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 … 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.
more
I can’t recommend this series enough, and this third installment is spectacular!
Catherine Cowles has a way of making you be so immersed in her books that you feel as if you actually live there with her characters, and that they’re your friends. Throughout the last two installments you’ve met and gotten to know Tuck and Jensen. For me, I was pulling for them from the beginning. Who doesn’t love a brothers best friend romance?! As you can come to expect in any Catherine Cowles book, there is plenty of steamy moments, along with emotional moments that pull your heartstrings. If you haven’t read a Catherine Cowles book, do yourself a favor and start The Sutter Lake Series…you will NOT be disappointed!
A beautiful story of hope and true love that is well worth the wait. Jensen and Tucker’s story will have you feeling a large array of emotions. From laughter to frustrations to tears, you will definitely curse them but love them at the same time. Both have been through the ringer and are afraid to act on their emotions. But when push comes to shove and situations arise, will they finally give in or be friend zoned forever? Love this story and series so much!!! Highly recommended read that does not disappoint.
Have you ever read a book where the author has a way of grabbing your attention and won’t let go? This book was that way for me. Days have gone by and yet I still continue to think about the banner betwen the characters, the tender moments, and the story line! How do you write a review when you’re at loss for words? At some point in our lives things happen. We put all the blame on ourselves, the guilt , the what ifs..whatever that cause may be, we all have been there at some point. And when that happens some times we can’t see past what is consuming us and it takes a certain someone to make you see the good. With that being said , Tuck and Jenson (no spoilers) lean on each other in the time of need pulling each other to where they need be. Happiness, companionship and love. If you’re looking for that book that consumes you in every way, then this is what you are looking for.
Gah! I absolutely love Catherine’s writing, and I am undeniably a fan. She crafts such richly developed stories, and the way that she vividly depicts all of the little details really bring the setting to life. She peels the layers back on her characters truly giving us readers the chance to get to know them. There is a suspenseful edge to Catherine’s storytelling in her Sutter Lake series, and as such, she ties all the components of her writing together through engrossing plots with a suspense arc that was just as riveting as the romantic arc. Beautifully Broken Spirit not only captured my attention immediately but also held it the whole way through.
Jensen Cole is Walker’s younger sister and owner of The Kettle. Between work, being a single mom to a nine year old boy and taking care of the wild mustangs, she doesn’t have time for much else. And a relationship is simply out of the question. Both of her past relationships ended badly. The first one got her pregnant and then split town, and the other one almost got her brother and his fiancé killed. The guilt over that has plagued her, and she has never been able to forgive herself.
Tucker Harris has been best friends with Jensen’s brother Walker since they were kids. Therefore he has known Jensen pretty much his whole life. These two have always been close, but being that she’s his best friend’s sister, he knows that she is strictly off limits. Besides, Tuck is a ladies’ man who doesn’t spend more than one night with a woman. That’s all he’s ever desired because deep down, the one woman he truly wants he knows that he can’t have.
Despite trying to fight it, the chemistry between them wasn’t going away. In fact, it absolutely sizzled and grew stronger with each passing day. Then after a moment of weakness, everything began to change. Jensen and Tuck care deeply for one another, something that is evident in all of their interactions. It is easy for them, and the reader, to see them together, but real life situations kept getting in the way. Will their friendship survive if everything goes south? And what would Walker do if he were ever to find out?
Beautifully Broken Spirit was so much more than a simple love story. It was about finding love and overcoming whatever obstacles were in the way in order to keep it. It was about sacrificing it all for love, whether it be romantic love or parental. There was definitely some heartache to be endured before finally getting to the happily ever after, but even so, this was a passionate and sexy love story that left me swooning in my seat. All in all, I have loved every single second of this series and definitely recommend that you don’t pass it up.
Two words: BLOWN AWAY!! Beautifully Broken Spirit may be my favorite book by Cstherine Cowles (so far)!
I’ve been waiting for Jensen and Tuck’s story since Walker and Taylor’s story and boy was it worth the wait!! The anticipation was killer!
Jensen Cole is the owner of the Kettle, mother to nine year old Noah, and sister to Walker. She is currently in a shadow, not quite her former self, and her family is struggling with how to help her. Little do they know, there is only one person who can bring her out into the light.
Tucker Harris is Walker’s best friend and also Jensen’s. Known as a bit of a manwhore, he likes women and has no shame about it. When feelings for Jensen keep pushing their way forward, who is he to resist? When trouble finds its way back to Sutter Lake, can he protect the land and his family?
“Families can take any shape, and sometimes, the unique ones are the most beautiful.”
This novel is touching, non-stop, and so well written. Thank you, Catherine Cowles for your wonderful words. I cannot wait for more!!
Honestly, it has taken me a few days to articulate the right words for this review. As a huge fan of Cowles and her work since day one, watching her grow through these books is amazing. With Beautifully Broken Spirit, the raw emotions bleed through the pages. The thought and care that Cowles has put into this story is just stunning. The concepts with it. The character build throughout this story but also from the other books is just awe inspiring.
Jensen has been through so much in her life. Being a single mom is never easy. I know that one from experience. I connected with Jensen so much on that level. The pain she held onto from prior events is heartbreaking. Then you have Tuck. OHHH Tuck. He is your typical player swoon worthy man. However, he has always had a special spot for Jensen since they were young. Their connection was unique and you could feel that underlying sizzle of chemistry. As this story flows, the feelings bubble up and honestly is mind blowing seeing these two connect like they should have been together forever.
With the added twists and turns with unexpected moments, Beautifully Broken Spirit takes you on a wild ride of high adrenaline, scorching passion, and finding love when it was right in front of you the whole time. Cowles has hit the ground running with her writing and it is something that everyone needs to experience. Her stories are so heartfelt and she intertwines so much of herself into them that you are wrapped up in her world and never want to leave. If you haven’t read a book of hers, you need to. So you can catch up into this one and fall in love with Tuck and Jensen’s romance!
Beautifully Broken Spirit is book three in the Sutter Lake series by Catherine Cowles. This is Catherine’s fourth book and I’ve read them all. I have fallen in love with every one of these books. Catherine’s writing has such a way of sweeping me away, right into the world she has created. This is Jensen and Tuck’s story. It can be read as a stand alone but as in most series, the other characters do recur in each book. So you just wouldn’t have the connection to them if you haven’t read the others. And you would be missing out on a lot of awesomeness!
Jensen Cole is Walker’s younger sister and owner of The Tea Kettle. She is a single parent to her nine year old adorable son, Noah. Jensen has had two relationships in her past, both which ended horribly. One gave her Noah, and one was with a man who almost killed her brother and his fiancé. She can’t forgive herself and doubts her own instincts now. How could she have trusted them?
Tucker (Tuck) Harris has been best friends with Jensen’s brother Walker all their lives. So, he’s known Jensen all her life. They have always been close, understanding each other on a level no one else did. But Jensen was his best friends little sister, so she was off limits. Tuck has a reputation for being a player, a ladies man. Never more than one night with a woman. That’s all he ever wanted. Because the only real woman he wants, he can’t have.
Tuck and Jensen both begin to realize that the chemistry between them isn’t going away but getting stronger. But what if things go wrong? Would their friendship be destroyed? And what would Jensen’s brother, Walker, do if he found out?
Jensen’s biggest joy in life besides her son is the wild mustangs. She operates a mustang sanctuary on her family’s ranch. Sitting and watching the beautiful animals brings her a peace she finds no where else. But not everyone else feels the same way. The beautiful animals are in danger from the ranchers that don’t want them around.
As Jensen and Tuck are trying to figure out how to navigate the new feelings between them, they also find themselves in the middle of a dangerous conflict between the ranchers that want to get rid of the mustangs and those that wish to protect them. At the same time, Jensen’s past also comes back to haunt them, adding more stress to their lives.
This book! I already loved Tuck from the previous books. He and Jensen were perfect together. But their feelings were so new and there was so much going on in their lives. This was the perfect mix of sweetness, sexy hotness, and suspense. Catherine always seems to know just how to keep us on the edge of our seats! I enjoyed this so much. The next book in the series is going to be Beautifully Broken Control. I’m not sure who it’s about BUT I can tell you who I hope to get to know better, Tuck and Walker’s hacker friend, Cain. I am so intrigued by him.
Again, I loved this book, these characters. I’m so looking forward to seeing what Catherine Cowles is doing next.
“I wanted more. I wanted everything.”
4.5 Stars
What a great story! Loved Jensen and Tucker and their deep friendship and love and their journey toward having it be more.
Wonderfully written entry in the Sutter Lake series … best story yet (which is saying a LOT)
Beautifully Broken Spirit (BBS) is something you need to download now!
It’s a terrific standalone entry in the Sutter Lake series that is chock-full of familiar character friends wrapped in a suspenseful story that sizzles.
The characters, Tuck and Jensen, are ones we met in previous books. Tuck has been Jensen’s friend for a long time. She’s made lemonade out of lemon and is far richer for it. Tuck has always been around … but now he’s AROUND. SAs she grapples with newfound feelings … or are they feelings that have always been suppressed … a dark shadow moves over Sutter Lake.
Ms. Cowels’ writing is even better than the previous books … and that is saying a lot! BBS is a complex story that will pull you in! …and this book should come with a warning. My housework has suffered as I’ve been on the couch with a “cold” binge reading!
Download this now! If you’re not a Catherine Cowels fan, you can start with this one, but you’ll want to re-read the others in the series.
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Catherine Cowles is one of those authors who just keeps getting better with each new release. And that’s saying something when she started as incredible right out of the gate. Beautifully Broken Spirit is a phenomenal friends to lovers romance that has more heart, more suspense, more romance, just more EVERYTHING. Every page has something that pulls you deeper and deeper into Jensen and Tuck’s story until you are so fully immersed in their world the real world ceases to exist.
I knew going in I was going to end up shedding some tears. Jensen has been through so much in previous books and has stood strong but I knew finally getting to see things from her side was going to effect me. And boy did it. She is such an amazing mother, sister, daughter and friend. And her relationship with Tuck is a thing of beauty.
The bond that Tuck and Jensen have already contained more love than most couples ever experience and as those lines of friendship blur into something more it grows into that once in a lifetime kind of love that everyone dreams of.
This was my first time reading Ms. Cowles’ work, and I’m hooked! This is part of a series, and I plan to go back and read the ones I’ve missed ASAP! I was totally captivated by every page! (I requested a review copy thru Hidden Gem Books, and my review is honest and left voluntarily.)
Catherine Cowles has a beautful way with words and creating a story that grabs you from the first moment you begin to read. You know those books you read and then are already waiting for more from the author (even when you read their ARC or the night it comes out), this is one of those. Catherine Cowles quickly became one of my favorite authors and this book is another shining example of why. Her characters have heart, strength and stay true to themselves and their journey. Jensen and Tucker are perfect for each other. I love the way the go from friends to relationship. It felt seemless and real. Honestly this whole book just felt REAL. Tuck is seriously so swoon worhty. This book is perfect mixure of fun, suspense and heart. I highly suggest this book as well as the rest in the series.
Beautifully Broken Spirit is the third title in the Sutter Lake series and features Jensen and Tuck, who both captured my interest as side characters in the previous titles of the series.
Whilst this friends to lovers romance is sweet, sexy, and incredibly emotional, it’s the characters that make it one of my favourite reads of this year. Tucker and Jensen are complex, endearing and damaged, but still completely relatable. Their connection and chemistry is soul deep. Growing up together they know each other inside and out and accept each other faults and all. As their relationship changes and grows, their connection is simply magic to see.
Jensen is Walker’s younger sister and the owner of the tea kettle, and appeared prominently in both previous title in the series. Life is bringing Jensen down, it appears like she has the whole world on her shoulders and the vivacious, bubbly character from the previous books is quite different. She’s struggling and overwhelmed from the events of the past, guilt and doubting her own instincts leave this single mother quite a mess. I found it quite emotional to see her that brightness to her personality dimmed.
Tucker is Walker’s best friend, and despite the fact that he is a good guy, he’s fighting his own demons and insecurities. With quite the reputation as a ladies man, I was desperate to see him bought to his knees by just one woman.
With the added danger, intrigue and suspense you will not want to put down this book. I loved every minute of Beautifully Broken Spirit and cannot wait for more of Catherine Cowles writing.
Welp, she did it again. Every Catherine Cowles’ book that I read somehow becomes my favorite. Her stories are so powerfully woven that you feel every bit of them in your bones. The vivid images that she paints with her words never cease to astonish me.
“This place was magic. The rocky range dotted with trees dipped down onto what looked like a sea of golden grasses before rising up again into a series of mountaintops.”
Beautifully Broken Spirit is the third book in the Sutter Lake series and while each can technically be read as a stand-alone, I would definitely recommend that you read them in order to get the best experience.
This is the story of Tuck and Jensen and it’s one that I’ve been most excited for since the beginning. Tuck is Jensen’s brother’s best friend and really, hers as well. They have always had a very special bond but Tuck has placed her firmly in the friend zone because because of her brother and because he has no plans to ever settle with one woman. Jensen, the owner of The Tea Kettle, has two great loves–her nine year old son, Noah, and the wild mustangs that she has spent much of her life trying to protect and save and she has decided that’s enough for her. Some pretty intense things happen to threaten both of these loves and that ends up pushing Tuck and Jensen together even more until their feelings can’t be held back.
These two have a lot of past issues that keep them pretty fearful of any romantic relationship and I loved watching them fight that fear and learn to trust in not only each other, but themselves as well.
“Love is always a risk. There’s no way around it. He’ll hurt you. You’ll hurt him. One of you might lose the others. But it will also be so beautiful, the light of it so bright, it’ll outshine all of the dark.”
I adored the whole Jensen family, though I think Grams will always be my favorite. They truly show what it is to have that unconditional love that can only come from those closest to you. The scenes with Tuck and Noah just hit me right in the heart. The suspense was great–I was kept guessing until the very end. I devoured this in one day and highly recommend it! I have such a fondness for these characters and this town and am excited to see what comes next in Sutter Lake.
5 He Can’t Quit Her Stars!!!
Jensen and Tuck are the focus of this third book in the Sutter Lake series and while all of them have been emotional reads for me, there’s something about Jensen that truly struck a chord with me. I don’t know if it’s the fact that she’s a single mother struggling to give her son the best life possible while at the same time trying to resolve issues within her heart and mind that no one in her life would even give a second thought to.
Tuck is her brother Walker’s best friend and has been in her life since they were kids. There’s been an attraction there, but Jensen has never allowed herself to go there with Tuck because she doesn’t feel she deserves him. But oh how wrong she is!
I loved this story with every fiber of my being. There’s angst and drama and suspense and with each page I read, my heart hurt more and more for Jensen. I just so wanted her to “catch a break” and it didn’t seem like it would happen. Especially when a man in her past suddenly shows up in Sutter Lake. Add to this the mystery of what’s happening to the wild Mustangs that truly are one of the reasons she lives and breathes and it’s a story that just may not have a happy ending.
Tuck is a man that doesn’t give up easily and it’s one of his best qualities because it’s what drives his love for this beautiful woman and her son. I loved his persistence and how he wouldn’t let her give up on herself. He saw inside her even when she didn’t want to admit it. Their pull towards each other is a definite slow burn, but once they give in, it’s truly beautiful! Seeing Jensen being loved in the way she deserved is everything.
Don’t get me wrong, there are definite moments that I just wanted to say “SERIOUSLY?” I wanted to slap some sense into her. There are pivotal moments in this book that drive everything to a breaking point and I was definitely on the edge of my seat. I never saw it coming that’s for sure!!!
Ms Cowles has written a book that will resonate with me. It’s beautifully told and draws the reader in making us want to be in Sutter Lake and experience this small town life where everyone knows their neighbor and it’s really true that family is more than blood!
Tuck & Jensen were fantastic! Catherine continues to blow me away every time I pick up another book in the Sutter Lake Series!!
Beautifully Broken Spirit Sutter Lake Series Catherine Cowles
This is the third book in the Sutter Lake Series, and it is as wonderful a read as the first. They each can be read as a stand alone, but the story blends and deepens with each book.
Jensen Cole lived an idyllic childhood, growing up on the family’s farm, with loving parents and a brother. But, her first semester in college she finds herself pregnant, by a boy she thought she loved, who deserted her. Now her son Noah is nine years old and the light of her life. Unfortunately her bad taste in men has reared it’s ugly head again. Her choices endangered her family and friends, and she now realizes she needs to live her life dependent on no one. She own’s The Tea Kettle, a successful business in town, and is able to indulge in her passion of rescuing wild mustangs. If only she could convince Walker, her brother, and Tuck her brother’s best friend that she could take care of herself. It’s a little scary that all of a sudden Tuck is starting to get under her skin.
Tuck Harris has been part of the Cole family since he was a child. As Walker’s best friend he was always there for family gatherings. He loves his Mom but his Dad has been cheating on her for years and he can’t stomach it. Both Tuck and Walker are in law enforcement, Tuck is a police officer for the forest service. He’s always felt very protective of Jensen, but lately he’s realizing that his feelings are not a bit big brotherly. Suddenly there is evidence of random shootings of the beautiful wild mustangs, and Jensen is devastated. Tuck is investigating, but Jensen can’t seem to stay out of it. Soon there is danger coming at them from all sides, which pushes them closer. Neither Tuck nor Jensen want to end the heat building, and can no longer fight it.
This is a very enjoyable romantic suspense novel, with best friends to lovers.
The characters are so interesting and real, and the scenery and dialogue about the wild horses comes alive with Ms. Cowles words. I couldn’t put it down!
Pat Fordyce
This love story of Tucker (Tuck) Harris and Jensen Cole is a very heartwarming romance. It is a slow-burn, of sorts, where Tuck is Jensen’s brother’s best friend…so they have known each other for years. He “gets around” and she is a single mother and owner of the Tea Kettle. They each are battling past demons, and neither of them feel they are suitable as long-term relationship material.
Beautifully Broken Spirit is the 3rd book in the Sutter Lake series, and although you do not “have” to read the first two to understand this one, it would enhance the reading experience. This is written in a dual POV. The characters, the setting, all of this book…SIGH. This book had a great mix of romance, heat, suspense, and family/friends. Jensen’s connection with the wild mustangs, only to have her heart and life turned upside down by the very thing that she finds solace in, made my heart swell and ache.
A couple of my favorite things about this book (and series) are the characters and the twists involved in the storylines. Catherine…you are an incredible author! You have an incredible gift and I am so thrilled you share it with us! Everything about this book had me so engaged. I loved this book so VERY, VERY much and would totally recommend it! 5 wild horse stomping stars!
Five “I have to warn you now. You can try and leave, but I’ll just follow. I’ve been chasing you since the day I could walk, and I don’t think that’s ever going to change” stars
***ARC provided by author and I’m leaving an honest review***
Wow! Catherine does it again. Here I thought nothing can compete/compare with my love for couples/characters from Catherine’s previous books and then she writes this completely raw, breathtaking, powerful and heartfelt story. There is something about damaged heroes that I love so much, when they don’t believe in love or that they are even capable of loving and then they meet the right women who show them who they are meant to be all along. I’m still having a book hangover and not really sure how to put into words that will do the justice. I love her writing and the complex characters she creates. This is the third standalone in her Sutter Lake series. It is perfect read for contemporary, romantic suspense and small town romance lovers. It is very well written and developed. The characters are complex; the plot is strong and unpredictable. I liked everything about this book and writing which flowed and had me engrossed to the story from start to finish wanting to find out what happens next. I enjoyed every minute of it. This was completely brilliant, compelling, raw and breathtaking story. I loved that it was written in first person, dual POV so I know what both characters – Tuck and Jensen – were thinking at the specific time or moments.
Friends to lovers
Second chance
Independent, strong heroine
Overprotective, stubborn, damaged hero
Passionate
Intense
Heartfelt
Emotional
Suspenseful
Small town
“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.” ― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever
This is a story not only about the love but also loss, friendship, regrets, second chances, forgiveness and a road of self-discovery, letting go of the guilt, family and brotherhood. It was enjoyable read with some twists, while delivering an intense and passionate romance – love story between Tuck and Jensen that I devoured in one sitting. It was steamy, raw, sweet romance filled with so much heart and love. I loved the characters’ chemistry and banter which made this book even more special.
Jensen Cole is Walker’s younger sister. She is a single parent to an adorable Noah and owns The Tea Kettle. She has been friends with Tuck, Walker’s friend, since they were kids. Her past relationships left her burned, wounded and in self-doubt.
Tucker “Tuck” Harris is part of Forest Service. He has been best friends with Walker all their lives so he has known Jensen too. They have always had a special connection, bond and understood each other. Tuck has always looked out for her and felt really protective of her. Tuck is charming, easy going, lovable, but also vulnerable and questions his self-worth.
“I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.” ― Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
Tuck and Jensen are truly amazing. They lit the pages with their chemistry. They are each other’s match, sinfully sexy and intense. I loved their sassy, flirty banter and witty sexual innuendos. Tuck and Jensen are just perfect and exactly what they need. I love their moments and dialogues. Tuck is determined to keep her safe and protect her. He is really fiercely protective of her. They know they shouldn’t feel attracted to each other, but they do, it’s unavoidable. They are both flawed and complex. Neither of them in the beginning is looking for a relationship, but the feelings got intensified and involved. Their timing might be a little off because they both have so much going on and they are focused on different things, but when they are together everything just makes sense, in order to move on, let go of their past, guilt and start truly living. I love Tuck’s relationship with Noah – they are just precious and he explains everything so calmly and normally to him. I think they take each other by surprise. Tuck and Jensen are passionate, intense, breathtaking, heartbreaking, intense and incredible but also effortless and familiar! Their friendship is also precious and amazing. I think that they balance each other. I love that they didn’t give up on each other even though life have thrown them quite a few obstacles. The ending and epilogue was amazing. I just want to spend more time with these incredible couple and characters.
Friends-to-lovers, small town romance and a second chance are my second favorite genres which attracted me even more to this book when I read the synopsis. The story is excellently paced with an immaculate, flawless and superb writing and storytelling. Because of author’s awe-inspiring details and visualization I had a feeling like I was right there with characters, living in their world and hearing every sound, murmur and seeing magical scenery.
Secondary characters are so brilliant and wonderful and add to the story and mystery. I can’t wait for the next book.
Two words: INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL! It kept my attention at all times and I could not put it down. With an effortless writing, awe-inspiring details, and a journey of forgiveness, love, secrets, lies, mystery, the author takes us on an emotional and beautiful journey of the characters, struggles and their self-discovery. I highly recommend it.
5 STARS
This was a phenomenally heartwarming book! Jensen and Tucker’s story was so beautifully written. Their love for each other shines through their unspoken words and through their actions.
“I like you just as you were meant to be. Wild and free.”
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading sweet friends to lovers romance. This book is the third in the Sutter Lake series but can be read as a stand-alone. Beautifully Broken Spirit is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!