Searching for Mine

Searching For #4.5

by Jennifer Probst

The Ultimate Anti-Hero Meets His Match…

Connor Dunkle knows what he wants in a woman, and it’s the three B’s. Beauty. Body. Boobs. Other women need not apply. With his good looks and easygoing charm, he’s used to getting what he wants—and who. Until he comes face to face with the one woman who’s slowly making his life hell...and enjoying every moment...

Ella Blake is a single mom and a professor at the local Verily college who’s climbed up the ranks the hard way. Her ten-year-old son is a constant challenge, and her students are driving her crazy—namely Connor Dunkle, who’s failing her class and trying to charm his way into a better grade. Fuming at his chauvinistic tendencies, Ella teaches him the ultimate lesson by giving him a special project to help his grade. When sparks fly, neither of them are ready to face their true feelings, but will love teach them the ultimate lesson of all?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Audiobook, Erotica, Adult

130 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2016

About the author

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.

Reviews

[Nissa | Of Pens and Pages Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Full Review for 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine at Of Pens and Pages.

Searching for Mine is a novella in the Searching for series but works as a standalone with a few references from the series. If you’ve read the series, this novella stars Connor Dunkle, Nate’s big brother. I haven’t read the series but didn’t have any difficulties getting into the story. At thirty-eight, Connor Dunkle is in his last class to finally get a degree he’s worked hard for the past two years. Thing is, he’s gotten Fs on the class’s papers, and his plain and stuffy professor isn’t giving him a break. He tried to flirt with her, charm her, but Ella Blake won’t fall for it. He has to work hard his grade if he wants it.

The two were in obvious need of personality development makeovers, but fortunately there’s character growth for both of them. Ella started off as this uptight, snarky, almost vicious woman who attacked Connor. She took offense to most things he said (but hey, he’s a bit misogynistic at the start of the story––or maybe more than 50% of it–– so I kind of get it), but as they got to know each other, they had more in common than they thought. Connor is amazing with Ella’s son, Luke, and the friendship between Connor and Ella was sweet. I really like the conversations about classic literature and the talk of feminism and the patriarchy in the past. I also like how straightforward Ella is and how she took the bull by its horns with Connor. She’d probably reprimand me for my cliche description. Heh. Over all, I enjoyed this novella. It was a hate-to-love, friends-to-lovers story with just the right pace.

*Read as part of the 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine anthology
*ARC received in exchanged for an honest review.

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[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for author in exchange for an honest review



One of my favorite series is the Searching For Series and I was so excited to discover that Jennifer Probst wrote a sweet installment to this beloved series. And let me just say that I. Am. In. Love. I absolutely adored Searching For Mine.

“He’d never been like his brother, craving some type of mythical connection with a woman that didn’t exist. No, he believed hard in the three B’s when it came to dating. They were part of his own personal Bible he’d created to keep things uncomplicated. Beauty. Body. Boobs.”

Searching For Mine was sexy, sweet, charming, and absolutely beautiful. I loved that Ms. Probst kinnected all the right elements to give readers a story built on depth, love, family, and second chances. In this beautiful tale of second chances, Connor Dunkle is 38 years old and enrolled in college. He is finally taking charge of his life to make a better life for himself. He is on his way of earning his degree but there is one class or in this case a Professor who is making it difficult to pass.



Ella Blake is a single mom and a professor at the local Verily College. Newly divorced, Ella has little time for a love life since she wants to be a good mother to her son, Luke. At home, she is a complete softy when it comes to her ten year old son but when it comes to her students, she is one tough Professor. And Connor Dunkle is the one student who is having a hard time passing her class.

“Connor made the only decision available because if he didn’t kiss her in this moment, he’d spend the rest of his nights grieving the lost opportunity of a lifetime. So he kissed her.”

As it turns out Connor and Ella are next door neighbors. And when Connor sees Ella's son being bullied by a group of teens, Connor steps in and helps him. Soon Connor finds himself helping out Ella and Luke. And as the three of them begins to spend more quality time together, feelings begin to blossom between Ella and Connor. For most of his life, Connor never thought he wanted to settle down and be committed but as he spends more time with Ella, will he realized that she was what he was searching for? Will another kinnection be made?

