What do you think?
Rate this book
In the Pursuit of Eden: A Treasure Hunt Suspense
Everyone wants to find Eden’s Paradise, except me.Aiden Hunter's a southern hottie that's rescued me so many times that it's starting to get embarrassing. To be honest, I'd be more grateful if I didn't suspect him of putting me in danger in the first place—a danger that keeps growing the closer I get to him.When my twin brother, Brecker, told me about a new lead in the Uintas to find the treasure that's been haunting our family for generations, the only thing forcing me to tag along is bad luck--PURE bad luck! That family curse we like to joke about is starting to feel horribly real.Now I'm hiking through untamed wilderness to shoot a documentary that I care nothing about, searching for clues in the journal of a wayward saloon girl, whose life mirrors my own in uncomfortable ways, and I keep running into that smug, smirky Aiden when I need his help most of all. Don't get me wrong--he makes for some great eye candy with those hazel eyes... and maybe I melt a little when I hear that husky drawl of his, but I know when a man is trying to distract me from the truth.But what is the truth?The only way to find it is to join up with that bad boy. Aiden is fighting demons in his past that seem tangled up in mine. What secrets is he hiding behind his teasing words? The uneasy truce is quickly turning into something more... because Aiden may not be the enemy. In fact, he may be the one who needs rescuing.Now, I've got to figure out who's really good and who's really bad. Strangely, the mystery behind this treasure might very well lie behind a pair of beautiful hazel eyes and a husky drawl.After all, Paradise was never meant to be found alone.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2019
41 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fowers
37 books971 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author, Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through suspense, fantasy, historical, contemporary, and of course... romance, romance, romance. Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 16, 2019
I didn't even read what this one was about before I started it and *surprise!* It wasn't anything like I was expecting, but I absolutely loved it. The twists and turns kept me guessing; the mysterious danger lurking in the shadowy trees and on the peripheral edges of the plot had me checking over my shoulder more than once; and the romance gradually bubbling up like a slow moving geyser left me frantically turning pages, eagerly seeking more of that swoon.
The story is overflowing with fantastic characters, both good and bad, and I could vividly picture all of them. The locals had me laughing and the "Southern hottie" had me swooning, but it was average, down-on-her-luck Ivy that I really connected with.
This book has adventure aplenty and combined with the secrets, I was on edge. But I loved every minute of it. As these delicious characters tumbled together and their lives became intertwined, I was completely caught up in the plot and even tried my own hand at solving this age-old mystery. *Hint* I couldn't do it, hah!
Content: mild, swoony romance; mild+ moments of danger/peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
The story is overflowing with fantastic characters, both good and bad, and I could vividly picture all of them. The locals had me laughing and the "Southern hottie" had me swooning, but it was average, down-on-her-luck Ivy that I really connected with.
This book has adventure aplenty and combined with the secrets, I was on edge. But I loved every minute of it. As these delicious characters tumbled together and their lives became intertwined, I was completely caught up in the plot and even tried my own hand at solving this age-old mystery. *Hint* I couldn't do it, hah!
Content: mild, swoony romance; mild+ moments of danger/peril
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
May 28, 2019
The Payne family has searched for Eden's treasure for generations. An ancestor left a woman to die in search of the treasure and it's almost as if there is a treasure hunting illness that propels the family to find it. When their ancestor left Eden he took her journal with him, the family has clues that lead them to the Uintah Mountains and an approximate location of the treasure. Brekker talks his twin sister, Ivy, into joining him in the search.
This story is about two "down on their luck" twins who need a break in their life. Brekker has been given an opportunity to redeem himself by finding the treasure for his backer. His sister has lived a life of monotony and he needs her to fulfill the quest.
This story has action, adventure, treasure hunting, romance, treachery, run-ins with wildlife, and a mysterious "bone man" who lives in the forest and frightens people who enter. I found myself turning the pages and needing to know how this book resolves.
There are two teams looking for the treasure and competing to see who can find it first. The leader is a dashing Southern Gentleman who immediately catches Ivy's eye. I loved, loved, loved their interactions. They were full of fun, banter, and shameless flirting. The problem is that they couldn't trust each other to give up whatever advantage the possessed. Both are lacking important information to solve the puzzle. It's very interesting to see how they worked it out!d
I was honestly surprised by this book. I don't know why exactly, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This story is about two "down on their luck" twins who need a break in their life. Brekker has been given an opportunity to redeem himself by finding the treasure for his backer. His sister has lived a life of monotony and he needs her to fulfill the quest.
This story has action, adventure, treasure hunting, romance, treachery, run-ins with wildlife, and a mysterious "bone man" who lives in the forest and frightens people who enter. I found myself turning the pages and needing to know how this book resolves.
