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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5 Healing and Finding Love Stars!!!
She’s done it again…Catherine Cowles has brought me to my knees with the beauty and grace of her words. This fourth book in the Sutter Lake Series is filled with suspense, mystery, love and friendship.
Both Cain and Kennedy are so damaged from different perspectives but there’s an affinity in their pain. Kennedy moves to Sutter Lake to begin her life anew after finding out truths that alter everything she’s known and loved. My heart was so hurt for this girl. She’s not only beautiful but is giving and wants nothing more than to live a life that allows her to give back but also not be in the midst of any drama.
Cain is a man we’ve met briefly in previous books and I’ve always been curious about who he is and what drives him to be how he is with everyone but Tuck and Walker who know everything about this man and let me tell you, when it all comes out, I was in tears. What he’s endured would and could break someone. He’s risen above it, but it’s always in his mind and why he refuses to get close to others. But all that changes when he comes to Sutter Lake and he meets Kenz.
This book is sweeping in its story. Going along the ride with Cain and Kenz as they become closer and give into the attraction that can’t be denied was fabulous. Seeing Kenz come out of her self-imposed shell as she admits her feelings for this man made my heart smile. Of course, it’s not an easy ride for this couple.
There’re also things happening in and around Sutter Lake that directly affect Kenz and there’s moments that I really thought it could be the end. The suspense aspect of this story is thrilling in that I NEVER saw it coming! There’s a moment in particular that had me fist pumping because I just was so happy with what happened…yes, I’m being deliberately vague!
What it all comes down to in this book is that we get a story this is captivating, thrilling, sensual and filled with love. Cain and Kenz are two people that deserve this love in every way and how they show their love not only to each other but to those around them was absolutely everything I wanted for this book!
I love Catherine Cowles. Plain and simple, from her first book I knew that she had a way with words and she has blown me away with her Sutter Lake series. Beautifully Broken Control is the final book in this amazing series and I would say her best book to date.
What I love about Catherine’s books is her ability to write characters that reach into your soul a leave a lasting impression. Her books have a touch of suspense but ultimately it is a love story, filled with characters that feel real. Her ability to write stories that capture your heart is growing with each book that she writes, and I will continue to be a huge fan of her stories.
From the first pages we soon discover the need for Kennedy and Cain’s characters to shy away from the public life but once they meet each other, you see each character’s light shine brighter. While they both tried to fight their instant connection there was a bond that just kept drawing them together, one that seemed to be the key to their happiness.
Once each character gave into their feelings, they soon realise that they are each other’s saviour. Kennedy knows that the walls she has erect around her heart must come down if she is ever to have a happily ever after and for Cain, Kennedy brings a calmness to his life that he has never had.
Just like I mentioned, this is probably Catherine’s best book that I have read and with that her characters Kennedy and Cain are some of her best characters she has written. I instantly found a connection with both characters.
Kennedy is such a strong character, she is resilient and brave. Her decisions to be honest has cost her dearly but in her heart, she knew her actions and decisions were the best ones to make. She had the courage not many people would have to make those kinds of decisions. As a result, she has built a fortress around her heart and very rarely allows people to penetrate her defences.
Just like Kennedy, Cain has a past that made my heart ache. His world is filled with pain and guilt and the ghosts of his past are haunting him. He’s come to Sutter Lake to escape, what he didn’t expect was to meet a woman who rocked his foundations and made him want something he thought he would never have. His need to protect Kennedy was attractive in way that gave me those fuzzy feelings.
Together they can heal one another but whether they do that is something you will have to see for yourself!
Overall, Beautifully Broken Control and the entire Sutter Lake series has had be hooked from the first book until the very last. The characters in the series are ones that I can see as genuine people and their journeys are ones that I can see happening in everyday life. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves small town romances, it is by far one of the best series I have read.
My heart. My stinking heart. I’ve been waiting for this book. I’ve been so excited about it. And now it’s over and I’m so sad. But omg Cain and Kennedy, these two. This story had me from the very beginning. It’s not normal for me to sit and do nothing but read. While I love to read, I don’t sit still long enough sometimes. Too many things to do. Well life was put on hold to read this book because I could NOT put it down. Cain, he’s the alpha we all love but who has a past that he’s trying not to drown from. But he’s everything. Kennedy, this girl. I don’t know what to say about her. Because I’d j had to hand pick a best friend it would be this girl. She is strong. She is beautiful. Her heart is everything. And together these two are a force to be reckoned with. I love this story and I love these two. And I got to take a trip back to Sutter Lake. Because I love this place and I love the people in this place. Jenson and Tuck, Taylor and Walker, Tess and Liam. We get glimpses of them. And I couldn’t be happier. My heart is full and couldn’t be happier after finishing this book. All the love for Ms. Cowles and her writing. And know I will be coming back for more forever and ever!
What an amazing story about two broken people battling to restart their lives. After Kennedy was shown proof of her father’s Ponzi scheme, and in order to save her brother from prosecution, she assisted the F.B.I. Her life is completely upended as she grieves for the families who had trusted her father. She changed her name, moved to Sutter Lake and is rebuilding her life. Cain has always had a connection to Sutter Lake due to his strong bond with his boyhood friends. Now as a recent event has brought back the tragedy of his past, he retreats to Sutter Lake. As he struggles with his feelings for Kennedy, he tries to find out who is stealing from his company. When danger from Kennedy’s past arrives in Sutter Lake, can Cain keep her safe? A beautifully crafted story of love that heals the wounds of the past. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
“She has this thing about gratitude.”
Welcome to Sutter Lake, where you’ll meet all of your future book boyfriends, and want to start a girl gang that meets monthly at the Tea Kettle.
Beautifully Broken Control is the fourth and last *cue tears* book in The Sutter Lake series. This book, and the three before it wrap you up to the point that you feel that you’re there and living these moments. Not many authors can do that, but Catherine can.
Kennedy is running from her past, and the guilt she can’t seem to shake no matter how much she gives back.
Cain comes to town looking for peace and quiet. He never expected to find the woman that would finally break down his defenses and the walls he’s erected around his heart.
Beautifully Broken Control has allllll the feels! A broody hero, a stubborn heroine, two people with pasts they want to keep hidden, underlying danger, and unsuspecting plot twists that will make you stop and question EVERYTHING, and of course a love story for the ages.
10/10 a highly recommend this book, and the rest of The Sutter Lake series.
Kennedy Charles and Cain Hale both move to Sutter Lake for different reasons but similar ones too, to escape their past.
I immediately liked both lead characters, yes Cain did quickly show his very domineering, alpha ways but he also demonstrated his wonderful caring attitude towards others as well. Kennedy, oh my, I could feel such empathy for her and yet she showed such inner strength and determination it was so heart warming. I honestly kept thinking throughout the story that her parents, yes I know it’s fiction, didn’t deserve such a beautiful daughter and I would gladly lay claim to her.
I really liked the way Tucker, Walker and Cain had such an honest friendship, if one or the other stuffs up they tell them. It’s times like these that you need honesty in your friends too. It’s a real brotherhood.
The story is elementally a love story but it has tones of espionage and suspense too. These keep you on your toes guessing who the people are and what is going to happen next. You definitely know things are going to get worse before they get better! And boy do they, the drama ramps up as does the excitement. A nice twist at the end adds to the enjoyment too.
Reviewer: Robyn
At the end of each and every story Catherine writes, I always find myself saying Walker or Liam or Tuck is my new ultimate book boyfriend. She has the ability to make me fall so completely in love with these unexpected, inspiring characters more and more each time! And of course, like always, Cain and Kennedy are my new favorite couple!
Cain and Kennedy couldn’t have come from more completely opposite backgrounds. Kennedy was born having everything handed to her but never really knowing true friends. Cain may have had a bit of a rough upbringing, but has friends he knew he could always count on when times were rough. However, both Kennedy and Cain carry scars that, although you can’t see them on the outside looking in, shaped their entire lives.
When living in a small town, you may not always have the modern amenities that sometimes you wish you had, but you always have exceptional people. Catherine always captures that fact beautifully and makes you wish to be a part of their family.
Some would say Cain and Kennedy were broken beyond repair. But sometimes you find the most strength when finally finding and trusting someone to help carry your burdens. When you are finally able to trust someone enough to have them help carry those demons that seem to never leave you. Catherine, as always, brought these two broken souls together and made them all the more inspiring together. That always makes for the best love story!
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Kennedy Charles and Cain Hale both move to Sutter Lake for different reasons but similar ones too, to escape their past.
I immediately liked both lead characters, yes Cain did quickly show his very domineering, alpha ways but he also demonstrated his wonderful caring attitude towards others as well. Kennedy, oh my, I could feel such empathy for her and yet she showed such inner strength and determination it was so heart warming. I honestly kept thinking throughout the story that her parents, yes I know it’s fiction, didn’t deserve such a beautiful daughter and I would gladly lay claim to her.
I really liked the way Tucker, Walker and Cain had such an honest friendship, if one or the other stuffs up they tell them. It’s times like these that you need honesty in your friends too. It’s a real brotherhood.
The story is elementally a love story but it has tones of espionage and suspense too. These keep you on your toes guessing who the people are and what is going to happen next. You definitely know things are going to get worse before they get better! And boy do they, the drama ramps up as does the excitement. A nice twist at the end adds to the enjoyment too.
Kennedy has worked tirelessly to build a new life for herself, free of her family. The decisions that lead her to her present destroyed her family, but she knew it was the right thing to do. Cain has built walls around his heart and has only let the few people in who knew him before his world was shattered. When his past comes back to haunt him he escapes to Sutter Lake and the only people he considers family. Will Cain’s need to protect destroy any chance he and Kennedy have at love?
I love these characters. Something about Cain and Kennedy just worked their way into my heart. BBC could be read as a standalone but is so much better when you have read the other’s stories too. Though some of the characters are related they are truly family because they love each other unconditionally and will do anything to help their own. Catherine brings all the emotions to the table with this one. Some twists and turns that kept me reading right until the end. Looking forward to wherever she takes me next.
We meet Cain in Book one and I knew it was going to be a good story from that. Mystery Hacker that you know was going to be good if he was friends with Tuck and Walker. Kenz we meet in the last book as Little J’s new employee. They both has deep scars to deal with.
This I think was the best book yet, the setting is just so set, the side characters we know and love so well, you know there is going to be drama and danger but don’t know when or who. The chemistry of these two was off the charts.
This was my first entrance to the Sutter Lake series and to Catherine Cowles. It was easy to keep track of the other characters (I will be catching up with this series). The writing flowed, the pages flew and I feel in love.
Two tortured souls who needed each other to heal. Kennedy is trying to start over but will always be looking over her shoulder because of her past. Cain has had a great loss that has formed the man that he is. Mystery surrounds both of them but their hearts call out for one another. Together they figure out what how to move forward. This story was a hard won sweeping love story with all the feels and beautifully written.
Omigosh!! This is the first book of Catherine’s that I have read and it will definitely not be my last! I absolutely loved this book! This is the fourth book in the Sutter Lake series. Since I hadn’t read the first three I was a little worried about starting with book four. It was not an issue, I was not lost at all. I’m sure the other books would give some prior background on the other characters but It’s not necessary for this book. These can be read as stand alone’s. This book grabbed my attention right from the beginning. And the further I got into the book the more I couldn’t put it down!!! I loved Kennedy and Cain. Reading how they interacted with one another. How Kennedy worked on keeping her independence and how Cain worked on keeping his demons at bay. Cain couldn’t help being protective of Kennedy. He tried to stay away from her, but just drawn to her. Kennedy liked things simple and gracious for her current life. She didn’t want to need Cain. But again, the chemistry couldn’t be forgotten. And when the two were together they both felt safe. And let’s not forget a drooling, snoring Chuck. Lol! Go grab this book today, you will not be disappointed!!!
What a great ending for this series – I do hope we‘ll get some bonus chapters down the line though! I‘m going to miss Sutter Lake.
Kennedy and Cain are perfect for eachother and this story just proves how good the two are together.
We got to know Cain two books ago and I was really excited to finally get to know him better. I couldn‘t imagine his past or what his story was and I wasn‘t disappointed.
Kennedy‘s story though. Wow I didn‘t expect this at all and I loved how she got through something so bad and did stuff so good.
The writing was again really good and I‘m excited to read more of this Author.
5 out of 5
Honestly, I am not sure where to begin with this review. I have been reading Catherine Cowles words since she debuted. Her words and concepts keep getting better and better. With Beautifully Broken Control, she knocked it out of the park with this one. There are no real words to describe the perfection that she has come up with for this story. It is raw, emotional, passionate and oh so much more. You are taken not just on a journey of self preservation but also the journey of self love.
In this book, you have two very broken souls with Cain and Kennedy. I was intrigued by both of them when we see little tidbits of them in past stories. Seeing their story come together with the hows and whys was just awe inspiring. Both of them come from something so tragic that it breaks you so so much. They are two opposite ends of the whys they are broken, but they seem to find a kindred spirit in each other. This is where the Beautifully Broken Control comes in. You will see that they are both stubborn. Both needing control over aspects in their life. Then things implode and sparks fly in various ways. It leaves you wanting to cry, wanting to rage but also wanting to smile. When things come to a head, they are beyond unique turns that will have your jaw drop and wonder what just happened and to me, that is the brilliance of a perfect story. Being surprised. Being awestruck. Mostly, being wrapped up into the world the author created and never wanting to leave.
Overall, this story is just everything. I really cannot say enough about it because I was just so blown away by Cowles storytelling. The concept. The build. The punch in the story. Just everything. Cowles has magic in her words and honestly, I cannot wait for more from her even though I am super sad that Sutter Lake series is over. But trust me, this one packs a punch!
Beautifully Broken Control is the fourth book in the Sutter Lake series. I was taken with this story and what it made me feel. I was absolutely overjoyed with emotion and with every detail that made up this story.
Kennedy came to Sutter Lake to escape her past. She was put in an unthinkable situation which caused a lot of pain. Now, all she wants is a simple life of peace. She makes new friends and keeps to herself working as much as she can. She volunteers at a local shelter and teaches children ballet, whatever she can do to giveback, she does. But as much as she tries, she can’t help but be haunted with her past and the destroyed lives at the hands of her father.
Cain put my heart through a vice. His past was one that was filled with pain and guilt. He keeps those ghosts buried so deep that it’s not only hurting him but also keeps him from opening up to people. He’s a very wealthy, smart and successful entrepreneur. When he finds himself needing to escape and clear his head, he heads to his hometown of Sutter Lake. Once there he never expected the likes of Kennedy and what she would bring to his life.
Kennedy and Cain both know pain. Though both have different pasts, the similarities in what they’ve lost brings them closer together, which in turn makes both of them understand each other on a different level. I loved Kennedy’s spirit and how brave and resilient she was. I also loved Cain’s protective nature and how he’d do anything to keep Kennedy safe. If there were two people who deserved to find happiness it was Kennedy and Cain. It’s not easy to let let love in, but Kennedy and Cain try their hardest, and if there were any two people that deserved happiness it was these two.
Beautifully Broken Control hit me with all the feels. Catherine delivered a heartfelt, emotional, addicting, and well written small town romance. I absolutely love this group of friends and can’t get enough. I miss these characters already. This book and series should not be missed—definitely recommend.
As with all the other books in Sutter Lake series – #4 – Beautifully Broken Control is a wonderful story with characters that engage you and make you root for a happy ending. Kennedy Charles has a secret from her past that caused her to change her name, move to a place where no one knows her and that she desperately wants to keep buried. Cain Hale has experienced such trauma and tragedy in his past that he puts up barriers to protect himself from ever feeling such pain or heartbreak ever again. But that all changes when he meets Kennedy. While trying to keep Kennedy at arms length he finds himself drawn to her and unable to keep his distance, and as he gets to know her and care for her, he becomes more overprotective. While Kennedy shares her past and her secrets with Cain, he will not talk about the tragedies that haunt him and when one of Kennedy’s actions cause him to have a flashback, it all becomes too much for her to bear. But someone from Kennedy’s past is trying to hurt her and after a series of “accidents”, takes things to another level. Can Cain prevent further tragedy?
I absolutely loved Cain and Kennedy! Kennedy is a very independent woman, she is strong, witty and passionate about the things and people she cares most about. I wasn’t prepared for what her past entailed, what she endured and ultimately what she did to get out; but I loved every single minute of it! To read her story is to feel her pain, and although she is resilient and is determined to persevere; she carries so much guilt from her past that she struggles to truly open up to people.
Cain is a very smart and loyal man that carries the weight of some serious baggage from his childhood through his college years. While he believed he was unworthy of loving or being loved…it just took the right person to show him the way.
Catherine was by far my favorite new author of 2019! Her writing just keeps getting better and better, which is pretty incredible since I’ve loved all her books to date! I absolutely can’t wait to see what the future holds for this uber talented author and let me tell you, 2020 is off to a fantastic start!!
It is always heartbreaking to read the final book in any series, but it is especially difficult when it is as incredible of a series as the Sutter Lake series, written by the wonderful author Catherine Cowles! Beautifully Broken Control gives us the mysterious Kennedy’s story…one that I have been so excited to read…and WOW! What an absolutely incredible experience!!!
Kennedy is a quiet, heart-felt giver, a simple girl who is hiding from something…though none of her new friends from Sutter Lake would pry. She has her family’s history haunting her, but tried to remember that not everything in life was bad or evil…
There was always something to be grateful for. Always.
However, the demons and bitterness from Cain Hale’s past make it difficult for him to trust anyone outside of his lifelong friends from Sutter Lake…making his first interaction with the newer resident, Kennedy, anything but pleasant. But he is a protector of sorts, and feels he needs to make up for his past “mistakes”…but not everyone will always be accepting of such help…
“I don’t need you sweeping in here, thinking you’re some white knight who’s going to fix everything for the poor Cinderella. I’ve got everything I need. So, just stop.”
This is a fantastic blend of wonderful characters, age-gap romance, mystery, painful pasts,healing and gratitude. I loved the combination of all of the feelings I felt while reading this book and series! I loved the addition of Chuck, Kennedy’s dog with the overactive slobber glands, and the backstory for both of these main characters. I loved this story so hard! I couldn’t put it down once I started it and it will be one that I re-read in the (near) future. Author Catherine Cowles is such an amazing romance story writer and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her! **5 Beautiful Stars**
While I have loved the entire Beautifully Broken series, I must say Kennedy and Cain’s story was my fav! My heart was both hurt and healed between the pages of this book! I wanna be a Sutter Lake resident, and be friends with Kennedy, Cain, Tuck, Jensen, Tessa, Liam, Walker, Taylor, and the rest of the fam!
*While I was gifted an advance copy of Beautifully Broken Control by the author, my review is honest and left voluntarily.
Gah….loved this book!! It’s my new favorite of hers and I say that every time she comes out with a new one! I fell in love with Kennedy and Cain. This books has all of the feels…laughter, sadness, happiness, and suspense. Catherine has such a great way of weaving the story, so we get invested in the characters and feel what they feel. It was simply beautiful. Thanks Catherine!!!!