Catherine Cowles

A woman who’s lost everything. Taylor is looking for peace and quiet away from the memories of all she’s lost. A small mountain town where no one knows her seems like the perfect escape. A man battling the ghosts of his past. Walker loves his life just the way it is. His town, his family, his brothers in blue. Everything simple and easy—until a chance encounter changes it all. When Taylor’s solitude is interrupted by the rugged cop, they find that the very thing they were avoiding might be just what they both need. As their iron wills clash and passion flares…a killer lurks. And you never know who might be caught in the crosshairs. ****** Read what others are saying about Beautifully Broken Pieces: "A small town romance that gripped me from the very first page. I fell in love with these characters, with the writing, and with this unexpected story. I can't recommend it enough!" - Alessandra Torre, New York Times Bestseller “Heartwarming, romantic and with an added bit of suspense, Beautifully Broken Pieces had me glued to every page! Catherine Cowles, meet your newest super fan.” - Devney Perry, USA Today Bestseller Read what others are saying about Catherine Cowles: “Cowles writes fresh, addicting, and intensely beautiful stories!” - Susan Stoker, New York Times Bestseller "Catherine Cowles has a way of pulling the reader into the world she has created and leaves you there for days after you have read the last page." - Kelly Elliott, New York Times Bestseller Read what reviewers are saying about Beautifully Broken Pieces: “Fans of Kristen Ashley and Devney Perry will really love this one.” - Garden of REden Book Blog “A tender, steamy and poignant love story with a healthy dose of cleverly-plotted mystery and suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end...absolutely fantastic.” - Mary Dube, Frolic "If you're a fan of heartwarming small town romances, do I have a great new book and author for you!!! After spending the weekend discovering Catherine Cowles' writing for the very first time, I walked away knowing I would read every single thing this talented new author ever writes." - Natasha is a Book Junkie "There aren’t enough stars in the world for what this book deserves because Beautifully Broken Pieces deserves every last star in the universe.” - Red Hatter Book Blog *** Perfect for readers of Kristen Ashley, Nora Roberts, and Devney Perry.

Beautifully Broken Pieces

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️

Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻

Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️

Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒.5

Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂

Beautifully Broken Pieces is the first book in the first series by Catherine Cowles. I have been making my way through this authors backlist and now this is the last series before I am fully caught up. In this one, we are brought to a setting that features a small town with a lake and mountain setting in Oregon. I really love these type of settings, (as I live in Utah and I can easily relate to this type of setting) and I really had so much fun with this book. It was so endearing and delivered on such raw emotion that I easily related with. We have a strong sense of family, of loss and grief and of learning to reconnect with living life again. And with typical Catherine Cowles fashion, there is also well plot building with impactful suspense themes to it.

Did you know that when you choose to take someone off life support, they mute the heart monitor?

Law Enforcement officer, Alphamellow, Protective, Loves to laugh

Originally from LA, recovering from her mother passing away from cancer and dealing with anxiety from the loss.

Taylor loses the only family that she has left to cancer, her mother who was her rock. And even though she has some good friends, she isn't handling the loss very well and she needs some time from the city and from the life that she has known to recover from the loss. When she and her friends arrive to Sutter Lake, she instantly falls in love with the town and when she spies a man with a laugh that warms her from inside out, and his family offers for her a place to live on their ranch, she feels the inclination to say yes. As she starts to live her life in Sutter Lake, and trying to work through her grief, she feels a deep connection to Walker. And when some mysterious deaths happen in the area, Walker is determined to find the cause and when dangers begin to threaten the woman he loves, the culprit will be someone that they will least expect...

Beautifully Broken Pieces was such a heartfelt story that strikes deep. I truly was instantly endeared to this one, and if you as a reader, has had any loss, you will easily be able to relate to this heroine especially. Seeing her go through the journey and all the steps of what happens when you lose someone like she does, it makes your heart just break for her. You especially see the anxiety and some form of depression that begins to affect her and the relationships around her. I really adored seeing this element being portrayed and what we find with our heroine and her growth.