There are two teams looking for the treasure and competing to see who can find it first. The leader is a dashing Southern Gentleman who immediately catches Ivy's eye. I loved, loved, loved their interactions. They were full of fun, banter, and shameless flirting. The problem is that they couldn't trust each other to give up whatever advantage the possessed. Both are lacking important information to solve the puzzle. It's very interesting to see how they worked it out!d
I was honestly surprised by this book. I don't know why exactly, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2019
I love a good adventure/love story and this book really filled that love. The adventure was on from beginning to end in this story- stuffed full. There were moments of light playfulness and flirty banter intermingled with the outdoor excursions and adventuring. There were good guys and bad guys and sometimes it was hard to tell who was who. I liked that a lot. This whole book played out just like a movie in my head which was fantastic.
Ivy definitely seemed to find herself in less than flattering circumstances often- at least in the first half of the book. They made me smile. Especially when her Southern hottie kept stepping in to "save" her. There was some good chemistry there.
This story was long. So, so long. I didn't realize just how long until I got into it. Wow. It's a long story- over 500 pages. I definitely felt that while reading it but I was invested the whole way through. This story was so much fun!
Content: mild peril, kissing
Ivy definitely seemed to find herself in less than flattering circumstances often- at least in the first half of the book. They made me smile. Especially when her Southern hottie kept stepping in to "save" her. There was some good chemistry there.
This story was long. So, so long. I didn't realize just how long until I got into it. Wow. It's a long story- over 500 pages. I definitely felt that while reading it but I was invested the whole way through. This story was so much fun!
Content: mild peril, kissing
January 6, 2020
2.5 Stars
IN THE PURSUIT OF EDEN is a story about a group of characters who face their family history in hunting the treasure those before failed to find. There's danger, deception, interesting family dynamics and romance. A read for entertainment.
I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them, so I had some expectations when I began this story. Unfortunately, it just didn't end up being my kind of book. The characters felt really surface fake to me. Ivy is all about appearances and trying to earn her boyfriend's attention while hating her job and maxing out all her credit cards. She's a bit of a party girl and also rather insecure. I just couldn't make myself like her or relate to her or the story. Her brother isn't any better along with the other characters in the story. I needed more complexity and depth—for them to be fleshed out more. I wasn't into the journal readings in-between the current story either, or the way the romance kind of comes out of nowhere. It just didn't work for me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This wasn't a story for me, but others who can like these characters and are looking for something light and romantic may enjoy this one.
Content: Some innuendo, references to a saloon girl, and violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host/NetGalley, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
IN THE PURSUIT OF EDEN is a story about a group of characters who face their family history in hunting the treasure those before failed to find. There's danger, deception, interesting family dynamics and romance. A read for entertainment.
I've read other books by this author and enjoyed them, so I had some expectations when I began this story. Unfortunately, it just didn't end up being my kind of book. The characters felt really surface fake to me. Ivy is all about appearances and trying to earn her boyfriend's attention while hating her job and maxing out all her credit cards. She's a bit of a party girl and also rather insecure. I just couldn't make myself like her or relate to her or the story. Her brother isn't any better along with the other characters in the story. I needed more complexity and depth—for them to be fleshed out more. I wasn't into the journal readings in-between the current story either, or the way the romance kind of comes out of nowhere. It just didn't work for me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This wasn't a story for me, but others who can like these characters and are looking for something light and romantic may enjoy this one.
Content: Some innuendo, references to a saloon girl, and violence.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host/NetGalley, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
January 29, 2020
An Indiana Jones Style Treasure Hunt
Adventure, treasure, ancient symbols, curses, betrayal, romance. This book had it all. I loved Hunter and Ivy, and the old men from the Grizzly Bear. The old men made for a funny peanut gallery, and group of matchmakers. Ivy and Hunter had great chemistry, along with the “can I trust him or her?” dilemma going on. My only complaint was at 390 pages, the story dragged on a bit for me in the middle.
Adventure, treasure, ancient symbols, curses, betrayal, romance. This book had it all. I loved Hunter and Ivy, and the old men from the Grizzly Bear. The old men made for a funny peanut gallery, and group of matchmakers. Ivy and Hunter had great chemistry, along with the “can I trust him or her?” dilemma going on. My only complaint was at 390 pages, the story dragged on a bit for me in the middle.
May 2, 2022
Not classic literature but great for what it was: a light, fun beach-read type novel, and a romance without material that would embarrass me if my mother or children read it. So fun.
July 6, 2019
A pivoting story, filled with romance and intrigue, plus a bit of fun!
Ivy gets talked into going with her twin brother, Brekker, to search for a hidden treasure in the forests of the Uintas. One reason is, maybe they will uncover something about their dad, who had previously gone there, but didn’t come back. As the reader, you are drawn in, immediately. Things happen that are hard to explain, including one man, Aiden Hunter, who intrigues her, yet he is also there to find the treasure. Turns out, he is nearby. every time she needs some kind of “rescue”—which is somewhat funny, but really nice, too, since her brother doesn’t often realize she needs help. The adventure, mystery, and more make this a book that is difficult to lay aside for any length of time! I highly recommend it!
Ivy gets talked into going with her twin brother, Brekker, to search for a hidden treasure in the forests of the Uintas. One reason is, maybe they will uncover something about their dad, who had previously gone there, but didn’t come back. As the reader, you are drawn in, immediately. Things happen that are hard to explain, including one man, Aiden Hunter, who intrigues her, yet he is also there to find the treasure. Turns out, he is nearby. every time she needs some kind of “rescue”—which is somewhat funny, but really nice, too, since her brother doesn’t often realize she needs help. The adventure, mystery, and more make this a book that is difficult to lay aside for any length of time! I highly recommend it!
July 22, 2019
A fun, clean read, with lots of twists and turns, banter, and romance thrown in. Living in Utah, it was also fun to try and imagine which lakes in the Uintas they were hunting in, as that's one of our favorite family places to explore. The line about Moab at the end made me laugh.
I have to be honest and say it took a while for me to REALLY get into the story — but that could also be because I only had time to read at night for the first few days. Once I had a day to sit and read, I was glued to it.
I won this book in the Storytellers in Zion contest, and this was my first read by Stephanie Fowers, but judging by the sneak peek, I think I would enjoy more of her work as well. This review was freely given as a thank you for the book!
I have to be honest and say it took a while for me to REALLY get into the story — but that could also be because I only had time to read at night for the first few days. Once I had a day to sit and read, I was glued to it.
I won this book in the Storytellers in Zion contest, and this was my first read by Stephanie Fowers, but judging by the sneak peek, I think I would enjoy more of her work as well. This review was freely given as a thank you for the book!
June 14, 2019
Mystery, intrigue, adventure, danger, and romance
I have read nearly everything that Stephanie has written and loved it all. This book was quite different from the others she has written. It is more of a treasure hunters story with romance mixed in. But the story would not have been the same without the romance. There were some things that I had guessed correctly but there was quite a bit that I hadn’t figured out. Ivy and Hunter were fun characters. One minute they were getting along the next they were plotting on how to out fox the other. There was definitely a rivalry and attraction between the two of them.
I have read nearly everything that Stephanie has written and loved it all. This book was quite different from the others she has written. It is more of a treasure hunters story with romance mixed in. But the story would not have been the same without the romance. There were some things that I had guessed correctly but there was quite a bit that I hadn’t figured out. Ivy and Hunter were fun characters. One minute they were getting along the next they were plotting on how to out fox the other. There was definitely a rivalry and attraction between the two of them.
April 11, 2019
4 stars
I purchased a copy of full length novel In The Pursuit of Eden by Stephanie Fowers and this review was given freely.
Beginning in San Francisco California, descendendants of a long line of unlucky treasure hunters, Twins Ivy and Brekker spurn the family curse, study Eden's journal from the 1800s for clues and try to find the treasure their father was looking for when he died. Complex and drama packed with lots of description, some broken romances, and a little suspense. The blurb and write up were interesting but I found the delivery slow.
I purchased a copy of full length novel In The Pursuit of Eden by Stephanie Fowers and this review was given freely.
Beginning in San Francisco California, descendendants of a long line of unlucky treasure hunters, Twins Ivy and Brekker spurn the family curse, study Eden's journal from the 1800s for clues and try to find the treasure their father was looking for when he died. Complex and drama packed with lots of description, some broken romances, and a little suspense. The blurb and write up were interesting but I found the delivery slow.
December 19, 2022
In the Pursuit of Eden--PG
Violence: bully behavior
Language: no
Sex: no, but one of the characters is a prostitute
I wanted to like this more, but I found the characters to be silly and immature. The whiplash of "I trust him/I don't trust him but I'll kiss him" was very tiring. The double crossing was too much. If I thought I were being double crossed, I doubt I would have been as free with information. The bad guy was even too much and his craziness was not explained, only alluded to. There are better books.
Violence: bully behavior
Language: no
Sex: no, but one of the characters is a prostitute
I wanted to like this more, but I found the characters to be silly and immature. The whiplash of "I trust him/I don't trust him but I'll kiss him" was very tiring. The double crossing was too much. If I thought I were being double crossed, I doubt I would have been as free with information. The bad guy was even too much and his craziness was not explained, only alluded to. There are better books.
April 24, 2019
This book was fantastic. I hesitated to read it because one of the reviews I saw used the word scary, and I hate scary. It didn't take long for me to get into the story, and yes, I was a bit anxious as I read along. I loved this story completely, and I was so glad I took a chance to step outside my comfortable genre. Great characters, intriguing plot, and lots to ponder that lay below the surface. I will definitely read another Stephanie Fowers book.
August 1, 2021
This book surprised me all the way through. I usually don't like adventures that cause me anxiety, but I kept turning the pages through all the craziness to see if they safely found the treasure. It helped to have a flirty relationship develop between two key characters, they all just had a hard time knowing who to trust. I loved the research involved in this story and the well thought out details!
June 29, 2023
Marvelous Mystery!
What a wonderful adventurous mystery! When Ivy lost her job, she joins her twin brother on a treasure hunt. They would be looking for answers to their dad’s disappearance while looking for the same treasure he had been seeking when he died. After arriving they find another group of treasure hunters doing the same and being led by Aiden Hunter. The question is whether or not Aiden Hunter is their friend or enemy?
What a wonderful adventurous mystery! When Ivy lost her job, she joins her twin brother on a treasure hunt. They would be looking for answers to their dad’s disappearance while looking for the same treasure he had been seeking when he died. After arriving they find another group of treasure hunters doing the same and being led by Aiden Hunter. The question is whether or not Aiden Hunter is their friend or enemy?
April 1, 2019
I loved this book! Such a fun adventure with just enough romance mixed in to keep it interesting. I loved the mystery aspect of it all too and how the story kept you guessing of what would come next! It almost made me want to go hiking (and I don't hike!) or at least go on my own adventure. A great read that was hard to put down!
April 5, 2019
Wow! 😮 Just wow! This book was amazing! So, so, so good! What an adventure! I did find it quite long but the reveal was totally worth it. I guessed most of the ending but I loved it anyways. Definitely worth the read and I highly recommend it. I’ve read several of her books and loved them all. So glad I renewed my KU membership and got to read it!
July 26, 2019
Great book
I've enjoyed all of Stephanie's books and this one is right up there as one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this book, it was very creative. It had some intensity and like her other books humor. I always look forward to her books coming out. They are always good fun reads.
I've enjoyed all of Stephanie's books and this one is right up there as one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this book, it was very creative. It had some intensity and like her other books humor. I always look forward to her books coming out. They are always good fun reads.
January 29, 2020
I enjoyed this fun clean treasure hunt romance about twins Ivy and Brekker looking for the treasure that supposedly started the curse on their family and caused the missing of their father. (No supernatural or witchcraft involved.)
Ivy's accident proneness brings Aiden to the rescue, humor and romance but the hunt for the treasure is intense.
I highly recommend.
Ivy's accident proneness brings Aiden to the rescue, humor and romance but the hunt for the treasure is intense.
I highly recommend.
February 11, 2020
This was an interesting read. I had a difficult time getting into the story at first. Something about the plot line made me think of "Twilight." I can't pinpoint what it was. Other parts of the story made me think of the movie "National Treasure." I love how important the theme of where we set our hearts. Love and friendship were very important themes in this story.
June 1, 2019
Truly 6 stars! I was completely captivated. A homage to National Treasure meets Romancing the Stone. The mystery remained so till the end, the romance had sparks and great development and more importantly the story grabbed you and held on.
August 23, 2019
Great read!
This book is intense, compelling, full of adventure and mystery, hilarious, has heart-fluttering romance, and more! I thoroughly enjoyed this read and excited to read Robin and Marian next!
This book is intense, compelling, full of adventure and mystery, hilarious, has heart-fluttering romance, and more! I thoroughly enjoyed this read and excited to read Robin and Marian next!
July 2, 2019
Very Entertaining book !!
A page turner that I really enjoyed.
Hard to put down , I wanted to know what was happening next . Looking forward to reading the author’s other books .
A page turner that I really enjoyed.
Hard to put down , I wanted to know what was happening next . Looking forward to reading the author’s other books .
August 11, 2019
I loved this so much! The characters were so much fun and well developed! I didn't solve the mystery early mine I usually do was kept guessing! Cut romance and fun adventure! A new favorite for me!
April 8, 2020
DNF
I just couldn't finish this one. After reading some of the reviews I can see why.
I just couldn't finish this one. After reading some of the reviews I can see why.
May 22, 2020
Really enjoyed this book! I would say more a 4.5 because I wouldn't reread this book and thats the only way I give a 5 but as I read, I reread certain encounters ;)
February 1, 2021
Perfect
This book is chalk full of suspense and lots of romance. I tried to figure out the story beforehand and was still surprised at the end. I loved it!
This book is chalk full of suspense and lots of romance. I tried to figure out the story beforehand and was still surprised at the end. I loved it!
January 11, 2023
suspenseful
Great, interesting book. It keeps you guessing. The characters were well developed and the story was great. I enjoyed this book.
Great, interesting book. It keeps you guessing. The characters were well developed and the story was great. I enjoyed this book.
May 28, 2024
This book was lovely! I expected a good fun read, and my expectations were surpassed! The characters felt realistic, the adventure kept me on the edge of my seat, and overall the plot was really engaging. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews