ARC Review: FOUND by Claudia Burgoa

All I’ve ever wanted was for someone to choose me. My mother didn’t. My father didn’t. The beautiful boy next door, who grew up to marry me, didn’t. Neither did the next man with whom I thought my heart was safe.

Back in the Bay area, three thousand miles from New York City, I can start fresh. Become one with the sea again, rise or fall on the tide of my own choices. But on the first day of my bright new life, the darkest shadows of my past follow me through my office door. The two men whose names are definitely not on my five-year plan.

If I let it consume me—my need for one man, my love for the other—the darkness will swallow me whole. I can’t let that happen. Not again. This time, the waves of emotion crashing against my heart won’t drown me. This time, I get to choose my happy ending.

Purchase: http://amzn.to/2Egq5Hk

REVIEW

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Claudia Burgoa has accomplished the virtually impossible - she made me cry! That opening scene tore my heart out. Although I already knew what had happened to the Everhart parents, watching Scott relive 9-11 was still brutal.

Found is the story of Hazel, Scott and Elliott. Hazel and Elliott have a history, which was hinted at before, but in this story, we get the whole enchilada. I understood why their relationship ended and didn’t really understand why Hazel was so willing to give it another shot. Scott was always there for Hazel. Her best friend, her lover, her soul mate. That’s just how he is for the people he loves. You just have to see how he is with his brothers and his friends, his family, to see what type of man he is. A really good freaking man.

So imagine my disbelief that Hazel was playing fast and loose with Scott’s heart. I kinda understood where she came from… that when she wanted more from him, she got the brushoff. However, this man proved, time and time again, how dedicated he was to her. How important she was. How much he valued her. Did all of that count for nothing?

So that’s how I felt for most of this book. Yes, it’s a love triangle. I hope that doesn’t spoil it for anyone, although I do think it was obvious. And while I’m not a fan of love triangles AT ALL, I’m a huge fan of this book. The author wove a tale of second chances like no one’s business. While I was constantly rooting for Scott, because I’m a die-hard Everhart fan, I really did like Elliott. There was no bad guy in this book and so it was hard to figure out which way Hazel would go. What’s hilarious, to me, is that while I loved the heroes of this book, I didn’t like Hazel. I lost my patience with her real quick and too many times she came off as entitled, ungrateful, thoughtless, and inconsiderate. Then again, I wouldn’t like anyone who caused my boys undue pain.

It’s a true testament to Mrs. Burgoa’s writing that although there were many elements that I shouldn’t like about this story, I ended up loving it so much. She brought these characters to life, flaws and all, and created a story with a saga-like feel. If you’re a fan of second chances and tons of romance, including grand gestures, then this is one story you’re definitely going to want to add to your collection!

Release: Jan. 30, 2018 | Genre: Contemporary Romance | POV: Multiple - 1st person | Heat: 3.5 out of 5 | Standalone with character crossover