley's storytelling.
Profile Image for Tamara Tabor.
52 reviews
August 22, 2017
Okay, I'm going to be really up front about this book... it was pretty darn good. I wont lie and say i had a lot of hopes for it because i really didn't but with that also being said I didn't have any bad expectations either. Overall this series is not my favorite books by her BUT they are actually really drawing me in the deeper i get into the books. This world isn't your perfect world you see in some books; it has notifiable flaws that make you actually start to really love the world and characters. On a random note, just if people are reading the reviews the see whos book this is, then its matisse's but you do see the others. I would recommend reading this series, especially because its just small little things that bother me that made me not fall 100% in love with these characters and their world. for me what has been a slow growing appreciation may be insta-love for you!
Profile Image for Patty.
254 reviews
August 14, 2017
Ripley does it again! This series keeps getting better as the story progresses along with Nora's relationship with her guys. The character development is fantastic and we can relate in so many ways. The guys are not perfect. I love that! But, they are all loyal and stick together. Matisse's slight autistic tendencies are more common that we think. While there is an absence of awkwardness in front of the guys (for the most part), the realistic issue of the jealousy/possessiveness of one and the insecurity of others makes this a good mix while they all focus on the problem at hand. The cohesiveness of the group has us all enthralled while we all grind our teeth wondering how this plot will play out. Can't wait for book 4!
Profile Image for Ashley.
20 reviews35 followers
September 11, 2017
This is the third book in the Searchers series and it just keeps getting better and better. This book focuses on Matisse and his past. I love that each book focuses on one of the guys without completely overshadowing the other characters. This series feels so real and genuine. I just love the world and the characters that Ripley has created. This book had a great mix of past and current events. I love getting the chance to learn more about the characters’ backstories while also moving forward with present day events. This series is such a whirlwind of emotions and anticipation and this book was a great addition. This has definitely become one of my favourite series and I cannot wait for the next book!

* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,263 reviews33 followers
September 26, 2018
Great series

Great continuation of the series!!! I really loved Matisse. What I like the most was there was a lot of backstory in this one and it explains perfectly why Matisse is the way he is. Also why Nora is so significant to him. Matisse is such a interesting guy and I loved seeing his relationship with Nora grow. A lot of twists and turns that you didn't see coming and we also learn a lot more about the infamous study of Dr. Murray. But there still a lot of unanswered questions. Nora and her guys are definitely seeing the struggle there facing but seeing them persevere was amazing. I wonder whose book is going to be next??? Overall a enjoyable and entertaining read and can't wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Michele Moore.
426 reviews3 followers
July 22, 2020
So good.

Ok. So book 4, (I know the title says it’s book 3, it’s not. There’s a novella Finding Nora that happens right after book 1) this is Matisse’s part of the story, where we learn about his past and how he got to this place. There were a few things mentioned in another book that I think didn’t sync up for continuity, but I may be thinking of a different character so I’m going to let it go.

Overall the story is extremely engaging and I cannot wait to see what happens next. In a time where so many books are the same story, this is different. I still am not loving the insta-love feel, but the story is strong enough and the characters are deep enough that in the end, for me it was a non issue.
13 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2017
Great continuation of the series! I do recommend reading the other books in the series first to enjoy the story. I truly love how the series continues to flesh out the relationship between the characters and it is nice how each book highlights the backstory for a particular character, in this case Matisse (one of my favorites!). Not only the romance is great in this book, but there is a cool underlying suspense story. This book finally gives us some more details about the mystery project that Nora is involved with. I cannot wait to continue the series in book 4!

* received ARC in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for lee.
272 reviews17 followers
December 1, 2021
do all of these books follow the exact same plot recipe, just focused on a different ML? yes!

am i still reading the series despite that? also yes!

that said, this installation was slightly underwhelming. i know that the doctor guy is supposed to be a master of manipulation or whatever, but i don't know why nora and the guys all let him get into their heads so easily—especially during that scene with cai in the hospital towards the end. like, i get that he's worried about his friend, but he comes off as dramatic...

or maybe i just operate under the belief that i'm built different and would be immune to manipulation tactics, haha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
8 reviews10 followers
August 8, 2017
Matisse *sigh* *swoon*

I love Matisse. He's currently my favorite of all the guys. There's a lot of back story in this one and I think it's important because it explains why Matisse is who he is today. And why Nora represents home to him.

But what I love even more about the story is that now someone is on to the shady happenings at the college and what it might represent for Nora.

Issues get resolved, but as a result, it's obvious other issues are going to arise.

I'll read pretty much anything Ripley puts in front of me. Please keep writing!
Profile Image for Becky.
350 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2017
Better than the first 2. This book delves even more into how the 5 roommates came together and how they work together to be a family. Dr. Murry's plan is discovered but since this isn't the end of the series it is not foiled. Tyler may become a bigger part of the story but not yet. Nora is gaining confidence in herself and her place but still has a way to go.

