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The Searchers #2
Finding Valor
Forgiveness is out of reach…
Nora’s relationship with Ryan, Seok, Apollo, Matisse, and Cai is everything she could want. Never believing she’d fall in love, the acceptance they offer her is the only thing standing between her and a world that still hates her, no matter her innocence. Falling into a routine with the guys, she finally lets herself relax and dream about the future.
Until the past catches up with them…
Suddenly, Ryan’s entire future is at stake, and a man from his past, one with good reason to hate him, arrives to take the things he’s worked so hard to build. Rather than fight, Ryan wants to submit, weighed down with the guilt he believes he deserves. Pushing Nora away, he distances himself from her and his friends, placing everything they have at risk.
Can Nora help Ryan heal? He has to believe the person he’s become is nothing like the man he was, but all he sees in the mirror is evil. Will he ever believe he’s earned her love and the chance to be happy?
Nora’s relationship with Ryan, Seok, Apollo, Matisse, and Cai is everything she could want. Never believing she’d fall in love, the acceptance they offer her is the only thing standing between her and a world that still hates her, no matter her innocence. Falling into a routine with the guys, she finally lets herself relax and dream about the future.
Until the past catches up with them…
Suddenly, Ryan’s entire future is at stake, and a man from his past, one with good reason to hate him, arrives to take the things he’s worked so hard to build. Rather than fight, Ryan wants to submit, weighed down with the guilt he believes he deserves. Pushing Nora away, he distances himself from her and his friends, placing everything they have at risk.
Can Nora help Ryan heal? He has to believe the person he’s become is nothing like the man he was, but all he sees in the mirror is evil. Will he ever believe he’s earned her love and the chance to be happy?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2017
87 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Ripley Proserpina
50 books519 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 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 22, 2017
4.5 stars!
March 10, 2017
Great series
Really loving this series. It is RH in case you didn't know yet. This book focuses on Nora and Ryan although everyone is still in the book. Ryan is having to deal with his past and Nora is still trying to find her place in such a close nit group. Cai has some troubles and Matisse does some really stupid things. I love learning more and more about each of their pasts. Ripely is doing a fantastic job with this series and I can't wait for more!
Really loving this series. It is RH in case you didn't know yet. This book focuses on Nora and Ryan although everyone is still in the book. Ryan is having to deal with his past and Nora is still trying to find her place in such a close nit group. Cai has some troubles and Matisse does some really stupid things. I love learning more and more about each of their pasts. Ripely is doing a fantastic job with this series and I can't wait for more!
May 7, 2017
I love The Searchers series more and more with each installment. This is Book 2 (following Book 1 "Finding Honor" and a novella "Finding Nora") and before reading it I had seen some readers commenting that it was "Ryan's" book and this had me thinking, somewhat apprehensively, that the other guys of the harem would not be involved, or not involved enough. I could not have been more wrong. Yes, the book focuses on issues in Ryan's life and Ryan's past, but the other guys are present and the focus on Ryan did nothing to detract from my enjoyment of the book. I love reverse harem stories and I have not yet read a series where each book highlighted one of the guys' lives in quite this way. I greatly enjoyed delving deep into Ryan's past and to how he became the man he is today. It only made me anticipate each subsequent book more - I am so eager to learn about each guy in the same way - and to see how Nora feels as she learns each of their pasts. I love how accepting and forgiving she is and yet I can't help but wonder how she will handle learning about the things Matisse and Apollo are keeping from her.
Also, another change from many of the reverse harem stories I have read is that the guys are jealous of each other, though it is slight. I really like this difference and the conflict and resolution opportunities it brings to the story and the relationships.
Forgiveness is a strong theme in this series, never more so than in Finding Valor. It is anything but easy to forgive others who have wronged you and even more difficult to forgive yourself when you were the one who wronged. I really enjoy how this theme is handled in the series, and the idea that Nora is and will be the light in these good guys' with murky past's lives is very touching.
Also, another change from many of the reverse harem stories I have read is that the guys are jealous of each other, though it is slight. I really like this difference and the conflict and resolution opportunities it brings to the story and the relationships.
Forgiveness is a strong theme in this series, never more so than in Finding Valor. It is anything but easy to forgive others who have wronged you and even more difficult to forgive yourself when you were the one who wronged. I really enjoy how this theme is handled in the series, and the idea that Nora is and will be the light in these good guys' with murky past's lives is very touching.
June 24, 2020
Finding Valor (The Searchers Book 2) Kindle Edition
by Ripley Proserpina
We rejoin Honor and her five men (Ryan, Matisse, Cai, Seok and Apollo into and the story dives into Ryan's past. Ryan once did something, something so horrible he is driven to make amends. And this where he story is told
As a high school student Ryan had his words hurt a person close to him and he refuses to forgive himself. Instead, he uses every moment he can to help the world. The friend he had accidentally implicated returns to Ryan's life through Honor.
The story is complicated and well-drawn. This is a contemporary Reverse Harem romance, meaning that Honor will not have to choose. This allows a lot of bedroom time. It also gives the book a lot of action and a lot of pathos/anxeity amongst all the characters.
I enjoyed the communication level between the characters. I also enjoyed the way that they act as a unit. Ms. Proserpina plays with the names of the characters, such a Honor being the name of the heroine and Ryan's last name is Valore. There is a bit of a parable going on here.
The writing, as usual, is fantastic. The images that are painted by Proserpina's words are extraordinary. At times, I felt as if I were a little mouse in the corner watching these characters complete each other.
Ms. Proserpina's writing is so far above par, it is a hole in one or an eagle on the 18th hole.
I highly recommend this series, but I do caution that readers read in order.
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Valor-...
by Ripley Proserpina
We rejoin Honor and her five men (Ryan, Matisse, Cai, Seok and Apollo into and the story dives into Ryan's past. Ryan once did something, something so horrible he is driven to make amends. And this where he story is told
As a high school student Ryan had his words hurt a person close to him and he refuses to forgive himself. Instead, he uses every moment he can to help the world. The friend he had accidentally implicated returns to Ryan's life through Honor.
The story is complicated and well-drawn. This is a contemporary Reverse Harem romance, meaning that Honor will not have to choose. This allows a lot of bedroom time. It also gives the book a lot of action and a lot of pathos/anxeity amongst all the characters.
I enjoyed the communication level between the characters. I also enjoyed the way that they act as a unit. Ms. Proserpina plays with the names of the characters, such a Honor being the name of the heroine and Ryan's last name is Valore. There is a bit of a parable going on here.
The writing, as usual, is fantastic. The images that are painted by Proserpina's words are extraordinary. At times, I felt as if I were a little mouse in the corner watching these characters complete each other.
Ms. Proserpina's writing is so far above par, it is a hole in one or an eagle on the 18th hole.
I highly recommend this series, but I do caution that readers read in order.
5 stars out of 5
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Valor-...
July 22, 2020
I’m really loving this series.
So while it is titled book 2, this is really books 3, because the novella Finding Nora is second. I love that with each book the author isn’t just driving a story forward and having different suspenseful or dramatic things happen. She is allowing us to slowly get to know,the characters. As Nora spends more time with them we get glimpses into their past, their fears, their hopes, and why they are who they are. By breaking it up and letting evolve naturally, the way a true relationship would, we get the chance to see it. Not just be told about it.
This books tells a little about Apollo, Matisse, and Cai’s background, but the focus is mostly Ryan. In that way it was easier to keep track. When you have so many RH characters it can sometimes be hard to keep the backstory straight. This is a great example of,how to do it right. Can’t wait to read to see what comes next.
So while it is titled book 2, this is really books 3, because the novella Finding Nora is second. I love that with each book the author isn’t just driving a story forward and having different suspenseful or dramatic things happen. She is allowing us to slowly get to know,the characters. As Nora spends more time with them we get glimpses into their past, their fears, their hopes, and why they are who they are. By breaking it up and letting evolve naturally, the way a true relationship would, we get the chance to see it. Not just be told about it.
This books tells a little about Apollo, Matisse, and Cai’s background, but the focus is mostly Ryan. In that way it was easier to keep track. When you have so many RH characters it can sometimes be hard to keep the backstory straight. This is a great example of,how to do it right. Can’t wait to read to see what comes next.
April 2, 2018
I really didn't think that I would love this series the way I do but it just keeps getting better and better. I especially like the relationship building that went on of course they still need more work more so for Nora who has to find her place in such a close knit group. But we did get to know more about some of the guys past which was really interesting. Also can we talk about the study that Nora has to do the whole things just give me bad vibes and I keep questioning how legit it really is. The situation, comments, and questions from the so call professional seem downright unethical if not illegal. Overall enjoyable and entertaining read. Looking forward to reading more in this series. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no minority compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 31, 2017
I enjoyed the relationship building that went on in this book. It was definitely great to start delving into the boys pasts and seeing how Nora responded to their challenges. Once again my heart goes out to Nora and the difficulties she faces after being tried in the court of public opinion. The most difficult part of this book for me was seeing go to her interviews for the study she joined at the end of book 1. The whole project just gives me the heebee jeebees and I keep questioning the supposed validity of this study. Many times the situations, comments, and questions from these supposed professionals seem downright unethical if not illegal so I was very uncomfortable and on edge for most of the book because of that situation.
March 13, 2017
While this is the official second book in the Searchers Series, there is a novella called Finding Nora that starts off almost immediately after the first book and goes until the start of this one. That novella has plot points that are referenced in this book, and even though you do not need to read the novella to read this book, I do recommend reading it as you get more in-depth plot and relationship growth with Nora and the boys.
Now for this book. I was not too sure how much I would like this book after reading the first one; however, Ripley Proserpina's writing has grown more and more with each book/novella. My biggest issues with the first book (even though it did not detract too much from my overall enjoyment) was that the relationships between Nora and the boys felt rushed and I did not get a sense of why they were falling in love with Nora or even her with all of them. That has completely changed in this book. I feel like I was really able to see the connections between all the characters, the guys to each other as well as to Nora. This book focuses on Ryan and his past. He is the main focus, but that does not mean that the others are in the background and forgotten. No, the other boys are in it just as much. I predict that we will be getting a story revolving around each guy that will give us more insight into their characters. I loved that this book was not overtaken with Ryan's past. It was there, but it was punctuated with situations in the present that gave action, angst, and romance (some sexual content too) throughout.
I was very impressed with the characterization of the guys, and this is one of the first times in an RH story that I have seen the guys in the harem having to deal with some jealousy in constructive ways. Not only that, but Nora seems to be very in tune with each guy and I cannot wait to see how the relationships develop.
The first book might have been only 4 stars for me, but this one is 5 stars (and growing). I have officially fallen in love with this series and all the characters. I cannot wait for more. Ripley Proserpina has become an insta-buy author.
Now for this book. I was not too sure how much I would like this book after reading the first one; however, Ripley Proserpina's writing has grown more and more with each book/novella. My biggest issues with the first book (even though it did not detract too much from my overall enjoyment) was that the relationships between Nora and the boys felt rushed and I did not get a sense of why they were falling in love with Nora or even her with all of them. That has completely changed in this book. I feel like I was really able to see the connections between all the characters, the guys to each other as well as to Nora. This book focuses on Ryan and his past. He is the main focus, but that does not mean that the others are in the background and forgotten. No, the other boys are in it just as much. I predict that we will be getting a story revolving around each guy that will give us more insight into their characters. I loved that this book was not overtaken with Ryan's past. It was there, but it was punctuated with situations in the present that gave action, angst, and romance (some sexual content too) throughout.
I was very impressed with the characterization of the guys, and this is one of the first times in an RH story that I have seen the guys in the harem having to deal with some jealousy in constructive ways. Not only that, but Nora seems to be very in tune with each guy and I cannot wait to see how the relationships develop.
The first book might have been only 4 stars for me, but this one is 5 stars (and growing). I have officially fallen in love with this series and all the characters. I cannot wait for more. Ripley Proserpina has become an insta-buy author.
August 8, 2017
Good continuation of the series! We are moving away from the plot of the first book and delving deeper into a new suspense story line! We do not find out a lot of details about this new story line, but what we get keeps me eager to read the next books to see how it will all work out!
I do love that this book focuses more on a single character so we get to know more about their background. As is inherent to the reverse harem genre, there are a lot of characters to keep track of and I like that we get to know more about each character one at a time.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series to get the backstory on all the other guys!
*Received ARC in return for an honest review.
I do love that this book focuses more on a single character so we get to know more about their background. As is inherent to the reverse harem genre, there are a lot of characters to keep track of and I like that we get to know more about each character one at a time.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series to get the backstory on all the other guys!
*Received ARC in return for an honest review.
August 23, 2017
Finding Valor is mainly about Nora and Ryan. Ryan is probably one of my favorite out of the guys. I loved getting to know him better throughout this story, seeing his past and how he overcomes his obstacles. I enjoyed how the other guys were still a part of the story and got their own time to build on their relationships with Nora. There is definitely more growth and development for their group dynamic and obstacles they all must face to find their places within their close group. Looking forward to more.
July 16, 2024
Another good addition to this series. In the beginning of this book I wasn't a 100% sold on Ryan but in the end I liked him. He definitely had good growth in this book. The little bit of funny banter was good too but definitely need more of it. This book is also the spiciest so far but still very mild. One of the things that really bothered me was the quickness of the I love yous all the characters toss around yet there is a lack of trust. IMO until you trust the person you claim to love only then will you truly love them.
March 11, 2017
Good!
Ripley had a way of getting really in depth with emotions, drawing them out and making them realistic and complicated. She doesn't do a simple, this person is mad, this person feels guilty. Oh, no, she brings it to an entire new level that most authors struggle to reach, bringing the characters right off the page and making them feel real and human. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Ripley had a way of getting really in depth with emotions, drawing them out and making them realistic and complicated. She doesn't do a simple, this person is mad, this person feels guilty. Oh, no, she brings it to an entire new level that most authors struggle to reach, bringing the characters right off the page and making them feel real and human. I'm looking forward to reading more!
February 26, 2019
That was really nice
Na. Contemporary Romance. Rh. 5 guys. Dual POV (with a little bit of Cali thrown it). This is Ryan's book. He gets a letter from his law school of preference saying he was waitlisted. Also his past comes to stir up a lot of things. Nora works on finding a job. This series seems to have a underlying theme of angst and suspense going on 😍 with a bit of mystery thrown in. A really good series all around.
Na. Contemporary Romance. Rh. 5 guys. Dual POV (with a little bit of Cali thrown it). This is Ryan's book. He gets a letter from his law school of preference saying he was waitlisted. Also his past comes to stir up a lot of things. Nora works on finding a job. This series seems to have a underlying theme of angst and suspense going on 😍 with a bit of mystery thrown in. A really good series all around.
September 30, 2019
Utterly brilliant
I can't get enough of this series. I wish there had been a little more on what the professor/Dr was doing but I think we'll I hope that it's going to become an integral part of the story line and explain why her foster brother did what he did. I like that the guys aren't rich with trust funds and that despite being broken in some way they are still working on their dreams.
I can't get enough of this series. I wish there had been a little more on what the professor/Dr was doing but I think we'll I hope that it's going to become an integral part of the story line and explain why her foster brother did what he did. I like that the guys aren't rich with trust funds and that despite being broken in some way they are still working on their dreams.
June 27, 2017
I have gotten very into reading Reverse Harem novels lately. It's super hard to find decent ones that don't just read like fan fiction. This series is really good though. Both the characters and the story are fully fleshed out and well written. I'm enjoying becoming invested in this world and pleased that I discovered this author.
September 3, 2017
Finding Valor is the third book in the series The Searchers. In the book Nora and her men appear again, as well as various side characters. Stronger focus is put here on Ryan, but it's not a story that only takes into account about Nora and Ryan. The reader also gets to know the other people better. However, much of Ryan's story is explained here.
October 29, 2017
This series just keeps getting better. This book focuses more on Ryan's history, and how that is impacting his present life. I love Nora's attitude and focus on being able to stand on her own and her self-awareness. I like how everyone has their own flaws and challenges. They make mistakes, but they own it and are trying to redeem themselves. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
March 13, 2017
Ripley Proserpina’s Finding Valor continues The Searchers series. This is one of the best RH series in existence. Each character is getting their own book as the story continues to progress. All of the characters are featured, but the main focus rests on one individual. This book is Ryan's.
Ryan has been weightlisted at his first/only choice of law school. This gives us a clear picture of how actions and choices from our past can affect our future, positively and negatively. Sometimes no matter how much we want it to, the past doesn't stay in the past. I love the in-depth view we get into Ryan’s past. Learning more about his past, and what makes him the person Nora falls in love with was fantastic. What a mess he made. He's fought a long internal battle to become a good man, but forgiveness is his now. The amount of good that came out of his pain and shame was inspiring. I hope Beau finds his own peace.
Nora continues to prove how wonderful she is. She has such strength. Her endless hope and love for her guys makes me love her. Cai has a scare, Matisse shows he has a lot to learn, Apollo is a little jealous, and Seok is becoming more and more demonstrative.
Ripley is a wonderful writer. She has developed well-rounded characters with such depth. Their struggles are realistic and relatable. They have each made mistakes and are searching for redemption. They have each found their way into this group full of amazing people and the love they share is special. I can't wait to find out more about the other guys and continue on this journey with them and Nora.
Ryan has been weightlisted at his first/only choice of law school. This gives us a clear picture of how actions and choices from our past can affect our future, positively and negatively. Sometimes no matter how much we want it to, the past doesn't stay in the past. I love the in-depth view we get into Ryan’s past. Learning more about his past, and what makes him the person Nora falls in love with was fantastic. What a mess he made. He's fought a long internal battle to become a good man, but forgiveness is his now. The amount of good that came out of his pain and shame was inspiring. I hope Beau finds his own peace.
Nora continues to prove how wonderful she is. She has such strength. Her endless hope and love for her guys makes me love her. Cai has a scare, Matisse shows he has a lot to learn, Apollo is a little jealous, and Seok is becoming more and more demonstrative.
Ripley is a wonderful writer. She has developed well-rounded characters with such depth. Their struggles are realistic and relatable. They have each made mistakes and are searching for redemption. They have each found their way into this group full of amazing people and the love they share is special. I can't wait to find out more about the other guys and continue on this journey with them and Nora.
March 13, 2017
Sweet Ryan...
This series is amazing. Book 2 has been a roller coaster of emotions and forgiveness. I can honestly say that this book will help people with forgiveness and change. Keep up the good writing
This series is amazing. Book 2 has been a roller coaster of emotions and forgiveness. I can honestly say that this book will help people with forgiveness and change. Keep up the good writing
May 7, 2017
Another great book in the series, you really get to know Ryan and what happened to him in his past. If you had read any of this series you need to read this. If you haven't read this series then you are missing a GREAT Series!
May 9, 2020
Good!
This second book in the series was heartfelt and honest. I liked how all the characters grew, especially Ryan’s journey. Be keen to see how the rest of them (and their relationship) will develop.
This second book in the series was heartfelt and honest. I liked how all the characters grew, especially Ryan’s journey. Be keen to see how the rest of them (and their relationship) will develop.
March 20, 2021
Keeps you entertained
Good continuation of the series, this one focusing mainly on Ryan. More backstory to each character with still alot of secrets to uncover and what's with the dodgy research
Good continuation of the series, this one focusing mainly on Ryan. More backstory to each character with still alot of secrets to uncover and what's with the dodgy research
November 16, 2023
Ryan has his own story and how he has become the man he is today. This is his story where we learn about the mistake he made and put his best friend in prison for two years. He fought to make things right and that all comes right back when he is waitlisted for law school.
May 19, 2017
Good overall; focused a great deal on Ryan (his past, his developing relationship with Nora, etc). I am curious to get the back story on the other boys
February 2, 2018
Well written
Interesting characters. Enjoyable sub-plot. I will read the next in the series. Thankfully an editor was used for this book. Poor grammar can kill a good book.
Interesting characters. Enjoyable sub-plot. I will read the next in the series. Thankfully an editor was used for this book. Poor grammar can kill a good book.
February 3, 2019
2.5 Stars
March 14, 2017
Great Series
Love all the guys and Nora. Can't wait to learn more about the others. This is one of the series the anthology introduced me too.
Love all the guys and Nora. Can't wait to learn more about the others. This is one of the series the anthology introduced me too.
March 8, 2017
Ripley Proserpina’s Finding Valor continues The Searchers series in an intense look into how choices from the past can mold someone’s future in many ways, both positive and negative. I love the in-depth view we get into Ryan’s past. Learning more about his history, and what makes him the person Nora falls in love with, was wonderful to read.
I continue to love Nora for her strength and determination, as well as her ability to work in improving herself and change. The characters are deep and their struggles realistic and relatable in today’s world. Love love love this series that’s filled with love, redemption, and the strength that can be found in finding people to belong with.
I continue to love Nora for her strength and determination, as well as her ability to work in improving herself and change. The characters are deep and their struggles realistic and relatable in today’s world. Love love love this series that’s filled with love, redemption, and the strength that can be found in finding people to belong with.
March 10, 2017
A great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews