by CATHERINE COWLESMy past taught me to play it safe.
To stay far away from handsome men who promised it all.
My life was good without them. Stable, secure, predictable.
But one kiss showed me that I’d been playing it safe for far too long.
One night and all I wanted was more of his wildfire.
One challenge and my carefully constructed walls tumbled down.
Amidst the rubble, I realized there was more to this man than I ever dreamed.
When everything fell apart, he showed me what it meant to stay.
How to truly live.
But some demons don’t stay buried.
The past can come knocking when you least expect.
And the life he’s showing me might be shorter than either of us expected…
REVIEW: 4+ STARS
"Don't let other people's ignorance influence your value."
I know without a shadow of a doubt that any time I pick up one of Catherine’s books, I’m in for a good read, a great storyline, and some amazing characters. Once again, she allowed me the comfort of a small town romance with sweetness while throwing in some drama, but all the while keeping me entertained. I feel like she’s a great go to for me when I need to slow down and settle into a sweet and sexy read, when I need a guaranteed good love story that I know is going to give me all the feels when it comes to romance, character development, and amazing side characters. And, as usual, she always teases me about the next book coming, ensuring I'll be coming back for more. No questions asked.
I really loved this one. The story arc that carried over from the first book didn't interfere with this being a complete standalone - and that's what I enjoy. Cowles really understands how to give an entire story, encompassing the characters from other books in the series, but not giving anything away. SO GOOD!! I'm so thankful for that too. There were so many things going on, but the central focus being the growth between Crosby and Kenna was really well thought out/plotted/written because little by little, watching them come out of their shells was the best part of the story. Putting their relationship into perspective - that is what pushed the book for me. Her words flow effortlessly and she's always super easy to follow. It was just a great book to read after a rough patch of books that weren't working for me, so once again - I'm thankful for her and her stories!!
Kenna had so many emotional barriers that this story intrigued me from the first book, Reckless Memories - and I just knew I needed her story. Cowles didn't disappoint. Her story had some heartbreaking moments and some shoulder-shaking moments, but the growth was the. best. part. Kenna's strength was only matched by her stubbornness, and she was quite relatable. The only thing I couldn't really connect with her struggle on one aspect because my personal reaction was quite different - so watching her work her way through it was on a very different emotional scale for me. Not bad. Not good. Just .... different.
Crosby, you sly-smiling, heart-stuttering, smartass of a man. His personality really sealed the deal for me. He was more human....he felt more real to me. He made mistakes, but he more than made up for those mistakes with the direction from within his heart. I fell head over heels for him almost immediately, and by the time I closed the book I was completely enamored. Real, flawed, honest, and protective. All man.
"If you really want to live your life to the fullest, you have to let go of who you think you should be and let yourself become who you truly are."
This was another suspenseful romantic drama that had me seeing red at some of the character's actions, and I literally wanted to leap through the pages at the antagonist and strangle them. But....with that intense anger came the chill-worthy professions and actions of Crosby, leaving me with a soft sigh of relief. He really is a sweetheart mixed with a smidgeon of hilarity and I loved him! I just loved him!!
Thinking I only had one more book in the Wrecked Series made me smile - but knowing there are three more coming has me anxiously guessing who the final two books will be about. I am absolutely loving this group of characters and their little island, small town life and I am super excited about Griffin and Caelyn's book next, Wrecked Palace.
"Looking away doesn't make things disappear."
Book 2 -LIVE
My review: https://bit.ly/364NaKp
Book 3 - Releasing January 19, 2021
Book 4 - Releasing May 18, 2021
~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~
Thank you for your review Bee, i enjoyed reading it! I didnt know there were more books to come! So excited😊
ReplyDeleteKnowing there are more books makes me smile! I am especially looking forward to Griffin and Caelyn's story!
DeleteI loved Catherine books!! Love your reviews!
ReplyDeleteAlways, thank you, Ervina!!
DeleteLove your review Bee. I know these would be my thoughts too after reading this book. I love her books that I have read so far. I'm excited to read this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you oh so much, Bunny!!! You are definitely going to be loving this book!
DeleteLove your review!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to meet Crosby.
Thanks, Nicole!!
DeleteSuch a great review! Love your descriptions!
ReplyDeleteWhat a compliment, Michelle. Thank you so much!
DeleteAnother great review! I really loved this one and am really excited about Cae and Griffen!
ReplyDeleteI am *SO* glad you loved it too, Joy!! Her cadence is so easy, isn't it? I just love the way she tells a story.
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