Review: "He Found Me" by Whitney Barbetti

He Found Me is the debut novel of Whitney Barbetti and a rather impressive debut it was! This book was a good combination of suspense thriller and new adult romance and features a sexually abused teenager who, after years of abuse at the hands of her guardian, runs away with the help of a family friend. When we find her years later, she has created a new identity and life for herself but fate has other plans for her.

Cora Mitchell was 17 when she disappeared from the home she shared with her uncle in Michigan. Nothing is heard from her and her case goes cold, though said uncle is considered a person of interest, many believing he had something to do with her disappearance.

Andra Walker is 24 and works on a ranch in Colorado. She doesn't believe in committed relationships but cares for the people she works for and with, as well as the one person she considers family. When pressed for more intimate details about her past, she keeps things vague, not willing to share more than necessary. And then she meets Julian.

Julian Jameson is a bestselling author who books a month-long stay at the ranch Andra works at. From the moment they meet, there's an instant attraction. As they spend more time together, Andra begins to find herself having feelings for Julian that she's never had for anyone else. It's also obvious that Julian feels something more for her than just lust. However, they're both keeping secrets from each other and when those secrets come out, will there be any hope for them to stay together?

I enjoyed reading this book since I've always liked suspense thrillers and it's no secret that I love my romances. The story and the characters kept my interest from start to finish even though I wondered why Six made Andra do what she did in Chapter 16. I know he gave his reasons but there must have been some other option, especially considering the circumstances.

This book ends with a cliffhanger but it is part of a two-part series so I wasn't entirely surprised that it ended the way it did. However, I'm happy to point out that it's not one of those cliffhangers that makes you want to scream and pull your hair out even though there were unresolved issues. You'll get what I mean when you read the book. ^.^ 

He Found Me gets four out of five stars and I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel. ♥

Date read: 12 September 2014

Learn more about author Whitney Barbetti here.

Grab a copy of He Found Me and Ms. Barbetti's other books on Amazon | Barnes & Noble.