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Naive Mistakes #1
Finding North
They say love conquers all.
They say love will find a way.
They say it is better to have loved and lost.
They don't say...that these things are all lies.
Conall Williams was my first, my last, my everything.
He is my North. He always will be. Even if I am no longer his.
They say love will find a way.
They say it is better to have loved and lost.
They don't say...that these things are all lies.
Conall Williams was my first, my last, my everything.
He is my North. He always will be. Even if I am no longer his.
Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
249 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Dunning
31 books244 followersThey told me men can't write romance. So I wrote over 30 of them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
August 8, 2013
It started out slow... but then it got interesting.... Leora was bored and wants to travel to Europe but couldn't cause her mom won't let her and she couldn't get her trust fund till she's 18.... Then she met english hot millionaire Conall.....
and the story moves from there, from her best friends hot new boyfriend.... her bestfriend almost getting rape, then there's her bestfriend's ex boyfriend who abuse and rapes minors, drug dealing... jealous rich classmate... and again, there's Conall.... I couldn't put the book down.... It was hot!!! Then the book ended and WTF, I don't know if I should cry or throw a fit after!!!
But yeah, it's a whooping 5 star for me!!! Despite making me frustrated and all. Story continues on the next book, ugh!!!
Want to read
October 26, 2013FREE today on Amazon US (10/25/2013).
Book 1 of 3
http://www.amazon.com/Finding-North-N...
March 23, 2014
This book was not for me. I don't know why, exactly. I don't really know how to say what I want to say...
Leora irked me. The girl just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know if it was the weight lifting thing - I couldn't take her seriously. I just kept picturing her looking like this:
Only problem was she was a seventeen year old virgin who was a ridiculous, horny mess. Seriously, the whole book all this girl did was think about how/when she was going to get this guy in her panties. Of course that's not before she spends the first few chapters fantasizing about the guy her best friend hooked up with outside the bar, after hearing the two of them having sex! The girl was ridiculous. I couldn't stop shaking my head at her.
She meets Conall at a bar, doesn't even know him a week before deciding that he's the one she has to loose her virginity to. 24 years old Conell says that, he is British & they generally don't have sex on the first or second date even, so why don't they just wait til she's 18 - but he's totally down to mess around & get a quality blowjob from her before running back to England, where he pretty much blows her off.
Leora should have thanked her lucky fucking stars that Conell ditched her once he got back to England. Instead, she decides to follow him, like a love sick stalker. Im embarrassed for her.
Another thing that keeps me from liking this book:
you feel no connection with the main character. The whole storyline seemed to be wrapped up in Kayla's drama. Yea, it's mentioned that Leora's mom was a boy hopper & rarely home but the story doesn't even touch on that (which is good, cause to be honest - I didn't give a shit anyway - that's how disconnected I felt from Leora!) Instead it's like we're along for the ride while Kayla has a pretty rough weekend & comes to grips with her drama & screwed up past - & Leora is just there, throwing in her bits of hormonal bullshit, while getting played by some slightly older British dick who doesn't mind pushing the line with a 17 year old girl.
This book was... I don't even know. Part of me wants to laugh, another part of me can't stop shaking my head, wondering what the hell I just read. I don't know - it's a fucking mess.
I'm only giving this book 2.5 Stars - possibly 2.75 Stars because for some reason I can't just write it off as complete bullshit.
Leora irked me. The girl just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know if it was the weight lifting thing - I couldn't take her seriously. I just kept picturing her looking like this:
Only problem was she was a seventeen year old virgin who was a ridiculous, horny mess. Seriously, the whole book all this girl did was think about how/when she was going to get this guy in her panties. Of course that's not before she spends the first few chapters fantasizing about the guy her best friend hooked up with outside the bar, after hearing the two of them having sex! The girl was ridiculous. I couldn't stop shaking my head at her.
She meets Conall at a bar, doesn't even know him a week before deciding that he's the one she has to loose her virginity to. 24 years old Conell says that, he is British & they generally don't have sex on the first or second date even, so why don't they just wait til she's 18 - but he's totally down to mess around & get a quality blowjob from her before running back to England, where he pretty much blows her off.
Leora should have thanked her lucky fucking stars that Conell ditched her once he got back to England. Instead, she decides to follow him, like a love sick stalker. Im embarrassed for her.
