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Finding Us #1
Finding Derek
When Wisp wakes up in strange, oversized clothes, in a strange, oversized bed, in a strange (not-so-oversized) cabin that all belong to an even stranger (also stupidly handsome, bound in rippling muscle, and slightly cantankerous) man, she doesn’t know what to think.
Especially because she has no idea who she is.
She doesn’t know where she came from or how she got there, and the man – Derek, she quickly learns – is no help in the matter. Even her own name is a mystery. (Although she is happy enough to take on the one Derek unknowingly bestows upon her in an offhanded comment, calling her a “wisp of a thing”.)
Circumstances being what they are, Wisp is grateful when Derek agrees to shelter her until they can figure out who she is. Something innate – something other – tells her she can trust him. Even if Derek does seem more comfortable communicating through grunts and eyebrow raises than actual words. The attraction that buzzes between them doesn’t hurt either.
In fact, it’s almost enough to make Wisp wish that she won’t ever remember her past, and that she could just stay with Derek – and his affectionate chocolate lab, Thane – forever.
Well… if she could shake the feeling that someone – someone nefarious – was after her, anyway.
* * *
When Derek finds a half-drowned girl clinging to life on the shore of a river that runs through his land, he reluctantly brings her home with him, planning on being rid of her as soon as she gains consciousness.
A proverbial wrench is thrown into his plans, however, when she wakes up and claims to have no idea who she is. Her lack of memory certainly makes her hard to return, and against his better judgement, Derek takes her in.
From there, it doesn’t take long for Derek to find himself drawn to Wisp: to her ridiculously wide, doe-like eyes, to her honey-scent that seeps into every cranny of his cabin – of his life, to her innocent nature that simultaneously makes him want to hide her away from the world and wrestle her down into his bed and just…
But he can’t.
Because her identity isn’t the only thing Wisp’s in the dark about. She has no idea who, or what, he really is.
Secrets, though, have a way of coming to light.
Who would have ever guessed that Derek being a bear shifter wasn’t the most arduous one he and Wisp would have to overcome to be together?
Finding Derek is the first novel in the series, Finding Us. The second installment, Finding Wisp, is due to be released December 2017.
Especially because she has no idea who she is.
She doesn’t know where she came from or how she got there, and the man – Derek, she quickly learns – is no help in the matter. Even her own name is a mystery. (Although she is happy enough to take on the one Derek unknowingly bestows upon her in an offhanded comment, calling her a “wisp of a thing”.)
Circumstances being what they are, Wisp is grateful when Derek agrees to shelter her until they can figure out who she is. Something innate – something other – tells her she can trust him. Even if Derek does seem more comfortable communicating through grunts and eyebrow raises than actual words. The attraction that buzzes between them doesn’t hurt either.
In fact, it’s almost enough to make Wisp wish that she won’t ever remember her past, and that she could just stay with Derek – and his affectionate chocolate lab, Thane – forever.
Well… if she could shake the feeling that someone – someone nefarious – was after her, anyway.
* * *
When Derek finds a half-drowned girl clinging to life on the shore of a river that runs through his land, he reluctantly brings her home with him, planning on being rid of her as soon as she gains consciousness.
A proverbial wrench is thrown into his plans, however, when she wakes up and claims to have no idea who she is. Her lack of memory certainly makes her hard to return, and against his better judgement, Derek takes her in.
From there, it doesn’t take long for Derek to find himself drawn to Wisp: to her ridiculously wide, doe-like eyes, to her honey-scent that seeps into every cranny of his cabin – of his life, to her innocent nature that simultaneously makes him want to hide her away from the world and wrestle her down into his bed and just…
But he can’t.
Because her identity isn’t the only thing Wisp’s in the dark about. She has no idea who, or what, he really is.
Secrets, though, have a way of coming to light.
Who would have ever guessed that Derek being a bear shifter wasn’t the most arduous one he and Wisp would have to overcome to be together?
Finding Derek is the first novel in the series, Finding Us. The second installment, Finding Wisp, is due to be released December 2017.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2017
89 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Noelle Marie
35 books263 followersNoelle Marie is a full time stay-at-home mom and a part time writer. When not being driven wonderfully mad by her three adorable (read: deranged) children (aged 3, 19 months, and 1 month respectively) or staring woefully at her keyboard, she can be found curled up in a comfy chair reading a book or attempting to bake in the kitchen. Occasionally she might be pestered into golfing with her husband, but is largely an embarrassment to the sport.
Her first novel, Bitten, was published in October 2014, and the sequel, Shy, was released in December 2015. The third book of the series is currently in the works.
Noelle is also the author of The Ever After Collection.
Her first novel, Bitten, was published in October 2014, and the sequel, Shy, was released in December 2015. The third book of the series is currently in the works.
Noelle is also the author of The Ever After Collection.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 4, 2017
I was given the opportunity to read this book freely by the author for a review. Since I have waited for a new book, written by Noelle Marie, to come out for over half a year I was absolutely thrilled to get this offer. Having just finished reading Finding Derek I can only say, it was 100 % worth the wait!
Throughout reading this story I never once got bored. From start to finish the book was filled with suspense, drama, mystery and heartwarming romance. Even the moments where little was happening more than following their everyday life it was exciting. Noelle Marie has a special way to keep the reader invested in the story through every page and event in the book by adding cliffhangers and drama that made me have to, and want to, keep reading to find out what happened next. That shows an expert author.
Despite the fact that the age difference between the main characters bothered me a bit, I loved how perfect and compatible Wisp and Derek were for each other. Where Wisp were too trusting and and a little naive, Derek had her back and protected her. And where Derek were quiet and serious, Wisp made up for in her talkative and sometimes blunt manner. While I find characters that are a bit brusque and quiet like Derek attractive, it can be difficult to make such a character fit in a relationship and develop the relationship and story with it without making it boring or shallow. Marie, however, have successfully created a relationship where it works perfectly by having the other characters personality and flaws complement his personality and flaws.
While I loved the story and characters there were some things that I felt fell short. One of these things were the shifting part of the story. Sure, there were moments where his inner bear was a part in the story or mentioned. He even turned into a bear once. But that was basically it. I would have wished for more shifting and more information and exploring over his bear part. Since there will be a sequel to Finding Derek I am hopeful that the shifting part will have a bigger role in the next one. I can hardly wait until Finding Wisp comes out!
Throughout reading this story I never once got bored. From start to finish the book was filled with suspense, drama, mystery and heartwarming romance. Even the moments where little was happening more than following their everyday life it was exciting. Noelle Marie has a special way to keep the reader invested in the story through every page and event in the book by adding cliffhangers and drama that made me have to, and want to, keep reading to find out what happened next. That shows an expert author.
Despite the fact that the age difference between the main characters bothered me a bit, I loved how perfect and compatible Wisp and Derek were for each other. Where Wisp were too trusting and and a little naive, Derek had her back and protected her. And where Derek were quiet and serious, Wisp made up for in her talkative and sometimes blunt manner. While I find characters that are a bit brusque and quiet like Derek attractive, it can be difficult to make such a character fit in a relationship and develop the relationship and story with it without making it boring or shallow. Marie, however, have successfully created a relationship where it works perfectly by having the other characters personality and flaws complement his personality and flaws.
While I loved the story and characters there were some things that I felt fell short. One of these things were the shifting part of the story. Sure, there were moments where his inner bear was a part in the story or mentioned. He even turned into a bear once. But that was basically it. I would have wished for more shifting and more information and exploring over his bear part. Since there will be a sequel to Finding Derek I am hopeful that the shifting part will have a bigger role in the next one. I can hardly wait until Finding Wisp comes out!
December 18, 2017
>Book review – Finding Derek
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st book in the Finding Us series and ends in a cliffhanger. Derek is a loner, bear shifter. He survived tragedy in his early life and now lives in seclusion in the woods. Derek finds Wisp unconscious in the woods and brings her home to care for her. As he finds himself attracted to her, he becomes more and more crabby, but Wisp sees right through him due to his random acts of kindness. Wisp dreams of a man chasing her, but has total amnesia otherwise. When she discovers that Derek is a bear shifter, she doesn’t even bat an eye lash.
>Wisp seems too good to be true. She takes Derek’s cruel words and action and continues to believe in him. Derek’s backstory is told, eventually, so his motivation is understandable. Wisp’s backstory is hinted at, even after Derek finds out who she is and returns her to her father. There is an air of danger surrounding Wisp as she is driven home. The reader and Derek are heartbroken as Derek seems to give up on love.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this story 5 stars.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st book in the Finding Us series and ends in a cliffhanger. Derek is a loner, bear shifter. He survived tragedy in his early life and now lives in seclusion in the woods. Derek finds Wisp unconscious in the woods and brings her home to care for her. As he finds himself attracted to her, he becomes more and more crabby, but Wisp sees right through him due to his random acts of kindness. Wisp dreams of a man chasing her, but has total amnesia otherwise. When she discovers that Derek is a bear shifter, she doesn’t even bat an eye lash.
>Wisp seems too good to be true. She takes Derek’s cruel words and action and continues to believe in him. Derek’s backstory is told, eventually, so his motivation is understandable. Wisp’s backstory is hinted at, even after Derek finds out who she is and returns her to her father. There is an air of danger surrounding Wisp as she is driven home. The reader and Derek are heartbroken as Derek seems to give up on love.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this story 5 stars.
October 18, 2017
"Finding Derek" held my interest from the get-go, with my devouring the book in less than a day! Dereck and Wisp drew me in and watching their relationship grow kept me enthralled to the end! A bit of a warning though, it does end with a cliffhanger, and I, for one, cant wait to see what happens next!! I read this book, as an arc given to me, in exchange for an honest review...I would recommend it!
October 20, 2017
I was initially gifted a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. However I fell in love with Derek and Wisp so I had to buy a copy for my kindle so I can read it again. Amazing story from both perspectives. Derek is a rough and reclusive guy who likes to be alone and Wisp is an adorable innocent who likes to chatter. Together they are perfect. Highly recommend it. Can't wait for the next one!!
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October 30, 2017
I find it funny that people were having problems with the age difference but a sparkly hundred year old vampire and a 17 year old is totally romantic and not at all creepy.
Anyway, the problem I had with their relationship was that Derek creeped me out by his behavior and the mystery around him. I still feel like we don't know everything and the whole thing seems very Stockholm syndrome. It wasn't a bad story, but Derek rubbed me the wrong way.
Anyway, the problem I had with their relationship was that Derek creeped me out by his behavior and the mystery around him. I still feel like we don't know everything and the whole thing seems very Stockholm syndrome. It wasn't a bad story, but Derek rubbed me the wrong way.
March 4, 2020
3.75
This was a fast paced mystery that I enjoyed. I'm not sure why the shifter aspect was even added to the book because it did not play into the story line ... At all. Maybe it will in the next book?
My only complaint was how nasty Derek was to wisp at times (even if he supposedly had his reasons) and she always just forgave him immediately without any repercussions. I wish she would have had more of a back bone.
This was a fast paced mystery that I enjoyed. I'm not sure why the shifter aspect was even added to the book because it did not play into the story line ... At all. Maybe it will in the next book?
My only complaint was how nasty Derek was to wisp at times (even if he supposedly had his reasons) and she always just forgave him immediately without any repercussions. I wish she would have had more of a back bone.
January 13, 2018
Loved it!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't wait to read the second book so, I can find out if Derek gets his head out of behind.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't wait to read the second book so, I can find out if Derek gets his head out of behind.
January 6, 2020
Pretty Dang Good!
I must say that I truly enjoyed this book. There was never a dull moment. The characters weren't funny, but they sure were interesting. I can't wait to read #2.
I must say that I truly enjoyed this book. There was never a dull moment. The characters weren't funny, but they sure were interesting. I can't wait to read #2.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews