For Anna, keeping her deepest scars hidden from the world has always been a necessity—from the bruises of her childhood to the mistake that nearly cost her everything. To keep herself safe, she must keep everyone around her at a distance—especially the man who has tempted her since the moment they met.
His demons are taunting him.
Mason has done his best to bury the past by achieving more than he ever thought possible. But even with all of his success, his life feels empty.
When tragedy strikes, Anna is left fighting to protect the only family she has left. And Mason will do anything to keep her and her loved ones safe—even if that means the ring of wedding bells.
But as a new spark ignites between them, someone is watching.
And they’ll do whatever it takes to snuff out that light for good.
REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Just because you're content doesn't mean you can't reach for more."
Let's start with this: the most FITTING title for this book. And, it goes without saying: this cover is absolutely gorgeous. I will have this entire series signed on my shelf. So beautiful!
I just told a dear friend of mine that even though I'm not a sweet reader by choice, I keep coming back for more books by Catherine Cowles. That has to count for something, doesn't it? She lures me in each time with her sweet Heroes, and her determined heroines. I'm also not a huge romantic suspense reader either...so, again - that has to mean something, right?? Well, the long and the short of it - it does. Catherine Cowles is a regular recommendation from me. I just recommended her to my sweet friend who is an author. Just the other day, I recommended her to my hygienist. I have all the confidence in her writing that I heartily recommend her to a wide range of readers quite often. She's a very easy, super smooth, and well written read. I always walk away with a sort of calmness, a serene feeling knowing all is right in the world after reading her books. This one, it was no different. Mason is a new favorite BBF. (Note: this should have been very difficult after Griffin!!)
This book, uncharacteristically, brought some tears to my eyes. Needless to say, I was shocked. We all know my heart is solid as a rock - literally. No room in there for mushiness. But, the details of this heartache are definitely ones to discover as you read the book, but I will say the momma strings in my heart were yanked on awfully hard and it just made me want to snuggle Justin and Lyla a little more heartily. I loathe evil family members in books and feel like sometimes that scenario is used oftentimes too much as a means for the "necessary" drama to push the suspense in some plots, but I have first hand been affected by every one of these issues (in some manner) that compounded the drama in this story, so I was easily able to connect on a more emotional level with Anna's plight from a relatability standpoint. Her steadfast determination was the crux for my new cheerleading outfit - not gonna lie. I was reading my book with my pompoms out. If Catherine gives me one thing, it's a heroine with strength. Oh, and a man worthy of my drool - so two things!! 😂
One thing I feel Cowles shared well was the underlying current of a societal problem that isn't discussed enough, isn't prevented enough. The topic can be nudged many ways, depending on the representation - but it also has many implications for all involved. I can appreciate the way she worked it into this story, but not so deep that it detracted from the focus of what was going on (not dismissing it, but it wasn't the focus). It wasn't the only drama, but it definitely provided a discussable topic. An important one, nonetheless.
So ends my simple review, espousing all the reasons I believe why everyone should read this author and all her books - blah blah blah, I know. I probably sound like a broken record. The thing is, I can only say the same thing so many different ways, so many times: I love Cowles' style, her delivery, her voice, her stories, her characters. I'll always be fighting for first in line to read her books. I've read every single one of them and I keep coming back for more and will continue to do so. I seriously LOVE her and the simplistic, yet thorough way she tells her stories. They're very clean and engaging. She's my guaranteed smile at the end of a book. She's my Amazing Hero Supplier. But, fair warning - she's also my "80% insert drama here" author, too. She's formulaic in that aspect - as in, we know, just knoooow something is going to happen, so there really is no surprise it's coming. Am I complaining about that? No, not really because it's still a journey getting from Point A to Point B. In this one, watching the character growth, the emotional baggage/wall breakage, the blooming love - it all played its part and I just really enjoyed it. Very much so.
Needless to say, her books have become a sort of safe haven for me....a home for my heart.
Again, keep your eyes open for her Tattered & Torn series coming up, starting at the beginning of 2022 - because that's sure to be a page turning series as well. I'm looking forward to her next few releases and know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be snuggling in with her newest Hero watching him fall in love with the heroine while she turns his life upside down.
Add Tattered & Torn series to your TBR HERE.
Preorder Tattered & Torn books on AMAZON.
"You have to let yourself feel the hurt. If you don't, you'll cut yourself off from the good."
~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~
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