My past taught me to play it safe.To stay far away from handsome men who promised it all.My life was good without them. Stable, secure, predictable. But one kiss showed me that I’d been playing it safe for far too long.One night, and all I wanted was more of his wildfire.One challenge and my carefully constructed walls tumbled down.Amidst the rubble, I realized there was more to this man than I … there was more to this man than I ever dreamed.
When everything fell apart, he showed me what it meant to stay.
How to truly live.
But some demons don’t stay buried.
The past can come knocking when you least expect.
And the life he’s showing me might be shorter than either of us expected…
more
REVIEW: 4+ STARS
“Don’t let other people’s ignorance influence your value.”
I know without a shadow of a doubt that any time I pick up one of Catherine’s books, I’m in for a good read, a great storyline, and some amazing characters. Once again, she allowed me the comfort of a small town romance with sweetness while throwing in some drama, but all the while keeping me entertained. I feel like she’s a great go to for me when I need to slow down and settle into a sweet and sexy read, when I need a guaranteed good love story that I know is going to give me all the feels when it comes to romance, character development, and amazing side characters. And, as usual, she always teases me about the next book coming, ensuring I’ll be coming back for more. No questions asked.
I really loved this one. The story arc that carried over from the first book didn’t interfere with this being a complete standalone – and that’s what I enjoy. Cowles really understands how to give an entire story, encompassing the characters from other books in the series, but not giving anything away. SO GOOD!! I’m so thankful for that too. There were so many things going on, but the central focus being the growth between Crosby and Kenna was really well thought out/plotted/written because little by little, watching them come out of their shells was the best part of the story. Putting their relationship into perspective – that is what pushed the book for me. Her words flow effortlessly and she’s always super easy to follow. It was just a great book to read after a rough patch of books that weren’t working for me, so once again – I’m thankful for her and her stories!!
Kenna had so many emotional barriers that this story intrigued me from the first mention in Reckless Memories – I just knew I needed her story. Cowles didn’t disappoint. Her story had some heartbreaking moments and some shoulder-shaking moments, but the growth was the. best. part. Kenna’s strength was only matched by her stubbornness, and she was quite relatable. The only thing I couldn’t really connect with was her struggle on one aspect because my personal reaction was quite different – so watching her work her way through it was on a very different emotional scale for me. Not bad. Not good. Just …. different.
Crosby, you sly-smiling, heart-stuttering, smartass of a man. His personality really sealed the deal for me. He was more human….he felt more real to me. He made mistakes, but he more than made up for those mistakes with the direction from within his heart. I fell head over heels for him almost immediately, and by the time I closed the book I was completely enamored. Real, flawed, honest, and protective. All man.
“If you really want to live your life to the fullest, you have to let go of who you think you should be and let yourself become who you truly are.”
This was another suspenseful romantic drama that had me seeing red at some of the character’s actions, and I literally wanted to leap through the pages at the antagonist and strangle them. But….with that intense anger came the chill-worthy professions and actions of Crosby, leaving me with a soft sigh of relief. He really is a sweetheart mixed with a smidgeon of hilarity and I loved him! I just loved him!!
Thinking I only had one more book in the Wrecked Series made me smile – but knowing there are three more coming has me anxiously guessing who the final two books will be about. I am absolutely loving this group of characters and their little island, small town life and I am super excited about Griffin and Caelyn’s book next, Wrecked Palace.
“Looking away doesn’t make things disappear.”
~BEE
Giveaway on my blog: thebookbeehive.blogspot.com
5* Second Chance Love Stars
This is the second book in the Wrecked Series and can be read as a stand-alone however I strongly recommend you read the first book to get the full impact of the wonderful characters that are pivotal to the story of Kenna and Crosby.
Kenna had a rough upbringing and was adopted at 11 by Harriet, who was her grandmothers friend, after her passing. They became a close knit 2 person family as Harriets family wanted nothing to do with her and Anchor Island where she lived. When tragedy strikes Kenna’s world, the past comes back to haunt her, old wounds are opened up and Kenna is faced with dealing with the cards that have been handed to her.
When Crosby, who is the local lawyer and friend of hers, is there to help her navigate the path forward, feelings are felt and sparks are ignited but is this enough to pave a future together when doubt and trust issues still haunt his past.
It was wonderful to catch up with Kenna’s best friends Bell and Caelyn. They were fiercely faithful and supported her through her ordeal.
I absolutely loved this heartfelt and emotional love story and the epilogue was such a perfect ending to their journey.
I am loving this series and authors storytelling.
Oh wow! I’ve just finished an emotionally charged and fabulous book! I’m not sure how to put into words how I felt reading this book. The injustice, the hate, the pain it broke my heart for Kenna. Crosby had his own pain, different from Kenna’s but no less damaging. When you put these two on a collision course you get fireworks and tears. It started with such high emotions and continued throughout the book. There was some wonderful highs tho, watching Kenna blossom into the woman she could be when the world dealt her a terrible hand. All the while Crosby was by her side dealing with his own fears and insecurities too. I loved the way they grew together all the while the world was trying to mess with them both in different ways. This is a powerful book of love, genuine kindness and acceptance of all that’s passed. This is one of those books that once you start you won’t want to put down. Fabulous book I cannot wait for Caelyn’s book now
I was so enthralled with this book that I had a hard time putting it down to do responsible things like feed my family and help my son with distance learning. This book was constantly with me while I did everything including sitting in the pre-k pickup line just to be able to read any second I had a chance.
This book made me feel all the emotions right along with characters. I laughed, almost cried, cursed people under my breath and felt like I was right there experiencing everything with Kenna and Crosby.
Kenna and Crosby stole my heart. The banter between them, friendship that bloomed, all the new things we leaned about them just had me loving them and even more.
This is my new favorite book by Catherine Cowles replaced by another book with names that start with K and C, I’m seeing a pattern here and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Watching Crosby help his Brown Eyes let go of perfection and structure so she could fall in love with living was so special.
This story truly is one of those books that does the soul some good.
As always Catherine does such a great job with character building and storytelling—you can’t help, but love them and hope for their love and HEA.
Every girl deserves a Crosby when they’re broken and frozen.
Catherine is back with the second installment in the Wrecked Series, and I have to say I was totally blown away!
The chemistry between Crosby and Kenna is unbelievable. I would name their troupe as “Frienemies”. Mutual friends, but Crosby is a total jokester and the banter between them is unreal. When we first met Crosby in Reckless Memories, I just immediately lumped him into the “jokester” or funny guy of the series. In this book you really see the man behind the jokes and banter. You see his true colors, and let me just say… he will steal your heart!
“One day, this woman would see herself as I did. Strong because she’d been broken. Loving because she’d been hurt. Perfect in all of her imperfections.”
If you want to be taken away to another place, you need to pick up Perfect Wreckage, you won’t be able to put it down. There is so much heart and emotions packed into this book.
“If you really want to live your life to the fullest, you have to let go of who you think you should be and let yourself become who you truly are.”
Perfect Wreckage is a stand alone within a series. You can pick it up without reading Reckless Memories, but for the full impact, I would suggest starting with Reckless Memories where you meet Bell and Ford.
Perfect Wreckage is a small town, “Frienemies”, enemies to lovers with scorching hot chemistry along with a dash of the Catherine Cowles suspense we have all grown to love.
Kenna and Crosby have a wonderfully combative relationship. I loved their banter and sarcastic comebacks. They had tons of chemistry. These two were definitely an unlikely couple. Kenna has had a really tough time in life. She was blessed when Harriet came into her life. Crosby grew up with privilege, yet he was trapped in a life he didn’t want. His determination to always be free built walls around his heart. Despite their differences, they were so perfect for each other. I loved how he brought life and laughter to her world. She showed him what it felt like to be loved and how you can still be free. The court case that Kenna and Crosby are involved in made me want to strangle someone. The power and greed of the wealthy is something that drives me to madness. The Abbott family is the epitome of wealth and privilege, and I wanted to see them go down. Perfect Wreckage was another incredible story in this series. I really love all of the characters and how close they are with each other. I can’t wait for the next story.
Perfect Wreckage is book two in the Wrecked series by Catherine Cowles. In the first book, Reckless Memories, we met three best friends, Bell, Caelyn and Kenna. The first book was Bell and Ford’s story. Now it’s Kenna’s turn.
Kenna might not have been very lucky in who her biological mother was, but she was very lucky to have Harriet in her life, the woman that has raised her since she was eleven years old. Ever since Harriet took her in, Kenna has lived with her on her estate, The Gables. It’s Kenna’s safe place, her home, her peace.
Crosby McCoy is the resident lawyer on Anchor Island. Crosby grew up privileged but walked away from the life his parents chose for him to a life of freedom on the island. Crosby finally was able to discover who he really was, be a man he could be proud of.
Kenna and Crosby might have had a bit of a cantankerous relationship, both going on assumptions of what the other was really like. Kenna lived her life buttoned up, safe, everything in order. She might give the impression of being stuffy. And Crosby gave the impression that he was careless, flighty, a bit wild. But when circumstances bring them closer together and they take the time to really get to know each other, they both realized just how wrong they were about the other.
“People underestimated the gift of holding steady, of just being present. But I knew the truth. To stay was the greatest gift of all.”
Kenna and Crosby grow closer and Kenna is forced to rely on Crosby. He also challenges her, takes her on adventures, forcing her to live outside of her safe box, to experience life in a way she never has. Instead of scaring her, it opens her eyes to a beauty she wasn’t even aware of. Crosby finds himself craving Kenna’s company, wanting something from her he swore he never would again.
“It was as if his arms might be able to hold me together. Keep me from breaking when the world was falling down around me.”
This was such a beautifully told story. I loved Kenna and Crosby together. Of course, every book needs an evil villain and this book most definitely has one, actually more than one. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, steamy and suspense. And of course, the epilogue was perfect! The next book will be Caelyn’s story in Wrecked Palace. I can’t wait.
Grab the tissues and brace for multiple hits right in the feels with Kenna and Crosby’s story! Perfect Wreckage had me crying, laughing, and bursting with anticipation for what was to come for this couple. Catherine Cowles has this ability to create worlds and characters that truly transport you to a different place and Perfect Wreckage highlights that beautifully. I was so invested in Kenna and Crosby there was not one single thing that could tear me away.
These two each had my heart aching at times but the way they grow from frenemies to lovers is so freaking beautiful I’d shed a million tears (and I did LOL!) just to experience it.
Every time I finish one of Ms. Cowles books I think I’ve read my favorite one. And then I read the next one and I’m just blown out of the water! Kenna and Crosby are EVERYTHING! I couldn’t put this book down. There’s some emotion, there’s laughter and tears, and there’s one big douche bag. But all together it’s just omg amazing!! And I really love Anchor Island. Plus we see appearances from our other favorite characters too! I can’t wait for our next adventure on this island!
A touching book from beginning to end. The story of Kenna and Crosby is filled with so many emotions. Kenna has had to deal with many struggles in her life, making her cautious in all that she does. I love how Crosby never gave up working to break down the walls she had built around her, all while letting his walls come tumbling down. Loved this book!
Crosby and Kenna absolutely gutted me. Ugly crying with sniffles…so many emotions that left me hungover. What a story!!! With each piece of writing, this author continues to get better and better. The drama, suspense, and devotion in this story will keep you turning the pages and leave you wanting more. All I’m going to say is you want to read this. In fact, you need to read this so make sure it’s on your list.
Catherine Cowles’s stories just keep getting better and better. Perfect Wreckage is sweet, and heartbreaking, and so full of love, passion, hope, and acceptance. This book is the perfect small town romance that owns my soul. I didn’t think I would love this story more than Reckless Memories, but I did. Perfect Wreckage took my heart on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I absolutely adored Kenna and Crosby and I loved seeing all my favorite characters from Reckless Memories along with meeting some new faces. I could not put this book down and read it in a few short hours. It was that good and addicting. I simply had to know if Kenna and Crosby would get the happily ever after that they so rightly deserved. Catherine did not disappoint. The ending of this book was absolutely perfect and I was sad the story ended.
Kenna’s character is simply amazing. Kenna has been through such heartache and heartbreak throughout her life. She had a terrible mother who was never a mother to her. The drugs, alcohol, and material possessions were always more important to Kenna’s mother instead of her daughter. She had a terrible first love (he who shall not be named!) who broke her heart and made he feel as if she was less than nothing. She suffered a terrible loss at the young age of eighteen that would bring any grown woman to her knees, but Kenna pushed through all of these heartbreaks to come out as a fiercely strong and independent woman. She put the pieces of her life back together and built something truly amazing for herself. She built a home and family with Harriet, Bell, and Caelyn. Kenna struggles to let people past the walls she has built around her heart, but man when she does, it’s truly something amazing to watch unfold. Kenna’s growth and development throughout this story was amazing and so heartwarming to watch. She realized that she kept people at a distance and that she truly wasn’t living life to the fullest. I was so proud of her for taking steps toward making her life what she truly wants it to be and what she deserves it to be. She fought for herself and what she truly wanted. Gosh. I was so happy and proud of her. Kenna was truly a well developed and constantly evolving character. I loved her so much.
Crosby is another one of those characters that sucks you into their orbit and doesn’t let go even after the story is finished. I loved every second of his chapters. I loved getting inside his head and learning more about who he is as a person. He’s a truly amazing male lead character. He’s funny, sarcastic, witty, intelligent, protective, fierce, and so darn attractive. Everything about his character drew me in and kept me captivated. I honestly wanted to know more about him. I loved that he works with an organization to help give children a voice in the foster care system. He truly cares about those children and where they end up. He wants to make sure they have everything they need. He wants them to find a forever home. Crosby knows what it’s like to have everything he needs materially, but he doesn’t know what it’s like to have parents who truly care. He wants to help foster care children obtain that. Everyone deserves to feel loved and cared for and Crosby will do whatever it takes to help these children achieve that. I’m pretty sure that right there made me fall in love with him. I also liked that he tried to be the type of lawyer that would help make positive impacts on people’s lives. He wants to do good things in the world. He didn’t want to be at the top of the social ladder or partner in some fancy firm. He wants to help people who truly need it and to be a good person. His character held me captive and didn’t let me go.
Kenna and Crosby together was honestly magical. These two had such intense chemistry. At first, these two did not get along but I think that had more to do with Kenna’s preconceived notions of Crosby than who Crosby was as an actual person. Once they started to get to know one another beyond the surface level, they connected in a way that many people never find in life. Crosby helped Kenna open up her carefully guarded heart and see that there was more to life than just surviving. Life is meant to be adventurous, fun, unique, and special. Life is truly what you make it to be and Kenna needed that push to make life more. More than just a stable job. More than just always being in control. Life is just more. Crosby taught her that and I loved every second of it. Kenna taught Crosby that it’s okay to love someone and build a life with them. That life doesn’t have to be suffocating and it doesn’t mean that you lose your freedom. Sharing a life with someone means having a safe haven to come home to and having someone to share in all of life’s ups and downs and adventures. It took Crosby a little bit to realize that, but when he did, wow. These two completely own my heart. Those last few chapters cemented my love for these two. They are truly perfect for one another.
I have to mention Harriet and Zoe. These two characters were amazing. I loved them with all of my heart and they were great secondary characters in the story. Harriet was such a fierce protector and advocate of Kenna. She took her in and cared for her when no one else would. She became the parent that Kenna always needed. She gave Kenna a safe haven. I need a grandmother like Harriet. She is the absolute best. Zoe was the sweetest little girl and I simply adored the relationship her and Kenna had. I think they got along so well because Kenna understands how Zoe feels. Zoe’s mother is also a drug addict and didn’t treat or care for her daughter like she should have. Kenna knows exactly how that feels. Kenna wants to do whatever it takes to make her feel loved, wanted, and understood. The same goes for Crosby. He fell in love with this little girl and it was amazing to watch. He’s such a fierce advocate for her and would do anything to protective Zoe. Cue swooning. I loved all the secondary characters in this story.
Overall, I give this story 5/5! If I could give it more than that, I would. I loved everything about this story. Kenna and Crosby’s journey was amazing to read and experience. I loved reading about some of my favorite characters from the first book and meeting new ones. I am completely in love with the Wrecked series and cannot wait for the next book. I have a feeling that Caelyn and Griffin are going to capture and own my heart completely and possibly break it a little in the process. I simply can’t wait!
Crosby is my new favorite book boyfriend. Holy moly he is just incredible. I loved everything about him and how he was just the right person to bring Kenna back to herself.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the relationship between Crosby and Kenna, the banter, the chemistry, the friendship, it is everything I would ever want.
Now that I’ve gushed over Crosby I have to talk about Kenna. The amount of heartache she faced throughout her life is pretty incomprehensible, it enough to make anyone a cold, hardened person, and while Kenna does a good job appearing to be just that, she really had the most amazing heart.
Such a great series. I’m falling for each of the characters with each book I read. I really cannot wait for Caelyn and Griffin’s story but first it’s time for the audio of Perfect Wreckage. Can’t wait to hear what Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell bring to this amazing book.
Perfect Wreckage is book two in Catherine Cowles Wrecked series.
Book two follows the journey of Crosby and Kenna, who don‘t always see eye to eye. Kenna is a woman who rarely takes risks thanks to alot of things that have happened in her past. She likes everything to go her way and doesn‘t stray from her plan. Crosby is the total opposite of Kenna. He‘s a risktaker, he loves a challenge and doesn‘t shy back from any adventure.
The story between Kenna and Crosby is one I won‘t forget so easily. Both of them have struggled in the past but it only made them stronger in their own way. It‘s an emotiobal rollercoaster for sure!
Catherine got me again. Perfect Wreckage really didn‘t let me go easy. I had to just read it in one go because I was addicted to them!
I really can‘t wait for the next book in this series because they just get better every time!
5
Perfect Wreckage is a small-town, opposites attract charmer. This story is chock full of emotional resonance and complicated, but lovable characters who fall into a romance that will sweep you away. The storytelling is beautifully done and will have you feeling ALL THE FEELS – smiles, tears, anger, and joy- and will hook you from page one.
Crosby is the small town lawyer- a man who gave up his privilege to live his life on the island. And, he wants to stay unattached – he lives a life of adventure, that YOLO mentality of taking advantage of every movement, living daringly. And that certainly contrasts with Kenna- who craves a life of order- she craves the stability and safety of a quite, predictable way of being. Both have good reasons for their approach to life- both have been disappointed by others. And they both need to live in a way that challenges or scares the other. But, as these two continue to cross paths and spend time together, feelings emerge, and a natural and authentic connection just quietly clicks into place. We have the push-pull, the resistance and the associated banter, but their connection only gets stronger, and they’re forced to confront their own hesitancy, their emotional baggage. We also get to dabble in some outside conflict that brings a bit of excitement and dash of suspense to our otherwise intimate and insular romance.
Crosby was such a lovable hero- he’s just amazing, and the way he is with Kenna, how he gets under her skin but lovingly challenges her is a beautiful love story. OH, and Kenna- she’s my favorite kind of heroine- she’s quiet, more reserved, and so layered- she’s been wronged, and that has caused her to turn in. She’s so sweet and kind- but she also knows what she wants, and she’s strong and fierce in her resilience. Their connection just grabbed me tight- the sweet and inspiring way that Crosby helped Kenna blossom, how he helped her live her life more fully. Watching these two fall into each other- opening up as they both evolve as characters, as they accept each other and their feelings was just so swoon worthy.
This was my first Catherine Cowles book, and I’m excited to catch up on this series and read further. I love small town contemporary romance- and Catherine has built a delightful world at Anchor Island. She brings all the charm, the parochial romantic focus that makes small town so special-an arresting setting that enables the characters’ story to just consume you entirely. This story is intimate, emotional, engaging, and tender- and with just the right dash of suspense to add some dramatic flair. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am so glad I found a new author to dive into!
Catherine Cowles proves again that she is a master at weaving a beautiful story with characters that are perfect, flaws and all. I fell in love with the witty banter of Crosby and Kenna in Reckless Memories and was excited that these two would get their own story. I was not expecting to get such depth in these characters, but Catherine out did herself. I felt their emotions as if I were the one experiencing them myself…and their story left me a wreck in the most perfect way. Bravo, Catherine.
5* ARC Review – Perfect Wreckage might turn into a Perfect Future!
I am a huge fan of this author and am part of her ARC group. This book like her other works kept me reading and enjoying learning about this couple and how they would navigate their challenges. What I like most about her series is that each book can be read as a standalone, but I appreciate how the prior book hints as to the main characters of the next book. That being said, we met Kenna and Crosby in the previous book, Reckless Memories. They were not exactly friends, but you could see that there was underlying interest, even if Kenna would not admit it.
As the book opens, we learn about Kenna’s past with her high school love and how she ended up living on the large estate on the island with Harriet as her guardian. With great skill, this author expands on how the hurt from that time in her life has kept Kenna closed off from relationships and love. When Harriet dies and leaves the estate to Kenna, her past comes back full force. At that time Crosby, acting as the attorney for Harriet’s estate, is there to defend Kenna and the will left by Harriet. This also gives Crosby the opening to start a relationship with Kenna that they think of as an adventure and temporary. We also learn about Crosby’s past and why he, like Kenna, are not looking for a forever romance. As they work together, it shows how much more alike they are and how they could actually have a perfect future!
Perfect Wreckage is the second book in The Wrecked Series and gives us the story of Kenna and Crosby. It has characters that were present in book one, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Oh, my heart! This one put me through the ringer. One thing I know for sure, no matter how much Catherine Cowles tears my heart up during a book, she will make sure it’s all put back together and wrapped up with a great big bow of happiness by the end. Kenna’s story broke me and I cried several times for all that she had endured. Crosby was the perfect hero for Kenna and watching them get closer and learn how to trust in each other was a beautiful thing. The author’s storytelling abilities never cease to amaze me. She truly paints a picture with her words, creating authentic characters that I want to know and gorgeous places that I never want to leave. Perfect Wreckage is definitely one that will be on my re-read list and I can’t recommend it enough.
If you are an audiobook fan, Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell do a fantastic job narrating this one!
Simply amazing. There’s nothing I can say that I don’t love about the book. The backstory is heart breaking. Watching the love between Kenna and Crosby is beyond beautiful. You feel for these characters. You sooo want the hea. And you’re always amazed at the lengths that finally take them to that magical place. I cannot give it enough stars!!!