I loved him before I knew what the word meant.
From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between.
But he was never mine to love.
I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more.
That was before.
Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces.
I knit every last shred back together all on my own.
And I’ve all but forgotten his name.
Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more.
But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time.
And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"When the world made you feel dull, it was such a gift to have someone who thought you shined."
THIS book was so good! So so good!!! It was exactly what I needed to settle into after a long week. I just loved it! I have read every book by Catherine Cowles now, but I can honestly say, I think I've gone full circle with her now. I remember reading Further to Fall and specifically asking for Liam and Ford's books....and here we are. I loved Liam's book, so naturally the wait for Ford's book was a painful but necessary one. I am a happy Bee now that I've finally gotten Ford's story. {{sigh}}
Ford was ALL man. THE man. All grown and such a sweetheart. He had real emotion and drive, not driven by anger or broodiness, but he sure was protective of Bell - and it was the kind that made you smile while watching them navigate their new relationship. The guilt he felt was two fold, but that added a heightened level of desire and need coming from them both. I seriously loved it! It felt like it added an element of angst to their love story. I really liked Bell too. She was so strong with a side of stubborn, but she had a soft spot for Ford and watching them finally get in sync with each other was a huge sigh of relief!
If there is one thing I can consistently say, it's that Cowles puts so much heart into the words she uses to set the tone of the story, and I absolutely love the visual she provides. With this one, she gave me such a vivid and intimate look into loss and guilt and all the unnecessary parameters the outside world puts on love and our very own hearts. The perception of pain is a selfish mirror. The projection of pain is the anger coming out, but it's not always a bad thing. Sometimes it's a necessary evil. I love a story with some good give and take, and this one had quite a bit of it.
If there is one thing I can consistently say, it's that Cowles puts so much heart into the words she uses to set the tone of the story, and I absolutely love the visual she provides. With this one, she gave me such a vivid and intimate look into loss and guilt and all the unnecessary parameters the outside world puts on love and our very own hearts. The perception of pain is a selfish mirror. The projection of pain is the anger coming out, but it's not always a bad thing. Sometimes it's a necessary evil. I love a story with some good give and take, and this one had quite a bit of it.
"Just because it's hard, doesn't mean it's not worth it."
Ford and Bell's past and the ease of their familiarity was both a balm and a source of pain. It was a very interesting dynamic and feeling the push and pull of their emotions was a real tension that was palpable. I could understand their hesitance.....their guilt that gave them pause. It was so hard to see them fighting it only to have their love simmering under all the hindering emotions without an outlet. I looooved watching them fight for their truth, though.
This was a true depiction of how much fun loving your best friend can be. But, Cowles writes romantic suspense with passion, and there is so much heat in her words - so with that romance and heat comes the relatability and connection that I love feeling with her characters. They're always down home, small town folks with their heart on their sleeves with some depth to their thinking. They have so much to hold onto, and her being able to put that into words so that I can better 'feel' her story says a lot. It wasn't any different with this one. She intrigued me with a necessary escape. I loved their dynamic. How they started, the unknown teenage love - just every bit of it worked for me.
I really am falling into a groove with Cowles' books. She's a very well manicured read and one of the easiest ones too. She infuses pain and emotion into her words and braids it seamlessly with the action going on. She really does a great job showing the love and pain that flows unmitigated between the characters, and it reads beautifully. I love her flow and her cadence. This was one of my favorite reads of hers. I think she nailed the unspoken pain that comes along with heartbreak and loss....and I honestly felt that in this story. So good....so sooo so good.
The next book, Perfect Wreckage, is up for PREORDER right now, and I am going to be first in line for this one!!! I am super excited for it!!! Seriously some of the best side characters - and I know their stories are going to EPIC!! I'm STOKED!! Yet another wonderful start to a new series...may be my favorite of hers yet!
"Sometimes, the greater the difficulty, the sweeter the reward."
~BEE
~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~
Great review! I'm excited for this one,I do feel like I can't catch up on her past book lol
ReplyDeleteGreat review Bee!!
ReplyDeleteI love Catherine's books. She really writes beautiful and exciting books.Been excited to read this one.
Love your review! I loved this book and am excited for the books to follow.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!!!
ReplyDelete