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…
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Perfect Wreckage is captivating and suspenseful and the perfect addition in Catherine’s The Wrecked Series.
This book starts with a bang and sets the stage for Kenna and Crosby’s story.
Both Kenna and Crosby have pasts that keep romantic opportunities at arm’s length. But the way their love slowly unfolds is nothing short of beautiful.
Kenna stands tall and strong and protects fiercely. Crosby has such tenderness and an over abundance of love. But they are both so set in their ways and fight to keep their guard intact.
I truly loved watching them fall in love and try to resist what their heart wanted. And the volunteering Perfection
I get excited whenever Catherine Cowles announces a new book. She is a wonderful writer and storyteller.
Kenna and Crosby’s story drew me in from the first page and I didn’t want to put it down. It’s an emotional read with a wonderful romance and a little suspense as well. I really liked the growth of Kenna and Crosby’s relationship as they spent more time together. The connection between them was evident from early on and it felt natural that they would fall for each other. I loved them individually but I loved them even more together.
The plot is nicely paced and the story can be read as a standalone, but the first book in the series is definitely worth reading.
Even though I just finished Perfect Wreckage, I am already looking forward to the next book in the series!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Perfect Wreckage is book #2 in Catherine Cowles Wrecked Series and follows the story of Crosby and Kenna. If you’ve read book #1, Reckless Memories than you’ll have met Kenna and will know her as one of Bell’s best friends. If you haven’t read it that is okay too because it can be read as standalone.
This book is a beautiful heartbreaking, emotional and suspenseful story. I was invested from the very first page and my heart was in tatters. What an incredible journey!
The book takes place on Anchor Island. It is such a cute little island town. I absolutely adore the small town feel and the way the author describes each scene makes it feel so real and a place I’d want to go visit.
Kenna is strong and beautiful. She grew up with an alcoholic mother who was never there for her and she eventually moves in with her grandmother.
Crosby is a loyal, kind, caring but stubborn! He was unwilling to settle down and get serious about anyone. He’s been burned by his ex and doesn’t want to open his heart up again for anyone. That is until Kenna. I loved these two together. They challenged each other and each brought out the best in each other. Crosby sees underneath Kenna and her careful easy life. She doesn’t take risks and he challenges her and open up her eyes and heart to the fact that there is more to life then playing it safe. Their chemistry and connect was explosive and I adored them. So many swoony, heartfelt moments that I just couldn’t get enough of. This is Catherine Cowles signature writing style. Beautiful, gripping and emotional and I highly recommend it.
*Advanced reader copy provided in exchange of an honest review.
The Perfect Wreckage is Catherine Cowles’s second book The Wrecked Series. Catherine has become one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance. She always mixes in some mystery/crime drama that leaves me wanting more which leaves me a little bumfuzzled (yes, I did pull that word out) as to how I missed book one, Reckless Memories. Grab your mug of afternoon coffee and let’s chat about Perfect Wreckage.
Life has not been kind to Kenna. She finally has the support system that she has always needed and it all begins to crumble around her. The boy she once loved is determined to take everything away from her and it appears that everyone on her tiny island is turning against her. Crosby is the one person who is standing beside her and, unfortunately, makes Kenna feel safe. A feeling of safety like she has never felt before but Crosby has made it clear that he is not looking for a long-term relationship.
I loved Catherine’s Sutter Lake Series and was pretty sure that it was going to be hard to beat. If Perfect Wreckage is any indication of what the rest of the Wrecked Series will be like, then it will blow the Sutter Lake Series out of the water. Catherine’s writing just gets better and better. Each new book is better than the last one. They are more emotionally draining. The characters are so well developed and the storyline is one that you don’t want to put it down or see it end. I have either read or desperately want to read everything on her bookshelf and I think that you will too. Catherine Cowles is an author that you will want to watch.
My rating of Catherine Cowles’ Perfect Wreckage…5 out of 5 propellers.
Perfect Wreckage was a fantastic read. Crosby and Kenna have an enemies-to-lovers romance and it was intriguing to go on the journey with them. These two needed each other and I enjoyed seeing the romance blossom. I loved the friend group-their friendships were significant. This story had a little of everything-romance, fun, suspense. I was fascinated to see how things would play out. I was entranced from beginning to end and while I didn’t want the book to end, I couldn’t read fast enough to see what happens next. Overall this was a book filled with emotions and heart. I felt a part of Anchor Island and I can’t wait to get back to see what happens with Caelyn and Griffin. Catherine Cowles is quickly becoming a favorite.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
If you read Reckless Memories you will recognize Kenna from that particular story. She’s pretty protective of her friends and doesn’t trust any man as far as she can throw them. Including Crosby, a local attorney, who seems to get under her skin every chance he gets.
You know what they say about the boy that pulls your pig tails on the playground, right? He’s flirting with you…even if he’s too young to realize it. Well Crosby does his best to rile Kenna up every chance he gets.
Author Catherine Cowles creates a safe place for Kenna in this book. She was completely traumatized in her youth and the woman who took her in gave her exactly opposite of what life had thrown at Kenna. A home and unconditional love.
Crosby knows he has to get Kenna out of her shell but he can’t help but tease her. He wants to know what makes her tick and how he can fit into her everyday life. Kenna is blocked off her emotions so tightly it might be easier to break into Fort Knox than to get her to feel something.
Crosby doesn’t let it get to him though. His determination will pay off. The more Kenna learns about him definitely helps thaw her hardened heart. Their relationship is a like a new rosebud blossoming for the first time.
Though she makes him work for it Kenna and Crosby are definitely a couple you can say are made for each other. They definitely compliment each other in every way.
I think you will enjoy this novel. I know I did.
I have loved everything I’ve read from Catherine Cowles and this was no exception. Kenna and Crosby stole my heart from the very beginning. I loved them in the first book because of how Crosby was constantly pushing Kenna’s buttons. I really enjoyed learning more about both of them and seeing that there is way more than meets the eye for them. One of my favorite parts about Catherine’s books is that there is usually an added element of suspense/mystery. This was no different. It really kept me on my toes! I highly recommend this book and series. I can’t wait till the next book!
Catherine never fails to take all of my words away! I am a sucker for the quick wit and sarcasm, so Crosby and Kenna are my favorite yet! They show two different ways of coping with pain and tragedy and end up finding safety in each other. The balance that Crosby and Kenna bring to each other’s lives is heartwarming, and you can only wish to be a part of the family of friends they have all created. You don’t want to miss this story, and you’ll definitely be sad when it’s over! Catherine is a one-click author, for sure!
OMG I love this book. Catherine Cowles gets better with each book she writes.
There are so many emotions that you feel as you read this book. You can almost feel what Kenna feels as everything is happening.
Kenna has been through hell in her life but she has always fought her way back. She still believes in forever even though everyone that was supposed to love her has left her and hurt her deep in her soul. She doesn’t want a relationship that is just sex, she want the white picket fence and forever. Because of her past experience with Grant, she thinks that Crosby is just like him and that he is entitled to everything and not responsible for his actions. But she soon finds that he is nothing like Grant and when Harriet dies and leave the estate to Kenna, he helps for fight Grant and his parents to keep it like Harriet wanted. After Kenna tells Crosby how she really feels, will she walk away because he has always said he only wants friends with benefits? Will they win the lawsuit that Grant and his family file to fight Harriet’s will? What will Crosby do when he realizes that he really loves Kenna but has lost her?
This is book 2 in the Wrecked Series and I love this small town!
I had not read the first book of the series and honestly I had no trouble enjoying this book as a standalone.
Told in dual POV, really showed how Kenna and Crosby’s story evolved and developed.
Brimming with passion and humor, these characters were likable and I really enjoyed their chemistry and banter.
The writing was strong and the imagery of this small town was breathtaking.
This small town friends to lovers story is well worth reading.
4.5 stars!
Perfect Wreckage is a friends to lovers romance in the Wrecked series. Crosby loves the life that he has built since moving from Boston to Anchor. One of his favourite past times is baiting and riling up Kenna. Kenna is going through life one day at a time but when tragedy strikes her demons return to haunt her. Crosby swears to help Kenna through her problem and stand by her side, but when his demons show up it may prove to be too much.
