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Where I Found You: A Strangers to Lovers Small Town Romance (A Heart's Compass) Kindle Edition
A debut small town, strangers to lovers romance from USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien about a woman on the run and a man who will do anything to save her, even if it means unraveling the secrets of her past.
I always knew there would come a day when I'd leave my small town. When my grandma passed away, I took my chance and ran like hell.
I boarded a bus to Arbor Creek with the plan to stay there long enough to make some money before moving on to the next place.
I didn't expect to meet Callum at the bus station or to feel a connection when I saw him again weeks later after settling into my new job. I never thought I'd fall for him so quickly or how he'd help me let go of the heartbreaking memories from my childhood.
Except, moving on and starting over is not as easy as one would hope. I've learned this lesson better than anyone.
The past always has its way of coming back to haunt you, and secrets never stay buried no matter how far you try to run.
___________________________________________
TROPES:
On the Run
Opposites Attract
Secret Identity
Tortured Past
Found Family
Suspense
Small Town
Interconnected Standalone
___________________________________________
Where I Found You is book one in the A Heart's Compass series: a series of interconnected standalones following a group of friends in the small town of Arbor Creek as they navigate life, family struggles, overcoming their pasts, and falling in love. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of future characters/couples in each book.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateMay 8, 2017
- File size2.1 MB
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This option includes 5 books.
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From the Publisher
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
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Lost Before You (#2)
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Until I Found You (#3)
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A Heart's Compass Series Boxset
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Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars 776
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4.3 out of 5 stars 190
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4.4 out of 5 stars 173
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4.7 out of 5 stars 36
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Price | $2.99$2.99 | $14.99$14.99 | $4.99$4.99 | $4.99$4.99 | $9.99$9.99 |
Other ways to enjoy WHERE I FOUND YOU | Start reading Where I Found You, a secret identity small town romantic suspense | Matte finish with a beautiful custom interior | Get more of the A Heart's Compass series in Mason & Brea's story | Want more A Heart's Compass? Read Graham and Halle's second chance romance! | Dive into the complete series in this 5-in-1 boxset! |
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Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars 268
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4.3 out of 5 stars 1,350
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4.2 out of 5 stars 131
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4.5 out of 5 stars 146
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4.3 out of 5 stars 572
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Free with Kindle Unlimited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Standalone | Cliffhanger - Maverick & Ryan's story continues in Tattered | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Available in Alternate Special Edition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Editorial Reviews
Review
"This story played with my emotions a little. It broke my heart from the very beginning and slowly, just as it did with the heroine, it put me back together." - Gianna, Goodreads Reviewer
"Where I Found You by Brooke O'Brien was emotionally intense and heart-achingly beautiful! This book left me breathless and wanting more. From start to finish you will have tears in your eyes." - Julia, The Romance Rebels Book Blog
"What a whirlwind and emotional read. I absolutely love Ellie & Callum. You could feel their connection through out the book! Brooke's writing was perfection!" - Lisa, Besties, Books & Sunshine Blog
"I absolutely loved this powerful book! She wrote this story so beautifully and both hero and heroine were broken but not damaged! They were real and relatable and I absolutely loved their journey and how their love helped heal the other!" - Patricia, Words We Love By Blog
"It's extraordinary that this is Brooke's debut novel because if you hadn't known right from the beginning I would have never expected it. She has a pure talent with words and did an amazing job at developing her characters." - Aurora, Whoo Gives A Hoot Book Blog
"Brooke O'Brien touches all of the bases in her debut novel; romance, angst, laughter, a touch of steam, mystery, intrigue, and a sweet Happily Ever After." - Barb, Goodreads Reviewer
"Where I Found You is Brooke O'Brien's wonderful debut novel. Her writing captured my attention and had me devouring Callum and Ellie's story from the first page." - Stormi, Bewitched Reader Book Blog
"This book just blew me away. You'd never know it's Brooke's debut book. The writing, the emotions, the passion, it's all there. Brooke draws you into Ellie's world and you instantly connect with her and feel her emotions." - Dawn, Goodreads Reviewer
"Oh my word, this book had me hooked from the first page." - Goodreads Reviewer
"Brooke quickly drew me into her writing, and made me never want to leave her world. I was drawn into the novel so fast, that I had to stay up late into the night to finish reading it, just so I could see how everything ended and was wrapped up!" - Jenn's Bookish Ramblings Blog
From the Author
Reading Order by Series
Braysen U Series » The Rivals We Hate | The Plays We Fake
A Rebels Havoc Series » Brix | Sins of a Rebel | Tysin | Trey | Madden
Men of Blaze Series » Personal Foul | Reckless Rebound (Cocky Hero Club crossover)
A Heart's Compass Series » Where I Found You | Lost Before You | Until I Found You | Now That I Found You | Where You Belong
A Tattered Heart Duet » Torn | Tattered
Standalones
» Wild Irish
Learn more about books by Brooke at: authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke
________________________________________
Subscribe to Brooke's newsletter for updates on...
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authorbrookeobrien.com/follow
Facebook » facebook.com/authorbrookeo
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Reader Group » facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes
Influencers, join my Hype Team » authorbrookeobrien.com/hype
About the Author
Brooke O'Brien is an author of steamy and swoon-worthy contemporary romances.
She believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.
If Brooke's not writing or reading, she's probably spending time with her family, binge-watching the latest crime documentary, indulging in chocolate, or watching Hawkeye football or NBA basketball.
Subscribe to Brooke's newsletter for updates on...
» Upcoming releases, sales, and pre-orders.
» Sneak peeks on cover reveals, excerpt, and teasers.
» Details on upcoming book signings and events
To sign up, visit: authorbrookeobrien.com/newsletter
Connect with Brooke:
authorbrookeobrien.com/follow
Facebook » facebook.com/authorbrookeo
Instagram » instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien
TikTok » tiktok.com/@authorbrookeobrien
Reader Group » facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes
Product details
- ASIN : B06Y3KG3LH
- Publisher : Author Brooke O'Brien, LLC (May 8, 2017)
- Publication date : May 8, 2017
- Language : English
- File size : 2.1 MB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 239 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #749,606 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #4,371 in Small Town & Rural Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #6,194 in Small Town & Rural Fiction (Books)
- #11,676 in New Adult & College Romance (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Click the FOLLOW button to be notified of Brooke's preorders, new releases, and sales!
USA Today Bestselling author Brooke O'Brien writes steamy and swoon-worthy new adult romances. She's best known for her sports and rock star romances.
Brooke believes a love worth having is worth fighting for, and she brings this into her stories where her characters risk it all for love.
When she isn't writing or falling in love with a new book boyfriend, you can find her spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, listening to ASMR, or binge-watching the latest true crime documentary. She loves rockin' a comfy hoodie with leggings and believes the best days include a good nap.
If you're new to Brooke and are wondering where to start, visit authorbrookeobrien.com/booksbybrooke and download the reading order guide.
Brooke loves connecting with readers and hopes you'll join her on her social pages or reader group to stay in touch.
Connect with Brooke:
www.authorbrookeobrien.com/follow
Facebook » facebook.com/authorbrookeo
Instagram » instagram.com/authorbrookeobrien
TikTok » tiktok.com/@authorbrookeobrien
Threads » threads.net/@authorbrookeobrien
Reader Group » facebook.com/groups/brookesbookbabes
Influencers, join my Hype Team » authorbrookeobrien.com/hype
Subscribe to Brooke's newsletter for updates on...
» Upcoming releases, sales, and pre-orders.
» Sneak peeks on cover reveals, excerpt, and teasers.
» Details on upcoming book signings and events
To sign up, visit: authorbrookeobrien.com/newsletter
Brooke O'Brien is represented by Two Daisy Media. For all subsidiary rights, please connect with Savannah Greenwell at twodaisy.com/contact.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe the story as touching, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Readers appreciate the strong character development and steadfast tenacity of the characters. The book is described as sweet and sexy, with a nice hero.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoyed the book's readability. They found it well-written, easy to follow, and a worthwhile journey. Many of them look forward to the next book in the series.
"...Awesome debut novel told in dual POV. I really enjoyed reading this story. Ellie has been dealt some bad cards in the game of life...." Read more
"...throws your way you learn it’s not an easy journey but you are worth the trip. Ellie has been touched by death at an early age...." Read more
"...heartbreaking and will have you on your feels but I promise it's worth the read because this is an awesome story" Read more
"...I was cringing a couple times, because of the abuse, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story..." Read more
Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find it touching and heartwarming, with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The book is described as suspenseful, dramatic, and a rollercoaster ride for the heart. Readers describe it as one of the sweetest yet sexy stories they have read in a long time.
"...A beautiful story with a ton of feels!..." Read more
"...It was a good story overall." Read more
"...on your feels but I promise it's worth the read because this is an awesome story" Read more
"This was a good story. Has some tough subject matter, but very well written. Loved the strength of our heroine and the steadfast tenacity of our hero." Read more
Customers find the story heartbreaking yet heartwarming. They appreciate the raw emotion and healing journey in the book. The journey is described as intense and a rollercoaster ride for the heart, with themes of love and forgiveness.
"...some serious topics of abuse but under it all there is love and forgiveness...." Read more
"...I enjoyed watching them meet and seeing the angst grow. Their connection was beautiful and I loved how the story took me on a crafty journey." Read more
"This book hit home for me. It reminds me of my husband and I. The raw emotion Brooke brought out in this book once again had me not putting the book..." Read more
"...From page one it's heartbreaking and will have you on your feels but I promise it's worth the read because this is an awesome story" Read more
Customers appreciate the character development. They like the heroine's strength and tenacity.
"...Has some tough subject matter, but very well written. Loved the strength of our heroine and the steadfast tenacity of our hero." Read more
"...with what I liked - Ellie's background story and her character development were done great...." Read more
"...Great characters you'll enjoy rooting for as they struggle to find their path to the future...." Read more
"...It was easy to get lost in. The characters feel real and their journey is heart pounding. I enjoyed watching them meet and seeing the angst grow...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's sweetness. They find the characters Ellie and Callum likable and relatable. The H is described as a genuine nice guy who doesn't give up.
"...She meets the sweetest man ever Callum. Omg I freaking love how sweet and protective he is over Ellie." Read more
"...This has to be one of the sweetest but sexy stories that I have read in a long time. Callum is the perfect book boyfriend. Loved it!!!" Read more
"A very good read with a H who's a genuinely nice guy who doesn't give up and a h who deserves the best...." Read more
"I loved reading this story. Ellie and Callum are the sweetest people...." Read more
Customers find the book heartwarming and emotional. They say it makes them feel good and sad at the same time.
"This book had a the feels. I was cringing a couple times, because of the abuse, but I thoroughly enjoyed this story..." Read more
"...I love that it feels so natural. The characters speak as if I would in my own head. No filter, no compromise. Cannot wait to read more from Brooke!" Read more
"...It’s a touching story, heartbreaking yet heartwarming. I can’t wait to read the next book" Read more
"This story will grab you and make you feel so much. It is heart warming and heart breaking all at once...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2018Recommended for readers 18+ due to strong language and topics of abuse that could cause triggers.
Awesome debut novel told in dual POV. I really enjoyed reading this story.
Ellie has been dealt some bad cards in the game of life. She is dealing with death (father, grandmother), her mother’s alcoholism and subsequent abusive boyfriends, as well as life in general.
Callum is dealing with his father’s alcoholism and the toll it took on him. Thankfully his step-father step in at the right time and helped him discover a better path to follow.
Both of these characters have horrible pasts. Walls are up, can they come down? Ellie and Callum have a brief meeting at a bus station in Chicago where they both feel the pull and the connection to one another, but Ellie is still unsure about people in general. When they happen to bump into each other a few months later….holy chemistry! A beautiful story with a ton of feels!
This story just really reminds me that families really do come in all shapes and sizes, blood type and DNA not required. I am really glad that Ellie and Callum and found their home and family.
Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 20174 Cranky Stars
Where I Found You deals with some serious topics of abuse but under it all there is love and forgiveness. Forgiving yourself and overcoming the harsh blows life throws your way you learn it’s not an easy journey but you are worth the trip.
Ellie has been touched by death at an early age. Struggling with the loss of not only her father but her mother to alcoholism and her never ending string of abusive boyfriends. Ellie hides in her room until one day that room is no longer her safe place. Now as an adult she is trying to build a life elsewhere and keeping relationships at arm’s length. She wasn’t expecting to run into the kind stranger from the bus all those years ago again. Now she must make tough decisions and find a way to let herself heal.
Callums life hasn’t started out so decent. His father is an abusive alcoholic who would take his anger out on his wife then eventually Callum. He starts on a path of self-destructive behavior until his step father steps in and gives him an ultimatum. One day he meets Ellie and the stars align. He feels this need to protect this injured soul more than anything in this world. Now if only Ellie would give him the time of day.
I liked this book. There were a few minor issues with sentence structure and sentences in general just sounding off. I had to reread them a few times to make sense of what was going on. There weren’t that many that they took away from the story though. It was a good story overall.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2022Ellie had been through enough in her life and was finally ready to start fresh. When she falls into the arms of a stranger everything changes. After a long bus ride from Chicago to Iowa Ellie is trying to get her strength up to start her new life. Callum had been trying to do good for himself and not be like his father. One day Callum decides to visit his brother in Chicago but doesn't expect to be ambushed by his father. He leaves and gets a bus ticket to get back home. Callum is shocked when a beautiful girl falls into his arms. From that moment forward Callum can't stop thinking about her. What he doesn't imagine is for her to just walk away from him without a backward glance. Ellie is trying to lay low and save up some money so she can move on soon. All that changes when a new friend invites her to go out and she sees Callum again. Callum can't help but want to spend the night with her but soon Ellie leaves without saying goodbye. Ellie doesn't want to have anything permanent in Arbor Creek but at every turn the wall she built around herself is being knocked down. Will Ellie let her wall down and stop running? Is Ellie's biggest fear going to come back to haunt her?
- Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2019Ellie has been dealt a bad hand on life. She loses her father, her mother turns to alcohol to cope with that loss and in the process Ellie is left to defend her self from all of it. She finally tells her Grams about what's going on.
Callum has a past also but his comes from a father that is an alcoholic that abuses his mother, until she divorces him. She remarries and Callum's step father helps turn him onto the right path.
From page one it's heartbreaking and will have you on your feels but I promise it's worth the read because this is an awesome story
- Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2019I can only begin to imagine the horrific psychic scars caused by long-term childhood sexual abuse. And I can't get any way near understanding how those psychic scars magically vanish whenever the hero's magic penis is nearby.
I was also annoyed when Ellie had a fall and injured both her head and her wrist seriously enough for the hero to rush her to the emergency room -- and everyone involved said, "Oh, it's probably not serious" AND NEVER TOOK EVEN ONE X-RAY! When I was 13, I fell off my bicycle and bumped my head, not as seriously as Ellie's slam, and I still have the x-ray showing the hairline fracture over my left ear. In 2017 I fell onto my hands and knees, and later told the ER it was just a sprain. The x-rays showed *several* broken bones. If this scene happened in The Real World, it would be malpractice.
The author also never bothers to explain why Ellie conveniently chose Callum's small town to flee to, how she found a grandfather surrogate to give her a place to live, a job, and a semi-alias, and most urgently of all, why the villain was released two years early and how no one could find Ellie until the villain was released and apparently found her the same day.
Finally, the author has a real problem matching dependent clauses with the appropriate subject. Possibly the funniest example: "Putting his hand around my neck, I" began to strangle myself....
This isn't the worst book I've ever read -- but I do have the impression the author's heart wasn't into it.
Top reviews from other countries
- Amanda ScottReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Hiding from life ,fear for her life but then He steps into her life
Ellie was running scared trying to keep a promise from her Grams.To get out and live her life. But fate put Ellie in Callums path.The connection that they feel immediately is immense.
I laughed I cried I got angry. This was a great book. I couldn't put this book down.
- SiansReadingAdventureReviewed in Australia on November 13, 2024
3.0 out of 5 stars Okay book
Not really for me, was good though
- Tela666Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2023
4.0 out of 5 stars Ellie & Callum
I would have liked to have known more about what happened before Ellie woke up in hospital as it just cut away. Maybe that was so it wasn't so dark? There were a couple of things that niggled me; xrays, madison, chain of evidence. I know books are an escape but given the TWs these steps away from realism felt off. It was good but I know the authors later books are grittier and don't hold back, so reading this left me feeling a little underwhelmed. That feels harsh knowing this is a debut hence why it still gets 4 stars, judged against other books it is good, I just know she gets better.
- SunShine7Reviewed in Germany on June 7, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars A tragic past doesn't ruin a bright future
When Ellie's grandma dies, she leaves for good, trying to escape her tragic past. That's when she stumbles into Callum who intrigues her but to protect herself she can't let anyone come close.
A few months after she has settled into her new home and new job, her friend takes her out in the evening,that's when she meets Callum again.
Their story is sad but so sweet as well. Callum fights for Ellie but the wall around her heart is high. It was a bit predictable but fun to read nonetheless.
- Jonesing for JocelynReviewed in Australia on May 14, 2019
3.0 out of 5 stars Where I found you in my home town
This is another one of those small town second chance romances. Ellie bumped into Callum at the bus stop on their way to a town where Callum grew up in. There was no back ground story as to why she chose this town in particular.
Read as a dual point of view, their instant chemistry was very insta-love, although there is nothing wrong with that, after all this is a romance novel.
There are issues dealing with child abuse, alcoholism, grief, love and loss. Predictable story line, good development of characters, along with supporting characters. Some issues with sentence structures, overall an entertaining read.