Been Searching for You

by Nicole Evelina

Annabeth is a hopeless romantic who believes in soul mates. In fact, she’s been writing to hers each year on her birthday since she was 16.

Now, at 34, she’s still holding out hope of finding Mr. Right even though he’d be fighting an uphill battle to gain her trust, thanks to a traumatic experience years before that’s left her unable to commit.

When Annabeth meets a handsome literature professor named Alex on her 34th birthday, she thinks her quest may finally be at an end. Things don’t quite go as planned, so Annabeth resolves to do everything she can over the next year to find the unknown recipient of her letters. But blind dates, Meetup events and online singles sites have nothing on what fate has in store for her when a co-worker unexpectedly quits and Annabeth finds herself working in close quarters with both Alex and her long ago ex, Nick. Fighting her attraction to one and loathing for the other, Annabeth is forced to face all of her old insecurities while keeping an eye on a scheming frienemy who may derail her hopes and dreams.

Written in the tradition of Bridget Jones' Diary, Kim Gruenfelder’s A Total Waste of Makeup, and Melissa Pimental’s Love By The Book, it shows that love on the sweet side can exist for the modern girl, if only she’s willing to trust herself and search hard enough.

Been Searching for You was the winner of the 2015 Romance Writers of America Great Expectations and Golden Rose contests.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Adult

281 pages, ebook

First published May 10, 2016

About the author

Nicole Evelina is a USA Today bestselling author and biographer who writes historical fiction, non-fiction, and women’s fiction. Her books have won more than 50 awards, including four Book of the Year designations. Nicole is now a hybrid author but was named Missouri’s Top Independent Author by Library Journal and Biblioboard as the winner of the Missouri Indie Author Project in 2018 and has been awarded the North Street Book Prize and the Sarton Women’s Book Award. One of her novels, Madame Presidentess, was previously optioned for film.

She is represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Literary. You can find her online at http://nicoleevelina.com/.

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopeless Romance..

Annabeth, the female lead, is close to giving up on the "one" until one day she

meets the professor, Alex.

She has her reservations but eventually, Annabeth and Alex make a good couple.

Overall, this was a sweet romance.

Ashley Clements did well with the narration.

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost

in exchange for an unbiased review."

[Sarahlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an award-winning and solidly constructed novel. It just wasn’t right for me right now. I didn’t connect with the characters. I found Alex paternalistic and condescending. He also never apologized for his significant role in the schism. Annabelle was a bit capricious but in a reactionary way. She never demanded respect. I wanted more depth to their relationship, but I suspect a lot of that is because my concept of romance differs greatly from the characters’. If greeting-card sentimentality, carriage rides, flowers, and diamonds are your dreams—you’ll probably connect with this novel and even love it.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Audiobook was given to me for an honest unbiased review. This was a great read. The romance was good. Loved the whole premise of writing each year to your one true love. In this world today, that whole expecting happy ever after is just not here anymore. There are even books out that are happy for right now endings, instead of happy ever after. Not the case for this book, a happy ever after! The humor and intelligence was remarkable. This was no average romance, where the writing was mediocre, the prose, and references to literature in this book make it awesome.

[Suzanne Normandeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance novel. It is very well written. I couldn’t put it down. I was very happy to see that women like Annabeth are still out there and that they’re still waiting to meet “the one” that they’re meant to love ❤️ forever. I definitely recommend this book to all of you who believe in “true unconditional love 💗 “.

[Maryann Ns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I would not say it is all believable but it was fun. There were a couple characters that our heroine should have figured out sooner. She was so good at her job but could not see people clearly. I liked that she grew up but her true love gave her all the romance she dreamed about.

[Pat Wahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance with a touch of humor is my cup of tea. Enjoyed this story with a strong heroine and likable hero.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that BEEN SEARCHING FOR YOU by Nicole Evelina is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Leonore H Look · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Really liked the story line. Rea!ly believe in the soulmates. Found mine and knew he was my soulmate waiting for our blind date.

[Mariah Bigelow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute love story, a perfect cabin read

[Sarahlynn Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hallmark sweet

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading for Library Journal/Biblioboard's Missouri Author Project.
While the characters were interesting and the author did a lot of work to make her situations realistic, the story suffered from an apparent lack of editing. The plot meandered aimlessly, with an 11th-hour twist thrown in to create third-act tension that felt manufactured at best. There were other plot points that could have been more believably explored to create tension, and some details were introduced, given great importance, and then abandoned. Overall, while I liked the romantic leads and appreciated their HEA, I really had trouble getting into their story.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Been Searching For You, author Nicole Evelina weaves a delightful romantic comedy set in Chicago, that follows thirty-four year old copy writer Annabeth Coe's journey to find her soul mate.

Annabeth is a hopeless romantic, she has written a love letter to her soul mate every year on her birthday since she was sixteen years old. The long-standing yearly tradition has continued, and now on her thirty-fourth birthday, Annabeth is still filled with hope, and she promises herself that she's going to find her soul mate this year ... one way or another.

Been Searching For You is an enjoyable romantic tale that engages the reader to follow Annabeth's journey to find her soul mate. Annabeth's journey unfolds in monthly chapters through challenging trials and tribulations of online dating, Meetup events, and three men who vie for her heart (artist Victor, college English professor Alex Grantham, and ex-college boyfriend Nick Zarrino who broke her heart ten years ago). Annabeth is interested in Alex, and when they are partnered together on a work project, their working relationship develops into a romance, but along the way life throws in some challenges that they need to overcome in order for their romance to blossom into true love.

I really enjoyed following Annabeth's journey of self-discovery, and how her working relationship with Alex slowly builds into something worth lasting when she finally lets go of her traumatic past and learns to open her heart to love. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much of a sweetheart Alex is, his thoughtful and caring way towards Annabeth definitely makes him the kind of guy that every woman would want in their lives.

With a fun cast of characters, witty banter and comedic interactions, and a rich description of Chicago's landmarks, Been Searching For You is a wonderful romantic tale of finding Mr. Right that will satisfy every hopeless romantic, and leave a smile on their face.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a book review program hosted by Goddess Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Zara Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute & Clean Modern Day Romance. I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom. This was an enjoyable listen. The writing and narration were very professional and done well. This story made me laugh, cry, have hope and angst. I highly recommend this audiobook to those who love a good romance but don't want the explicit sex scenes. The sexual situations in this book were very mild and clean, and would not be considered erotica.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a hopeless romantic? Are you the type of girl that has held out for that one guy that will be it for you? Even if you aren't that girl, I'm sure you are the type of girl that wants love. You've searched for it. You've either found it already or are still doing your best to find it. I know I related so well to the character of Annabeth. Although I never wrote letters to my one true love every year. I definitely believe in love and I believe there is that one person who is for you. I can't help it, I'm in love with love.

Annabeth is determined to find her husband. She has written him a love letter every year on her birthday since she was 16 years old. Although, she has had some BIG missteps, she still believes that one day she will find him and so she continues to believe and write....

As luck would have it, she meets two men who fit her fantasy. Nick is sweet, romantic, an English professor but he just got out of a relationship and isn't looking for love right now. Annabeth is crushed. Then in walks Victor and he is an artist and everything that she thinks she wants until he isn't....

I fell in love with Nicole's writing when I read her book "Daughter of Destiny" and this although a completely different genre and concept does not at all disappoint. In fact, I believe Nicole's writing in this book is almost flawless. She really makes the reader fall in love with Annabeth and her story.

You will find yourself routing for her love story and swept away by the sweet and innocent romance of it all.

[Nicole Evelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS NOT MY OWN REVIEW. POSTING ON BEHALF OF Kerliza Foon for Readers’ Favorite:

Been Searching for You by Nicole Evelina is a realistic, enchanting love story that is inspiring. Annabeth is a hopeless romantic who has a yearly tradition of writing to her future love. Determined to change her single status, and with help from her friends, she tries out different events, hoping to meet Mr Right. But how will she know who is Mr. Right? Is he the one she meets from the dating website? Or is he an old friend she reconnects with? Take a leap and join Annabeth on her journey to find her soul mate.

I loved this book. Nicole Evelina's novel touched my heart and I couldn't put it down. The romance was especially sweet, but was tempered by the drama of what it really means to be in a relationship. The getting to know someone, the compromises, and the mixing of work and home. Each aspect was showcased and it only made the relationship that much more enjoyable. While there were some characters which I rooted for more than others, I enjoyed their multifaceted personalities, and when it came to the romantic gestures, I fell in love a little bit more. The plot was well written and not overtly sexual, and while chemistry is essential with your potential mate, so is the meeting of minds. Evelina blended both themes very well that showcased the characters' flaws and strengths very clearly. I recommend this book to all die-hard romantics and those who are looking for something new to try. A wonderful book to read and share with your friends.

[Jena Henry]

"There’s an old Chinese folktale that says soul mates are connected from birth by and invisible red thread and that they can feel one another’s emotions, no matter the distance. I believe it." Annabeth h writing to her future soulmate.
When I think about Romance and Chick Lit I think of…Been Searching for You!
Wow, this book has it all.
Let’s start with our heroine, Annabeth. She is spunky, creative, and a little bit shy and awkward.
Does she have a snarky sidekick- yes! That would be the super model, and super-meddler, Mia.
Does she have a problem? Sure. She has a couple. She is looking for her soul mate and writes a letter to him every year on her birthday. She has challenges at her marketing job.
Does she find a boyfriend? Does she ever! Through online dating she meets Victor, a construction work with an artistic side. A high profile job assignment puts her in touch with Alex, the dreamy college professor. And her ex, Nick, comes back. He is a bad boy, but does he have a heart of gold? Will one of the them turn out to be her true soul mate?
Is there plenty of romance? Wow, yes! There are plenty of grand romantic gestures, think carriage rides, ballet, a dinner party on a yacht.
Anything else interesting? How about the sizzling city of Chicago, which is vividly described.? Books, literature, poetry, music also provide interesting details.
You will enjoy this fun, well-written story.

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect summer read.

Thanks to the flowing and descriptive writing it seems like a movie formed in my mind while I was reading Annabeth's journey.

Been Searching For You is full of realistic struggles for an over thirty hopeless romantic who is still looking for her soulmate,determined to not settle for nothing less...unfortunately I could totally relate.
Thankfully this book contains also a well literate "Charming Prince",a nice group of supporting characters and some wonderful dates that will make every reader really jealous.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this story.
Even if it was the first novel I've read by Nicole Evelina it won't be the last.

"Love isn't about what we do or don't deserve.If it were,we'd all be alone.It's about forgiveness and second-and third and one hundredth-chances and being there for one another in good times and bad.As my note said,I've come to realize there's no time in life for regrets.All we have is today."

Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Morwa Pal · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Been Searching for You, Evelina spins a story that’s one part romance, one part love letter to Chicago, and one part nod to literature. Annabeth is a true romantic, writing notes to her future soul mate each year on her birthday. Alex is a practical professor with a head for books and a wit that makes Annabeth swoon. When a work project throws the two of them together, Alex and Annabeth realize they’re becoming more than just professional acquaintances. But just as their love story seems to be hitting its stride, life and work and misunderstandings get in their way. Evelina makes the couple fight again and again for their love, but it all pays off with a beautiful, hard-won happily ever after.



Been Searching for You is perfect for those who miss the days of romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story of Annabeth’s belief that somewhere out there is someone who will take her quirks as part of her. She has been writing letters to a man since her 16th Birthday,she is now 34 and has never meet the man who she hopes will read them when she finds him . Annabeth meets a handsome literature professor named Alex who she hopes is that man,but things do not go as planned . Is Alex the man or is her ex-boyfriend Nick the one? Nicole Evelina is a fairly new Author who I think will do very well. I was gifted a copy for an honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

Annabeth is a fairly typical contemporary, professional female. She has oddball friends, a good job she enjoys, a family with a few issues, an ex who just won’t go away—everything readers will recognize in themselves and their friends.

Read full review in the 2016 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Tessa Floreano · Rating 4 out of 5]

A breezy read, perfect for a lazy spring or summer afternoon. If you love Chicago and are looking for a fun romance set in the Windy City, this is a good choice. I read an early draft of this book last year and recommend it to all those who enjoy rom-coms.

[Bibliongirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written story about finding true love that is emotional, romantic and blended with enough humor to keep it light, it shows that true love takes work and is worth fighting for.

I recieved a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori Ben-ezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. It's a cute story that clearly illustrates the author's love of Chicago and belief in true love.

[Sakura · Rating 5 out of 5]

:: 4.5 stars ::

Review to come.


This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

[the-olivemoth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book! More to come later!

[Sara Dahmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I read a true contemporary romance, and I certainly am picky about it (I have a bad habit of comparing anything romantic to LaVeryle Spencer’s work). Been Searching for You was a dive into both reality and fiction, and was not only concisely and tightly well-written, but once again showed me the level of professionalism and polish Nicole Evelina gives each one of her novels.

Been Searching for You is a foray into the life and mind of a modern day working woman, who is hitting her late thirties and meeting potential dates happens at work or at a work event instead of the local party or bar. It’s set against a realistic backdrop of social media, family issues, and real-life relationship communication struggles. Evelina, as usual, layers the drama finely and truthfully, with enough twists and surprises to keep you reading and wondering what happens next (honestly, I read this book fast!) in the curves of her protagonist’s relationships with her mother, her co-worker, her ex-boyfriend, her friends and yes, her love interest.

True to the romantic genre, there are misunderstandings, life hurtles and moments of sadness, and no scene is superfluous. It’s why Evelina continues to garner wide recognition for her work, and why I’ll keep reading!

[Jeanne Felfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completed reading this last night with tears in my eyes. Nicole did what I most look for in a novel - she evoked emotion from me, made me care about the characters as if they were real friends. As a fellow author I know this is a challenge to do, and do well.

The writing leads you through the story effortlessly and makes you forget you're reading. Although this is Nicole's first romance, it isn't her first novel and her expertise is evident.

Read it. You won't regret it.

[Cupcakencorset · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really, a 3.5, but Goodreads doesn't allow for that, and I can't give it an honest 4. More on that at a later date.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a feel good book. It was fun to read, I laughed sometimes and cried at others. I loved Annabeth and her sister, I loved her friendship with Miles and I loved the development of her relationship with Alex. I also hated Mia and Nick. This is a modern, clean, romantic novel with strong bold characters.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Evelina must be a true romantic. For a story to pull on as many heartstrings as she yanks throughout this audio, she would have to be.

Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.