One night was all it took for everything to change.
From college student to guardian in a single breath.
My siblings became my world.
No time for date nights or romantic dreams.
I traded quiet weekends for sleepless nights.
Giving my all to make sure they were cared for.
But Griffin had a brokenness that called to me—one that mirrored my own.
Gruff and just a little bit reckless.
He was the last thing I needed. But everything I wanted.
Only someone isn’t happy about this new life I’m building.
Deciding to set fire to everything I hold close.
And when the smoke clears, there might be only ashes left behind…
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"Tell me the good things."
There’s something to be said about the first book of the year to give you the butterflies and the giggly smiles. That one that pulls at your heartstrings because you can only imagine the pain the characters have been through, only to be rewarded with a book-worthy HEA sent by Catherine Cowles. Cheesy? Maybe, but this girl can write! This book was that book for me. I honestly needed this book. I had wanted it for so long, but I didn't realize how badly I needed it, so by the time I settled into it - it did wonders for my mental self. I'm always inside my own head, so escaping into a book has always been a nice getaway for me. This one provided all that and more.
Cowles is a real energizing writer. She's proven time and again her ability to not only facilitate a great storyline, but emote it exceptionally well. I got caught up - completely enamored with her characters, her plot, and even the drama. It all meshed well for me in this one, working in tandem with each factor. After meeting Griffin at the end of PERFECT WRECKAGE and how he entered the storyline, I knew this book was going to have me on the edge of my seat while I read it.
I know I’m always screaming about the love a man has for his woman being my favorite part or reading romance. A good love story cannot be a true love story without a man that makes me weak in the knees. Griffin was all that and more. He was protective and a perfect gentleman, standing up when needed and providing a silent strength when warranted. He was literally perfect. I fell hard in love with him. The realization of the true feelings these two had for one another was a slow process, but an emotional one. When I can feel the emotions I’m reading, that’s the best part. That’s an author that’s really in touch with their story - so much so that they’re bleeding those emotions directly onto the page. Cowles delivered that effortlessly, yet again.
Griffin and Caelyn's gradual wander through their friendship and the actual culmination of their relationship was uncovered organically. This was the perfect example of a slow burn. I liked the way they tip-toed around everything and almost reluctantly but enthusiastically made their way towards each other. It was a slow dance, for sure. It wasn't forced by any means, given the time this book traversed, so it flowed really well and accounted for the drive of their feelings and how it affected their decisions.
ONE struggle: I did feel like I struggled somewhat with Caelyn's jealousy for what she longed for in regards to her relationship. I know that sounds harsh to say but as much as she talked about it, it was bothersome for me. I think mainly because in setting up her desires, it felt repetitive and unnecessary, but also that she almost held it against the ones she loved - but I know she wasn't really. I don't know. I know she wasn't....but it felt like she was. *wrings hands* I struggled. Ugh. I'm sorry. Sorry. *hides* We knew her end goal. We knew where her loyalty lay. She had an amazing amount of responsibility, so looking forward to the one true love she knew was out there was the entire goal of the book. And Griffin answered that call so amazingly well. They suited each other. They were ideal for each other. Their need to take things at their own pace set the tone for the book perfectly well.
The characters were so good, and so well written. The kids were super cute. The plot played out and was easily followed. I mean, the story is still sitting with me and I'm still smiling thinking about it - and that is what drives my excitement most of all.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I LOVED GRIFFIN SO SO MUCH. I LOVED CAELYN AND THE KIDS. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO SO SO MUCH!! Yes, I am shouting. Yes, I am excited. Yes, I can't wait for everyone to read this. Such a great, feel-good, smile inducing book - it check all the boxes for me. SO good.
Catherine Cowles is a must read - a guaranteed great read. She incorporates love, life and laughter into every book with a good dose of emotions and suspense. I really enjoy her writing and have read every single one of her books, but this one has to be my favorite one so far. Favorite. I am looking forward to Shay's story in RECKLESS REFUGE, her next release in this standalone series.
"Everything I see in you challenges me to do better."
~BEE
Check out the entire series:
Book 1 in The Wrecked Series
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Book 2 in The Wrecked Series
My Review: https://bit.ly/364NaKp
READ an Excerpt: https://bit.ly/3iwcpZx
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Book 3 in The Wrecked Series
My Review: https://bit.ly/392vpfT
READ an Excerpt: https://bit.ly/35WgvGc
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Book 4 in The Wrecked Series
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Book 5 in The Wrecked Series
~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~
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What a review Bee. I always look forward to your review!! I haven't read Catherin Cowles for quite sometime. And your review makes me want to read her books again...
ReplyDelete4.5 stars!!! Yes. I love your review,I too like the feel the emotion when I'm reading. Oh my, I want to meet Griffin!!!
ReplyDeleteGREAT Review
ReplyDeleteWow! This is why I always look forward to your reviews Bee. You always get me excited and make me wanna read the book immediately. I haven't read this yet but I think I'm already in love with Griffin. Can't wait to chat with you about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! Looking forward to reading this book now!
ReplyDelete