Finding Refuge

Hometown Heroes, Book 1

By: J.P. Oliver

Narrated by: Ken Solin

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Zach

The SEALs are my brothers, but North Creek, Tenn., is my home, and when my father falls ill it’s where I know I need to be. But the past haunts me every second that I’m here, and when I’m reunited with Curtis, the local doctor and my one-time flame, I’m reminded of the dark secrets I carry inside of me.

He can never know why I walked out of town 10 years ago. My emotions for him burn just as hot ever, but if he learns what I did, he’ll never forgive me. Just like I can’t forgive myself.

Curtis

Zach is back in town for the first time in a decade, but he’s never been far from my heart. I let him walk away once and I’m not sure I could survive that again. I’ve already dealt with enough heartache. The wise move would be to keep my distance, to protect myself from the passion I see flaring in Zach’s eyes, but he’s become irresistible in the time he’s been away, with a SEAL’s discipline and a lover’s touch. I can’t stay away.

Then, when a developer threatens to destroy part of our town to bring in a corporate hospital and big box stores, Zach’s just the man I need to help me protect my home; a beautiful enclave that needs to be cherished, not bulldozed.

Soon it’s not just the town that’s in danger, it’s me. Zach promises to keep me safe, but is safety enough if I can’t have the man I never stopped loving?

©2019 Special Fiction Books (P)2020 Special Fiction Books

Home

Curtis and Isaac were high school sweethearts with their other friend Joe when tragedy struck and it saw Isaac leave to join the Navy. Curtis becomes as doctor and for Joe you’ll have to listen to the book.
10 years have passed and Curtis and Isaac are back but things aren’t going to be easy as Isaac still has time to serve in the Navy.
Also things are happening in the town that no-one wants to happen.

An enjoyable story that has a happy ending but also a bit of a cliffhanger.

Ken was a great and easy to listen to narrator.

high angst and emotion

Emotional second chance romance. that I fell into immediately. Zach and Curtis made me crazy with their lack of communication and angst from page one onward. SMH! The villain is the gift that keeps on giving and giving (whether you want it or not) until the end!! Beth just rubbed me the wrong way with her nosy nonstop unsolicited advice and interfering! No. Just No!! The visitor at the end needs shown the door out!! Grrr.... The narrator was okay. I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this story and am giving an honest review.

Great start

Loved the storyline and really enjoyed the narrator!
Just enough mystery and surprises to have you looking forward to more.

enjoyed it

Would I listen to it again: yes
Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes
What did I like about the story? good pace, likeable characters and an entertaining story. The connection between Zach and Curtis means they have a chance at working through ten years of hurt, guilt and anger... and Zach can't keep running forever. Throw in an evil developer with plans for the town and Finding Refuge is a good start to a new series.

I enjoyed Ken Solin's narration and think he has done a reasonable job narrating Finding Refuge. I had no problem distinguishing characters or feeling the emotions of the story, he gave a 'laid back' feel to the characters that at times i wanted to nudge a bit more emotion and speed into, but overall I enjoyed the audio experience.

Great Story

This is another great story by J.P. Oliver with well-developed characters/second chance romance.
Zach a Navy seal and Curtis his hometown Physician were high school sweethearts but the tragic death of their friend Joe ended their relationship and Zach ran and continued to run from his past until he has to come home when his father gets sick. Zach steps in when a developer starts getting aggressive with the Curtis, and they rekindle their romance as well as facing his feeling about the past. I loved the chemistry between these two. There is a bit of a cliff hanger at the end, but I loved this book. The narration was very well done.

Good start

This is a good start to a series, large family, quirky small town with a history and a sweet 2nd chance romance. The narration is done well there is a soft cliffhanger but overall it's a good listen.