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The Searchers #4

Finding Courage

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There is no future until he faces his past...
Nora, Cai, Ryan, Matisse, Apollo, and Seok have decided to forge their own path. Yes, their relationship is unusual, but it's what they want. They won't hide it. It isn't a secret.
Or is it?
Cai loves her, Nora is certain of it. But when the woman he left behind suddenly appears, the Cai she knows changes, and Nora begins to wonder, will he be brave enough to choose her and step into the light?
Or will he hide her away with the rest of his ghosts?
Reading Order:
Finding Honor
Finding Nora (A Searchers Novella)
Finding Courage
Finding Strength (coming soon!)

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2018

47 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Ripley Proserpina

50 books519 followers
Ripley 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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5 stars
62 (46%)
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45 (33%)
3 stars
18 (13%)
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8 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews28 followers
August 13, 2019
While this book centers on Cai and his relationship with Nora, the others are very involved as well.

This book opens with Cai getting a concussion from an altercation with Dr. Murray and a couple of his cronies. He woke up not remembering being transported to jail with Matisse all because of his frustration at not having access to Tyler. Although others are working on the problem Cai is practically obsessed with being sure Tyler is being treated properly.

There is much going on with all of them, but Cai's issues come to the fore when his 'wife' shows up. Sarah isn't legally his wife and never was. That marriage was the product of how they were raised in the cult where his father was the leader.

Nora is totally blindsided by Sarah's call and then her appearance at the house. More so by Cai's description of their relationship, roommate not girlfriend. A painful denial.

As Nora and Cai's relationship does some struggling, Apollo also comes to the realization that he wants, perhaps more, than Nora can give.

Then there's more interference from Dr. Murray, a revelation from another Doctor who takes over Tyler's care, the Thanksgiving invitation that can't be ignored from Matisse's Mom and Seok having some of his own fears surface.

There's so much more that what I've mentioned. There is lots of heat, love, and emotion in this book. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Renia.
314 reviews5 followers
February 8, 2022
I was really disappointed with the way the story turned out!!! I was expecting Cai to be more understanding and sensitive but he made so many mistakes and Nora just kept forgiving him without making him work for it. That really did it for me....girl just grow a fucking spine !! He had a fucking wife (kinda..) and he didn't tell her anything and the others knew and they didn't even give her a clue, what a trustworthy lot (not)! Then, when all got resolved just like that, it really made me furious. Apollo decided to get out of dodge when things got tough....oh what a great guy 😠!! When things get tough i won't try to resolve them with the one i supposedly love, i'll just run away. Nora just let everything happen even if they were wrong and hurt her and didn't do anything!! In addition, some things made the story a little drugging and in my opinion it should have been a four books series or a trilogy. There was some things that were really unesessery to be in the story. All in all the hours i spend reading this series wasn't worth it. So i won't read the next books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,806 reviews52 followers
November 18, 2018
Everyone has a past, secrets. Cai's has finally caught up with him. He's dealt with his past, it's all behind him and he's happy. At least that's what he thought. He's in love with Nora and so are his best friends. But when a woman from his past shows up, Cai realizes that he hasn't totally put his past to rest. He has a decision to make. Can he openly accept his new life, is Nora his present and future or will she become just another secret to be added to his past?

The Searchers is one of my favorite RH series. It's intelligent, original, and beautifully written. Ripley Proserpina has created a diverse set of characters that are complicated, flawed, and completely fascinating. The story as a whole is enthralling and each individual character's backstory is as well. This is Cai's story. It broke my heart. It's equally horrifying and tragic. Cai has always come across as kind and empathetic. Now we know just how true this is. His strength of character and resilience are also unmatched. He is a survivor. For a bit of this book, he disappointed me but that only shows that he's human. His basic character won out and I now love him more than ever. Nora continues to be one of my favorite female characters. Her beauty, her dignity, her kindness, and her strength once again shine in this book. I love the moments that she acts to protect the guys she loves without regard to her own interests. Such courage. Ryan and Tisse are fantastic, Seok is keeping a secret but remains steadfast, and Apollo is simply struggling.

As much as I loved, loved, loved this book, it only made my need for the next one stronger. With the events that played out in this story, I have so many questions that need answers. Can Dr. Murray be stopped, can Tyler be kept safe, will Tisse and/or Nora face more legal issues, what is Seok's secret, and what exactly is wrong with Apollo???? I may now be a bit obsessed with these characters!
Profile Image for Anna.
838 reviews
November 19, 2018
Nora has escaped the clutches of Dr. Murray and his study. Unfortunately, Tyler didn't. Cai, being his counselor, feels guilty and responsible. Nora and the guys are trying to be there for him. They all want to help Tyler but Cai's health comes first. The more they push at Dr. Murray and his study, the more the Dr. pushes back. The group is learning that he will pull no punches to keep his secrets safe.

If you have read the series so far, which I'm sure you have, then you know each book revolves around a certain person. This book is Cai's. With Tyler locked up and in Dr. Murray's care, Cai is focused on getting him back. When his past shows up it throws a bit of a kink in his plans. Cai doesn't even like to think of his past, much less deal with it in his life now. He knows he has to tell Nora the truth, he just has to dig deep and find the courage to do it. Hopefully he can get it together before everything falls apart.

So obviously we spend a lot of time with Cai in this book. His past is something else! I'm not usually a flip between past and present type of reader but I think this was done well and helped to understand his past better. My heart broke for Cai and the sacrifices he made. The guilt he carries. He still pissed me off something fierce with Nora though. You'll see what I mean when you get there.

Even though this is Cai's book, someone else wants to demand your attention. I'm guessing his book will be next and I sure hope so b/c right now I'm a little broken. This is probably the most angsty and heart stopping book of the series for me. There were several times I thought I was going to have to put it down and come back after I calmed down. Of course I had to keep reading to see what happened though.

This was another great book in this series. If you've enjoyed the series so far then you will love this book too. If you haven't read the series yet, you should really give it a shot.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,455 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2024
3½⭐
This book was decently written but flawed. Even though there was some character growth there also seemed to be character devolveness. Especially with Apollo, he wasn't a favorite of mine in the beginning, mainly his jealousy, and this book made him even less so. But there's also such a lack of communication in the unit as a whole so his jealousy is almost understandable.

With my review of the last book (Matisse's story) I stated he was my favorite and with this book done he still is. So far, for me, it'd be Matisse, Cai, Ryan. As I get ready read Apollo & Seok's stories that'll probably change. I have a feeling Seok will either knock Matisse down a notch or be on par with him. But as far as Apollo goes I think he'll stay at the bottom.

Issues I had with this book:
*I didn't like how once Cai's history started every other chapter went from his 7yrs ago to Nora's present. It threw off the flow of the book & made it a smidge hard to follow at times.
*While I understand the problems of telling someone you're past, if you claim to love the person you're now with then they should never be kept a secret. Not only is it degrading but it kills something inside that person you're hiding from the your world.
*In book 3, Finding Truth, Nora had brought up going to the Gym with Apollo but he said no because it wasn't a place for her because it was a boxing gym not a workout gym. But in this book all of a sudden it being his idea made it ok for her to be there. Then he's a total a$$ to her, what the point was, I'm still not sure.
*Unresolved issue, I think, the "alimony" that Cai was paying Sarah: did he stop?
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,834 reviews57 followers
November 20, 2018
At long last book 4 of The Searchers series is here! My enjoyment of this contemporary reverse harem series has grown steadily as the series has progressed and for almost the entire series I have been looking forward to Cai's book. Just like with all the heroes we have had hints about his past but I was completely taken by surprise by the full reveal we get in Finding Courage. Some of his past (and present) was infuriating to read, but illustrates even more how amazing a man Cai is.
I continue to be impressed by heroine Nora's self-awareness and how generously and healthily she deals with conflicts. This author's heroines (and heroes) always have me thinking they are the kind of people we should all aspire to be, and I love that about her books so much. I also enjoy how loving and protective they all are toward each other. The ongoing storyline involving the dastardly villain continues to progress (shaking my first at him!), and groundwork is laid for both Apollo's and Seok's books. I eagerly await the next, which is listed in the back as Finding Strength, presumably Apollo's.
4.5 Stars
Profile Image for Nicole Namen.
369 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2018
Wow, Cai’s book was so different to what I expected it to be! I had no idea his past was so crazy and horrible, but I love how courageous he came out of it! His ability to help others is like no other. And when he finally came to terms with his past and his future, he didn’t let Nora go and he won’t disappoint her now. He had an epiphany, and he made the right decision to let the past go and make a beautiful future with his brothers and Nora. I love how Dr. Murray is in such hot water, and I’m dying to see where Apollo’s book, Finding Strength, will take us next! I hope Dr. Murray gets what he deserves. Apollo now has a lot to deal with, but I’m hoping he comes out strong! I can’t wait to read the next book! I love this series and this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for lee.
272 reviews16 followers
December 3, 2021
this is absolutely the most nitpicky thing i've ever felt compelled to mention in a book review, but the way nora called out all of the ML's names while she was locked in that room during the experiment... like girl, they're not in the building—how are they gonna hear you???

i must've erased that detail from my memory when reading it the first time, because i had such a visceral reaction when they played the video towards the end of the book that i had to take a break. with every addition to this series, my second-hand embarrassment caused by nora grows...

that aside, this book same general formula as the other ones in this series. i did like the angst with cai's cult wife though (lol), so that's something!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
108 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2018
I'm so glad Nora is back

I have really enjoyed the previous books in this series and it feels like forever since the last one! It was worth the wait! I like the way we find out gradually about the guys' histories and what brought them together. I love Nora and her mix of confidence and insecurity. I like that sharing doesn't fall easily into place for the guys. And most of all l love to hate the evil doctors!! I was so anxious about what Dr Murray would do next as I started this book and he didn't disappoint. Now I want the next one. I love Apollo and need to know his story!
Profile Image for Lory.
3,225 reviews30 followers
September 17, 2019
Fantastic series

I absolutely loved this book!!! While this book centers around Cai and his relationship with Nora, the other guys play a major role as well. I had been looking forward for Cai book it was definitely worth the wait. I was not expecting Cai past to be so traumatic, but I love how courageous he was he didn't let his tragedy defined him. His ability to help others is amazing. I also liked that sharing Nora didn't come easily for the guys either. Super excited to see what else is in store for this series.
Profile Image for TipseyBookReviews.
1,438 reviews52 followers
December 2, 2018
This is one of my favorite series, and one of the series that got me into reading RH. It’s been awhile since book 3, but it all came back to me once I started reading. This story focuses more so on Cai and his relationship with Nora. Cai has quite the past and when someone from his past pops up, the crew is in for a ride. I can’t wait for the next book - Apollo was one of my faves before this book, so hopefully we get to learn more about what happened with him in the next book.
Profile Image for Patty.
254 reviews
December 17, 2018
She IS stronger than she thinks!

Ripley does not disappoint as she continues this ongoing series with a very difficult adversary.  We never know will happen next or what is being done on the sly.  My heart is breaking over the latest issue in the building RH relationship with Nora and her men.  Of course we are left wanting more at the end with tear-filled eyes.  I hope we don't gave to wait too long for the next book. 
156 reviews
April 9, 2020
Intriguing

Interesting storyline. Fairly well fleshed our characters. I’m very excited to read what happens next. This seems like a more realistic interpretation of what a reverse harem relationship would be like — not everything is hearts and roses all the time, but they are working through their issues.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.6k reviews158 followers
November 20, 2018
There is a lot going on in this book. Romance, emotional turmoil, drama, secrets, twists, heartbreak and angst. Intense, gripping and entertaining, this book is a good read and solid addition to this series. This is my sincere, independent review.
14 reviews
November 29, 2018
Cai's story arch was very good. His journey from being in a oppressive enviroment to finding himself was incredible.
Though i would have loved to see more character development of Nora. She felt a bit weak in this book.
Profile Image for Daisy Delfin.
1,401 reviews176 followers
May 7, 2019

Pages: 267
My rating (stars): 4
Read other books from this author in the future: yes

It stays exciting in the series The Searchers. In Finding Courage Nora fights for Chai and learns a lot about his dark past. In addition, Dr. Murray's motives and his methods are revealed.
A book worth reading!
Profile Image for Hannah Brooker.
753 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2019
Brilliant

I genuinely just can't get enough of this series. The guys are amazing and I love their back stories and the fact that they are believable. They aren't so far fetched. Gutted I only have one book left to read before having to wait for the final book in the series.
371 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2018
Finally we got Cai’s story! <3 And what a past!! Nora is my hero, and I hope that she will be yours as Well! This book, as the rest in this series, is absolutely amazing!
267 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2021
Frustratingly close

More secrets shared but not everyone is happy! A blast from the past and the story focuses on Cai. So close to the end, but what's up with Apollo?
Displaying 1 - 20 of 21 reviews

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