“She had done a terrible, awful, ridiculous thing. She had fallen in love with Connor Dunkle.”

Searching For Mine was another great addition to this amazing and sexy series. I love that Jennifer Probst gave her readers a love story between two people who didn't know what they were searching for. I loved how the love unfolded between Connor and Ella so naturally that readers could feel the real honest love that was brewing between them. I especially loved that Ms. Probst also highlighted that there is no such thing as being too old to go back to school. So if you are looking for a sweet and sexy second chance romance, then Searching For Mine is the book for you. As always, Jennifer continues to spellbind her readers with her magical prose of kinnecting the right dots for one unforgettable romance!!!



Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Jennifer Probst

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sigh..I don't know what to say about this one. I really didn't like anything about it at all.

The author made the heroine so bitchy, and uptight. She had thick black rimmed glasses, wore horrible to big for her clothes that didn't show an ounce of skin. Flat boots, wore her hair in a "severe" bun, and wore a garish orange shade of lipstick. This is how the hero describes her through practically the whole frigging book! In fact he only really makes a move on her after she gets a make over.



Check out this following quote..

"He stared. Speechless, his voice died in his throat and he could only look at the woman before him that was no longer Ella. She was stunning."

SOOOO..ya. Add in the fact that Connor is kind of a douche noodle through 98% of the book AND they both go on dates with other people (though nothing sexual happens) pretty much right to the end, this just didn't work for me on pretty much any level.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

At 38 years old, Connor Dunkle is set to complete his last semester of college. He's that much closer to getting his degree and qualifying for a managerial position within the construction company he works for. If only he could bring his grade up in English. It seems his professor, Ella Blake, who comes across as dowdy and repressed, really has it out for him with all of the F's she keeps handing out. Ella challenges him, both academically and personally, to dig deeper, find substance, and get real. I enjoyed every minute of this enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance. It was wonderful to see Connor learn to see beyond the surface of everything.

Release Date: February 9, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 3 out of 5
Book Type: Series Novella (Book 4.5 of the Searching For series)

*Read as part of the 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Nine anthology

[Alaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it.. but ugh. Uptight bitches annoy me.

Searching for Mine definitely had an uptight character. It doesn't help that she was the MC either. In it, you will meet Ella and Connor. She is a single mom and a college professor. He is one of lucky students that annoys the shit out of her constantly.

Now I've said this before, I have no problem with college relationship. Student - Teacher means nothing to me because everyone is an adult by then. Yet, that doesn't really work this time around for me. I mean, it would if I ended up liking both characters and since I hated Ella and Connor with so much passion - I didn't care for them.

Heck, I wanted things to go horribly wrong right from the start. Unfortunately, they find love and happiness. Ugh, so mad.

[Lacey (laceybooklovers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

The Searching For series is a series that I adore, and when I heard that Nate’s brother Connor would be getting his own story, I couldn’t wait to read it! Searching for Mine is the perfect blend of sexy and sweet. Even though it’s a novella, it’s a fully satisfying story that will have you smiling throughout it. I love when former manwhores get smacked by love and fall head over heels for their women, and Connor does exactly that. If you’re a fan of the series, this latest installment doesn’t disappoint!

In Nate’s book, we saw Connor as that womanizer who never took relationships or women seriously, but he’s made a big change in his novella. At 38, he’s no longer satisfied with his usual hook-ups. He’s enrolled in college, taking his career seriously… except there’s only one thing getting in the way of his degree, and that’s Professor Ella Blake’s class.

Ella is a recently-divorced mom whose main focus is her young son and her job at the local Verity College. She has no patience for students who don’t do their assigned reading and try to charm their way in class, so when Connor tries to butter her up for a better grade, she shoots him down, no matter that he’s as sexy and good-looking as he is.

It turns out that the two of them are new next door neighbors, and when Connor helps Ella’s son out with some bullies, he finds himself wanting to help Ella and Luke out more and more. And becoming more attracted to the gorgeous single mother. As the three of them spend more quality time together, Ella finds herself seeing Connor in a new light. He’s a man who’s hard-working, dedicated, and sacrificed his younger years to support his younger brother. The two of them discover each other in new ways, but is it possible for a relationship to work between them when Connor has been anti-relationship for so long?

“You’re an incredible woman,” he said softly. “You deserve… everything.”

Searching for Mine is another sweet, charming addition to a series a love. It’s a quick read, but it packs a punch with the wonderful writing and characters. Jennifer Probst writes the best contemporary romances – I can’t wait to read more from her!

Thanks to the author for generously providing me an ARC to review.

Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change in the final version.

Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1NUaQgm
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1RdB2bv

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[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and endearing, Searching for Mine was a fun, sexy little gem, and a wonderful addition to this series. I didn't know it was coming out—how I missed it, I don't know—so to find out that one of my favorite series isn't quite over yet was a big treat.

I devoured this book. As is to be expected of someone that is in love with this author's words, I sat down and read to the end in one, very enjoyable sitting. I loved that Jennifer Probst gave Nate's brother, Conner, a story—and that she paired him with a strong, take-no-prisoners woman like Ella. He needed it, and it was refreshing to see a female character that was not perfect.

Likewise, I loved that Searching for Mine gave us the chance to check in on Nate and Kennedy—a couple that made me laugh and smile in their brief cameos in this book.

A lovely read that will make you smile and swoon, I can only hope that this book might be one of many side novellas in the Searching For series. ~ Beth, 4 stars

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Alexandraone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mi è piaciuto tantissimo avrei voluto che non finisse più!

[Gökçe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Marieke ~ Marieke's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searching for Mine by Jennifer Probst is the new novella in the ‘Searching For series’. It’s written in the style I like Jennifer Probst for, sweet and sometimes a little dramatic. Going in, I knew Searching for Mine was going to be a short read, but I wish it was longer in order to do the characters more justice.

“Mr. Dunkle?” His head shot up in pure surprise. She was staring at him with a focused expression that almost made him blush. Almost. Of course, she had no clue he’d been wondering about the look of her panties. He gave her an easy grin that usually charmed women within a few seconds. “Yes?”

Connor Dunkle is a ‘good-time guy’. He likes to hang out with his friends, and has casual dates with beautiful women, but nothing serious. Having had his heart broken once, he has decided relationships aren’t in the cards for him. At age thirty-eight he wants something more out of his professional career, a management position, for which he returns to College to earn a degree. Being distracted by a professor so opposite from the women he normally dates isn’t something he has counted on.

Ella Blake is a single mother to her ten year old son and works as a professor at the local College. Her son and her job is all she has, after her husband replaced her, she moved to a different town and left everything behind. Ella has no time to date, and doesn’t want to either. When she finds out her attractive student Connor is actually her new neighbor, she isn’t exactly happy about that.

“Yes?” she asked with a bit of impatience. He blinked, somewhat confused she hadn’t ducked her head or stuttered. Oh, this one needed a reality check. Had he ever been rejected? Or was he one of the lucky ones who slid through life unscathed by others? Huh.”

When Connor and Ella find out they are living next door to each other, they slowly start to form a friendship. At college, they are still professor and student, but at home they interact as friendly neighbors who help each other out. Ella finds herself very attracted to Connor, but doesn’t make a move. Although he starts to have feelings for her, feelings he doesn’t understand because Ella is so unlike his normal women, Connor doesn’t make a move either, until she decides to start dating again. When the couple is finally on the same page, they have a fair chance at a Happily Ever After.

This being a novella, and therefore a short story, the story between Connor and Ella falls a little flat sometimes. While their road to romance is realistic, they start out as friends and end as much more, the characters feel under-developed. We get a full background story for Connor, but he seems a shallow man who only gives into his feelings for Ella after her make-over. Ella herself remains a bit of a mystery, small hints about the demise of her marriage are given, but nothing more.

“Will you be mine, Ella Blake?” She gazed at his beloved face and the way his eyes told her the truth, gleaming in the depths of a bottomless ocean blue. “I already was,” she said simply. She stepped into his arms and he kissed her, long and slow and sweet. When he lifted his head, Ella smiled.”

Despite my issues with Searching for Mine, I still liked it. I give this novella 3.5 stars.

~~ Searching for Mine was provided in exchange for an honest review ~~


Check out my blog: www.mariekesbooks.com

[Jaime Fiction Fangirls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect addition to the Searching For series and I really enjoyed reading it.

Sometimes the makeover portion of the Kinnections experience can annoy me because I feel a lot like Nate, that it's not always necessary and can make the matches feel less authentic. However, this time around the effect of the makeover was addressed perfectly.

Connor was pretty good at playing the asshole and I worried for a minute that he wouldn't redeem himself. On the other hand, Ella was a bit uptight and I was kind of put off by her in the beginning. Really it was her son, Luke that helped bring out the softer side of both of them.

I think that my biggest problem with this book is that it was too short and I wanted more of Ella and Connor.

*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Heather Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange for author in exchange for an honest review

So worth the the read!
Yes it's a short read. From the Searching for series. I do own a copy off all of her books.
They are awesome!!
Searching for Mine is just as fabulous.
Connor and Ella perfect romantic, sweet and funny!! They just clicked perfectly. So worth the read!

[Ada Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason this woman is one of my absolute favourite authors <3

[Anna Doe · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4 mine stars*

Searching for mine is a novella in Searching for series (book 4.5). Other books:
1. Searching for someday (review)
2. Searching for perfect (review)
3. Searching for beautiful (review)
4. Searching for always (DNF)

The book revolves around Connor Dunkan, Nate Dunkan's older brother. If you read Searching for perfect you most likely remember that he was always acting like an immature kid with chauvinistic remarks about women, that was only interested in working, drinking and sex. But by the end, we can see a slight change in good direction when he helps Ken get back with Nate and decides to enroll in a local college to get his degree so he can apply for a better position on the job. In Searching for mine, Connor is only one grade away from getting his degree and his literature teacher, Ella Blake, is not making it easy for him. Somewhere between Austen, Bronte, Woolf, and helping Ella's son Luke get away from the bad crowd they start falling for each other. However, is Connor finally ready to let people in?

Searching for mine was really a great story and I'm sad it didn't last longer. I would have loved if I have had an opportunity to read the full story on those two.

Ella was kind of stand-off-ish at the beginning, but I liked the fact that she didn't give Connor the chance to treat her like a fool like he does with most women. In the first half, hell in most of the story, he's his usual self, but there is something about Ella that makes him be nice. I think it's a mom thing. His Mom left him and his Dad was never around after that so he respects her for being a good mother to her son.

I absolutely loved how Connor was with Luke. He was so patient and caring. He taught him things, not just the "man things", but how to be a better son and how to respect and love his mother although he's a big boy. The whole aspect about "single mom" gave story charm of its own and we got to see the other side of Connor. He's way more complex than douche that he tends to be.

Definitely recommend!

[Stacey Houllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story by Jennifer probst. It is a novella part Searching for Series published as 1001 Dark Night's books. I got this book from the library, i should have read it in few hours but with distraction from family. I enjoyed Ella Blake and Conner Dunkle. She is a lecturer in English literature and he works in construction. Conner is taken her class to get a college degree so he get a promotion in his job. He struggles with the work content learning about Emily Bronte, Jane of Enyre wnd Woolf. He discovers she his new neighbour with her son. So then the lines begin to go from him being her student, to neighbour, friend and finally falling for each other. Characters from her previous books feature.

[Nienke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars!

[Sara Emme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molto carino e dolce. Avrei voluto fosse un romanzo e non un racconto!

[Kathleen R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Searching For Mine
Author: Jennifer Probst
Series: 1001 Dark Nights series
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 9th, 2016
Genre(s): Romance
Page Count: 130 pages
Heat Level: # 4 flames out of 5
Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:

The Ultimate Anti-Hero Meets His Match…

Connor Dunkle knows what he wants in a woman, and it’s the three B’s. Beauty. Body. Boobs. Other women need not apply. With his good looks and easygoing charm, he’s used to getting what he wants—and who. Until he comes face to face with the one woman who’s slowly making his life hell...and enjoying every moment...

Ella Blake is a single mom and a professor at the local Verily college who’s climbed up the ranks the hard way. Her ten-year-old son is a constant challenge, and her students are driving her crazy—namely Connor Dunkle, who’s failing her class and trying to charm his way into a better grade. Fuming at his chauvinistic tendencies, Ella teaches him the ultimate lesson by giving him a special project to help his grade. When sparks fly, neither of them are ready to face their true feelings, but will love teach them the ultimate lesson of all?

When I think college, I think frat parties, dorm rooms, the endless late night studies and of course the notches in the bedpost; but when I read Jennifer Burrow's rendition, Searching For Mine, I could finally erase the 'regular' stigma I had associated with college life and change it up with the spicier and mouth watering version that I read that happened between Ella and Connor. Let me take a moment to say that when these two are in the same room, sparks fly, tempers flare and when they truly admit to each other that they're attracted to each other, my oh my, the chemistry is so d@mN thick that you'd think you could cut it with a butter knife! I enjoyed how this wasn't your average 'college student falls in love with another college student while trying to get better grades' or 'college student falls in love with teacher [of roughly the same age]', and went further than that by adding personality traits readers wouldn't be used to seeing in characters and even a family centered environment that I personally haven't seen or read in a very long time. I know I say it each time I review a 1001 Dark Nights novel, but I have to say it again since they come from different authors and from different series that aren't linked in any way and yet each time I pick up a new novel from the 1001 Dark Nights, I'm completely enthralled. I'm a first time reader of Jennifer Probst's and as I'm continuously finding out in my blogger 'career' [which, might I add, I can't believe I knew nothing about eight months ago], I'm left with the strongest urge to run (or rather type as quickly as possible) to Amazon and one click the rest of her Searching For series. One thing is certain, Jennifer Probst and her library should be added to any reader's (those who enjoy contemporary romance novels) to be watched, read and bought lists; it truly is that good and worth it.

PLOT: 5/5
CHEMISTRY: 5/5
PACING: 5/5
ENDING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5






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ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club

[Koki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iba tvorbu máloktorej autorky milujem tak ako milujem tú od Jennifer. Čo v preklade znamená asi toľko, že čokoľvek od nej vyjde, jednoducho musím nielen ihneď prečítať, ale aj mať vo svojej knižnici.

Jej najnovší román je skôr len novela (už len pre rozsah strán), ktorú prečítate v priebehu niekoľkých málo hodín. Tak to bolo aj pri čítaní Skúšky z lásky. Nerada to hovorím, no musím - tieto kratšie útvary Jennifer jednoducho nejdú. (Sorry, Jenny.) Keď sa pozrieme na jej ostatné romány, sú plné chémie medzi hrdinami, plné iskier i krásnych myšlienok, čo sa v krátkom útvare ako je novela akosi stráca

Knihe chýbala hĺbka. Hĺbka, ktorú dáva/zanecháva vo svojich ostatných románoch. Hĺbka citov, pocitov, vnemov, túžby, vášne... na ktorých som závislá a ktorých dávku proste pravidelne potrebujem (lebo len málokto vie lásku precítiť a popísať tak pekne ako ona). Zvyšok recenzie si môžete prečítať tu: http://kokina1.blogspot.sk/2017/09/sk...

[CrazyForRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vieni a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance
Per acquistare il libro clicca qui

Quattro stelle e mezzo
La storia di Ella e Connor non aggiunge nulla a quelle degli altri libri; qui, diversamente dai precedenti, l'agenzia viene appena accennata e troviamo Nate e Kennedy solo perché fanno parte della famiglia di Connor. Questo però non toglie nulla alla bellezza del racconto, e il lento avvicinarsi di due personalità così diverse fino alla comunione completa e alla formazione di una nuova famiglia a Verily ha il sapore dolce delle seconde possibilità ben sfruttate e senza fare rumore anche i nostri due nuovi amici entreranno a far parte della grande famiglia allargata della Kinnection, completando così il quadro generale.

