by CATHERINE COWLES
She’s on the run…
Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding in plain sight—just as long as no one asks too many questions.
He can’t escape…
Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single whisper can ruin a life. After seeing the darker side of fame, he's desperate to retreat and find his voice again.
Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a connection neither expected.
But the forces they’re both running from still lurk in the shadows…
And you never know when they might strike.
"How could a simple touch undo me?"
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!
There is an innocence to Cowles' writing. But it's also the type of giddy and excited that makes me smile bigger and happier when I go to recommend a book like this one -- and I will be recommending this one heartily. Not my normal recommendation for heavy and angsty, but definitely an amazing read. I fell into this one immediately after finishing Beautifully Broken Pieces and her smooth transition from one story to the next was followed with ease. I loved that I could have two completely different storylines, thoroughly intertwined with one another, yet ultimately separate. She touched on the reality of some really harsh and painful subjects, but it wasn't the main focus, and the love story and the growth were. These subjects aren't made light of, not by any means, nor was she disrespectful to the intensity of which these subjects can and should be handled. She made it a vibrant part of the story, however, it was character driven so that made it very enjoyable for me. There wasn't any dwelling in the dramatic or sad parts and I appreciated that greatly.
There is a little bit of a romantic suspense to this series with each book so far, and she carried it right over into this one as well. The drama....? Not my favorite kind - again, but it fit the story. So while it was drama, it wasn't annoying. I read with anticipation, because I needed to know the who and the what and the why and see justice, for sure! I really, really smiled throughout this story watching Liam and Tessa fall in love. The tiptoes around the fear, the handholding around the pain, and the love that grew through an elaborate amount of trust.
"Liam Fairchild was a potent mixture of hard lines and smooth edges."
One thing I think Cowles has in the bag is honest, hardworking, emotionally available men.....I love her men. I love the way she writes them. I love the stories they have to tell. I love the way they treat their women. <sigh> I am just in love. Their patience is of a different breed. Their kindness knows no bounds. Their hearts go above and beyond and their women suffer from nothing but overbearing (in all the right ways) love. I love the visual she gave me, as well as the mentality of them. We have some good men out here in Oregon and "seeing" them in this story just made me smile and be proud. Not quite country, not quite big city. Love it! This story was soooo easy to connect to - gosh, I loved it!!
Does this mean I am turning into a softy? No way. Nuh uh. Can't do it. I need the grit and the turmoil. I like the stomach twisting angst and the headiness that comes with it. I won't lie and say that this is my favorite trope, because it's not. But I will say that this is how I venture into tropes and storylines and new authors - it's when I find an author that can write some specific way and I connect with it. Catherine Cowles is that sweet writer that I can easily connect with her stories and have fallen in love with her. So now I will have to follow her around like a lovesick puppy. #FairWarning
This Sutter Lake Series does carry over many of the characters from Further To Fall, and I reviewed that one HERE. I said in that review how much I loved Cowles' voice, and it's just gotten stronger and stronger with each subsequent book I read. I can officially say I've read ALL her books now. HA! I know...it's only three books, but what a way to start. The excitement I am feeling about the next story has me all giddy!!! Tuck's story in Beautifully Broken Spirit will be an emotional one. This will go live on October 22, 2019. I cannot wait!!! Bring it on!
"He seemed to be a master of gentle pressure. Enough to encourage me out of my comfort zone, but not so much that I felt bullied."
~BEE
PURCHASE
~MEET CATHERINE COWLES~
Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
~FOLLOW CATHERINE~
You sold me on this book and author! Thanks Bee!
ReplyDeleteBeee!! Another exceptionally, heart rendering written review! Your reviews buzz...i mean rocks! 😊
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