Walker is such a wonderful hero because of the way he is standing by her and being the strength that she needs to get through it. I loved his character because he is so attentive, protective and stands up to her when she needs that. She tends to push people around her away, and sometimes needs that firm hand of someone that loves her no matter how much she hurts them. We see the fear that she feels of being hurt, but seeing her take a risk on Walker was beyond poignant and the author really wrote this in such a way that you are so endeared by these characters.

The side characters that we see within this story were such a blast. I absolutely adored Walker's family, and most especially his nephew and grandmother, they were a hoot and brought some laughter to the story to really balance out the more serious toned portions of the story.

There wasn't too much that I struggled with in this one. I would say the third act with the heroine and the way in which she keeps pushing the hero away, I wasn't a fan of. I mean you understand the grief, but the way that she treats the hero at times, I wasn't encouraged by. He is such a honorable hero and she never even did a grovel for how she treats him.

Beautifully Broken Pieces is a installment that pulls the reader into a story of heartfelt emotion, strong family bonds, and a thrilling plot bound to curl your toes and keep you on edge that will keep you wanting more...

Walker Cole had me wrapped up in a spell so strong, so intricate, that I knew it would take me years to unravel it.

"Well, then all your beautifully broken pieces are mine."

You are here for me. You made me smile on a day when I thought that would be impossible. And when I feel your body next to mine, my sould settles somehow. I feel at peace. So, you are here for me in every way I need.

Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance,, Romantic Suspense

Character Types: Law Enforcement, Alphamellow/Cinnamon Roll, Protector, Book Boyfriend

Lover of Romance 

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒.5
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧.5
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
Beautifully Broken Pieces is the first book in the first series by Catherine Cowles. I have been making my way through this authors backlist and now this is the last series before I am fully caught up. In this one, we are brought to a setting that features a small town with a lake and mountain setting in Oregon. I really love these type of settings, (as I live in Utah and I can easily relate to this type of setting) and I really had so much fun with this book. It was so endearing and delivered on such raw emotion that I easily related with. We have a strong sense of family, of loss and grief and of learning to reconnect with living life again. And with typical Catherine Cowles fashion, there is also well plot building with impactful suspense themes to it.

First Line
Did you know that when you choose to take someone off life support, they mute the heart monitor?

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Walker
Law Enforcement officer, Alphamellow, Protective, Loves to laugh

The Heroine: Taylor
Originally from LA, recovering from her mother passing away from cancer and dealing with anxiety from the loss.

Summary
Taylor loses the only family that she has left to cancer, her mother who was her rock. And even though she has some good friends, she isn't handling the loss very well and she needs some time from the city and from the life that she has known to recover from the loss. When she and her friends arrive to Sutter Lake, she instantly falls in love with the town and when she spies a man with a laugh that warms her from inside out, and his family offers for her a place to live on their ranch, she feels the inclination to say yes. As she starts to live her life in Sutter Lake, and trying to work through her grief, she feels a deep connection to Walker. And when some mysterious deaths happen in the area, Walker is determined to find the cause and when dangers begin to threaten the woman he loves, the culprit will be someone that they will least expect...

What I Loved
Beautifully Broken Pieces was such a heartfelt story that strikes deep. I truly was instantly endeared to this one, and if you as a reader, has had any loss, you will easily be able to relate to this heroine especially. Seeing her go through the journey and all the steps of what happens when you lose someone like she does, it makes your heart just break for her. You especially see the anxiety and some form of depression that begins to affect her and the relationships around her. I really adored seeing this element being portrayed and what we find with our heroine and her growth.

Walker is such a wonderful hero because of the way he is standing by her and being the strength that she needs to get through it. I loved his character because he is so attentive, protective and stands up to her when she needs that. She tends to push people around her away, and sometimes needs that firm hand of someone that loves her no matter how much she hurts them. We see the fear that she feels of being hurt, but seeing her take a risk on Walker was beyond poignant and the author really wrote this in such a way that you are so endeared by these characters.

The side characters that we see within this story were such a blast. I absolutely adored Walker's family, and most especially his nephew and grandmother, they were a hoot and brought some laughter to the story to really balance out the more serious toned portions of the story.

What I Struggled With
There wasn't too much that I struggled with in this one. I would say the third act with the heroine and the way in which she keeps pushing the hero away, I wasn't a fan of. I mean you understand the grief, but the way that she treats the hero at times, I wasn't encouraged by. He is such a honorable hero and she never even did a grovel for how she treats him.

