What should she have done? They’d been friends, even kissed once. The police said he was a murderer. But, they let him go. Knowing all that, how could she go with him into witness protection?
A few months on, and Claire Williams is still bearing the scars; still chasing the ghost of Sion Edwards, even though he’s dead to her now. Determined to start afresh and to find the father she’s never known; she takes a big world trip. It’s meant to be the adventure of a lifetime. It will be. But not the way she imagined it.
Is there anywhere safe to hide? Sion Edwards was an undercover agent, a hitman for one of England’s most notorious drugs gangs. And now there’s a price on his head. They’re after his blood and they won’t rest until he’s reeled back in and they have their revenge.
When the big fish slips the hook, it’s time to use live bait.
In the sequel to Nell Grey’s novel Trust Me, Find Me follows Sion Edwards, now Shaun Cobain, to New Zealand where he begins his new life in witness protection. Claire Williams embarks on her journey around the world to find her long lost father, wondering what could have been if she’d gone with Sion. As Sion thinks of ways to reach out to Claire and bring her back to him, Claire is put in a dangerous situation when Sion’s enemies plot to use her to bring him out of hiding.
Like Trust Me, I found the writing style to be more believable than most stories. And while I personally love it when it’s real, I understand that some might find it boring (just a heads if that’s you). I particularly liked when Claire kissed Sion during an inconvenient time and he responded with, “What are you doing? We have to go.” Was it a romantic response? No. Was it a good time to kiss him? Also no. I liked that she was trying to be cutesy, but I also liked that he knew it wasn’t a good time. Too many couples get caught up in the moment and end up wasting precious time. One part of the writing style worth mentioning that was difficult to get used to was the use of perspectives. Claire’s POV is first person present, while everyone else’s is third person past tense. And those perspectives sometimes changed with no transition so it was a bit hard to adjust.
The plot didn’t turn out as I expected. Not in a bad way, to be clear. I was surprised at how quickly Claire made her way to NZ, and how easy it was for Sion to get her there without her knowing. There was a plot twist here and there, but the main one, I had hoped for a bit more foreshadowing. I also noticed how in Trust Me, the love scene was vague and glossed over, but here, it was more descriptive. And seeing how Sion and Claire were a major part of book one had me thinking Find Me was the real story the author wanted to tell, and Trust Me was more of a prologue.
I especially loved how different Claire and Sion were from Annie and Jac. It shows that Nell Grey has variety in her work and makes me want to read more from her. They had that fun teasing banter and, unlike Annie and Jac, they didn’t fight all the time. They were apart, and simply wanted to be together. And Sion’s obsession with seeing her again made him a bit careless with his witness protection. I kind of expected more from someone who used to be in the special forces. But he was also so much more human than all those macho-men leads. At one point, he received some distressing news and actually vomited. Sorry if it’s gross to say, but it’s a common reaction that I never read about, and I appreciated it here.
So, Nell Grey gets another four stars from me! I loved the story and characters and would gladly read more from her. There were a few grammatical errors that slipped through, a couple minor plot holes, and one particular plot element that had me thinking, “well that de-escalated quickly.” The story wrapped up nicely, including a major concern of mine that was tastefully resolved in a single sentence. Thank you, Nell Grey, for this book!
I loved this follow up to Trust Me. And again, I couldn't put it down, so I read it in one sitting!
This novel is set in NZ and focuses on Claire and Sion, with Anne and Jac (from Trust Me) left behind in Wales, so you can read it as a stand-alone book without having to read Trust Me first. However, I would definitely recommend reading this one second as it is a lovely continuation of the Claire/Sion story. The scene Nell sets in this lovely New Zealand town, with the friendly inhabitants is charming. The introduction of the Maori and including some of their customs such as greeting people etc was fascinating to me. Claire falling in love with her 'gay' boss, over text messages was a lovely little spin to the story, one that I appreciated as it made the reunion of her and Sion much more believable and touching - although it almost didn't happen when the Cobra's came on the scene - however, I am not going to spoil the story here, you will just have to read it and find out.
This story is a 5 star all the way. Wonderful characters with a wonderful story. I stayed up way to late to finish it because it was extremely to hard to put down. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautifully written sequel to the story of Shaun, Claire and Irish that did not disappoint. It takes you to stunning New Zealand with a compelling story and captivating characters. Definitely worth the read!
Find Me is a sequel to Ms Grey’s Trust Me and picks up the story of Claire and Sion. Sion has entered witness protection in New Zealand with a new identity as Shaun Cobain. He had asked Claire to go with him but she refused, unsure of him and her feelings and sets off travelling. Both cannot stop thinking about the other but Sion had made enemies and a new identity is not going to stop them trying to exact revenge on him or anyone close to him…
As with Trust Me, I found Find Me, a grippingly addictive novel. Ms Grey has a real knack for writing that flows; it’s so hard to put down and it’s a solid, dependable read from beginning to end. The plot is efficient and well-constructed; every little nuance, twist and character are accounted for. I thought Shaun and Claire were nicely developed; they were still the characters we met in Trust Me and the plot was believable. Some of the strongest writing is when we met the gangsters, namely Irish. He really is menacing. The scenes with him in the first half of the book reminded me strongly of Martina Cole’s writing. He and his associates were well-realised without being overplayed.
The majority of the novel is set in New Zealand and the island backdrop becomes integral to both plot and characters; it visually comes alive. As with Trust Me there has been an awful lot of research for Find Me to read as effortlessly as it does. I was expecting the main twist but that did not spoil my enjoyment. Ms Grey is such a capable writer that I galloped on wanting to see how she would play it out! I definitely found Find Me more of a thriller than Trust Me and I actually thought that it was better as a result (and I thought Trust Me was excellent). I think Ms Grey really excels at crime/thriller writing.
Although a sequel, there is explanation enough without rehashing Trust Me and I think you could definitely read as a standalone; it was clever to take the two side characters and tell their story rather than continue with Annie and Jac.
The ending was possibly a little too saccharine and happy but that’s probably because I am an old cynic and I also wanted to keep reading. An excellent page-turner from a naturally gifted writer. Highly recommended.
I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review.
While I definitely preferred the first book in this series (Trust Me), I still think this was an okay time. I liked seeing more of the characters we know and love from the first book and particularly seeing what happens between Sion and Claire since we left the first book with some serious loose ends. That being said, I definitely preferred the first half of the book to the second half. I felt like there was a lot that needed to happen in the second half and there was a lot of chaotic energy. I'm not always against that type of energy but I just felt like I needed to suspend a bit of disbelief and just go along for the ride. This isn't a bad book by any means; I just felt things were happening a bit too fast in the second half.
We continue the story here from Nell's previous novel Trust Me, here the story focuses on Claire, back then something dreadful happened and Claire is still traumatised by it all, she decides to start somewhere new and sets on a mission to find her father, on this adventure she encounters all sorts and I willed for her to be alright. A very dramatic read with a very good ending.
Absolutely loved this book. Read it in a day it was so good! I loved the characters and how things all turned out in the end. Beautifully written and a real page Turner of a book
An ARC was received with thanks from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thankfully I was able to read Sion and Claire's story immediately after Annie and Jacs, and THIS is what I needed. It's a fitting continuation - with a single plot to keep it on point - especially given the things that happened to Claire in Trust Me because of Sion's criminal activities and his psychopathic gangster enemy. Who it appeared had numerous equally unhinged contacts worldwide!
There was a bit of action, intrigue, mystery, some stupid (really stupid) but relatable mistakes, a name change for Sion... and New Zealand. Now that came as a complete surprise and I really enjoyed that part of the narrative and the inclusion of some aspects of Maori culture. Not being an indigenous Kiwi, I'm not sure how well the representation stands, but I really did like it.
Also, I believed in the romance between this couple. From Claire's introduction in book 1, it was clear to me that there was some minor pining going inside both of these people for the other but for reasons, they were finding it hard to get it together. Instead, they built some sort of a friendship over the bar in the local pub in Wales and it just simmered along, and I do mean simmered, rather than boiled, from there. Claire quite rightly IMO, after her ordeal has some misgivings about Sion and as such she ends up rejecting him at the end of that book, only to find herself regretting it at the start of this one.
She ends up travelling, getting caught up YET again, with more vicious guys who are after Sion and it takes her to New Zealand (a bit of a deus ex machina, but I'm not mad about it) and the land of her father, whom she has never met. As this happens, she is unaware that Sion has also ended up there and that there's more fuckery and shenanigans going on, and even more to come.
Needless to say, the romantic elements of this were a vast improvement for me over the first one, and the plot overall kept me engaged throughout. Really enjoyable, and because I'm a sap about family drama and secrets (and big gruff teddy bear types), quite emotional towards the end.
Yet again Callista appeared in this one, as did the third military buddy of Jac and Sion's who actually became a friend to Claire, and I'm just saying again that I really would love to read her story.
Sion Edwards had to go in Witness Protection after a criminal leader has put a price on his head. This means he had to change his name, move to New Zealand without Claire Williams. Claire thought he was a murderer and she is still carrying the scars of one eventful evening. So she decides to explore the world. But the drugs gangs are still looking for Sion and the easiest way to find Sion is finding Claire… I was so looking forward reading this second part! No matter how much I loved reading about Annie and Jac, there were still unfinished business between Sion and Claire!
Claire is obviously still shocked about what happened to her, and she tries to hide her past and her scars. She does not want to be pitied. She also decides she needs to forget Sion and so she goes on a trip around the world. I found it encouraging how Claire wouldn’t allow the events put a stop to her dreams. I admired her courage of just packing up and how traveling all alone. I surely wouldn’t dare to do it!
Also Sion is starting all over again, even if in his case it’s against his own will. I cannot imagine being forced to move to a whole other country, changing your name and your past and just pretend that you’re a normal guy…
Despite the distance, I loved reading how they are still longing for each other. And even if I found the plan Sion made a bit stupid, I wanted to see Sion and Claire back together! Also how Claire just accepted the new employment in New Zealand was a bit gullible. But it also added to the charm of this couple… no matter what, they want to be together.
In this second part, I found there was more action, compared with Annie and Jac’s story. But of course, being chased by gangs, it’s obvious some action is required. Claire shows she is a strong woman, and not just a damsel in distress. She is also determined to find out the truth about her father and does not give up easily. And Sion is a man ready to protect who he loves with everything he has. Yet he is not just a regular Alpha – man taking over the whole place. He shows he is just human like every one of us.
There are several plot twists I didn’t see coming, and that kept me intrigued as I didn’t know what would happen next. There are friendships made for life, family found even if they are not your standard family, and love to be found again. If you’re looking for a story that is more than just a love story, or just full of action, this story will certainly entertain you!
The second book was better than the first. Sion, now Shaun is in witness protection and living in New Zealand. Claire, realizes her mistake of not going with Shaun with in hours and believes she's lost him forever. She leaves on her world adventure but realizes that Irish has men following her. She takes a job in New Zealand, unknowingly working for Shaun. Irish tracks them to N.Z. and a huge cat and mouse game full of danger and surprises ensues. The end has a cool twist.
I had the great privilege of interviewing the author recently for our Wrexham Carnival of Words literary festival, and I'd finished reading Find Me just beforehand. Really, really enjoyed it. Billed as a romantic thriller but, for me, more thriller than romance. Beautifully written, great plot - a sequel to Trust Me, of course - and a proper page-turner. Highly recommended. And check out Nell Grey's blog as well... https://nellgrey.blogspot.com/ Also brilliant.
Okay so I just finished the book and I want to ask the author to please continue writing it’s sequels. Like even a fan fiction would do. The story is so amazing that I read the book in one sitting and am greedy for more. The various places mentioned and the picturesque locations described felt so real, it was almost like I was transported to New Zealand during this lockdown. It’s a perfect mixture of Romance & Suspense Thriller. Loved it so much that I think I’ll re-read it soon to feel those jitters again. MUST READ!!
This picks up where the author's first book, Trust Me, left off. Sion (pronounced like Shawn) is an ex-special forces operative who was working under cover to expose the network of a notorious gang. He is resettled in New Zealand by her majesty's (oops, HIS majesty now) government to avoid assassination.
He leaves behind a love interest, Claire, who leaves England to start over after the horrible attack she suffered (more book 1 stuff). Sion misses her and wants to protect her, so with the help of his special forces buddy, he secretly offers Claire a job and she moves to New Zealand.
But the bad guys track them down and they are in a fight for their lives.
This was a decent read, even if some bits were far fetched. It was a quick, well paces read.