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The Searchers #5
Finding Strength
Apollo left, and it was the hardest thing he'd ever done.
It was too much: sharing Nora with his friends. Not being her first.
Her only.
Apollo thought he had to be away to make sense of it all, but he was wrong.
Nora loves him, and she needs him more than ever.
But now it's up to him to finally accept in himself what Nora always saw.
It was too much: sharing Nora with his friends. Not being her first.
Her only.
Apollo thought he had to be away to make sense of it all, but he was wrong.
Nora loves him, and she needs him more than ever.
But now it's up to him to finally accept in himself what Nora always saw.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2019
26 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Ripley Proserpina
50 books521 followersRipley 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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Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews
August 15, 2019
My heart broke a little when Apollo left at the end of the last book. Nora in her way understood he needed time to decide if he could handle this unusual relationship. It didn't hurt any less though.
The rest of them have traveled to Matisse's family for Thanksgiving, a true feast and an acceptance of the relationship that involves at the moment five people. There are questions as to Apollo's whereabouts, since he had spent many holidays there. Those questions weren't easily answered.
With the acceptance there comes a sort of peace as Nora, Cai, Matisse, Seok and Ryan explore the area. Then the unthinkable happens. An accident, one that could make or break the relationship with Matisse and one that could solidify Apollo's feelings toward all of it.
I really thought Nora's problems would be behind her by now, but it seems things just keep escalating in different directions.
Lots of emotion and tears as we learn the whole of Apollo's secrets. Matisse has to deal with guilt and of course there's more on Dr. Murray and yet another break-in.
There's some fun and lots of love and understanding with Matisse's family and the guys are bonding more with Nora as she recuperates.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I am hoping that Dr. Murray and his cohorts get everything they deserve.
The rest of them have traveled to Matisse's family for Thanksgiving, a true feast and an acceptance of the relationship that involves at the moment five people. There are questions as to Apollo's whereabouts, since he had spent many holidays there. Those questions weren't easily answered.
With the acceptance there comes a sort of peace as Nora, Cai, Matisse, Seok and Ryan explore the area. Then the unthinkable happens. An accident, one that could make or break the relationship with Matisse and one that could solidify Apollo's feelings toward all of it.
I really thought Nora's problems would be behind her by now, but it seems things just keep escalating in different directions.
Lots of emotion and tears as we learn the whole of Apollo's secrets. Matisse has to deal with guilt and of course there's more on Dr. Murray and yet another break-in.
There's some fun and lots of love and understanding with Matisse's family and the guys are bonding more with Nora as she recuperates.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I am hoping that Dr. Murray and his cohorts get everything they deserve.
December 4, 2021
i'm an evil, sadistic person, so i personally loved the angst in this one—gotta keep those boys on their toes somehow!
that said, the progress with the dr. murray situation seemed kind of out of nowhere in this one? like the last two-thirds of the book was 99% nora injured angst arc with random smatterings of the dr. murray situation—and like, i get it, because nora is also their top priority. but also it's a little too convenient (writing wise) that this development happened when none of the main characters were actually there to witness it coming to fruition.
that aside: pretty consistent with the rest of the series up until now. i'm excited to see how it ends!
that said, the progress with the dr. murray situation seemed kind of out of nowhere in this one? like the last two-thirds of the book was 99% nora injured angst arc with random smatterings of the dr. murray situation—and like, i get it, because nora is also their top priority. but also it's a little too convenient (writing wise) that this development happened when none of the main characters were actually there to witness it coming to fruition.
that aside: pretty consistent with the rest of the series up until now. i'm excited to see how it ends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2020
Great addition to the series
This was a great continuation of the storyline showing Apollo’s past. It didn’t really progress much with the Dr Murray situation, but it is interesting to find out how Apollo became part of the group.
This was a great continuation of the storyline showing Apollo’s past. It didn’t really progress much with the Dr Murray situation, but it is interesting to find out how Apollo became part of the group.
July 19, 2024
Apollo still isn't my favorite guy but at least there was good character growth for him. This book overall was a good read.
August 11, 2019
"I won't be gone forever." Apollo walked away. It's not that he didn't love her. He does. And he knows she loves him but he's not enough. He never has been. Nora loves him but she also loves his friends. So he thought he needed to put some distance between them to figure things out. And he wasn't there when she needed him most. Now he understands but it may be too late. Now he may not get another chance.
Ripley Proserpina is one of my favorite authors. The Searchers is my favorite of her RH series. I read and like all subgenres of RH. I believe contemporary RH is by far the most difficult to write convincingly. It's such a fantasy, a ridiculous idea that this type of relationship would work. It's hard enough to make a conventional relationship last. Add in multiple personalities, egos, eccentricities and it generally seems too far-fetched and the reader must just suspend reality to enjoy the story. UNLESS the author takes great care with her characters and works out the delicate relationship balance. This series has captured the RH relationship in every way. The characters are diverse. They each have complicated backgrounds and inner struggles. Most have been judged harshly by society at some point. That makes this family they have created more believable. They have developed a close bond, an appreciation for the love they share, and a willingness to fight to protect their family due to who they each are. Since coming together, they have been tested repeatedly, tightening their already strong bond. There is a depth to these characters, to their story that is rarely found and it makes them resonate with me. I connect with each character during their individual story making it impossible for me to choose a favorite. From the beginning, however, Apollo has held a special place in my heart that is all his own. The sense of safety he projects is undeniably appealing. For anyone who has known upheaval, who lacks a solid foundation, Apollo is a must. It's understandable that Nora would gravitate towards the man who provided her a safe place. He would be the one that would allow her the freedom to be herself, to love the guys, to live the life she wants. His are the arms that offer her security. So when he walks away, naturally Nora would be shaken.
Apollo leaving was devastating. His story made it understandable. This was an emotional read for me. I had tears in my eyes the better part of the book. His story, although more extreme, is too common in many ways. My heart hurt for the little boy still living damaged within the giant of a man. Rarely do I want to hug a fictional character like I did Apollo. His growth, his reflection, and personal understanding in this book were quite a significant journey and one I felt privileged to accompany him on. I can't express enough how well done this story is. The trauma, past, and present, the epiphany, the strength exhibited by Apollo all wrapped up in another traumatic incident creating an entertaining story. I'm not sure how Ripley managed it. I can only echo Nora, "Best Christmas gift ever." Now I eagerly await Finding Unity. I'm almost afraid of what is coming but I know these characters are in good hands.
Ripley Proserpina is one of my favorite authors. The Searchers is my favorite of her RH series. I read and like all subgenres of RH. I believe contemporary RH is by far the most difficult to write convincingly. It's such a fantasy, a ridiculous idea that this type of relationship would work. It's hard enough to make a conventional relationship last. Add in multiple personalities, egos, eccentricities and it generally seems too far-fetched and the reader must just suspend reality to enjoy the story. UNLESS the author takes great care with her characters and works out the delicate relationship balance. This series has captured the RH relationship in every way. The characters are diverse. They each have complicated backgrounds and inner struggles. Most have been judged harshly by society at some point. That makes this family they have created more believable. They have developed a close bond, an appreciation for the love they share, and a willingness to fight to protect their family due to who they each are. Since coming together, they have been tested repeatedly, tightening their already strong bond. There is a depth to these characters, to their story that is rarely found and it makes them resonate with me. I connect with each character during their individual story making it impossible for me to choose a favorite. From the beginning, however, Apollo has held a special place in my heart that is all his own. The sense of safety he projects is undeniably appealing. For anyone who has known upheaval, who lacks a solid foundation, Apollo is a must. It's understandable that Nora would gravitate towards the man who provided her a safe place. He would be the one that would allow her the freedom to be herself, to love the guys, to live the life she wants. His are the arms that offer her security. So when he walks away, naturally Nora would be shaken.
Apollo leaving was devastating. His story made it understandable. This was an emotional read for me. I had tears in my eyes the better part of the book. His story, although more extreme, is too common in many ways. My heart hurt for the little boy still living damaged within the giant of a man. Rarely do I want to hug a fictional character like I did Apollo. His growth, his reflection, and personal understanding in this book were quite a significant journey and one I felt privileged to accompany him on. I can't express enough how well done this story is. The trauma, past, and present, the epiphany, the strength exhibited by Apollo all wrapped up in another traumatic incident creating an entertaining story. I'm not sure how Ripley managed it. I can only echo Nora, "Best Christmas gift ever." Now I eagerly await Finding Unity. I'm almost afraid of what is coming but I know these characters are in good hands.