Overall View
Beautifully Broken Pieces is a installment that pulls the reader into a story of heartfelt emotion, strong family bonds, and a thrilling plot bound to curl your toes and keep you on edge that will keep you wanting more...

Favorite Quote(s)
Walker Cole had me wrapped up in a spell so strong, so intricate, that I knew it would take me years to unravel it.

"I want you. You're mine remember."
"I'm broken Walker."
"Well, then all your beautifully broken pieces are mine."

You are here for me. You made me smile on a day when I thought that would be impossible. And when I feel your body next to mine, my sould settles somehow. I feel at peace. So, you are here for me in every way I need.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance,, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Law Enforcement, Alphamellow/Cinnamon Roll, Protector, Book Boyfriend
Themes: Small Town, Pining Hero, Danger, Family Bonds, Heart/Touching, Laughs, Tear Jerker
Tropes: Unrequited Love

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

Song This Book Inspires
Love Me Back by Bebe Stockwell

Recommendation For Reading Order
You can read Catherine Cowles as standalones or in order, its your preference but you can do either.

Steam/Spice Explanations

Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
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.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.

Logan Chisholm

3.5★ honestly this plot felt identical to her most recent book, tattered stars, which I read right before this. kinda felt like i read the same book twice. maybe

She’s on the run… Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding in plain sight—just as long as no one asks too many questions. He can’t escape… Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single whisper can ruin a life. After seeing the darker side of fame, he's desperate to retreat and find his voice again. Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a connection neither expected. But the forces they’re both running from still lurk in the shadows… And you never know when they might strike. ***** Read what others are saying about Catherine Cowles: "I fell in love with these characters, with the writing, and with this unexpected story. I can't recommend it enough!" - Alessandra Torre, New York Times Bestseller “Heartwarming, romantic and with an added bit of suspense, Beautifully Broken Pieces had me glued to every page! Catherine Cowles, meet your newest super fan.” - Devney Perry, USA Today Bestseller “Cowles writes fresh, addicting, and intensely beautiful stories!” - Susan Stoker, New York Times Bestseller "Catherine Cowles has a way of pulling the reader into the world she has created and leaves you there for days after you have read the last page." - Kelly Elliott, New York Times Bestseller “I walked away knowing I would read every single thing this talented new author ever writes." - Natasha is a Book Junkie Read what reviewers are saying about Beautifully Broken Life: "This book had me from the first page. It gripped my heart and I held my breath only to fall in love with such a beautiful story. One of my top reads of the year!" - Natasha Madison "Get ready to have your heart stolen. Liam Fairchild is going to lock it up and throw away the key. Beautifully Broken Life is slow-burn at it's finest." - Grahame Claire, USA Today Bestselling Author “This is a gorgeous slow-burn romance will have you feeling absolutely everything. Tessa and Liam are one of my favorite couples of 2019.” - Mary Dubé, Frolic *** Perfect for readers of Kristen Ashley, Nora Roberts, and Devney Perry.

Beautifully Broken Life

3.5★ enjoyable, easy read, but again the suspense element of the plot was almost identical to the previous book. I’ve been listening to these because I needed audiobooks while driving, so they help pass the time. I’m less picky when it comes to audiobooks, mostly bc i consume so many I feel like my audible TBR is always empty, so I just need more recs to listen to. Since the plots seem to keep repeating themselves, I don’t think i’d be prioritizing this series if i was actually reading with my eyeballs instead of my ears.

She’s always been his safe place to land. Jensen has shared a special bond with Tuck for as long as she can remember, their friendship a language that never needed words. But as life threw her one curveball after another, that secret language turned to stony silence. He’s always been her protector. Tuck has looked out for Jensen since the day she was born. As his best friend’s little sister, he’s tried to keep her firmly in the friend category. But she’s always been more. All it takes is one moment of weakness to send Tuck’s fiercely guarded walls crumbling to the ground. As a new fire burns between them, someone watches. Someone who doesn’t like the new life Jensen’s building for herself. And they’ll stop at nothing to keep her in the dark. ***** Read what others are saying about Catherine Cowles: "I fell in love with these characters, with the writing, and with this unexpected story. I can't recommend it enough!" - Alessandra Torre, New York Times Bestseller “Heartwarming, romantic and with an added bit of suspense, Beautifully Broken Pieces had me glued to every page! Catherine Cowles, meet your newest super fan.” - Devney Perry, USA Today Bestseller “Cowles writes fresh, addicting, and intensely beautiful stories!” - Susan Stoker, New York Times Bestseller "Catherine Cowles has a way of pulling the reader into the world she has created and leaves you there for days after you have read the last page." - Kelly Elliott, New York Times Bestseller “I walked away knowing I would read every single thing this talented new author ever writes." - Natasha is a Book Junkie Read what reviewers are saying about Beautifully Broken Spirit: "This friends-to-lovers, second-chance story by Cowles is sweet, hot, suspenseful, and oh-so-satisfying. You'll want to turn around and read it again the second you're done." - Susan Stoker, New York Times Bestseller "A beautifully written romantic suspense that will leave you breathless. Catherine Cowles has a way of pulling the reader into the world she has created and leaves you there for days after you have read the last page. Beautifully Broken Spirit is one of my favorite reads of 2019." - New York Times bestselling author, Kelly Elliott "An emotional journey that will grip your heart and never let it go." - Grahame Claire, USA Today Bestseller "Beautifully Broken Spirit gives you angst, mystery, suspense, hope, and all the feels romance junkies crave." - Brittany, A Bit Smutty Book Blog "All the stars for Jensen and Tuck! This friends to lovers romance was sweet, suspenseful and steamy all rolled into a beautiful package set in the mountains and a small town. One of my top reads of 2019." - Lyndsay, Goodreads Reviewer *** Perfect for readers of Kristen Ashley, Nora Roberts, and Devney Perry.

Beautifully Broken Spirit

A woman trying to rebuild her life. Kennedy is doing all she can to escape, to prove that she’s not the monster her father was. A simple life of peace and service is all she needs. A man haunted by a past he can’t forget. Cain has buried his demons under layers of control and success. The only thing he needs is his company and his solitude. Certainly not a woman with captivating green eyes filled with ghosts so similar to his own. He’s a reminder of the life she’s left behind. And she’s a threat to his tightly guarded control. As sparks fly between them, they discover that what they might need most is each other. But with pasts like theirs...you never know when darkness might descend.

Beautifully Broken Control

Madalena Oliveira Maia

Alicia Haws

Beautifully Broken Spirit was a beautiful and well written friends to lovers romance story. I loved our MC's Tuck and Jensen, they were so easy to fall in love with and very relatable. Catherine Cowles gave us a truly fantastic story, full of heart and soul.

Jensen is a strong and fiercely independent single mom, who is doing her very best to support herself and her son, Noah. She is a hard worker, and is so passionate about the things she loves and believes in. She has had a tough break with the men in her past, and because of this, she has hardened her heart slightly to love, and doesn't trust herself to make good decisions when it comes to men.

Tuck is an acclaimed playboy, but not in a jerk sort of way. He is also a hard worker, and extremely loyal in everything he does. He has a sticky family life and has adopted Jensen's (and Walker- his best friend, and Jensen's brother) family as his own. Because of this, him and Jensen have always been around each other and have a close and special bond. They especially bond over their loves of the beautiful wild Mustangs near their home.

When someone starts killing these innocent and beautiful horses, Tuck and Jensen become even closer and realize that they may have real feelings for each other. Not wanting to ruin their lifelong friendship, they try to resist the pull they have toward each other, but are unable to stay away for long.

One of my favorite things about this story was the fierce loyalty between the MC's. It is one of the reasons that I love friends to lovers stories so much. I also loved how Tuck was with Noah, and how being around Noah and Jensen made him a better man. They truly bring out the best in each other, and it made for a wonderful story.

Overall, this was a swoon-worthy read with a bit of suspense, and was very well written. Catherine Cowles knocked it out of the park, and I can't wait to read more from this author!

**Special thanks to the author for the advanced copy of the book in exchange only for my honest thoughts and review.**

Beautifully Broken Pieces

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