Find Me Alastar

by T.L. Swan

Boredom, the root of my evil.

I had it all, dream job, boyfriend, stability.
So I did the unthinkable, I packed up and left everything that was dear to me. Set out on the journey of a lifetime and it was all going to plan until I met him.

Alastar O’Shea.

An enigmatic, artistic Irishman who had more sexual energy in his pinky finger than anything I had ever dreamed of.
I should have stayed away from him.
He was hot, toxic and the most exhilarating experience of my life.

Like a drug he entered my bloodstream.
Like a drug he brought me undone.
Did I meet him by chance or was it a calculated hit?

I did believe in fairy tales but he isn’t who I thought he was.
Will he find me?
Will it cost me my life?

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, Contemporary, Fiction, Second Chance

451 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2016

About the author

T L Swan is a #1 Amazon best-selling author and a professional daydream believer. Based on the scenic South Coast of NSW with her husband and three kids, she's seen her books take the romance world by storm with multiple #1 best sellers and translated editions of her books in over 20 languages.

Best known for "The Miles High Club" series, all of her books exist in an inter-connected universe that exudes luxury and desire. Her mission is crafting steamy, tender, and unforgettable romantic stories that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book.

Reviews

[Melanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some authors are natural born storytellers, and TL Swan is one of them; for all their faults, I love her books. Unfortunately, their faults are many. Find Me, Alastar reminded me of a patchwork quilt whose core story has been lovingly crafted, but then bits and pieces have been carelessly sewn around the edges with mismatched thread. Astonishingly, when it's held up and the reader sees it from a distance, it's breathtakingly beautiful despite all of its flaws. It's not fair! I so desperately want it to bear up under scrutiny from up close AND from afar.

Would someone get this woman an EDITOR!! I would bet the first 15% was practically first draft work. It was rife with stilted dialogue, underdeveloped scenes, and punctuation errors. As the story went on it smoothed out immensely - except for the strange use of words that convey mood: characters were constantly smirking, snapping, yelling, etc, at odd times in unwarranted bursts of emotion that didn't fit the scenes.

But having said that, if you can overlook these kinds of things that should have been weeded out in the editing process, this book was really good!! It was full of angst, romance, mystery, an alpha whose behavior was well-explained, and a bit of heart-pounding anticipation of how the prologue would come to pass. And who doesn't love the Australian slang?

So even if the idea behind the book is a bit cheesy (it's what the romance genre is built on after all) I REALLY liked this book.

[Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 Stars *****

I'm speechless... This book hit me so hard.

Everything about this story is perfect. The characters, the dialogue, the steamy moments.

I couldn't put this down. Honestly, it's one unforgettable story about true love.

I'll admit it... I was in tears at the end of the book.

I absolutely loved the mystery between the characters. There is also a pinch of an unexplainable element, but the story is not an over the top fantasy. I don't want to ruin this book for anyone, so I'm just going to stop right here. This is a must read for romance lovers!

[Dilek VT]

Reincarnation.
Star crossed lovers...
No HEA :(((((((((((((

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really had no idea what this book was going to be about. Somewhere in my head, I was convinced this story was going to be about a nanny who seduced the hot older widowed father; I think TL Swan planted that idea into my head and then forgot to tell me that wasn’t the story she was writing. Or maybe I just really was wanting a younger girl/Silver fox story, but that is NOT what Find Me Alastar is about.

After Em finds herself wanting more from her life, something she can’t quite explain – but just feels, she leaves her life and her boyfriend behind in Australia to begin fresh in London.

Now I can’t really go into the story of Em and Alistar because their journey really needs to be experienced fully, without any spoilers – the impact of it all will be so much more if you have no idea what to expect.

That being said, I loved this book. I loved the story, I loved that although I pieced it together slowly and knew where she was taking us, it just made it so much more emotional when we got there.

I didn’t expect this story. I didn’t expect to find myself blurry-eyed as I read the final chapters. I loved that this book was a series of emotional blocks being stacked upon each other, all toppling over and hitting you right in the heart when you least expected it. I bawled, full on fit of ugly cries.

I did struggle with Em. I found her a bit childish at times, okay mostly. But that is usually just par for the course when it comes to this genre, so I took that in stride – her immaturity at times made me roll my eyes, but the larger story taking place overshadowed all of it. And weeks after finishing this book, I can tell you the ending – the full story overpowers anything little that tried my nerves.

This is one of those books that I just didn’t want to end. I read the final pages and I just wanted to flip through another hundred pages. If you want a unique story that is an epic story of love; pick this up.

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Things I learned in 5th grade writing class....

1. Start a new paragraph when a new person begins to speak. 2. Use a new paragraph and/or chapter when you skip to a new place, time or topic. Just something to think about.
Now WTF did I just read? It's like the author forgot to finish the story. I read freaking romance novels for the HEA! Now I have this freaking depressing unfinished ending stuck in my head! Thanks a lot and here is your one star. If I could give this crappy ending negative stars I would. Better luck next time.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word, what a book! I didn't think T L would be able to top my love for Joshua Stanton but she absolutely did!! I don't want to say anything about the storyline as you need to go in blind and just go with it, but I will say that this book is swoony and romantic yet is brimming with mystery, suspense and smoking hot scenes. I laughed, chuckled, fanned myself, gasped, cringed, swooned and cried, and I couldn't put it down. As always, after reading a book by T L Swan, I was left with a book hangover that had me not wanting to read anything else for quite some time, not many authors manage that feat!! I wholeheartedly recommend this book, snap it up quick before someone spoils it for you, you won't regret it!

[Rosalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a definite 5 star read for me. But I hated the ending :(

Please do not read this review if you haven't read the book!!!

Even though their relationship is essentially timeless, I was invested in the characters in this life and I felt like we got half the story. Did they not end up together in that life? Did they move on marry other people? Or did they live their life and forget about each other so easily? I was SO invested in their passion and love that I can't see them moving on. I hated itttt ughhhh

I hated Em's 'hero' exit. We also never know if it actually worked! If it was successful In another life and they can finally be together, or if in the epilogue characters the same thing happens over and over again.

I really wanna give a 2 star or 1 star from how annoyed I am at the ending. I didn't find it beautiful or endearing. So basically we never know if they end up together or now they go through life breaking up in the end over and over. So we essentially finish the book the way it began except now we know their story. I think it's a unique way to end a book, but I just hated it. I like knowing my MCs have an HEA and here we just never know.

I am giving it 3 stars though because it was only the ending which completely ruined it for me and it's not fair to base my rating on the end when I enjoyed most of it.

I would love a conclusion and I'm angry at the ending considering I truly thought this would be a 5 star read for me..

[Ms reads a lot · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this after reading Mr. Masters, which was one of my favourite books of this year. I was so excited to read Emerson’s book. Imagine my huge and utter disappointment when I learned that poor Emerson doesn’t get a HEA! Spoilers ahead....

DNF 40%.... I don’t like mysteries. I am not patient enough for them, so I found this book very frustrating because of the whole thing with Alastar, the ring, the weird dreams, the flashing lights, etc... so when at 40% I still had no idea what the hell was going on, I skipped ahead to the very last chapter of the book and learned that Emerson and Alastar don’t end up together!

So then I read through some GR reviews and learned that Em and Alastar are “star crossed lovers” and end up together in another life...?! The epilogue is supposed to be their “HEA” when they end up together in another life... No thank you! I need a HEA in this life! The only thing I hate more than a mystery is a sad drama! Life is sad enough without me wasting my time reading about a couple, getting invested in the characters and their love story, only for them to not end up together?!!! NO!

Also, there were quite a few grammatical mistakes, spelling mistakes, odd word choices and overused words. This author REALLY likes the word smirk... it’s used 164 times in this book! It was off putting.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Estou ainda tentando concentrar minhas ideias sobre esse livro! Vale a leitura? Claro que sim, essa autora sabe nos envolver com sua escrita!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is truely a unique journey that TL Swan has taken me on, packed with mystery, angst, love and tears. A definitive roller coaster of mixed emotions that will have you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the very end. Even at the end of this book it will have your imagination running wild.

Alastar and Em's story is hard to put into words in a review without spoiling the journey that I highly recommend you take. This is not like anything I have ever read before.

I didn't think I could love a character as much as Joshua Stanton but Alastar O'Shea you have won my heart I adore you both.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning- this is a true love story!
Wow! Yes this is a change in direction for TL Swan but it proves her versatility. Having just finished reading this story I feel I need to take a few breaths! This book really has an impact on the reader.
It is a strong, well thought out plot that lures the reader in, making them want to know the secrets behind the story.
I loved the strength and yet vulnerability of the characters and honestly wonder how anyone could not fall a bit in love with Alastar! The intense chemistry between characters is almost flammable, the passion is hot and the added touch of humour makes for an extremely enjoyable combination.
Yes I was a little perplexed at times however I believe this to be the devious plan by this author, very clever.

[Elizna Breytenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I wish I was more articulate, it has never been a talent of mine to get my thoughts across in a way that will express what I feel. Often I end up with foot in mouth disease.
That being said, I would like to tell you about my feelings for “Find me Alastar” – however badly it may come across… This has been one of those books that had me from beginning to end. It is one of the few books that will stay with me forever and ever. It’s one of those books that you can recommend with certainty to anyone else because it relates to real love you can feel. I laughed, I cried and I really lived in the pages of this book. It is an amazing story and a true love between not only characters but real people. I was truly touched reading this book. Because of them, I will carry this story with me always…. And if you want to know who the “them” is – READ THE BOOK

[Elisabeth Cole · Rating 1 out of 5]

First let me say I have the utmost respect for authors. There's no way I could sit down and focus enough to write a short story, let alone a novel. T.L. Swan is a rock star in my eyes, just because she does what she does. That being said, "Find Me Alastar" was pretty awful. I find it hard to believe any mid-20's adult would be as juvenile as the characters in this book. The writing was rocky, dialog was really strange and there were a lot of editing fails. The storyline itself (once I realized where it was going) was beyond unbelievable. In my opinion, this book was an all-around hot mess.

[Book Lovers Down Under · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Never read a book quite like this before.
From the very first page to the very last page I was hooked.
Hope you all enjoy Find Me Alastar as much as I have. Thanks.

[Shannon Mcfarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Find Me Alastar is just WOW. This is my first book by T.L. Swan and it blew me out of the water. I was entranced throughout the entire book and, sad to say, neglected everything I had to do for the day to finish this book.

Emerson Mathews is our female lead, who feels as if something big is missing from her life. For reasons unknown she is pulled to London. She thinks it is for an internship at an auction house and a possible new start with Mark, but she couldn't be more wrong. Fate is what is drawing Emerson to London.

Alastar is drawn to Emerson for reasons that he cannot divulge, as she would not believe him. Alastar is no stranger to fate. He fights his feelings for Emerson as best he can, but he is just a man and cannot deny that fate has other plans for him. Unable to stay away, Alastar must give in to his heart and make Emerson his. However, there is more to their story than Emerson realizes. Fate is a cruel mistress and their love is cursed. What will it take to break their curse?

Find Me Alastar is a definitely a story that pulled at my heart the entire time. Reading this book as the story developed made me feel so many emotions. I wanted a HEA for Alastar and Emerson in the worst way. The emotions that leap off the pages were palpable. Although the story revolves around Alatar and Emerson, the side stories relating to Emerson's best friend Brielle and her new boss Mr. Masters and Emerson and her boss Mark were also very entertaining. I would like to see a spin off between Emerson and Brielle. I would also like to see what happens with the characters from the Epilogue. A truly great read!

[Susan Schuttee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so fortunate to receive an early ARC of Find Me Alastar. What a story! Emerson's journey is quite an emotional one. Find Me Alastar fascinated me from the prologue to the epilogue, I didn't want it to end! As Emerson slowly discovered pieces of the truth, I became more intrigued and more involved, I absolutely needed to find out Alastar's role in this story! Was he just a hot, sexy, Irish god? Or, was there more to him? Alastar, good, bad, or evil? Emerson couldn't stay away, neither could I! Find Me Alastar is a unique story, that will stay with in your heart and mind forever!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow oh wow, TL Swan certainly outdone herself this time with her new release Find Me Alastar. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this unbelievable book. Such a beautiful book, aperfect blend of romance, hot scenes and drama. There were many twists and turns and hidden lines, it made me feel every emotion I could feel. A truly unique book, the story line was so unique it had me hooked from start to end. I couldn't put it down. A must read.

[Amanda Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twinkle twinkle little Star,
Now I know who you are.
You have entered my heart,
Like a shooting dart.
Full of charm and mystery,
You will now be apart of my history.
5 stars for you Mr Alastar O'Shea you sexy hunk,
Now you left me with a book funk.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this amazing book, and I am crying like a baby. Such a complex and wonderfully haunting story! The book starts with Emerson, the lead female character, (whose point of view is used to speak to us throughout most of the book), as she leaves her native Australia, with her best friend, Brielle, to go to London. Emerson goes into an antique store, and falls in love with an emerald and rose gold ring. She is told by the old woman who runs the shop, that the ring has markings on it that show that it was made a long time ago, and was probably owned by royalty. Emerson wants the ring but she shouldn't buy it because it's too expensive. Suddenly, a very attractive Irish man comes into the shop and wants to purchase the same ring. He really wants the ring he says for his mother, and is willing to pay more than twice the asking price, but this makes Emerson really angry because she has the ring on her finger, and she really wants it, so she decides to go ahead and buy it. The handsome man, who she was attracted to, gives her his card with his name, Star, on it and asks her to contact him if she wants to sell him the ring. The next day, Emerson, runs into Star at her work, and there seems to be instant chemistry. Emerson continues to run into Star, where he tells her his name is really Alastar. Alastar cannot seem to stay away from Emerson, even though he seems to be giving her mixed signals and calling her Emmaline, but she cannot stop thinking of him. Alastar finally asks Emerson out, and there is a very strong emotional and physical attraction. Alastar wants to have a relationship with Emerson, but tells her that it has to be short lived because he is leaving in two weeks to go to America for an indefinite period of time with his brother, George. They decide to spend every minute of time together that they can before he leaves. Emerson discovers that Alastar is an award winning photographer and painter. At the end of the two weeks, they separate, both of them broken hearted. Emerson is extremely depressed and only leaves home to go to work. She starts to have strange dreams about a princess, Elizabeth, and her guard, Henry, and also starts sketching pictures of things, places, and people that she can't seem to get out of her head. She had purchased letters that are connected to the ring, after she gets a call about their existence from the old woman at the shop, who feels that she should have them. Emerson starts to read them, and they turn out to be letters from a man named Alchron to a princess, Emmaline. Finally Emerson goes out again with her friends, and runs into George. Emerson finds out that Alastar has been back from America for at least a month but never contacted her, and she becomes furious. She goes to Alastar's home, and I don't want to give anything else away because that is when the story really starts to get good. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves to read a good book, and I could totally see this being made into a movie. I just loved this book, and could not put it down until I was finished reading it. It is unlike any romance novel that I have ever read before!

[Megpie · Rating 2 out of 5]

May contain SPOILERS!

What the hell kind of ending was that?!

I'm so pissed!

This book was definitely not what I thought it was going to be which was a surprise. Reincarnation/star crossed lovers isn't my cup of tea but this one had me invested before I even realized what was happening. And I actually really enjoyed it, at least until the end. I had to take a few stars off just for that shit ending. So fucking aggravating and depressing.

And that crap Epilogue does not make up for it, it just made it worse. I'm sorry but I need a HEA or something not so depressing, and I do not count that Epilogue as a HEA in the slightest.

Which sucks because I fucking LOVED Alister. He was absolute perfection. And I really liked the side character Brielle and her side story. Honestly I was hoping a conclusion with her and her boss, but that was left wide open, there was a lot of loose ends by the end which drove me crazy!!!!!

And the beginning was... awkward. I don't know, it just took me several chapters to get into the writing, everything just happened so fast. However, after several chapters, after the girls get to London, the writing got better.

Overall, I'm not really sure I'd recommend this story or not. I'm still on the fence myself, the sad depressing ending just ruined it for me.

[Cheryl O'Harney · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what can I say I feel like I've just came off a roller-coaster an emotional one at that, this book really does have it all lust, love, anger, happiness, sadness and angst. You know how people say "I didn't see that coming" well I really didn't see that coming TL Swan this book was outstanding. Twinkle twinkle little star is one of my daughter's favourite nursery rhymes and as you're probably aware in it we wonder what the star is and then we find out it's a diamond well I now wish that a certain twinkling star was a sparkling green jewel embedded into a ring, I'd follow it as if it were the star of Bethlehem if it would lead me to Alastar. 5 amazing stars out of 5.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book is very different! Once again, the author had me engaged from the very first sentence!! I enjoy a good romantic book but sometimes they feel repetitive- the same story different names- but this book is DIFFERENT! I'm trying to figure out how the author came up with this concept! It is thought provoking!! It is difficult to say more without giving spoilers- but you do NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! It has everything. Drama, mystery, romance, history and twists and turns!! This is a great book for book clubs as there are so many layers to discuss! It will leave you pondering and you will read it again to solve the mysteries! A timeless book that leaves you wanting more!

[Amber’s reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for reincarnation stories (Midnight Valentine) and I thought I would give this one a go, even though this author has been a big miss for me in the past. I wish I would have listened to my gut, remembering my past reading experiences with her and avoided this book all together.

The 1st 75% was pure immature back and forth drama that reminded me of the This Man series. I put the book down to quit so many times and the only reason I picked it up again was because I wasn’t really interested in reading anything else and I’m anal about finishing things I started. Big Mistake! The writing is super sloppy. I’ve said it time and time again with her other books, she needs an editor, BAD!

The idea behind the story is promising and the last 25% had me somewhat interested. I think a more experienced story teller could hit this story out of the park. Sadly, this author didn’t do it.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 solid stars.
This author was a no-no for me after her “Stanton” saga. To much man-ho and doormat heroines.
This book was a total page-turner for me. It has suspense, romance- i like it a lot.
Triggers: sex without condom, cheating (heroine for 1 year was flirting and writing over internet with another man, and she was still in relationship with her long-term bf), no cheating bw H and h though.
I liked MCs and some of SC also. Heroine was not a doormat for me, she made the H grovel, he was sleeping on her doormat on night!
He was an asshole on first pages, but later i warm up to him. I understand why he did what he did.
I think i will re-read this book for more little details later.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored TL Swan's work before but after receiving an early ARC of Find Me Alastar, I can truly say I am in love with this author!!!
This wonderful tale begins with a woman moving countries to find herself and she ends up finding something truly amazing!!!!
To merely say this story is a love of the ages, would not do it the justice I think it truly deserves.
TL Swan takes you away into the depths of Alastar and Emerson's souls, and then some, with this seductive story that almost steps into the realms of a fairytale romance. This story truly consumed me and it will be one of those books that I will stay with me for a long time and I will exuberantly be recommending it!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book WOW. From the very first line you are drawn into its powerful grasp and your not let go until the very last line. This is one of those stay up all night, forget to eat, drink function like a normal human being until you have finished it books.
The way this books is written every tear from a character travels down your cheek. Every smile finds itself on your face.
Can't wait to see what else comes out of this authors magnificent mind.

[Chelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started, I could not put it down.
I created so many scenarios in my head of how I thought this book would end, none of which came close. It's the kind of book that you finish and are still thinking about days later.
T.L. Swan is an amazing author and this book blew my mind!!
I loved it and I am impatiently waiting for the next one.

[Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Review to come.

[Bibliophile Wonderland Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I promised a review her it is
This has been by far one of the best books I've read this year.This has my rating on ten twinkle stars. As you all know I'm a book blogger I read plenty but, this was something else. I have two more books to get through I don't know how I'm going to let go of this one. It's one of those books that will stay with you and you'll want to re-read it over and over again.

Emerson had the perfect like in Sydney. She has it all the perfect boyfriend, job and overall perfect life. She always felt that this the life she had in Sydney was it for her. She wanted more she was over the perfect life she wanted extraordinary. When you begin the story we see that she decided to uproot her whole life and moves to London.

Alastar is a god and talented god at that. He is a famous photographer and tables a bit into painting every now and then. The way they meet made me think he was a total douche. At the end of the story it made me cry for him. Tee this is by far the best male character that you've written about. I can't believe I'm saying this that he beats Joshua Stanton I still love that sex god but it pales in comparison.

When I was reading this book by the half mark I started tearing up. This book has played will all of my emotions. It was mind blowing yet earth shattering it had me thinking the impossible could be possible. At the end I just wanted to just chuck my kindle I couldn't deal with that ending I wanted so much more. The author did a great job with this book it had it all. The storyline was far what I imagine it was going to be it's so complex within itself. The characters are entwine with another beautifully. I can truly say that these character will stay with me in the best of ways.

ARC was provided in exchange for a honest review

[Colleen (The Book Lover Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Find Me Alastar” has everything that makes for a great story- romance, suspense, angst, mystery, true love and a bit of heat ;)! This story was not at all what I had expected, it kept me guessing. I had so many thoughts as to where it was headed- none of which were correct! I can’t really expand on that because it would give too much away. It’s best to just jump right in knowing as little as possible.

I easily connected with both of the main characters, Alastar and Emerson (Emmaline). I feel as though I too fell in love with Alastar right alongside our heroine. I mean, how could you not? This was such an honest-to-goodness beautiful love story. Again I was left with my stomach in knots, heart tight in my chest and eyes brimming with tears. I seem to be reading a lot of books that do that to me lately.

“Find Me Alastar” kept me up all night; I could not put it down. I was captivated from the very beginning. It was passionate, entertaining and beautifully written. I will definitely recommend this to anyone I know who believes in true love and soul mates.