It was supposed to be a summer we’d never forget.
Instead, everything was stolen from me.
The best friend who was more like a sister. The innocent way I looked at life.
Leaving me with only unanswered questions.
Returning to the island is the second chance I didn’t know I needed.
And Hunter is the surprise that knocks me sideways.
There’s a hurt in him that calls to my own.
A strength I find in sharing our scars.
Igniting a spark that turns to flame.
But someone isn’t happy about the world I’m building for myself.
And nothing will stop them from tearing it all apart…
REVIEW: 4 Stars
"You make me forget to breathe."
It’s so hard not to fall in love with Catherine Cowles' love stories. There is so much depth layered within the fabric of her characters. Goodness, I have always walked away from one of her books with a smile. She does such an amazing job at developing the story line, giving the characters understandable pain, and making their vulnerabilities relatable. These are everyday YOU and ME characters. I love them so much. I truly do. Not super heroes….but BBF heroes, nonetheless. Same thing, right?? Right.
Starting out the way this one did? My gosh, hard lessons to learn as a teenager - seriously, what a hard beginning to a story, but it also gave some structure to Piper so that I could get to know who she was and how she handled stress. The fact that she was quick on the trigger when someone ruffled her feathers - it was like looking in the mirror. She already had some deep-rooted issues to deal with, but I loved the spunk she had in her. I may have side-eyed her a few times, but that just made her more real.
I obviously knew Hunter from previous books, and I knew what he went through, so I already had a good basis for his character and who he was. He clearly needed the right woman to woo him. I mean, I honestly thought that woman was going to be a different breed. A strong one that took no smack and walked to the beat of her own drum. But I was pleasantly surprised by Piper's demeanor and personality. She is honestly the girl everyone wants to be friends with, but she wasn't a pushover either. And oh my gosh, she had me giggling at every turn with her quick comebacks for Hunter. Definitely an entertaining couple to watch come together.
Was this a slow burn kind of romance? I'm not sure I would categorize it under that entirely, but it wasn't immediate and it was definitely a relationship they both had to accept on their own terms. I enjoyed their ups and downs, but to be completely honest - even when Piper came out of left field, Hunter was there with understanding and a calm stance with a truth for her well-being. It wasn't self-serving, and that is such a great thing to read in a Hero. I like a manly man, a rough and ready, gruff kind of man. Alpha is a very good description, but sometimes overused. So, it was nice seeing the emotional side of a man being written into his character this way. Steady, peaceful and strong. I will admit that the way Hunter moved in on her once he realized where his heart was situated, it was with some good precision!! Did he light up her eyes? Hell yes! But he also pushed her buttons. It was fun watching him come to the realization that she was all the good he needed in his life. Because when He knows what He wants, you know he's gonna do everything in his power to make sure that the woman he loves is very aware of it. This was Hunter.
To.
A.
T.
And I'm putting this out there - in my own bubble, I am head over heels in love with Hunter. He makes me melt. A good mixture of strength and vulnerability, and a side of charm with a smirk that'll knock your socks off. His emotional side was well written and he didn't act too macho to compensate for the emotions he was waging in his own mind.
"The woman was a force of nature. I was simply along for the ride."
"The woman was a force of nature. I was simply along for the ride."
Side characters are always fun to follow throughout a book. If it's written well (always with Catherine Cowles), their roles gives a broader meaning to the overall dimension of the story. It's always neat to see who the main characters surround themselves with and it gives me a good indication of who they are at their very core. The extended family Hunter is blessed with is the reason why he is the way he is - and who he is. Being able to lean on those we can trust is very important. So when Catherine introduced Nathan and Vic to me? HAHAHA! Best. Uncles. Ever. <-- said with the biggest grin on my face!!! The power of family was portrayed well and true in this book and gave a heartwarming background to return to as needed while Hunter and Piper's love story unfolded. The love and the impactful way they cared for her was everything I loved about this book. Family. Love. Friendship. Bonds that will never be broken. Total moral of this story in every way, shape, and form.
To be fair and honest: This was another beautiful, well-written romantic suspense book. Catherine Cowles' stories flow with such ease and I never feel like I'm searching for perfection - because, again, she delivers that with ease. But also again, it almost feels like a rinse and repeat because it really is the same formula with each book in the manner of damsel in distress, danger, drama, savior in the hero. I’m aware that this is what I sign up for (*willingly*) - because she is an absolutely amazing storyteller, but I’m really hoping for some more variation in her next series. I never want to say been there, done that, but it almost felt as if I was reading the same story with different characters....to a certain degree.
However, I know I really shouldn't complain because she can drag me down me under her spell with every page I turn. I just feel like this tiny island sure has a lot of danger lurking. But, no lie - I'd love for Hunter to come to my rescue if I needed it. He was scrumdiddlyumptious. I mean, a girl can blush a little, right?? He is quite literally the exact definition of icing on the cake. I'll take two. Kthxbye.
Overwhelmingly great read. I’ll always recommend her books. I’ll always enthusiastically share her and gift out her books. And just so you know, I’ll be here, happily reading and recommending every book of hers I read. She is consistently a five star writer - no doubt in my mind about that. I just hope to see more. Soon.
Tattered Stars is coming. I'm ready. Bring on Everly and Hayes.
"When an opportunity presented itself to chase your dreams, you didn't let it slip through your fingers."
~BEE
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
______________________________________
Book 4 in The Wrecked Series
My Review: https://bit.ly/3jnQlTX
READ an Excerpt: https://bit.ly/3zinaHw
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Book 5 in The Wrecked Series
READ an Excerpt: https://bit.ly/3zAzcLH
~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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Finally Hunter's book! This is the push I needed to continue the series. Love your review Bee. I miss reading your thoughts on books. I agree when you said that Catherine's books are the same formula. But I love how she tells each story. I love the thrill. I love how she makes me fall head over heels in love with her characters. I can't wait to read this!
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ReplyDeleteAnother amazing review! Loved this book!
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