Technically this book focuses on Matisse. His backstory is revealed and we begin to see how it shaped him into the bad boy he tries to be today.

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving. :)
Profile Image for Lauren Franco.
36 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2017
Finding Truth soothes all sad souls loving and missing this series. It is exactly as you would think Matisse and Dr Murray get fully sussed. Finally some resolve regarding Nora and her part in the study going forward but never fear our villains are here to stay for awhile shots are fired on both sides. Things seem to calming down a bit in terms of "Nora Hate". Very solid addition to the Searchers Series.
Profile Image for Nicole Namen.
380 reviews10 followers
August 17, 2017

Matisse's story really amazed me. He's a genius and Nora grounds him; she doesn't let him lose it. I love how much he cares for Nora and how he puts her first. The story with Dr. Murray really elevated this story and I'm so glad she is out of that terrible study. I can't wait to see what happens more with their fight against Dr. Murray, and saving Tyler and Nora from him. I wonder whose book is next?? Maybe it will be Cai's. I just know I'm looking forward to it!
6 reviews
August 22, 2017
This book was amazing! I loved getting to know Matisse better and I can say I like him even more now that I know more about him! Ridley has done a tremendous job of continuing the Nora's story and letting us learn more about the her boys through each book! I love the mystery involved in the book in regard to the psychological study Nora signed up for, it really makes you want to keep on reading and never put the book down! Fantastic writer, fantastic book #3!
Profile Image for Kelley  Benson.
87 reviews7 followers
August 23, 2017
Finding Truth focuses more on Matisse and hos past. But still shows us the developments in the other budding relationships. The Searches series just keep getting better. I loved finding out more about Dr. Murray and his study, which has given me quite a few questions throughout the series. We are definitely seeing the struggles they are facing with the relationship dynamic, but they always seem to persevere . I love that about them. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for book 4.
Profile Image for TipseyBookReviews.
1,440 reviews52 followers
October 29, 2017
This is my favorite book in the Searchers series so far. Matisse is such an interesting guy and I loved seeing his relationship with Nora grow. Nora is starting to be stronger and have more self-confidence. I like how she is standing up for herself more, both in regards to the study and the guys. We learn a lot more about the study, but more questions arise. The series just keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next one!

I voluntarily an honestly reviewed an ARC of this story
Profile Image for SJ.
2,362 reviews15 followers
June 29, 2023
drama continues

In the main story the drama continues as life goes on and truths about the research come to light, Nora and her guys are in a word of trouble and it’s on getting deeper. It’s Matisse’s past in this book, what happened to him and how he dealt with it. All with Nora’s support he tells her everything. Packed full of drama steam and romance I am looking forward to seeing where this is going!
1,233 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2017
Matisse is my favorite of the boys so I loved reading more about him! I also enjoyed finding out a bit more about the study. Overall, I enjoy this series although it is not my favorite RH. I'm not dying for the next book, it's just a good read. I do have to say though, I love how different this is for an RH. The storyline and the characters do not fit the typical RH and I love that.
Profile Image for Michelle.
258 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2017
Another great installment. I love that these books are a romance but have a mystery/thriller aspect to them. I really liked learning about Matisse and seeing Nora and the boys settle into their relationship. We get more information on Dr. Murray and his study as well. This book had me sucked in and I read it straight through. I can't wait for book 4.
Profile Image for Jaliza Burwell.
Author 0 books18 followers
August 11, 2017
Yes!!!

This is my favorite book yet!!!! Omg I love Matisse and the tension! So much tension with the doctor and that study. I'm sad I finished already, and not because it's a short book but because I couldn't stop reading. Definitely looking forward to the next one. Good job, Ripley!!
Profile Image for Tiffani.
68 reviews
August 17, 2017
This might be the best one of the series so far, and that's saying something! I went into this book with Matisse being my least favorite guy, but he totally won me over! The character development that is happening over the series is so good, and so in depth it really pulls you into their lives and their motivations. Love this book and absolutely can not wait for the next one! :D.
968 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2017
Want more

This is my first review for this series. I am absolutely loving the group and the way we are learning about each guys past. The first book I read was Finding Nora in the Falling for Them Anthology and Nora's story drew me in and months later I still couldn't get it out my head, so ha to go and look for more.
Profile Image for Hannah Brooker.
766 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2019
Oh my days

This series literally has me on center hooks waiting to see which way it's going to twist and turn next. I love the guys, I like that they have the normal everyday worries like how are we going to afford ............ It's nice that they are essentially down to earth. Am amazingly well written blinking brilliant series
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
August 10, 2017
Finding Truth by Ripley Proserpina is a very good book. This is a well written and entertaining book.
Offers a unique and oh so sexy hero. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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