
Author: Nicole Williams
Series: Lost & Found #3
Publication Date: September 16, 2013
Format: eBook
Pages: 310
Source: Purchased

There’s tortured. And there’s Garth Black.
His life has been a constant carousel of tragedy and disappointment, including his love life. Of course, applying the term “love” to Garth’s conquests is a gross misuse of the word. Some people were made to give and accept love, and others weren’t. Garth Black redefines the “others” category. He’s made a vow that the day he meets a woman who could sucker him into falling in love will be the day he runs away.
Garth’s plan has one flaw. What happens when he’s already fallen hard for a girl before the warning signs and red flags go up? What happens when the love he’s avoided his entire life brings him to his knees? What happens when Garth Black lets the dirtiest four letter word he’s ever known into his dark, lonely life?
This cowboy’s about to find out he can control some things, and he can’t control others. Number one on the what he can’t control list?
Love.
I was waiting for this book before I even knew there was going to be one! Finders Keepers is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. However, I loved Garth and Josie as secondary characters in the previous books which made me want them in their own. So yeah, I was excited when I saw that the author made my dreams come true with Finders Keepers. I liked the first two books a lot, but this one was definitely my favorite.
Garth Black is an asshole. No, no he really is and would be the first to agree. He drinks way too much, sleeps with women like it’s an Olympic sport, and enjoys getting in fights. He’s a tough S.O.B. that doesn’t let anyone get too close, but he wasn’t born that way. Garth had a rough upbringing, and that’s an understatement. But there are two people who have been a constant rock in his life …. Jesse and Josie.
I immediately loved Garth when I read the first book. I wasn’t swooning over him or anything, because he’s not really my type. He reminds me of some of the cowboys I grew up with, though, so I found his ornery, smartass ways entertaining. It was fun being inside Garth’s head and getting to understand him better. I also loved Josie from the beginning, even more than I did Rowen in the previous books. She’s steady, strong and loyal; something Garth needs. As much as I loved her, I’m glad this was told solely from Garth’s perspective.
Of course, the story isn’t full of sunshine and lollipops, but it wasn’t all angst either. I found that the balance between the two was done well. I was also happy to see that Jesse and Rowen made appearances. If you’ve read the first two books, then I guarantee you’ll like where it all led to in this one. Plus, it was nice to see how Rowen and Garth’s relationship has grown, and how good she is at calling him out. That was the only time I shed a tear while reading this.
I do want to mention that the stereotype of the California cowboys in this book isn’t exactly accurate. You can find posers anywhere in any state. Come to the Central Valley and you’ll think you got transported to Texas. We take our rodeos, cattle, and farming serious around here. Just sayin’.
Finders Keepers is a must read if you’ve read Lost & Found and Near & Far, but you technically don’t need to have read them to enjoy this installment. I suggest you read all of them, though!
How did I not remember that you liked this series? I guess I need to push it up my TBR pile!
Wonderful review, and Garth sounds cute. You have really been enjoying this series and I hope to try it ..one day 🙂
Another great sounds series that I really want! I’m glad that you enjoyed it. Real cowboys are cowboys no matter where they live and I like me some cowboys! 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed this overall. Oh it’s a great feeling when an author confirms they’ll be writing a book you’ve been after for so long. It’s great to see that this didn’t disappoint you. 🙂
I’ve never heard of this series! And I love cowboys! I never thought about it but I guess there would have to be cowboys in CA – I’ve only met them in Florida. But yeah, Bakersfield or the salad bowl do come to mind for where the cowboys would be.
I’m adding and buying the first one shortly! Great review!!!
Bakersfield … pffft. lol
Is this the Crash/Clash author? i still haven’t read any of her books, but I’d like to try one!
Great review 🙂
Jen @ YA Romantics
Yup, those are her books. I’ve only read this series, though.
I haven’t read the others so I like that this is a companion novel, something that I can read without reading the rest before! I was nervous that I wouldn’t like Garth, but I feel relieved after your review. This sounds really good, love the review, Christy!
Have not read this series yet, which seems unfortunate now. Garth Black sounds like fun. I do love my assholes.
Third book …Ummm. Well you said it can be read without having read the others, I’m in the mood for something contemporary, I’ve been doing a la lot paranormal and frankly I’m a little burned out. This sounds like something I can really enjoy, I’ll keep in mind the true picture of a California Cowboy 😉
I totally want to meet Garth he sounds awesome!
I have the first book in this series, and I can’t wait to start it! Thanks for the reminder — I need to bump this series up on the list!
It sounds like I should be reading this series anyway, but I’m glad that this is a standalone so I could potentially start with this one. I don’t think Garth would be my kind of guy in real life, but I would definitely enjoy reading about him. And I’m a huge fan of cowboys (from any state)! Great review 🙂
Sounds great, I really need to pick up this series. All my friends just love it and Garth sounds…..interesting!