After ending an eight year relationship, I have decided never to marry again... or date for that matter. My mission is to fix the shell of a woman my ex-husband created. Fresh start with new hobbies, new friends, and a new outlook on myself. What it definitely does not include would be falling in love.
Then I walked into the gym, the one my new friends recommended and there he was. He stood there at the welcome desk and he was everything my ex wasn't. He started teaching me things my ex couldn't dream of. With passion I had always thought was out of reach. Showed me there is a possibility of having someone who was so completely in tune with me. My mind. My body. My soul.
That was until a blast from his past shows up and threatens all we have started to create together. Will he fall in line with them? Or will he show exactly how different from my ex he is, and stay true to me?
Nicole Abrams is best known for her debut contemporary romance novel, Finding Caroline. Born in Georgia, she moved frequently with her military family, finally settling back into her home state as an adult. Always an avid reader, she eventually started journaling and writing short stories, which led to the creation of her first book. Nicole is a breast cancer survivor, beating her diagnosis in 2021 after undergoing surgery and radiation. She has an unhealthy obsession with the TV show Friends and when she is not writing you can find her spending time with the man of her dreams and their son.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this author's debut novel. Finding Caroline was a great story about a woman finding herself after going through a horrible moment her life. Her determination to follow her dream was an admirable trait that kept me reading to follow her journey with her. It was really nice to read about someone healing mentally and promoting great self awareness and caring for ones own mental health.
Then we are introduced to Sebastian who I instantly fell in love with. She joins a gym where her friend is a member, and as she walks in Sebastian is behind the counter grabbing her attention immediately. Sebastian, with his own demons, is instantly pulled toward Caroline. Reading and following their romantic feelings, gives you all the tummy flutters. I was drawn in as they both learned how to grow and heal themselves with each other. Sebastian makes a perfectly amazing book boyfriend and following their quickly growing relationship kept me from putting the book down.
The book is well written and I really enjoyed being able to read Nicole Abrams debut novel and will be following her hoping for many more books to come. My only problem I had, which is a personal taste and nothing to do with how amazing this book is, is that the relationship moved rather fast for me. I would have liked a little more time for the relationship to grow. But that is just a personal taste and even with that, I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. I carried my kindle everywhere I went because I just needed to know how everything would turn out.
The story of Caroline recently free from a long loveless mentally abusive man, looking to improve herself. We meet Sebastian who helps her along her journey of growth and improving her self esteem along with his own personal growth.
New friends introduced that are such great characters I cannot wait to see their stories develop!
Caroline and Sebastian are the perfect couple. I loved their relationship development, the affection, the chemistry and man the spice!!! Sebastian is the perfect book boyfriend!!!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Nicole Abrams debut novel is one I can absolutely get behind. The character's she has introduced us leaves me wanting for me. Finding Caroline brings us our first couples who have their fair share of baggage. There are times within the novel where you question are they going to be able to move beyond their pasts and find their happily ever after together? Or will they let the baggage weigh them down and cause their budding relationship to sink to the bottom of the ocean?
Caroline is a newly divorced from a controlling marriage, and she definitely isn't looking for love. She is looking to regain who she once ways, many years ago - before her ex-husband slowly broke down her self-esteem and self-worth. Throughout the beginning of her journey, she found friendship with two fellow co-workers whom I absolutely ADORE. They push her to join their gym to help support the wonderful strides she has been making with her running, a passion she long since had given up.
Sebastian has been scorned by his past relationship, and he is just going through the motion. He wasn't expecting to find love at his gym, and certainly not in the broken girl who at times just didn't seem sure of herself. One thing he learned through his heartbreak though is that when it comes to the next girl to grab his heart, he will give her time and presence... as much as she needs.
What I loved about these two characters is that they are each finding themselves in different ways. Throughout it all though, they help each other with this. Each of them has come from a past that leaves them leery when it comes to love, but they also can't ignore the attraction and connection they share. With a little help from each of their friends they see that maybe their past isn't what is holding them back, but ultimately themselves.
Another thing I appreciated within this novel and the representation of mental health therapy. This is something that I believe is getting more traction throughout novels, and I love when it is done in a realistic manner. This had been accomplished, while there aren’t many scenes what is there, and what is mentioned it done in an appropriate manner.
One thing I felt would have been great was seeing more of the past coming back into play. There was a good balance that kept the story going, and while there wasn't a full-on need for me... the dramatic of it all I would have enjoyed more. What was there was needed, and fed into the storyline perfectly, I am just a drama junky where more sometimes is all I want, even if not needed. This, of course, is a personal preference, and doesn't in any way mean there isn't enough.