August 15, 2019
This is the 5th book in The Searchers series and it is Apollo's book. In Finding Courage he broke all of our hearts when he left. He told Nora he needed time. So we start Finding Strength headed to Matisse's family home for Thanksgiving, without Apollo. Something very major happens and it sends everyone into a spiral. While it may be bringing some of them closer, we also seem to be getting more distance from someone too. I'm trying not to be all cryptic and stuff but I don't want to give anything away either. I will say that we learn all about Apollo and the things he has been through in his life. It gives you a whole new understanding for the issues he has.
I always seem to forget just how much I love this series. It never fails that as soon as I start reading I get drawn in and don't want to do anything else. This may be the most emotional yet for me though. There are some real tearjerker moments.
While this is Apollo's book, we still get several of the other guys POV and of course Nora as well. We are also still dealing with Dr. Murray and all his jacked up mess. So just like all the other books in this series, we have some action, some romance, some tragedy. This is the second to last book in this series *sad face* so we are starting to wrap everything up. We are also getting a couple hints about the last book as well. It will be so bittersweet for this series to end. I'm ready for Seok's story, but I'll be sad to see these guys go. We've grown so much with them.
If you are already reading this series then you will not want to miss this book. If you haven't started the series yet, you should definitely give it a shot.
I always seem to forget just how much I love this series. It never fails that as soon as I start reading I get drawn in and don't want to do anything else. This may be the most emotional yet for me though. There are some real tearjerker moments.
While this is Apollo's book, we still get several of the other guys POV and of course Nora as well. We are also still dealing with Dr. Murray and all his jacked up mess. So just like all the other books in this series, we have some action, some romance, some tragedy. This is the second to last book in this series *sad face* so we are starting to wrap everything up. We are also getting a couple hints about the last book as well. It will be so bittersweet for this series to end. I'm ready for Seok's story, but I'll be sad to see these guys go. We've grown so much with them.
If you are already reading this series then you will not want to miss this book. If you haven't started the series yet, you should definitely give it a shot.
August 16, 2019
Apollo left us all reeling at the end of Finding Courage when he walked away. This is his book and he's training hard or trying to, but his heart really isn't in it. He is heartsick and he's missing his family. They have all gone to spend Thanksgiving with Mattise's family in Louisiana. Apollo is definitely missed by the group and the Boudreau's who have come to accept him as one of the brothers. Things feel off. It's a testament to Ripleys writing that she makes RH seem normal in contemporary setting with no fantasy or SciFi in the mix. I'm invested in this group and feel sad when things go bad right along side them.
There's a serious accident and everyone is completely stressed, thankfully Apollo comes to join them and his large body, medical knowledge and calming nature help everyone especially Nora who needs him the most. I swooned a bit when he would put her hand on his chest and urged her to breathe with him to calm and center her. There are strategically placed flashbacks that reveal his childhood and shine a light on his reason for his hesitancy. My heart broke for young Apollo.
Weird things are going on at their house when they aren't home and the group feel sure it's Dr. Murray behind it. They're going to have to deal with him soon. Seok's is the final book in this series and I'm truly sad to see it come to an end. This is my favorite of Proserpina's series.
There's a serious accident and everyone is completely stressed, thankfully Apollo comes to join them and his large body, medical knowledge and calming nature help everyone especially Nora who needs him the most. I swooned a bit when he would put her hand on his chest and urged her to breathe with him to calm and center her. There are strategically placed flashbacks that reveal his childhood and shine a light on his reason for his hesitancy. My heart broke for young Apollo.
Weird things are going on at their house when they aren't home and the group feel sure it's Dr. Murray behind it. They're going to have to deal with him soon. Seok's is the final book in this series and I'm truly sad to see it come to an end. This is my favorite of Proserpina's series.
August 12, 2019
I enjoyed Apollo’s book in The Searchers series (must be read in order). It was shorter than some of the others but it didn’t feel like anything was missing. I liked the juxtaposition of his heartbreaking past with the tense situation of the present. I really felt the emotion from the guys in this one; it was really heightened by what was going on. I would have enjoyed having some more specific happy time group activities or scenes but I also kind of liked how the story really focused on the dramatic elements, so I don’t feel super strongly about that. This series isn’t the most exciting or hot one, I love that it is a contemporary RH, which seem almost rare to me, and I find this author’s writing very comforting. I’ve come to care about these characters like they were real people and I am so very eager for Seok’s book - the final book! - as I have been looking forward to the mystery of his past since the very beginning.
3.5
3.5
September 10, 2019
I really do think this series is jut getting better and better. And honestly I am glad that Finding Strength gets us closer to Apollo. Because lets face it, I am sure most of us just could not connect to him in this series. Well here you will. We get to look into his past, see what makes him what he is today, and what he could continue to be. He is finding himself, because he is worth the relationship that he has with Nora and so much more.
Ripley does an amazing job with showing us how a contemporary RH romance should be written. Relationships are not easy, they take work. Now imagine that with more than one partner. Here we get to glimpses of the struggles that Nora and her men take to be together and overcome obstacles to be a solid unit. Hands down one of the best Rh series out there.
Ripley does an amazing job with showing us how a contemporary RH romance should be written. Relationships are not easy, they take work. Now imagine that with more than one partner. Here we get to glimpses of the struggles that Nora and her men take to be together and overcome obstacles to be a solid unit. Hands down one of the best Rh series out there.
August 15, 2019
Nora’s story is almost over, but each book is better and better! She had a rough time in this book and she was hurt a lot, but she gained so much in Apollo! I cannot wait to read Seok’s book next: Finding Unity and see how his story goes for them all to end up together! Seok is a little mysterious at this point and I am dying to find out what makes him really himself! Apollo’s story was so heartbreaking, but it explains why he is such a gentle giant and the protective caretaker of them all. I loved every second of this book! Although Apollo was one of my least favorite of Nora’s guys, his story is one of my favorite of all the guys so far and I love him and understand him so much more now. I love this series!
August 17, 2019
Insight to Apollo
While visiting Matisse's family, an accident occurs and priorities are shifted. We get some insight of Apollo's difficult childhood, he had a dad in the military who was always gone and a mom who was physically there but not present. He presents himself to the world as strong physically but inside he is still that little boy who wants to be important to someone. And that is what has him struggling with his relationship with Nora and his friends. Is he that important to Nora? The whole situation is a test to their relationship and their future together. The story takes a break from all the drama with the Dr. Murray although his presence isn't completely out of this book, he's not the predominant threat as in the previous books. I enjoyed it!
While visiting Matisse's family, an accident occurs and priorities are shifted. We get some insight of Apollo's difficult childhood, he had a dad in the military who was always gone and a mom who was physically there but not present. He presents himself to the world as strong physically but inside he is still that little boy who wants to be important to someone. And that is what has him struggling with his relationship with Nora and his friends. Is he that important to Nora? The whole situation is a test to their relationship and their future together. The story takes a break from all the drama with the Dr. Murray although his presence isn't completely out of this book, he's not the predominant threat as in the previous books. I enjoyed it!
September 17, 2019
Fantastic series
This series just keep getting better and better!!! All the guys have heartbreaking stories. I will say this much I'm glad that Finding Strength gets us closer to Apollo. You could tell from the previous book, that there was tension with Apollo in regard to his relationship with Nora. So when he decided to leave was it just me who felt like there heart was breaking. I mean it was devastating. But we also saw him struggle and grow and watch the life guys build with Nora fall apart. Only for them to unite as one and come back stronger than ever. Now I can't wait for Seok's story and see Nora and her guys finally get the HEA they deserve.
This series just keep getting better and better!!! All the guys have heartbreaking stories. I will say this much I'm glad that Finding Strength gets us closer to Apollo. You could tell from the previous book, that there was tension with Apollo in regard to his relationship with Nora. So when he decided to leave was it just me who felt like there heart was breaking. I mean it was devastating. But we also saw him struggle and grow and watch the life guys build with Nora fall apart. Only for them to unite as one and come back stronger than ever. Now I can't wait for Seok's story and see Nora and her guys finally get the HEA they deserve.
August 15, 2019
Out of all Ripley's books, The Searchers series is my favourite and reading Apollo's story reminds me why! All these characters have heartbreaking stories to tell and yet they are finding their way and making a life for themselves, together. Very well written and a sudden twist I wasn't expecting, I could not put the book down until the end! Though I'm a bit sad we are nearing the end of the journey for Nora and her guys, I can't wait to hear Seok's story and see these guys get their HEA and hopefully finally see an end to Dr Murray and all his cohorts!
January 3, 2021
Representation: Black Biracial Heroine, Black Hero, Korean-American Hero
Overall: 4.5-stars
Safety: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
Overall: 4.5-stars
Safety: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
August 16, 2019
Beautiful and heartbreaking!
This story was amazing. It was tragic, heartbreaking and beautiful. The characters are amazing and you can’t help but love them all. Their devotion to each other is powerful. How they come together and fight for each other in a very tragic time is emotionally intense and wonderful.
Absolutely fantastic writing as always from this wonderful author. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This story was amazing. It was tragic, heartbreaking and beautiful. The characters are amazing and you can’t help but love them all. Their devotion to each other is powerful. How they come together and fight for each other in a very tragic time is emotionally intense and wonderful.
Absolutely fantastic writing as always from this wonderful author. I can’t wait to read the next book.
August 16, 2019
Apollo’s story! It was nice to read of his background and why he is how he is. The events that happen in this book made the relationship between Nora and the guys more concrete and i can’t wait to read the next book and what going on with a certain someone’s brain. :) won’t spoil. Enjoyed the read and love series. Ripley did not disappoint, truly her style of writing. 😊
Received ARC for my honest review*
Received ARC for my honest review*
August 14, 2019
This is another entertaining entry into this enjoyable series. This book focuses heavily on emotion and drama as the story continues to unfold. There was an almost perfect balance between poignancy and beauty as Apollo gives into the demons that haunt him and makes a choice that my have irrevocable consequences in this incredibly powerful reverse harem romance. Really can't wait for the next book. This is my candid, elective review.
August 15, 2019
This book was both amazing and brutal. From the previous book, you could tell there was tension with Apollo. And through this book, we get to see him struggle and grow. We watch the life the guys and Nora have built fall apart. Only to be built back stronger than before. This book leaves me with so many questions about Seok. Knowing the awesomeness of this series will be completed in one more book makes the wait that much harder.
August 15, 2019
I love this entire series and Ripley did not disappoint with book five. We dig deeper into Apollo’s past. We learn he, like the others, has a deep history that has made him what he is today. Strengths and weaknesses. Apollo is flawed like everyone in the house but they fit wonderfully together. I love how the each person gives something to the story and in each book they all come together and handle each obstacle so well. What a wonderful team. I can’t wait for Soek’s story.
August 18, 2019
Finding Strength is the fifth book in this series and continued the story where it left off. This was an amazing, heartbreakingly beautiful follow up. We 've learned Apollo's backstory and I loved that connection that I feel whenever I glimpse a character's history. It made them more relatable and as such, a joy to read. This book has action, drama, romance and heartfelt moments that will make you crave for more of this world. Can't wait to read the next book!
August 16, 2019
Nora and her guys, minus Apollo, are in Mississippi for Thanksgiving with Matisse’s family, when something happens that shakes them all and changes everything for Nora. This story emphasizes Apollo’s history and reasons for his behaviors. I loved seeing them all come together to support each other and Nora. This is one of my favorite series, and I can’t wait to see Seok’s side of things in the next book, especially after his mysterious behaviors in this book!
August 15, 2019
I’m in love again.... not that I ever falled out of love with Nora and her boys! But one page only - and I’m hooked! I could not put the book down, and I still feel that Ripley writes so good that you fall in love with her characters, and a little bit in her ;) This is Apollo’s story, and what a story! <3
August 15, 2019
Love this series!
I love this series so much, the characters are so authentic and relatable, and the storyline is very engaging. This book was about Apollo’s background, along with what’s going on with Nora and her guys in present day. If you’ve read the series so far, you don’t want to miss this book!
I love this series so much, the characters are so authentic and relatable, and the storyline is very engaging. This book was about Apollo’s background, along with what’s going on with Nora and her guys in present day. If you’ve read the series so far, you don’t want to miss this book!
October 3, 2019
Fudge a duck
So apart from cai, seoks is the story that I want to read the most and I'm slightly gutted that I have to wait for it. This series completely sucks you in. You find yourself hanging on every word. I may or may not have developed stalker tendencies as I wait for just a snippet of an update as to when finding unity will release.
So apart from cai, seoks is the story that I want to read the most and I'm slightly gutted that I have to wait for it. This series completely sucks you in. You find yourself hanging on every word. I may or may not have developed stalker tendencies as I wait for just a snippet of an update as to when finding unity will release.
August 16, 2019
Very moving
I loved this one!! I enjoyed Apollo's story and felt really emotionally engaged the entire book. I love this little family so much!! Nora is such a champ and her guys are so sweet and caring and basically the best humans ever. Can't wait to read Seok's story!!
I loved this one!! I enjoyed Apollo's story and felt really emotionally engaged the entire book. I love this little family so much!! Nora is such a champ and her guys are so sweet and caring and basically the best humans ever. Can't wait to read Seok's story!!
August 19, 2019
heartwrenching and sweet
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews