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 … 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.
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This book is an amazing way to end the Sutter Lake series. I absolutely adore this series and I never wanted it to end. This series makes my heart so happy. Catherine Cowles has a way of taking some of the most heartbreaking life situations and weaving them into something that ends in complete beauty. She is a master at slaying my darn heart and then putting the pieces back together. I simply love everything about the Sutter Lake series. I need more of all of my couples! They make my heart so happy. I think Cain and Kennedy are tied with Tuck and Jensen as my favorite couple of this series. I don’t think I can choose between them. Cain and Kennedy gave Tuck and Jensen a run for their money though. Whew! I need more!
Let’s start off by saying Cain is all sorts of alpha male, overprotective, swoon worthy, drool worthy, hotness overload. This man is one of my favorites. I loved absolutely every second of his story. He broke my heart and then put the pieces back together. Gosh. I don’t think I can adequately describe how much I love Cain. He is such a good man. He makes sure that those he cares about are safe and protected. There were times he went a bit overboard, but given his life circumstances it makes total sense to me. He lost one of the most important people in his life and he will do anything to not go through that pain again. I simply wanted to wrap this man in a bear hug and never ever let him go. He is so strong and compassionate. He fights for those he loves. He’s willing to do what it takes to try and grow and move past the tragedies that weigh him down. I admire Cain so much. I need more of him!
Kennedy is such an amazing female lead character. She is so strong and resilient. She keeps fighting even though she wants to give up and thinks she deserves whatever terrible things life throws at her. She is such a good person. When she was presented with an extremely hard life choice, she made the right decision. She went against her entire family to make ensure that the right thing was done and justice was served. Her strength is admirable. Kennedy is such a good, kind, and compassionate person at heart. That was one of the most refreshing things about her character. She came from money and fine things, but she didn’t want that to define her. She wanted to be more than that. She wanted to give more than that. She donated her time and energy to others because it gave her a purpose in life. It helped her fulfill something that was always lacking in her life. It made her feel useful and helpful. It eased some of her guilt for what her family did to hardworking people. I wish people hadn’t been so terrible to her. She is nothing like her parents and what they chose to do does not define who she is as a person. She truly is a remarkable character.
Cain and Kennedy together are fire! The chemistry between them was amazing to read. They knew from the beginning they were attracted to one another, but didn’t want to give into it. Their age difference and dark pasts made it hard for them to open up and be honest with one another. It made it all the more worth it though. These two are honestly perfect together. They help one another work through some of the darker parts of their pasts. They help one another realize that the past can’t be changed and you can only look forward to the future. That you can be better and do better than before. I love everything about these two. They had their bumps in the road, but it only made them stronger and closer. I will gladly read about these two forever. And that bonus scene Catherine! Holy moly! Just rip my heart out why don’t you! It is such a beautiful scene and really shows how much Cain and Kennedy love one another. That bonus scene is simply a must read! It’s a must!
I really love that I got to read about the other couples as well! I love the Sutter Lake gang and it made my heart so happy and full to see all of them so happy and content. Jensen was simply an amazing friend to Kennedy (#friendshipgoals right there). I love that I got to see more of Jensen and Tuck. I simply adore those two. I loved seeing the dynamic between Cain, Tuck, and Walker. Those three are brothers for life. They would do anything for one another. I really enjoyed getting more background information about their relationship and how it’s only grown stronger over time. It made me love those three even more.
Overall, if I could rate this story with more than 5 stars, I would! I love the conclusion to the Sutter Lake series. Cain and Kennedy were a perfect way to end of the series. I’m sad that the series is over, but I look forward to rereading it again! I felt all of the feels with this book. It slayed my heart and then put all the pieces back together again. I can’t wait to see where Catherine takes me next. She is definitely a new favorite author of mine!
Absolutely amazing finale to the Sutter Lake Series. We all need a bit of Kennedy in is and to see her journey and growth and relationship between herself and the Uber alpha Cain is absolutely mesmerizing and breaktaking!
Interconnected standalones in a series are becoming my jam, I love making all the connections with the characters. And it’s a major bonus when you see your favorites pop up in the later books. Cain and Kennedy’s story brings two broken souls together in such a slow burn way that you can’t help but devour their story.
