***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

This book was a nice surprise. I got it from Netgalley (which means I read the synopsis, but I fonfess I forgot what it was about when I started it) and it hooked me from the start.

There's a mysterious thing going on, but it's mostly a contemporary read and I dare say it impressed me (which as you know isn't an easy feature).

The characters are relatable and we can see the chemistry between Justin and Lucy, the main characters. They also have a deeper connection that I can't wait to see the author explore more.

There's a bit of history and art in the mix and I confess ai would have liked to see more of it in this first book (it's the nerd in me), although I have a feeling it will be more explored - and explained - in the next installments in the trilogy.

The story has a bit of everything I like in good books and I really enjoyed the plotting and the writing. Although the romance can feel a bit insta-lovey, in this case I think it's explained well and it has something to do with the plotline, so it's okay.

I can't wait to read the next book now, I hope it lives up to this one and the expectations I now have!

The writing, especially as a debut novel, was fantastic. It was a smooth read and a great page turner. The dialogue and arc were interesting and eventful. The art history aspects were by far the strength of the storyline. It was clear the author had expansive knowledge in all things art history. I really enjoyed that part of the novel. This is the first of three novels and the author left you in a vice grip at the end of this book. I definitely read the second series sample to see what happened. However, more critical, I found Lucy’s character to be painfully annoying. She went from one possessive relationship (i.e. her mother) to Justin. Their banter back and forth about owning each other was horribly oppressive and a bit too close to Fifty Shades for me. . Lucy was a twenty something rich girl who still lived on her parents money and Justin was an English rock star who rose to fame too quickly. Other than a few “mates” and “wankers” Justin was inauthentically English and Lucy was a spoiled brat. Both of the main characters were unconvincing and irritating. Overall, it was good but the characters needed more depth for me.

Thanks so much for the chance to read this wonderful book! A great read and I would absolutely recommend it!

This is the first book in a trilogy.
I loved the prologue, the story of the ancient cross !
Lucy and Justin could not be more different. She has a clear cut plan for her life and career and it includes work , work and more work. Until she meets rock star Justin. I loved their chemistry and I can’t wait for book 2!

This book is well written. I'm going to request the second book. I can't wait to read more. It is a 5 star read for me.

Discovering You, Indigo Book 1, Kate McBrien

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: erotica, romance

I loved this book, and am looking forward to books two and three. Book two is actually out now and three due soon. It amazed me that this is a debut novel, its very easy to read where debuts can feel disjointed and run out of steam at times. Everyone has to begin somewhere and writing is like any other skill, improves with practice. Reading this though, I would have believed Kate has been writing for years.

I love and hate trilogies, love that they really allow the reader to get to know the characters, that the length allows for plots to be fully explored. Hate because here I am engrossed in a story and it ends....and I've ages to wait for more. Some authors take 12-18 months between episodes and I've lost that impetus, that enjoyment by the time I pick up the story again. I usually wait til all three parts are out so I can read right through and avoid that, but fortunately book two in this trilogy is out now and book three should be along very soon.

I loved Lucy, hated her mum and thought her dad was weak. I love characters I can feel strongly about, really love/hate and there's lots in this book. Sleazy Edward, I can see he's got a big part to come- well, feels that way to me. I think Justin's manager has something suspicious about him too, and of course there's Rachel, Justin's ex-without-dating, kind of fling when it suits them relationship, hot sex and nothing more. On his side anyway, though I think Rachel was looking for more. Not love, but the fame attached to being with him. All those promise some great fireworks to come.

When I saw the past present connection I thought maybe it was going to be along the lines of Susanna Kearsely's stories. I've read loads of those, but so far the past is kept to a few small snippets at the beginning and end, and of course odd feelings and dreams both the leads have. I have the feeling the next book might show us more of the past, so far the connection is quite tenuous, but that doesn't detract from a great story.
If you#'re not an erotica fan don't be put off by the genre classification, there is plenty of heat, of steam here but its perfect within the story, nothing off-putting. So many “erotica” reads are just pages and pages of repetitive sex held together by a thin plot. This book is very far from that so I'd class it as a steamy romance rather than erotica.

Stars: five, a cracking debut read and I look forward to next two books.

Arc via netgalley and publishers