OMG!!!! An emotionally suspenseful rollercoaster ride of a story that I just could not put down. One minute my heart was breaking and the next minute it was so full of love. I even shed a few tears while reading. Crosby and Kenna both have pasts that hurt and haunt them but they helped each other become stronger. The witty banter between the two of them had me smiling. I loved connecting with the other characters and the loyalty they have to one and other is amazing. I can not wait for Caelyn’s story. Catherine Cowles is quickly becoming a favourite author of mine and this is a must-read series. A great job is done by Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell of giving the story life. *Trigger warning – loss of a baby*
“I love you, Brown Eyes”
“With Everything I am”
Crosby and Kenna, Perfect Wreckage by Catherine Cowles
Holey Moley! Perfect Wreckage, Catherine Cowles’ second book in the Wrecked series, is amazing .. as in AMAZING!!!
It’s a five star read for me … insta re-read of multiple scenes that I can only describe to be raw, honest, and romantic beyond belief.
If you’ve read other books by Ms.Cowles, I have to say that this is one of her best … realistic characters, storyline that moves the series forward while simultaneously being a standalone, and a plot and subplot that is incredibly well written and tightly woven.
If you read the first book in the series, you’ve been introduced to Bell, Carolyn, Kenna and Ford … they are all in Perfect Wreckage in all their glory!
Kenna and Crosby have a slow burn that turns into sizzling romance. Crosby pushes Kenna and her friends to drop her shields and let in those that she trusts … all while he remains steadfast in his own world. She’s relying on Crosby’s legal skills to help her defend her recent inheritance from Harriet, whose loss has dealt Kenna a breathtaking blow … only to be increased by the legal challenge by her former boyfriend Grant and his family.
Perfect Wreckage is a friends to lovers, HEA, suspenseful romance story that is one you’ll want to download immediately … and clear your calendar because you’ll want to immerse yourself in Anchor Island and Kenna’s story.
I received an ARC that was generously provided by the author. This is my honest review that I’m pleased to share!
Catherine Cowles
This is such a wonderful small town romance. Perfection. I loved everything about it. It is such a strong follow-up to Reckless Memories. I loved Kenna and Crosby’s story so much. I felt that he was the portrayed as the funny guy in the first book and that is so not the case. His story developed him so much more and, besides his hang-up with commitment, he was a pretty great book boyfriend.
Kenna has had a rough life. Her drunk of a mom was pretty non-existent in her life. She went to live with Harriet when she was eleven years old. She started dating Grant (who happens to be Harriet’s grandson) and accidentally got pregnant by him when she was eighteen. He didn’t take the news well and basically called her a liar and a manipulator.
When Harriet passes away, she is leaves something to Kenna that Grant and his family want and will do anything to get. Luckily, Crosby is Harriet’s lawyer and is there to help Kenna. I loved the added outside conflict in this story, besides that of the relationship issues that each Kenna and Crosby brought with them.
This is the second book in the Wrecked series and can be read as a standalone. I wouldn’t recommend it, though. It was nice to see the familiar characters from the first book and see how their story is developing.
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and the author for a digital advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
“Life is messy and terrifying, but it is also crazy beautiful. You taught me that. You showed me that my wreckage could be perfect in its own way, that all those little cracks in my soul just made me stronger, more beautiful. Truly and authentically me. You taught me what it means to truly live.”
Overall Grade:
In a world where everything is run through a filter, where standards of beauty seem impossible, perfection, or the need for perfection, feels onerous, in that same world, success is honored, while there is no deference paid to failure. No one posts their failures or mistakes on Instagram or Facebook. Instead, our most perfect selves are delivered. These ideas belie Catherine Cowles’s poignant Perfect Wreckage. While it’s not presented through the realm of our world, instead it’s individuated through her hero, Crosby, and her heroine, Kenna, its message is still important, even more so as readers see it played out through their lives. For me, that is the power of Cowles’s newest book, showing us that the true beauty of life is found in the wreckage of our mistakes because they make us more humane.
As I’ve explained in past Catherine Cowles reviews, I am constantly bowled over by the quietude of Cowles’s storytelling. Its truths whisper over the page as you fall into the heaviness of the story’s plotting. And there is heaviness in Cowles’s stories. In Perfect Wreckage, Kenna’s characterization is the most difficult. It’s also the best representation of the book’s message. Kenna’s past is rife with the mistakes of her mother and her own personal choices. In the small town where she grew up, these mistakes have been used to characterize her in a way that she seeks to mitigate by better choices and the mask of perfection. No one works harder than Kenna. No one holds themselves to a higher standard than Kenna. No one is more resolute in wanting to lead a safe life than Kenna. And all of this is a part of Kenna’s mask. By crafting Kenna in this manner, Cowles pokes at our own sense of control. She reminds us, through the course of Kenna’s journey, that our failures and the things out of our control make us human and interesting. As Kenna embraces this, Cowles rewards the story with a treasured ending. Even in the midst of Kenna’s troubles, there is this quiet resolve to find her happy ending. It’s not overwrought; instead, there’s a peace that comes to Kenna and to Cowles’s story when Kenna realizes that the “wreckage” of our life is perfect in itself. For me, that truth hit me right in my heart.
Cowles also lays this truth out in Kenna’s seeming opposite, Crosby. At the surface, Crosby is an adventure seeker, not afraid to embrace physical challenges. He will willingly throw himself off the face of a mountain or out of an airplane. It seems as though he’s living except that he isn’t really. He hides behind the mask of his adventure. This is where Kenna and Crosby are more alike than dissimilar. For Crosby, he hides from emotional challenges because his past choices changed him. While Kenna pursues outward perfection, Crosby avoids the appearance of it, and he does this to avoid his emotions. As Kenna infiltrates his heart, Cowles creates this delicious tension within Crosby that makes you ache. As he works through his emotions, Cowles leaves her readers suspended, wondering if Crosby and Kenna can find their happy ending. These are the moments of Cowles’s storytelling that I adore because this is life. It’s messy and painful in the midst of the possibility for joy and love. She compels me to adore her stories because they speak gently to my own insecurities and heartbreaks, and this is the mark of a skilled storyteller.
Lastly, one of the main parts of Cowles’s romances is the suspense of her stories. There is always some part of the story that requires ferreting out whether it’s a true mystery or a character-specific challenge. In Perfect Wreckage, there is more of this. Let me tell you. You will detest the villains of this story, which is delightful. On the one hand, you hate that her main characters must journey into this pain, but on the other hand, it keeps you suspended and intrigued in Cowles’s story. Once I began reading Perfect Wreckage, the only reason I put it down was work. Even then, I found myself sneaking peeks of it between teaching classes and bemoaning the fact that I couldn’t just sit and finish it. That happens for me with each Catherine Cowles story.
Over and over again, Cowles illustrates her capacity to craft stories that slay your heart. Perfect Wreckage is more of that. I had been waiting impatiently for Kenna and Crosby because I wanted Crosby to mess up Kenna’s life. Instead, what Cowles has done with this story is to show us that we are all messy, that we all need people to break our masks. She reminds us that perfection is made more perfect in the wreckage of our choices. That love and passion are still available to us all when we authentically live our lives.
This is the dilemma I have reading Catherine’s books. I wait, scream for joy when I get my copy, binge until my eyes hurt, automatically crave the next installment, then start the process all over again. It’s an endless cycle but one id gladly take because her books are THAT GOOD!
Perfect wreckage…
•gut wrenching backstory
•charismatic, carefree surfer boy
•stubborn but packs a punch Wonder Woman heroine
Ok without giving away too much, let me just say that Catherine’s stories transport me. Her small coastal towns have me wanting to purchase land in the PNW, but I digress…
Perfect wreckage follows the lives of Crosby McCoy and Kenna Morgan. Polar opposites – we’re talking oil and water here – but oh so combustible. Connected by their friendships and deep rooted loyalties they’re planted into each other lives – much to Kenna’s chagrin. But somehow their pairing is just magnetic. Despite their past transgression they can’t seem to not gravitate towards one another and fall head over *cough* booty for one another.
Although tragedy brings them together it’s their differences that solidifies their bound. Evening out the others shortcomings and leaving one beautiful love story.
It needs to said that Kenna’s traits are nothing short of amazing. Her tenacity to never give up and persevere sets her apart from other leading ladies. It’s her moxie that truly connected with me and I hated to see it end.
Cheers to another epic addition to the wreckage series
AVAILABLE NOW
“Perfect Wreckage” by @catherinecowlesauthor
I adore this book, the entire series. There is something about a redemption love story that just grabs my attention, time and time again.
Kenna has experience her share of heartache and loss but has always known love and security, thanks to her adoptive mother, Harriet. When Harriet passes, Kenna is thrown into a battle with demons from her past that just may be her undoing.
Crosby gave up a life with all the bells and whistles to create one that he truly loves, one he has created on his own merit. His past has caused him to shy away from relationships but he can’t seem to turn around from Kenna and her “Brown Eyes.”
Kenna and Crosby’s relationship moves through grief, friendship to more. But can they both let go of their past failures and reputations to find happiness together? Or will they get swept away by previous influences, losing their chance of a happily ever after?
STAR RATING:
Kenna and Crosby will have you on the edge of your seat! I was doing some ugly crying due to Kenna’s past, but Crosby and Kenna’s story is so beautifully written that it blows you away. Catherine Cowles has done it again and I for one will one click any and everything she puts out! Fantabulous job!
Oh my goodness! Talk about not being able to let the story go!!!
I want more of these two!!!
I’m seriously experiencing a storybook hangover right now and I need to know what happens next with Crosby and Kenna. I have so many questions! I’m guessing my questions will be answered as the series moves on, but I just need to know now. Wonder if I can get the inside scoop???? I have two very big questions! (Read the book to see what I’m referring to – no cheating.)
Poor Kenna loses the only person she feels has never left her. Essentially her only family. The last living link. The woman who raised her. The woman who has loved her since the very beginning. She doesn’t know what she’ll do. Add in a contested will and a hot lawyer. Okay, maybe she thinks he’s obnoxious…. oh my is Crosby HOT! *Fans self*
I need a moment. *Still fanning self*
Anyways, this is a great story which will suck you in and make you use several different emotions while reading it. You’ll love it!
Yes, this one can be read all on its own even though it is book 2 in the series.
Catherine Cowles continues to bring us beautiful small-town stories with her newest release, Perfect Wreckage, book two in her Wrecked Series.
What I loved:
Crosby, Crosby, Crosby. What a leading man he was. I loved his charismatic and playful personality. If he was on the page, I was smiling. He was so loveable.
The storyline kept me interested through the entire book. I loved Harriet and her role in Kenna’s life. Even the back story with Harriet’s asshat Grandson. I thought it was a great plot for the book.
What I didn’t love:
Alright, I’m going to get some lashings for this one, but Kenna. I just wasn’t a fan, and it wasn’t anything the author did or didn’t do if I am honest. Sometimes as readers, we don’t connect with characters, which I felt with Keena. Nothing was wrong with the character; I just didn’t like her. It’s how it goes sometimes; you can’t love every character you read.
Overall:
Of course I loved this book! It’s small-town romance, plus suspense, plus this adorably amazing hero that I swear everyone will fall for, what’s not to love? Even not liking the heroine, I still very much enjoyed the book, and I know you will too!
*side note I listened to this on audible as well. Joe Arden and Maxine Mitchell are PERFECTION as Crosby and Kenna. I mean, even if I wasn’t a fan of Kenna’s Maxine still did a phenomenal job!
This author stories always give “all the feels”. She might even have upped her game with this one.
Crosby and Kenna are deliciously sexy and hilarious together. Scattered throughout this telling you get tastes of emotional dark topics such as abandonment, loss, greed, and fear of rejection.
What makes this story though is friendship, protecting the young, and fighting for the innocent. Oh did I mention this couple is sexy hot together. Well pardon me for being remiss, fanning myself thinking about it. Wink.
Crosby and Kenna have the best of friends creating a tribe as they deal with greedy villains trying to take Kenna’s inheritance. They also are around as our dynamic duo defend a sweet girl in foster care. Grrr.
Love this book. Perfect afternoon story. Happy Reading Everyone! XOXO