Jensen has finally found that family she’s been looking for in Sutter Lake even if she couldn’t quite say that was the truth. It’s tough when you come from home that’s just so broken and constantly blaming yourself for the fall of that. I liked that she started a new life in Sutter Lake on where I felt she was truly happy and just care-free. But there’s still so much holding her back to fully trust in people.
And that’s where Cain comes in! I absolutely loved how protective he was of her and that he wasn’t an a-hole about it. But he has his own personal demons that he’s continuing to fight.
Beautifully Broken Control had a little bit of everything and it’s definitely a bittersweet farewell to this series. This was definitely a great addition and conclusion to this series.
They may be my new favorite couple. Man I loved these two. First impressions are everything but when you realize how wrong you were and do everything you can to change it. So much love, he comes off so overprotective but it comes from somewhere so good! Loved every bit of their story.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
4.5+* ARC Review – Beautifully Ended Series
This is the continuation of the Sutter Lake series and I have read most of these books through Hidden Gems ARC program. I enthusiastically requested this ARC since I have become a fan of this author and series. This one did not disappoint. Although the characters were only recently introduced in the series their backstories were well explained and illustrated by the author. All the books in the series can be read by on their own, but I have enjoyed knowing all these characters and learning their stories.
Kennedy is a newcomer to Sutter Lake and is currently working several jobs and has become a reluctant part of the “family” that has been brought together by the Cole clan. She works for Jensen in the tea shop and lives above the store in a modest studio apartment with her deaf dog, Chuck. She seems to be paying penance for the life of privilege that she had when her father was running a Ponzi scheme. Enter Cain, a friend of the family and college friend of Walker and Tuck, who has moved to Sutter Lake to get away from Portland and investigate the mole at his tech security firm.
At times, Kennedy seems a little too laid back on her safety and Cain seems to be a little too overly alpha, but they come together and compromise a bit. They are a great couple and seem to complement each other beautifully. Although they both have challenging childhoods, they are both trying to work on those things that still haunt them from the past. As with all the books in the series, there is a bit of suspense that keeps you reading and guessing. My main complaint is that it appears to be the last book in the series.
A new author me. This is book 4, in the Sutter Lake series. I haven’t read the previous books, but I certainly will look,for them now. This story is about Cain and Kennedy. Both have tumultuous pasts. Cain is an easy character to love. He has been deeply hurt in his life to the point that he now tries to not let anything get past his barricades. He took the loss of a loved one and guilt very hard and is protective of those he loves. When Cain and Kennedy meet he soon becomes a caretaker of her and his feelings soon start to grow. Kennedy also has hurtful and difficult events in her past and came together town to make a new start. Being close to Cains makes her remember what it’s like to have someone in your life. The author reintroduces past characters in the book. You don’t have to have read them in order to enjoy this book but I can see it would enhance your read. All in all, I thought it was a lovely read and will look for the previous books in this series as well. The story was well written and complete. I also enjoyed the bit of suspense and mystery. I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book from HiddenGems
I absolutely love this series and Catherine Cowles’ writing. I’m sad to say goodbye to this whole wonderful group of characters in The Sutter Lake series. But ending it with Cain and Kennedy was wonderful! I loved the gratitude theme and even though Kennedy has had to deal with a lot of horrible stuff in her life she still strives to look for the good. She is such a strong woman and that’s definitely a huge factor when I look for a book to read. She wants to make it on her own and be her own woman. She doesn’t need a man to support her or define her! But if a man like Cain does come around and there are sparks then why not! Oh and Cain. We got little bits of Cain in the previous books when he helped Walker and Tuck but to learn all about Cain, a broken man who doesn’t want to remember his past not understanding that he can’t have a future without first dealing with his past. What I loved also about this book is that all the characters from the series became Cain and Kennedy’s family, Walker and Taylor, Tessa and Liam, Jensen and Tuck, they were all there to support them and be their shoulder to cry on or ear to vent to. What a way to end the series and visit all our friends in Sutter Lake one last time!
~Alexis B.
Welcome back to Sutter Lake. Kennedy and Cain’s story will grab your heart. This is a series, but you could pick this book up without having read books 1-3, but I’d advise you to read those books too. The storyline is easily followed. The characters are very interesting. They make difficult choices. Good friends. Small town. A bit of suspense. Those are all themes you will find inside of this book. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger.