Avevamo già in parte conosciuto Connor nel libro che ha come protagonista suo fratello e ce lo ricordavamo abbastanza superficiale e senza ambizioni, in pratica un bel maschione sempre pronto ad accontentare una donna in ogni sua esigenza ma senza mettere mai in discussione i sentimenti veri. Lo ritroviamo più motivato, cambiato profondamente per quanto riguarda gli obiettivi e la voglia di riscatto. L'unica cosa su cui ancora deve lavorare è la paura di essere abbandonato che lo frena nel lasciarsi avvolgere completamente dai sentimenti. Ella gli farà capire che è degno di essere amato e che deve solo liberarsi dai pregiudizi e smettere di pensare per luoghi comuni. In tutto questo noi invece leggiamo di lui con gli occhi a cuoricino perché.. beh... anche lui è un gorilla che monta le mensole e non solo, e ha una carica sessuale davvero notevole. Mi è piaciuta moltissimo anche Ella, perché è una donna reale, non è la solita velina tutta curve e vestiti firmati, è delusa dalla vita, ha perso la voglia di piacere e piacersi, il marito che l'ha lasciata dicendole che non lo eccitava più ha come ucciso il suo lato femminile. Ma adora suo figlio e vorrebbe potergli dare una vita normale e per farlo sa che deve trovare la voglia di rimettersi in gioco. Nei confronti di Connor è inizialmente diffidente e un po' prevenuta ma dovrà ricredersi e quando poi non riuscirà più a nascondere i suoi sentimenti lascerà libera di sprigionarsi la passione e la loro sarà un'unione esplosiva. Luke è il valore aggiunto di questo racconto, è un ragazzino timido e riservato, che inizialmente è facile preda dei bulli del quartiere, ma che troverà in Connor una guida per riuscire a trovare il suo equilibrio.
Continua a leggere la recensione su: CrazyForRomance

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Connor, Connor, Connor. I cannot tell you how excited I was to know Connor was getting his own story. For all his 80’s reject douchebag persona he had going on in Searching for Perfect; it was obvious Connor had a heart of gold. Under the brash exterior he is utterly selfless as exhibited by his stepping into the parental role for Nate, working three jobs to put him through school and the way he is willing to help above and beyond anyone else.

Connor has come a long way since Searching for Perfect, finally pursuing his construction dreams and getting the degree to go alongside his ambition. For someone who constantly puts themselves down, it is difficult for Connor to see the things others see so clearly. While he may not be genius IQ level like Nate (let’s be honest few of us are) he is surprisingly intelligent when he isn’t trying to downplay it. Compressing a four-year degree into two years takes both hard work and intelligence. Gone are the days and nights of shallow hook-ups and drinking until the wee hours, replaced by studying and maintaining a full work schedule.

Ella is probably the exact opposite of Connor on the surface, placing little emphasis on the superficial while digging for the soul-deep. While there are most definitely sparks from the start, it could be seen as an opposites attract/forbidden romance to begin with. That is until the real Connor shines through. An incident involving Ella’s son, Luke, ensures Ella and Connor spend time together and develop a mutually beneficial friendship while suppressing the sparks they both feel. Their burgeoning relationship offers a level of acceptance and understanding neither have experienced before, a great foundation for any relationship whether platonic, romantic or familial.

There are lots of beautiful literary references scattered through the narrative in conjunction with thought-provoking insight into human nature as well as the way in which we respond to words ♥♥

The best thing about the plot however, was watching Connor’s character growth and developing self-awareness. Self awareness can be a shocking thing at times and it can affect you on a deeply emotional level, it was a privilege to watch Connor’s.

I loved getting a glimpse of Nate and Kennedy within the narrative; I love this series and want to know just what everyone has been up to since I’ve been away from them ♥

[Sheyla ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Fangs



Jennifer Probst is a must read for me. I jump at the chance to read anything by her. Furthermore, the Searching series is one of my favorites. My favorite character is Nate. And this novella is about Nate's brother Connor.

Connor Dunkle is back in college at age 38. When he was younger, he had to take several jobs and he was the one who put Nate through school when his mother left them and his father went into a drunken stupor. Currently, Connor is almost done with his last semester. He needs to pass just one class to be able to graduate. If he doesn't graduate, he won't get the promotion he so desperately wants.

Ella Blake is the professor of Composition 102. She wants her students to think and to stop living in cliches. One look at Connor and she thinks she knows what he's all about. Conceited, handsome and having women falling over him all the time. Just as she had made up her mind about him, she discovers he is much more than that.

I like how these two characters didn't like each other at the beginning and how they developed a friendship first. Yes, they disagree in some of their views about women but the best relationships have to have some challenges, right? I love how Connor had a great relationship with Ella's son and I agree with Nate. I think he's going to be a great dad someday.

Searching for mine was enjoyable, fast-paced and left me with a big smile on my face.

To sweeten the deal, Nate and Kennedy had a couple of cameos in it.

Cliffhanger: No

4.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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[amanda s. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It's been a while since the last time I read new release from Jennifer Probst and I'm thirsty for it. Finally, new book from Searching For series!

Connor needs to pass just one class before graduating. Going to college at age 38 is certainly not easy, yet to have a professor that giving him a hard time? Connor's frustrated. Single mom of 10-year-old boy and a college professor, Ella's physically and mentally drained. And now one of her student, the handsome-as-sin, Connor, asking for an easy way out? Ella's had enough. But what will happen when sparks fly and Ella realize that Connor is not as bad as she thought he would?

I enjoyed the plot, reminds me a lot of Linda Kage's book, To Professor With Love. The classic i-hate-you-but-damn-you-intrigued-me plot is always work out. And with Probst's writing? Yeeehaw! But the thing is, there are so many parts that somehow rushed and I didn't feel the connection. It's almost like so many parts being cut out and in the end all I can see is instalove. The part where Connor is somehow annoyed with Ella after the rough encounter at class but then all of a sudden he's being all nice and concerned with her outside? I know, I know, he's a good guy, but still. It's not realistic enough and that, I admit, a wee bit a turn off to me.

Maybe because it's a novella so Probst is, I don't know, forced maybe, to jammed all the storyline in 130 pages. It's not enough to me, and certainly not as detailed as Probst's usual style. I want to read more! How 'bout Luke? Does he finally made some friends? And how about the little rascals? What Luke's reaction about Connor and Ella being together? What about Ella's dates from Kinnections? There's no proper closure there and that's what I'm still questioning up until the end.

But overall, I pretty much enjoyed this book. And the new excerpt of Probst's new book! Whooop! Look forward to read it. ><

[Angela Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, I question novellas if it can properly give a full story, and if I look back at the novellas I’ve read, it��s a hit or miss. I’m happy to report that in this case, despite the short length, Ms. Probst writes a full story. Searching for Mine is a perfect Valentines read. It was sweet and romantic but not overly done, sexy but not raunchy and I was more than satisfied with the ending.

Conner Dunkle, the brother of Nate Dunkle ( the hero from Searching for Perfect), has finally gotten his book. Yay! I love everything about him. He may have his raunchy Playboy side but only because he hasn’t met the right woman. That’s the best kind of hero isn’t? The one who gives up his womanizing single life to be with “the one”. How can he resist her? Ella Blake is not his typical dates. She is a single mother, an English professor, and one tough cookie. To his surprise, she turned him down on more than one occasion. She consistently called him out on how shallow he is and that there are no shortcuts to passing her class. I love that she called him out on his cheesy cliche comments. I think Ella shocked him out of his manwhoring life. I have to give it to him, though, besides, his playboy lifestyle, he’s a good man. He stepped up to take care of business when needed, and he was there for Ella and her son no matter what.


Each book in the Searching For series has all been a solid four to five-star rating for me. So, I’m not surprised I enjoyed Conner and Ella’s story. Probst is simply good at what she does and has always been a sure bet.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice addition to the Searching For series!

I wasn't quite sure on my way in to this one--teacher/student is not one of my favorite troupes. Most of the story was kept out of the classroom, though, and both Ella and Connor are in their thirties, so it was less of an issue than I feared. Most of their developing relationship happens at home--naturally they find out they're neighbors--and that made the progression into a relationship more believable and palatable.