Something that wasn't lacking would be the spiciness in this book. Sebastian is definitely what one may call a soft top. He knows exactly what Caroline needs, and how to give him what she is looking for - while also taking for himself. There was such a chemistry between the two that even when they kissed you knew they were meant for each other. I would give it a three-point-five chili peppers out of five chili peppers (this may be more or less for you personally, as there isn't a universal scale for spiciness.)
As a whole I really loved this book. For Nicole Abrams debut novel she definitely left me a greedy reader for the others to come in this series. I would absolutely recommend this novel to any of my friends looking for new to the scene contemporary romance authors.
Ms. Abrams has written the perfect man in Sebastian! I love finding brand new authors and when it is their first book I love it even more.
Caroline has been in a loveless marriage for years. Her husband is quite the tool and she finally gets the courage to pretty much demand a divorce from him. Over the years he has mentally beaten her down and she doesn't know her worth anymore. Breaking free from him was the first step. The second step was joining a local gym because little did she know it would change her life forever.
Sebastian thought he would be living the perfect life but three years ago that all changed. He put all of his focus into the gym he owns. Having been scorned in the worst way by the woman he thought he loved it has been a long time since one has caught his attention....until the day Caroline walks into his gym. He is immediately attracted to her and takes her on as a client. Of course he knows what he feels for her isn't the best business practice but he cannot seem to help it.
The more time these two spend together the stronger their attraction for each other grows. Caroline is still so unsure of herself but Sebastian sees the gradual differences in her and admires her each and everyday that her confidence comes so much closer to the surface. Her new friends help her quite a bit too, in so many ways. She has an amazing support team behind her.
Sebastian is the perfect man. He is so in tune with Caroline right from the start. He has patience that will leave you swooning. He has learned from what he thought were mistakes and is determined to show Caroline how worthy of love she truly is. The way they are together....I didn't want the story to end. I felt the character development for these two was fantastic. It all flowed so smoothly together. There is an excellent balance of tension and build up before anything happens between them and for me that is just as important as the spicy stuff. Then the are the side characters that will definitely leave you wanting more. Ms. Abrams puts just enough of them and what could potentially be their future stories....they aren't just characters there to fill the pages. I am very much looking forward to what comes next with this world she has created.
This was a sweet romance book, that had me falling in love with both Caroline and Sebastian. Their stories are both equally sad and beautiful to read about. The two of them both face their own demons and issues, while trying to navigate a possible romance between themselves.
It was one of the cutest romances I've read, purely because they were so sweet with one another and their chemistry was off the charts! Nicole does a great job of pulling the reader in and make them want more from Caroline and Sebastian. You get the chance to really dive into their heads and understand them with all their complexities.
Heat level: 3/5. So I first ARC read the second book of this series, then beta read the third one and I just now read the first one. Each can definitely be read as standalone even though it's an interconnected series. Sebastian may be my favorite MMC of this series. This FMC divorces her abusive ex and is trying to heal and find herself when she meets the MMC. The way their story unfolds is beautiful and I love how Sebastian helped her heal faster. He is amazing. Each couple has their own relationship and each character is their own person. Such a great book and series.
You guys I wish I could put into words how much I loved this book. This book takes you on a journey with the main characters! The FMC is Caroline and you see her get out of a toxic marriage and I felt like I was growing with her! Her character development was amazing! I just wanted to hug her! The MMC is Sebastian and let me tell you HE IS THE ULTIMATE BOOK BOYFRIEND! From the beginning I was in love! He help Caroline know her worth and showed her what true love was I was crying!! 😭❤️ I loved watching Caroline’s growth not only in their relationship but also in her friend group! I loved how they were there for her!
I can not recommend this book enough I can’t wait for more from Nicole! Favorite quote: “Change doesn't happen overnight--it happens with each adjustment, and before we know it our world becomes exactly what we've always wanted it to be because we didn't allow fear of change to stop us.”
I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC. This is a story if Caroline who is recently divorced was a not so nice man. He really did a number on her self-esteem and kept her sheltered. This is her journey to meeting Sebastian who helps her find herself. This is a very sweet romance with some angst. This book has great character development by the end of the story Caroline is such a strong FMC who really found herself. Sebastian is a book boyfriend. He is very sweet and understanding. He is also commanding in the bedroom. I also really liked the side characters and hoping that a couple of them are getting there own books. This was authors debut novel and I think it was a good book and definitely worth a read. I give this book 3.75 stars and 🌶🌶
This book really got me in my feels. I love that this was her debut novel and she already knows how to connect with the audience so well. I just know the next is going to be incredible and I’m so ready for it. Bass and Caroline, you are totally relationship goals. Thank you for sharing your story!
Caroline divorced her ex and has been getting back to herself. She decides to join a gym and meets Sebastian. He owns the gym and start’s strength training her. They are both attracted to each other and become friends. She also made friends at work. She’s coming out of her shell. Sebastian and Caroline start dating. They both have baggage from the past. Can they let go of the past ? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended Amazing book. I love Sebastian and Caroline and the supporting characters were amazing. This is my first book by this author definitely not my last.
Finding yourself can be a challenge after so much pain and disappointment. Caroline’s journey to her happily ever after is full of angst and violence but she comes out the other side stronger, confident and loved. This is a story with just the right amount of brat and spice!!
HEA Standalone, interconnected characters, better to read in order but not a must Book 1 in Come Home series *over 18 readers only *
Trigger warnings Toxic relationships Frank discussion of MH Mild violence in protection of mfc Crazy ex girl drama
Caroline was married to Brandon, but he treated her horribly. She knew it was time to get out when his friend started saying they should share her. She demanded he sign the divorce papers in front of his family on Christmas, as that was the only way she could get out. Especially after his family stood by her side in a show of support. Now that she is out, she wants nothing to do with men as far as dating goes. But Sebastian is slowly working his way into her good graces. He's the owner of the gym she just started going to, and he's already standing up for her with her ex. The ex who continues to be an issue. But Sebastian has some things from his past he needs to come clean about. Because those things are coming to knock on his door...
Caroline (mfc) Brandon (nasty ex of mfc) Bryan (even worse friend of Brandon) Lucy (Brandon's sister) Sebastian (mmc) Rebecca/ Bec (works for mmc, wants Connor) Liv and Ansley (friends/coworkers of mfc) Bailey (sister to mfc) Lincoln (boss of mfc) Connor (friend of mmc) Rose (shrink)
I got a bit confused when Liv is called Liz. I'm not sure if it's a typo or an alternate nickname. I do love how he calls her Care/Care Bear. That's so sweet. The end felt almost anticlimactic, or maybe a bit rushed. But seeing how everyone is connected, and knowing there are other books, made me think the rest of the story may come there.
I cannot believe that this is a debut novel!! It is so well written and the story is beautiful.
Caroline has come out of an emotionally abusive marriage and is just learning to get back to who she was before that disastrous relationship. Sebastian has his own baggage and when Caroline walks into his gym, their road to healing begins in the sweetest way possible!
Sebastian is the perfect book boyfriend with just the right amount of sensitivity and bad boy dominance that is needed and so fun to read. Caroline is super sweet but as she grows, so does her feistiness!!
I really appreciate the way the author highlights mental health and the need to take care of past and current issues with therapy and self-care. It is something that gets glossed over in a lot of stories but Ms Abrams isn’t afraid to incorporate it and it was beautiful to read.
We also get to meet an array of secondary characters with enough set up to make you anxious for the next books in this series and I for one cannot wait to continue the journey!!
Caroline is sweet, insecure, and escaping an abusive marriage. Sebastian is a cinnamon roll MMC, with alpha instincts, and he is still recovering from the breakup of his engagement after his fiance cheated on him. They meet each other at the perfect time in their lives, so they are able to move on and fall in love.
Finding Caroline is a super sweet, yet spicy romance about new beginnings and finding yourself again. Caroline lost herself while she was married to her abusive husband, but through her own determination, new friends, and Sebastian, she is able to start over. Sebastian is the perfect, supportive boyfriend, almost too perfect. The book has all the classic basic romance tropes including jealous exes, the classic best friend, and a HEA. All the characters for the whole series have been introduced. Caroline's friends, her sister, and one of Sebastian's friends will be the FMCs in the following 4 books of the Coming Home series. This is a 4 star book for me because although I enjoyed it, it is just a basic romance with no extras.
I given the great opportunity to be selected as an ARC reader for the author Nicole’s first book. Finding Caroline is a great story , if you are a survivor of an abusive relationship like myself and have went thru a healing journey you will find this book so moving. It is the story of a woman who just got out of a horrible relationship with a very abusive controlling man and is focusing on herself. Deciding she’s done with men for the time being ,& Sebastian also out of a bad relationship ,as they say you meet the one of your dreams at the most unexpected times. Beautifully written story , great relationship development & of course character development for both of them reading about their healing journeys & the addressing and representation for mental health and receiving therapy was just a masterpiece. Sebastian is your next book boyfriend & Caroline & Sebastian together are gonna be your next favorite book couple.
This story starts with Caroline, she is leaving a mentally abusive relationship with a total narcissist. She’s looking to find herself again, and the things she enjoys in life. She begins this journey with running & finding friendships with 2 women from work (Liv & Ansley) they encourage her to join their Gym as well! In doing so she meets Sebastian (or Bass.) They have an instant draw to one another, which coincidentally ends up being a huge deal because He also comes from a previous relationship with trauma. Sebastian is perfect. He’s protective of her when her jerk of an ex husband comes around (he just so happens to be a member of Sebastian’s Gym) he’s understanding when she has panic attacks, and gives her the confidence that was taken away. It had some great spice & he showed her passion she didn’t know she desired! I absolutely adored this story! 👏🏻
Tropes: friends to lovers, protective hero, healing, strong FMC
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Caroline was sweet natured, and I loved her self discovery journey. Watching her rediscover her strength put such a smile on my face. Sebastian was patient, and I loved how he made it his mission to support Caroline in whatever way he could from the moment he met her. Together, these two helped one another heal and be happy. With a little drama thrown in at the end, this was a sweet romance between two people who were trying to recover from their previous relationships.
I read Becoming Bailey first, but I think I have to say, Caroline and Sebastian have taken first place! I loved this book and I related to it so much and was just amazing!
Caroline is a wonderful woman who left an abusive relationship and is trying to find herself again. The struggles and milestones she reaches in this book are amazing and I loved watching (reading?) Her grow into the amazing woman she is!
Sebastian comes from a rocky past as well. When Caeoline strolls into the gym, he doesnt realize his whole world is about to change!
Sebastian is the perfect book boyfriend and exactly what Caroline needs after getting divorced from her emotionally abusive ex-husband.
Caroline is a breath of fresh air for Sebastian who hasn’t been interested in dating in a few years after his fiancé admitted to cheating on him with his almost business partner.
These two are so sweet together but the spice is definitely not lacking!
I also really love the friendship Caroline develops with the ladies at work and I can’t wait to read their books too!
Caroline lived with a man who didn’t know how to treat a woman. So she left him to find herself. He had taken away her self-esteem and confidence she used to have.
She decides to make some changes in her life and joining a gym is one of them and fate stepped in and she met Sebastian. He was a lost soul who ran the gym and when he first saw Caroline he knew there was something special about her. They began to workout and hang out together and a relationship formed. Many things happen and in the end they get their fairytale and live happy life.
Finding Caroline by Nicole Abrams is a book about self-discovery and learning to love yourself again. Caroline finds herself in a loveless marriage after eight long years with Brandon. After finally being granted the divorce, Caroline meets Sebastian, and sparks fly, and they learn to let their guard down and be happy. Together, they learn that you can always find love if and when your heart is open to it. My only complaint is that the story came across too much as insta love, so at times, it felt rushed. I did, however, love the positive message that it conveyed. Would recommend!
“Finding Caroline” by Nicole Abrams is a book about healing, finding yourself, and finding love along the way.
This book was beautiful. It was so great seeing Caroline heal from an awful marriage. I think everyone can find pieces of themselves in Caroline and Sebastian’s story.
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐��� 🌶️
Favorite Quote :
"Make sure she doesn't drink too much or she might try to rescue another pinecone."
I absolutely love this book! FMC finding her voice, finding friends, finding love, and healing from her past. While I'm not in the exact circumstances she was in, I fully relate to finding who you are outside another person, and this story had me wrapped around its finger.
Only concept I found odd was the MMC puts his clothes in the laundry basket... I mean, she should have known right there he's a keeper! 😂
Caroline’s story pulls you in how much she lost herself because of her ex. She’s starts a new chapter finding herself and doing what she likes without feeling belittled. That’s where she unexpectedly finds Sebastian at the gym she is looking to join. Unfortunately her ex and his buddy works out there too but Sebastian stands up for her and shows her just how amazing she is. He’s the amazing guy everyone hopes to find in their life.
This was my first book by Nicole Abrams, and I am definitely planning to continue to series! Finding Caroline is a beautiful story about two people who have been hurt healing each other. After 8 years, Caroline finally gets the courage to divorce her abusive husband. In her journey to find herself, she meets Sebastian, and he helps her grow and heal in a way that she's never had before. There was some spice, some angst, and best of all, no 3rd act break up!
Omg I absolutely loved this book so much!!! Sebastian is literally my new book boyfriend! I adore him! 😍 I also loved Caroline! She went through so much with ex husband. I loved when Caroline and Sebastian meet and he has an instant connection to her and protects her from her ex and her exs best friend.
This was a great story about a woman on a journey to find out who she is after a failed marriage where she was mentally abused. She meets Sebastian who is going to be a good new book boyfriend and their relationship progresses in a natural way throughout the book. There are other characters introduced that I know Nicole Abrams will be continuing their stories and I am very excited to read them.
This is such a cute book! I can’t wait to read more. I want to know about Ansley and her story. I also hope there is something with Bailey in the future! That would also be a great story and Liv! I mean there are so many future stories set up in this book. It’s so sweet. I loved it!
What a cute story about a girl getting out of a bad marriage filled with emotional abuse and finding love again when she joins a new gym. I loved the relationship slow build and how well the MMC treated the FMC. This is an easy, quick read that will have you smiling at the end!