Kennedy and Cain both have demons. She’s trying to come to terms with her father’s wrongs. He’s got a dark past he doesn’t want exposed. But they come to rely on each other and sneak past each other’s walls, and soon they’re coming to mean more to each other, in ways neither ever expected. And it will be up to Cain to protect and rescue the woman he’s come to love.
I always say I love vulnerable alpha males, and Cain is the perfect example. He’s alpha and commanding and protective, but something about Kennedy brings out his vulnerable side, and I LOVED that about her (and him). This is a wonderfully told tale, full of suspense and all the feels. I haven’t read any of the other stories in this series, but I loved this one and can’t wait for what’s next in Sutter Lake.
Gah!! I swear this series just keeps getting better! I LOOOOOOOVED this book and I cannot recommend it enough! You definitely need to dive into the Sutter Lake series!!
PT-BR/EN
Beautifully Broken Control fecha com chave de ouro a série Sutter Lake.
A história de Cain e Kennedy me prendeu, não consegui parar de ler. Só perde mesmo para Beautifully Broken Pieces que continua sendo o meu preferido dos quatro.
É impressão ou a Jensen é a melhor amiga de todas as personagens principais? Kkkkk
Só tenho uma reclamação, senti falta da Irma. Fora isso, eu adorei BBC!
Beautifully Broken Control ends the Sutter Lake series on a higher note.
I was hooked on Cain and Kennedy’s story, I couldn’t stop reading. It only loses to Beautifully Broken Pieces that remains my favorite of the four.
Is it me or Jensen is the best friend of all main characters? LOL
I only have one complaint, I missed Irma. Besides that, I adored BBC!
Every time Catherine Cowles adds to this beautiful collection of books it just gets better and better! Every time I’ve read them I think this book and characters are my new favorites but then I read her new one and I think this all over again. I don’t think I have one bad thing to say about Catherine Cowles and her writing everything about it is just beautiful and how she brings these characters and worlds to life and makes us feel like we are really a part of their lives is amazing. Beautifully Broken Control is so much more than I thought it would be.
Cain and Kennedy were incredible to read about. We get to meet both of them briefly in Beautifully Broken Spirit but what I had I mind to what really happens was no comparison. From the first moments of meeting Kennedy I immediately loved her. That she was going to be this strong, incredible character that was going to bring so much light to this book. Everything this girl goes through doesn’t stop her from anything and she pushes through no matter what.
Cain our amazing alpha man that almost puts the rest of our men to shame but we all know they are all equally gorgeous and incredible in their own way. Cain seemed like he was in so much pain just trying to push through with his life to the best he could. He wasn’t going to let the past hold him back. He was such a sweet fit to Kennedy. Whenever they are together I just love the banter they have together.
I truly love this series any everything about this world Catherine has created and every book just seems to get better and more memorable. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Firstly I want to say how amazing this book is. Cain and Kennedy’s story is so beautifully written. With every book in Sutter Lake I keep saying the couple are my new fave but Cain and Kennedy have stolen the position and will forever be in my heart. I already cant wait for a reread.
Secondly I would like to say how amazing an author Catherine is. I read her first book Further to Fall as an ARC and was completely blown away at how incredible it was for a debut novel. Every book in the Sutter Lake Series has been equally as perfect. Catherine is clearly born to be an author and I hope she never stops writing. Cant wait to read her new series Wrecked.
5 stars for Cain & Kennedy!
This is my fave Sutter Lake book to date, and that’s hard to say because I love them all so much! The demons that both of these characters had to work through was AMAZINGLY written! I feel like my heart was quivering the whole time. Catherine Cowles has become my favorite “small town” romance writer! I love the way she has created this whole world, and the love-able characters in it. I want to be part of their circle! This story wasn’t predictable at all which is what I loved the most!! I can’t stop talking about it!
“The scent of you lingers in every room, your touch burns my skin long after you take your hand away. You crawled into my fucking heart, and I know I’ll never get you out. I never want to try.”
I can’t put into words how much I loved this book. I fall in love with this series more and more and I’m sad to see the series end. Hey who knows, we might see them later on 🙂
When we met Kennedy in Beautifully Broken Spirit, I wondered what her story was. Cain always held my interest too and when I saw this book was about them, I was so excited 🙂
Kennedy and Cain’s past are both heartbreaking in different ways. I just wanted to hug them both. You can tell from the first time they meet, there is a spark there, but both are so closed off.
Throughout the book, we see their relationship slowly build from friendship to eventually more all while we see the rest of the crew from Sutter Lake. Let me just say I love the friendship that Cain had with the guys. They have been there for him and you can see the love and respect between them. Kennedy is lucky to have found them too along with the ladies from Sutter Lake.
I loved the story from beginning to end and the epilogue/bonus scene was EVERYTHING!! If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend it.
Another amazing story in this fabulous series. When I start reading, I don’t want to stop. Kennedy’s story was so heartbreaking. I couldn’t believe what happened with her family and how it affected her life. I loved her sense of duty to do the right thing, and how she had to start all over again. She was incredibly strong and brave. Cain’s pain over his tragic loss was palpable. It was a huge part of who he was and how he lived his life. These two were so perfect for each other. I loved every moment with these two
Catherine continues to impress me. The Sutter Lake Series is one of my favorite worlds to immerse myself in. Cain & Kennedy’s story was no different, their chemistry was incredible, their heartbreak was real & their beautiful love had be swooning. Catherine Cowles knows how to layer a story so perfectly, the romance, the suspense, the emotions, they are all so real that you put the book down feeling as if you just lived it. Bravo.
I’ve read 3 of the 4 Sutter Lake books so far, and they’ve all been nothing less than amazing. Ms. Cowles has an uncanny ability to write fantastic, epic love stories. She takes her time to build a complex storyline and to develop realistic characters. My favorite book in the series is probably Tuck and Jensen’s, but the other two I’ve read are right up there with it on my all-time favorites list.
This story is about Kennedy, who ends up working with the FBI to take down her father and the Ponzi scheme he’s been running for years – which has been funding their lavish lifestyle all her life. The rest of her family turns away from her, appalled that she could do such a thing, and the guilt she feels from the fallout from all those families losing their life savings, sends her across the country to build a new life on her own. She ends up in Sutter Lake at Jensen’s tea shop, where she works when she’s not teaching dance classes or volunteering at the shelter. She tries to give everything back that she can to atone for what her father did.
Cain runs a technology company he started and he lives a comfortable life, especially in comparison to Kennedy. Cain is suspicious of Kennedy when she’s not forthcoming about her past and thinks she may be trying to con his friends. However, Kennedy’s standoffish-ness toward Cain is more about his money and what she thinks he stands for, along with hiding her past, than trying to con anyone. When Kennedy challenges Cain to give back and spend time at the shelter, he takes her up on it and the two begin to spend more and more time together. They’ll have to face down someone from Kennedy’s past who tries to make her pay for what she did, before they can be together. Of course, in the end, they get their HEA.
You should definitely read this book, and the whole series – you won’t be disappointed!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Another 5 star read from Catherine cowels
I preordered this book immediately after finishing Beautifully Broken Pieces last week. Didn’t even read the blurb, the second it hit my kindle at 10:30pm I read until my eyes couldn’t stay open any longer. I absolutely loved Cain, his instant need to protect Kennedy just had me swooning!! These two had so much baggage and their story is definitely one of my favorites! I can’t get over their chemistry! And the suspense! Oh my goodness, the suspense!
This story kept me turning pages, trying to guess what was going to happen and so many scenes had me gasping in shock!
I swear no one writes romantic suspense like Catherine Cowles!
And that epilogue!!! *sigh* I could gush about this series for days.
It’s amazing. Take my word for it.
Take a trip to Sutter Lake, I promise you won’t want to leave!
I was excited when Catherine Cowles announced Beautifully Broken Control would be Cain and Kennedy’s story. Both of them were introduced earlier in the Sutter Lake series, but minimal information was shared about their backgrounds.
I was drawn in from the very beginning as we get to learn why Kennedy ended up in Sutter Lake. I was actually surprised by everything that happened, but liked that it was very different than the experiences of the other heroines in the series since each book has suspense in the plot.
Cain and Kennedy have both been shaped by terrible experiences in their pasts and each felt responsible for making it up in some ways. Kennedy by giving as much time as possible volunteering and Cain in being overprotective of those around him. The evolution of their relationship was well paced and I really enjoyed reading their story.
This can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend the other Sutter Lake books as well.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.