I really liked how they became friends first and then fully realized their attraction, though the fact that it took Connor until after Ella's makeover to give in to it--quite a while after they shared their first kiss--bothered me. (As it did the heroine--when she confronts him I was ready to stand up and cheer, You go, girl!)

Still, I liked the two together and was rooting for Connor to get his head out of his butt and figure himself out already. Fortunately, as it was a novella, it didn't take him too long, and Ms. Probst has him make his declaration in a very sweet way.

Of course Nate and Kennedy's story ( Searching for Perfect ) is the one book in the series I haven't read yet--must change that soon! I'm interested to see the "before" version of Connor ;)

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously! Love this series. It’s always so much fun and such joy to read. On this note, this novella was slightly different, but just as charming!

Searching for Mine features Kennedy’s boyfriend Nate’s brother. Connor Dunkle is a construction worker aiming for a management position. In order to achieve his goal he has to have a college degree, so Connor, an overachiever, crams four years of college into two and has one course left to pass and graduate.

Ella Blake is Connor’s profession in his Literature class. Ella’s not making life easier on her students, least of which Connor. She hates his view on women and the shallow work he’s submitting. She’s also not the most put together woman he’s ever met.

When Connor discovers Ella is his neighbor and her son is the one who slashed his tire, they’re slowly growing close and the lines between friends and teacher/student begin to blur.

I loved the way the slowly fall in love, even when they – mostly Connor – don’t really realize it. And I love how Connor makes it all right in the end.

What’s special about this one, from the rest of the titles in this series is that our couple didn’t meet through Kinnections, through the agency did play a part in moving the romance along. A simple and clever move from Probst.

This is definitely a feel good book with just the right balance of real life struggle and fairytale romance.

[Tarina Deaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance is a fairytale. That’s pretty much a given. But for this reader, unless I’m reading paranormal or fantasy, I like a little bit of reality thrown into my fairytale. I like it when I can relate to the the characters - the single, working mom who’s more comfortable in jeans and a sweatshirt than a dress and heals; the blue collar guy who’s just trying to get a leg up and do something with his life.

Who wouldn’t want those two to find each other and fall in love?

Isn’t that what most of us are looking for, after all?

Once again, 1,001 Dark Nights has served up a talented author and wonderfully written story. The characters are strong and well written. The story isn’t heavy on cliches or overly used tropes. In fact, I think Jennifer Probst puts a great spin on ‘hot for teacher’. She provides a punch of emotion and realism and serves up a fairytale we can all believe in.

I haven't read any of the other Searching For books, but that wasn't a problem. Searching for Mine is easily read as a standalone novel.

[Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not think Jennifer Probst could top her last Searching for... novel. Well, she did it!

I LOVE this story. This is not the typical student/ teacher romance. They are both adults and about the same age. This is college and our characters are in their mid to late thirties. They both know about life, loss, heartbreak, and most of all, loneliness.

Ella and Connor are the most unlikely lovers ever. With two different viewpoints about feminism and the role of women, they grow throughout the telling of this story. This is a fun, romantic, heartfelt book you will adore. The plotline is so real and the obstacles being faced by our characters are some you might have dealt with yourself. I definitely felt I was part of this story with the similarities to my real life.

Masterfully done, romance and Connor have a little place in my heart reserved just for them.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met Connor Dunkle via Searching for Perfect with Nate and Kennedy. I love Connor and Ella's story. Ella Blake is a divorced single mom of a ten-year-old boy, Lucas, who recently moved to Verily, NY for a teaching position as an English Literature professor. Connor is a construction contractor, student, older brother to Nate. Connor is looking for Beauty. Body. Boobs.
Ella Blake is not sure she is ready for the dating world but picked up a business card at the local coffee cafe. However, she was personally introduced to Kennedy via Connor.

Ms. Probst seems to write from the heart and/or from experience which is one of the many reasons why I love her work; it's relatable. This story struck a cord with me when they were discussing not feeling loveable or worthy of someone's love.