Reads and Thoughts

The Lost and Found series by Nicole Williams is one of those series that I’m keeping a track on. I'm honestly anticipating for each release. We have met the tough chick Rowen Sterling and the ultimate nice guy Jesse Walker on the first two installments of this series and yes we have encountered the dark, brooding and arrogant Garth Black during their story and now is the time to bring light on Mr. Black’s dark story.

I honestly loathe Garth on the first book [b:Lost and Found|17336849|Lost and Found (Lost and Found, #1)|Nicole Williams|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365394535s/17336849.jpg|24069906]- He was arrogant, mean and an all out jerk. Then book two [b:Near and Far|17937144|Near and Far (Lost and Found, #2)|Nicole Williams|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1369840456s/17937144.jpg|25147918] came in and Garth somehow redeemed himself by playing matchmaker to Rowen and Jesse ;) and also he make me curious about his story.

I know there is really more than meets the eye with Garth Black. Underneath the bad boy facade, is an emotionally damaged guy. One who only wanted love and acceptance from the only parent that he has instead of getting black eyes, broken bones and bloody nose. I long to see the sweet-charming little boy that he is before his dad broke him. Now, his default when someone hurts him or is bound to hurt him is to hurt them back – it’s his own self defense mechanism. He suppressed a lot of feelings – over his dad, his friends and over Josie. This guys makes me crazy like "I want to bang up some sense into him and give him the tightest hug" the next. His character is full of depth that it makes me drown at times.

Josie is just the perfect fit for Garth. She really knows him. She knows his dark and light sides. I want to give this girl a big hug for being so strong not only for herself but also for Garth and for never faltering in believing on him.

The development of their relationship was sweet; seeing glimpses of Garth mooning over Josie - awww. Josie and Garth’s relationship is a constant push and pull; back and forth. They are stubborn, proud and protective that even each other is having a hard time breaking the wall of the other. I utterly believe that their story is more than just a drunken mistake; it has its roots for there was a history and suppressed feeling from the both of them. It was not easy for this two; it was a roller-coaster kind of relationship where they have moments when everything seems to go smoothly then in an instant something will break lose.

"I wasn’t the guy who fell in love with you this past winter. I was the boy who fell in love with you that day on the school bus when we were five. And I'm the man that always will."

From Jesse and Rowen's sweet and deep thoughts, Nicole William lures us into the dark and sardonic thoughts and views of Garth. The author did a great job in capturing Garth's voice. My heart melted and broke at the same time for this guy’s life experiences. I love the history of Garth and Josie given to us in increments. I love every tiny bit of their bittersweet beginning and their little childhood notting and hints are very telling. Their history gives me those endless “awwww” moments.

Finders Keepers is an intense, emotional and bittersweet story. It has a nice mix of darkness, romance and wit. The title was really appropriate for the whole story! If you have read the first two books from this series you should not definitely miss out this one!