Another thing that keeps me from liking this book:
you feel no connection with the main character. The whole storyline seemed to be wrapped up in Kayla's drama. Yea, it's mentioned that Leora's mom was a boy hopper & rarely home but the story doesn't even touch on that (which is good, cause to be honest - I didn't give a shit anyway - that's how disconnected I felt from Leora!) Instead it's like we're along for the ride while Kayla has a pretty rough weekend & comes to grips with her drama & screwed up past - & Leora is just there, throwing in her bits of hormonal bullshit, while getting played by some slightly older British dick who doesn't mind pushing the line with a 17 year old girl.
This book was... I don't even know. Part of me wants to laugh, another part of me can't stop shaking my head, wondering what the hell I just read. I don't know - it's a fucking mess.
I'm only giving this book 2.5 Stars - possibly 2.75 Stars because for some reason I can't just write it off as complete bullshit.
August 20, 2013
I was actually attracted by the cover of the book. It was a bit slow at the beginning but then the story just caught me by surprise. I really enjoy reading about Leora, her insecurities and how she lets her fall for someone way older than her but someone who respects her as a woman. The way she loves Key is amazing and I really enjoy their friendship and the breath of fresh air Key gets from Brad (thank you Leo for asking him for his number). I was so mad at the end but I think it was expected. I just hope there's a follow up story, I really want to know what happens to them, if not I'll keep reading from the author.
June 24, 2014
Gossip Girl meets Twilight - Rated R
Leora's main problem is that she's bored. She lives on the Upper Sleaze Side with a mom that is on the hunt for the fifth rich husband, and since money is not a problem what she obsesses about is her daily calory intake. Her BFF is your typical pierced total mess (with an oversized heart), and Leora whose hormones are driving her crazy but has never seriously acted on that, mainly feels alive through her friend's crazy life. Until she meets Connal, the rich British guy with the impeccable manners and the dark secrets that end up haunting them both.
Sure, there are tons of parentheses instead of em dashes. Sure, the run-on sentences will probably make you back-track to catch the drift. Sure, there's lots of angst and weird situations that you're not sure will develop well.
But I felt it was a breath of fresh air. The language was so vibrant, I stopped caring about the parentheses. The characters acted out but didn't cross BIG lines (it's okay to think that your BFF's love interest is hot, it's not okay to act on it--Leora didn't) the connections between the characters are unbreakable (frienship, love), the writing, although over-the-top sometimes, surprised me with its effervescence ... all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I'm definitely reading the next instalment.
Leora's main problem is that she's bored. She lives on the Upper Sleaze Side with a mom that is on the hunt for the fifth rich husband, and since money is not a problem what she obsesses about is her daily calory intake. Her BFF is your typical pierced total mess (with an oversized heart), and Leora whose hormones are driving her crazy but has never seriously acted on that, mainly feels alive through her friend's crazy life. Until she meets Connal, the rich British guy with the impeccable manners and the dark secrets that end up haunting them both.
Sure, there are tons of parentheses instead of em dashes. Sure, the run-on sentences will probably make you back-track to catch the drift. Sure, there's lots of angst and weird situations that you're not sure will develop well.
But I felt it was a breath of fresh air. The language was so vibrant, I stopped caring about the parentheses. The characters acted out but didn't cross BIG lines (it's okay to think that your BFF's love interest is hot, it's not okay to act on it--Leora didn't) the connections between the characters are unbreakable (frienship, love), the writing, although over-the-top sometimes, surprised me with its effervescence ... all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
I'm definitely reading the next instalment.
May 1, 2015
It took me a bit to get into the story when reading Finding North the first book in the Naïve Mistakes series. Two high school girls that go clubbing, have a town car and driver and an apartment to crash in wasn't what I expected but once the story developed, I started to understand Kayla and Leona.
Conall Williams and his English accent and proper manners was the perfect man for Leona. The way he stepped in and took care of keeping her safe and becoming her North gave their romance a special touch.
The character development was excellent. The character interactions showed emotion, commitment to friendship and a maturity beyond the two teen's years. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Conall Williams and his English accent and proper manners was the perfect man for Leona. The way he stepped in and took care of keeping her safe and becoming her North gave their romance a special touch.
The character development was excellent. The character interactions showed emotion, commitment to friendship and a maturity beyond the two teen's years. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 19, 2014
Needs editing.....
Both grammatically to stop the author from rambling. Even if the author wasn't rambling on and on and on and on,you still couldn't understand because it was like pages were missing. Horrible and would not recommend.
Both grammatically to stop the author from rambling. Even if the author wasn't rambling on and on and on and on,you still couldn't understand because it was like pages were missing. Horrible and would not recommend.
February 11, 2020
Leora is a bored little rich girl. One day her best friend Kayla convinces her to go out to a club with her. Kayla is wild and has a past. At this club she bumps into an English man named Conall. Sparks fly. Conall offers her his number. Leora decides she wants to live a little instead of living vicariously through Kayla. So she calls Conall and the story begins.
This book was kind of all over the place. The relationships are well built. The banter is perfect modern day witticism. Even though the book is rife with old school references. Like Soungarden. I think it is way past any of the characters times. Or at least old enough to appreciate it. The plot is thick and jumps around. I do like the dynamic between all the characters. But I am reserving my final judgement. Until I have finished the series.
This book was kind of all over the place. The relationships are well built. The banter is perfect modern day witticism. Even though the book is rife with old school references. Like Soungarden. I think it is way past any of the characters times. Or at least old enough to appreciate it. The plot is thick and jumps around. I do like the dynamic between all the characters. But I am reserving my final judgement. Until I have finished the series.
January 14, 2026
At first I didn't like it. I didn't like the writing style or the character's voice. I also often felt like the author didn't know what she was talking about, and there were inconsistencies as there so often are in this genre. Eventually it grew on me, so I tried to ignore everything I didn't like and focus on what I did like. I thought I knew where it was going... until it abruptly ended, unhappily. There are sequels?! And they don't even sound good. I wish I had never wasted my time on this book.
June 26, 2017
No lo se la historia no tenia rumbo, que pasara en el próximo libro.
February 7, 2020
Intense darkness and a love not returned.
Characters were built up. The storyline could have been a real life story. I enjoyed it well written easily read.
Characters were built up. The storyline could have been a real life story. I enjoyed it well written easily read.
Want to read
July 20, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/20/2023)! 🎁
January 21, 2024
This took me a bit to get into but after that it was fast paced. It was quite steamy. There is more to the story with Connal and I can’t wait to read more of his and Leora’s story.
September 9, 2025
Not for me.
August 11, 2016
Also reviewed on http://bookishaddict.wordpress.com
I was actually excited to read this longer work from Rachel Dunning. I was a big fan of her humor in Girl-Nerds Like it Harder but somehow this really didn't pull me in at all.
Warning: May contain spoilers.
Leo is, in lack of better words, really horny. She hasn't lost her V-card yet, but she's definitely excited for when it happens.
She lives this upper-class life, which all the riches that wealth provides, and on several occasions go out partying, despite being only 17-years-old. Although, I can't judge. I did the same, but legally, here in Denmark when I was 17.
At a club, she meets the older Conall. He's handsome, suave and it doesn't take long before she decides that he's a good candidate for helping her get rid of her virginity. He's friendly, and I grew to like him a bit throughout the book.
Generally, Leo just sounds whining, and kinda like a bitch. Despite Kayla's obvious crush on random-hook-up guy, it doesn't stop Leo from fantasizing hard about him. She basically pleads for Conall to just do her, but then get extremely prissy when he says that Englishmen doesn't just jump the first and the best.
I don't know. I just couldn't connect to Leo. Like, I wanted to understand her so well. She's young, excited, and rich. She wants to travel the world, but can't before she get her trust-fund (which is less than a year away.
And the plot-twist with the attempted rape and drug-over-lord just annoyed me. I would have preferred if it had been evolved deeper--especially with such hard topics--but no such luck.
I don't know who I could recommend it too. I still enjoy Rachel Dunning's writing, but I much prefer her other series.
I was actually excited to read this longer work from Rachel Dunning. I was a big fan of her humor in Girl-Nerds Like it Harder but somehow this really didn't pull me in at all.
Warning: May contain spoilers.
Leo is, in lack of better words, really horny. She hasn't lost her V-card yet, but she's definitely excited for when it happens.
She lives this upper-class life, which all the riches that wealth provides, and on several occasions go out partying, despite being only 17-years-old. Although, I can't judge. I did the same, but legally, here in Denmark when I was 17.
At a club, she meets the older Conall. He's handsome, suave and it doesn't take long before she decides that he's a good candidate for helping her get rid of her virginity. He's friendly, and I grew to like him a bit throughout the book.
Generally, Leo just sounds whining, and kinda like a bitch. Despite Kayla's obvious crush on random-hook-up guy, it doesn't stop Leo from fantasizing hard about him. She basically pleads for Conall to just do her, but then get extremely prissy when he says that Englishmen doesn't just jump the first and the best.
I don't know. I just couldn't connect to Leo. Like, I wanted to understand her so well. She's young, excited, and rich. She wants to travel the world, but can't before she get her trust-fund (which is less than a year away.
And the plot-twist with the attempted rape and drug-over-lord just annoyed me. I would have preferred if it had been evolved deeper--especially with such hard topics--but no such luck.
I don't know who I could recommend it too. I still enjoy Rachel Dunning's writing, but I much prefer her other series.
December 3, 2014
Review originally posted on Sharon's Book Nook!
How often do you read a book where the main character is a teenager but they always end up coming across as being much older? It’s happened to me so often I’ve lost count. Thankfully the main character Leora in Finding North, actually feels like I’m listening to and watching a 17-year-old going through the motions of starting a relationship, making stupid teenage decisions and getting by in the life she’s been given. It’s completely refreshing. The tone, dialog and actions of the main character fit the age and due to her life experience she’s stronger for it but in an acceptable way for her age. Three cheers for you Rachel Dunning! Hip Hop Hooray (x3) ;-)
I was completely glued to this story staying up well into the night to finish it. It’s well written, sets a great pace and leaves you wanting more once it’s finished.
All characters are strong in their own way, and I can’t really say that I disliked any of them, including the villains. Even though the men in the story make some strange decisions, in particular Conall, it leaves you feeling as though there is much more to their side rather than you wanting to scream at them or throw your kindle across the room. Which is a very good thing, I like my Kindle! ;-)
I cannot wait to start book 2 in The Naïve Mistakes series and I recommend it if you like a new adult/coming of age story.
4 Stars!
How often do you read a book where the main character is a teenager but they always end up coming across as being much older? It’s happened to me so often I’ve lost count. Thankfully the main character Leora in Finding North, actually feels like I’m listening to and watching a 17-year-old going through the motions of starting a relationship, making stupid teenage decisions and getting by in the life she’s been given. It’s completely refreshing. The tone, dialog and actions of the main character fit the age and due to her life experience she’s stronger for it but in an acceptable way for her age. Three cheers for you Rachel Dunning! Hip Hop Hooray (x3) ;-)
I was completely glued to this story staying up well into the night to finish it. It’s well written, sets a great pace and leaves you wanting more once it’s finished.
All characters are strong in their own way, and I can’t really say that I disliked any of them, including the villains. Even though the men in the story make some strange decisions, in particular Conall, it leaves you feeling as though there is much more to their side rather than you wanting to scream at them or throw your kindle across the room. Which is a very good thing, I like my Kindle! ;-)
I cannot wait to start book 2 in The Naïve Mistakes series and I recommend it if you like a new adult/coming of age story.
4 Stars!
August 1, 2014
While I didn't love the book, I didn't hate it. For me due to the age of the characters, book is more of a young adult story so it lost some appeal. Storyline was interesting and at times emotional due to things that happened to the characters beyond their control. Book was actually pretty believable due to the "real life situations" from family life and drama from school, etc. The attraction and chemistry between Conall and Leora was steamy and hot but was glad he didn't want to rush into a sexual relationship with her. Can't wait to read the rest of the series to see what develops in their relationship. First book for me by this author but won't be my last.
July 7, 2017
This book just didn’t pull me in like I had hoped it would. I downloaded it for free seeing it was part of a series and hoped for the best. I liked the characters but felt the storyline was lacking and couldn’t get into the instant attraction from the 20-something-year-old millionaire in town falling for the high school girl after one brief meeting at a night club. Also I didn't care for the author's writing style for the girl's point of view, constantly adding additional thoughts with () instead of just writing them since it was already in her point of view.
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March 6, 2015weird
So she's supposed to be 17 but she sounds and acts like she 14 and he is supposed to be 24 but he sounds and acts like he's mid to late 30's. It was really difficult for me not to imagine them at those ages instead of the ones provided. I think the whole storyline was decent, the characters needed more work though. Kayla is probably my favorite character. She was the only one I could imagine being the age she was supposed to be. The ending was sort of a cliff hanger but not so much that I am racing to buy the next book.
So she's supposed to be 17 but she sounds and acts like she 14 and he is supposed to be 24 but he sounds and acts like he's mid to late 30's. It was really difficult for me not to imagine them at those ages instead of the ones provided. I think the whole storyline was decent, the characters needed more work though. Kayla is probably my favorite character. She was the only one I could imagine being the age she was supposed to be. The ending was sort of a cliff hanger but not so much that I am racing to buy the next book.
August 18, 2016
2.5 stars because I'm torn right down the middle.
Likes: it kept me reading
I could relate to some scenes
Dislikes: needs an editor. Not that there were a lot of typos, but a lot of things were done incorrectly.
Hated the ending. It was kind of a cliffhanger, but without giving spoilers I can't say why I didn't like it.
Confusing spots, and feelings of the main character. I understand she's 17 and has a hard time making up her mind, but there were a few times she totally contradicted herself.
Likes: it kept me reading
I could relate to some scenes
Dislikes: needs an editor. Not that there were a lot of typos, but a lot of things were done incorrectly.
Hated the ending. It was kind of a cliffhanger, but without giving spoilers I can't say why I didn't like it.
Confusing spots, and feelings of the main character. I understand she's 17 and has a hard time making up her mind, but there were a few times she totally contradicted herself.
September 14, 2025
It took me some time to get into it.
But in the end the characters got to me and I wanted keep on reading only to find out that the other parts don’t sell on iTunes
Apparently I’m reading this for the second time.
And I don’t remember a word of it.
This time I just can’t stand Kayla and what’s her name.
It’s not clear who is the main character.
One of them is disgusting and the other was over the top spoilt shallow little rich girl
And no not every girl in her position would lie.
Lea being turned on by Kayla’s flavour of the night is wrong while thinking of another guy.
But in the end the characters got to me and I wanted keep on reading only to find out that the other parts don’t sell on iTunes
Apparently I’m reading this for the second time.
And I don’t remember a word of it.
This time I just can’t stand Kayla and what’s her name.
It’s not clear who is the main character.
One of them is disgusting and the other was over the top spoilt shallow little rich girl
And no not every girl in her position would lie.
Lea being turned on by Kayla’s flavour of the night is wrong while thinking of another guy.
September 7, 2016
Conall tells Leo that some seventeen year olds act like 10 year olds and some seventeen year olds don't, hell there are 30 year old women who act like they're 10 years old.
At first that's how I thought about this book, this seventeen year old really needed to grow up, but I never saw the end coming, so as much as I'm dying to know what happens with Conall and Leo, I'm not sure I'm ready to pony up for more of the same.
At first that's how I thought about this book, this seventeen year old really needed to grow up, but I never saw the end coming, so as much as I'm dying to know what happens with Conall and Leo, I'm not sure I'm ready to pony up for more of the same.
July 19, 2015
TOUGH ONE ... BOOK COULD HAVE BEEN GOOD IF THE AUTHOR DIDNT CONCENTRATE SO MUCH ON LEORA'S DISTASTE FOR FATTY FOODS. IT SEEMED A BIT COINCIDENTAL THAT EVERYONE WOULD COMMENT ABOUT HER PHYSIQUE & ASSUMED THAT SHE WAS A GYM JUNKY. LIKE EVERYONE!!!! SOMETIMES I WONDERED WHY THE BOOK JUST WASNT ABOUT HER OBSESSION WITH NOT TURNING INTO A "TYPICAL" ITALIAN WOMAN ...
EITHER WAY, THE ENDING GOT ME HOOKED BECAUSE I NOW WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL CONALL IS UP TO.
EITHER WAY, THE ENDING GOT ME HOOKED BECAUSE I NOW WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL CONALL IS UP TO.
August 14, 2013
really enjoyed this book. So much that I am frustrated by the fact that the rest of the series are not available yet! This story left me eager to find out what is going to happen. There are some errors throughout, but we are all human and the story held me enough to see past these errors. Can't wait for the next book!
could-not-finish
October 9, 2013ARC provided by Author for Honest Review
Sadly this was a DNF for me. I tried very hard to get into the story but the writing style made it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Tons of parentheses and run-on sentences that had me back-tracking so many times as I was forgetting the point to begin with...
Sadly this was a DNF for me. I tried very hard to get into the story but the writing style made it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Tons of parentheses and run-on sentences that had me back-tracking so many times as I was forgetting the point to begin with...
September 21, 2014
Moved along pretty fast, which is good. Then I get to the end and I don't have an ending!! On to the next book...
The only issue I had is reading a 17-year old trying to get it on with an older guy. I need her to be older. Even if it were teens getting it on, it would not do anything for me. As a 40-year old, that kinda grosses me out because I now realize how young it is. LOL
The only issue I had is reading a 17-year old trying to get it on with an older guy. I need her to be older. Even if it were teens getting it on, it would not do anything for me. As a 40-year old, that kinda grosses me out because I now realize how young it is. LOL
May 5, 2014
This was an interesting read. The dynamics of Leora & Kayla's friendship was really good. Conall was a good character as well, polite & charming with a side of vulnerable. The cliffhanger was the only setback. I want more!
August 14, 2013
This was surprisingly good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews