Catherine Cowles

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.25

First Impressions
Fragile Sanctuary is the first book in Cowles newest series so I can't tell you how excited I was to finally be able to finally get to this one. It did take me a bit longer than I would have preferred to get this review out to you, so I do apologize for that. Fragile Sanctuary, was a book that was hinted at in the last book of her previous series, and I was really fascinated to see how she would develop this story here and she really knocked it out of the park, especially the suspense elements that are a part of the series. I do love that she is becoming a bit stronger with suspense with each series. She isn't quite "romantic suspense" yet, but she is definitely getting there.

First Line
"What was it like" Fallon whispered as the SUV bounced along the gravel road.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Anson
The Heroine: Rhodes

What I Loved
Fragile Sanctuary had such sweet overtones to it that just tugs you into the heart of the story so quickly. From the very beginning, I was so in tune with these characters. Both Rhodes and Anson have suffered their own types of pain and heartache and you see how their tortured halfs just connect so completely with each other. I was so drawn into these two and how much they need each other. And this story is a perfect example of how opposites truly find balance within each other. Anson is so grump and mean and he doesn't like people at all. Then we have Rhodes, who is sweet and kind and so loveable. She just wants to have love in her sphere of community. And even though these two couldn't be more different from each other, there is a type of emotional intimacy of understanding of pain that grows between them. I did appreciate how the suspense elements were handled in the story. It was one of my favorite aspects of "Fragile Sanctuary" I was so easily drawn into this book and what worked for them here for the danger elements. You could easily feel the tension from it being slowly built into the story and it was fascinating to see who was the true villain and boy did she shock me here.

What I Struggled With
Even though there were many aspects to this story I did love, I just wasn't a fan of the angst between the couple. It just felt off kilter for them and didn't quite jive with the rest of the story. There was no warning of this at all. So I just wasn't prepared for the level of angst that wa blended into the story. I know it will work for many readers, but I am very picky and selective in how angst is done, and it definitely could have been done better. Its definitely not Cowles greatest strength.

Narration
BRILLIANT!!! If you can do this author's books in audio, I beg of you, please do so, because she picks the best narrators to bring out only the best in her books!

Overall View
Fragile Sanctuary is a story that will tug you in moments that you least expect, take you on a adventure you won't see coming, pack in deep emotion to dig deep into your heart and leave you breathless but satisfied in the end!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Grumpy Hero, Jerk Hero, Ex Law Enforcement
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Danger/Suspense, Heart/Touching,

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A blend

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Kristen Proby
Elsie Silver
Jennifer Ryan

Song This Book Inspires
No Running From Me by Toulouse

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.

Narrators:
Zachary Webber
Andi Arndt… (lisätietoja)

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨✨

First Impressions
Ashes of You is the last book of the “Lost & Found” series with characters hinted at for the next upcoming series. I was feeling so melancholy knowing that this would be the last of the series but also terrified that Lawson’s book wouldn’t live up to expectation because I have been madly in love with his character and his adorable boys since book one. So going into this one I was so nervous for, because its also the last book but also because Lawson and his boys are characters that deserve the best happiness after the struggles they have had. Ashes of You is the most poignant beautiful masterpieces that this author has ever created. Ashes of You is a breathtaking book that blew my mind. I didn’t know what to expect because lately single dad/nanny books just haven’t worked for me. But I can tell you this book knocked my socks off. It was tender and sweet and packed with so much deep emotion that I can guarantee that you won’t get enough of it.

First Line
Keep Moving. Keep Moving. Keep Moving.

Summary
Lawson and his brothers found Hallie lost in the woods with apparent trauma, and now its been five years. Hallie and Lawson have never forgotten each other. But Hallie is back in town, learning to cope with the trauma of being kidnapped and tortured and being the only survivor of a serial killer. When there is an opening to be the nanny for Lawson’s three sons, Lawson and Hallie find a way to make it work for all parties involved. Hallie is still struggling with anxiety and learning to accept the changes that are part of her life, while at the same time dealing with the complex family dynamics with Lawson and his sons. There is some powerful chemistry that is building between Lawson and Hallie, and their story resonates deeply. But Hallie is also discovering the strength in each of his sons and learning to connect with them and bringing them out of the shadows and into the light. As they learn to connect with each other, they become a family where they least expect it….but there is a danger unforseen that could tear their foundation apart…

What I Loved
Ashes Of You is a book that BLEW my heart and soul out of the water! Honestly, I am speechless in how I am going to be able to adequately convey this story and how well its written. This story resonated with me so deeply and FINALLY a nanny heroine I can actually love. (lately a lot of nanny romances, the heroine has been sarcastic and sassy and just very unlikeable) so it was so refreshing to have a nanny heroine that was softer and feminine and has such a kind heart. But she is so strong, and what I really was drawn to the most was the inner strength Hallie has, and it reflects so strongly in other aspects of the story. The connection that she builds with each of the sons is so captivating. They each have different journeys and distinct personalities and she responds to them in such a way that is so precious. Her patience with them is well captured and I just admired Hallie so much. Definitely one of the BEST heroines I have read in a long while. Then we have Lawson, who is a working dad but trying to get balance with his sons and building something special with Hallie. Lawson is having to learn to trust in himself again so he can trust Hallie. Its not easy for him because he was treated so poorly in the past and once everything comes to light, you have such understanding for the struggle that the hero is having to face with his feelings growing for Hallie and the connection she is building with his sons. There is such a level of respect between Lawson and Hallie that is so healthy in their relationship. In fact, it was one of my favorite aspects to this story. Respect is so vital in a relationship and loved seeing it being represented. The emotion in this book is very heartfelt. You will feel the struggle that these characters go through, but more than that you see their growth and journey together and finding different ways to heal and become more empowered in such a precious way that felt so relatable.

What I Struggled With
Nothing. LOL This book worked for me in every way.

Narration
These two CAPTURED this book perfectly! Honestly, if you love audiobooks, please do this one in Audio. You won’t regret it. They really reflected the emotion just right and built the dynamics of the relationships involved in a way that resonates on a deep level.

Overall View
Ashes Of You is a romance that will resonate deeply. Its a story of seeing the power of healing and love in a manner that will sing deeply to the heart and soul of the reader. A TRULY MAGNETIC TALE TO MELT YOU FROM HEAD TO TOE!

Favorite Quote(s)
“It’s you, Blue. You’re the one who brought me out of the ashes. It’s always been you.”

“Can’t imagine doing life without you. Not now. Hallie, you’ve ruined me. But I’d burn myself to ash over and over if it meant getting you in the end.”

I wrapped my arms around his waist, my fingers fisting in his uniform shirt. But I didn’t say anything. Whispers of apologies didn’t come close to being enough. “Need to know you’re safe. Feel you breathing.” My heart broke for this strong, beautiful man with the best heart. “I’m right here, Blue. I’m right here.”

“We all have scars. Things that we think might make us weak. But, in reality, they’re usually the source of our strength.”

“Hallie, you’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Your kindness and empathy only make you more beautiful. But your bravery? It steals my breath.”

“Your eyes. I thought I could drown in all that blue, but it would be okay because there was only goodness there. Safety. Peace.”

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Feminine Heroine, Book Boyfriend, Scarred Heroine, Single Dad, Nanny Heroine
Themes: Small Town, Tear Jerker, Kids/Teens, Danger/Suspense, Heart/Touching
Tropes: Slow Burn, Forced Proximity

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Jennifer Ryan
Carolyn Brown

Song This Book Inspires
Home by Matthew Hall

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I do think to get the most out of it to read in order, especially for this one. But you can read as a standalone if needed.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.

Narrators:
Ava Erickson, Sebastian York… (lisätietoja)

This series has become an all time favorite of mine and I honestly didn’t think anyone could top Walker, then Liam came alone, then Tuck is here, and he is my favorite. Tuck is a beautiful soul, that is funny, charismatic, loyal, loving, and is afraid he will become his father. Tuck has made the Cole family his surrogate because of issues with his own family so he grew up being best friends with Walker and therefore being attached at the hip to Walker’s sister Jensen. He is very protective of her, he is her best friend, they can read each other so much more than anyone else can, and they have a love that is familial until now. Jensen has been through a lot in her lifetime and recently she is finding it hard to move on and live, Tuck notices how her sparkle has went out and he doesn’t like it at all so he sets out to help her find her fire again. The more time they spend together their relationship starts to change into more of a romantic capacity and they start to fall in love but Tuck is still doubtful he can be what Jensen and Noah needs. I loved everything about this book, Tuck being a wonderful and loyal man to Jensen being a tough and humble single parent, and the suspense especially towards the end. Three hand squeezes and three forehead kisses (swoon)… (lisätietoja)

This a series that seems to get more amazing with each book. Walker was beyond incredible but now it is time for Liam's story and he definitely sweeps us away.

Liam is a Rockstar that is tired of his life in Hollywood, but then an incident takes place that sends him running to Sutter Lake. All he wants to do is live his life the way he wants and write the music that he wants to write, but at the moment he is suffering from some serious writer's block until he literally runs into Tessa.

Tessa is a sweet, kind, but quiet person that has been in Sutter Lake for a few years now, but hasn't made too many friends or had much of a relationship of any kind except for the Cole family. She is running away from her old life also and she is always looking over her back because she has secrets that could be dangerous to her and everyone else. Liam makes it his mission to get close to Tessa because not only has she became his muse but he is deeply attracted to her. He is incredibly patient with her and accepts her the way she is, as does she with him.

I absolutely loved this book, it was full of emotions and passion. The author has brought these characters and this small town to life where us readers can actually feel their emotions and develop an attachment to such an amazing stories.
… (lisätietoja)