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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Oh, my Crosby!! This laid-back hot lawyer who loves his freedom but has a heart of gold stole my breathe and heart instantly. Crosby is funny, loving, caring, hard worker, but enjoys playing too. He believes that life should be a balance of working hard and enjoying the things around you. I fell hard for this man because he knew what he wanted out of life and enjoyed everything he was doing with his own life. While Crosby enjoyed his freedom aka doing outdoor activities as he please Kenna has a different idea what life should be like. Kenna was this beautiful woman who has structured her life to where nothing unpredictable can happen and she loves it that way because of all the hardships she has endured throughout her life. She is boring, predictable never deviates from her plans and it is slowly taking a toll on her. She knows she should want more out of life, but she is afraid that if she lets go it will only end up hurting her. Kenna and Crosby don’t always see eye to eye because while Kenna is predictable Crosby is the opposite. Their banter had me laughing and I was so happy to see that Crosby brought a different side out of her. I don’t want to give too much away but a lot happens especially from both characters pasts that try to haunt them. As they try to navigate their newly friendship and steamy moments, they will always have to battle themselves. Can Crosby stop hunting down the freedom he desperately tries to hold on to so he can have a balance of love and time to go enjoy his outdoor activities? Can Kenna let go of her hurts, take time to let loose and give herself a break? Or are these two too opposite for things to workout and will the past come back and tear them apart? All these questions are answered and you don’t want to miss another amazing book in this series that steals your heart and makes you fall hard for more characters as you crave more.
“Strong because she’d been broken. Loving because she’d been hurt. Perfect in all her imperfections “
Ok, this phrase is just everything and it tells you how good this book is.
Perfect Wreckage is an absolutely beautiful masterpiece, this is book 2 on the Wrecked series and can be read as an standalone but I recommend to read the first book because the main characters on this book Kenna and Crosby are introduced in Reckless Memories where you get to see a little about them.
This book is definitely another 5 star reading for me.
I loved that cats and dogs bickering relation going on between Kenna and Crosby that was trying to hide the connection and chemistry between them. Circumstances threw them into a sort of relationship of convenience that would bring their true feelings to the surface, but just when they think things are falling into place there’s a twist of suspense added to the mix creating a plot twist that will keep you on your toes.
Definitely another book by Catherine that will suck you right in from the start, from the amazing characters to the well written story.
Crosby is a lawyer who does everything on his own time line. He never wants to be the man he was and wants to enjoy life to the fullest. Kenna is an accountant who has built up so many walls around herself that it’s unlikely anyone will break through them.
Perfect Wreckage by Catherine Cowles is book 2 in The Wrecked Series. This is my first read by this author and it won’t be my last. It’s a beautiful small town romance that’s not quite an enemies to lovers, more like bickering to lovers. The banter between the main and secondary characters is brilliant. Very original plot, great writing, sexy scenes, and a good amount of drama make this a 5 read for me!
Crosby and Kenna. Such a wonderful story with broken people who fit perfectly together. Both with impenetrable walls. Both in desperate need of being able to trust a significant other. And both finding something incredible in the other.
Kenna has constantly felt unwanted in her life… a burden. That is until she meets Harriet. An amazing woman who sees how beautiful Kenna is inside and out. But after the death of her greatest role model, our heroine must face nearly unbearable trials. Throughout all this, Crosby (Harriet’s lawyer) is by her side. The playful banter quickly turns into something more. Something that Kenna didn’t even realize that she was missing.
Catherine Cowles takes you through the wringer a bit in Perfect Wreckage, but she also pulls you through to the other side with the sweet balm of happily ever after to heal the ache.
Two souls who were damaged, yet two souls that are so incredibly strong in their own way. I adore how these two enemies become the biggest supporters of each. They are scared to move ahead and yet can’t fight the pull. Their chemistry was amazing and I love how two different people find their way together! This book makes the reader realize that there is life after heartache and you are always stronger than you think you are. This is a must read!
A wonderful story about two people who have been burned in the past and how they find love and acceptance in each other. From the beginning of the book I couldn’t put it down, I love how Catherine mixes small town romance in with some suspense and how that keeps you turning the page. This story like all her others gives you all the feels and emotions from happy to sad, crying to laughing and smiling. A very heartwarming happy ending story, just how I like my stories to be. I don’t know how it’s possible but Catherine’s books keep getting better and better. Bravo Catherine you have outdone yourself again.
Catherine Cowles is what Halmark Movies are made of! I think I say this every time but her books just keep getting better. There is no way you can read this book and not connect with Kenna, Crosby and Zoe. Catherine will be holding your heart, your mind, your attention, your emotions throughout this entire book. She writes a beautiful book with her words.
Kenna is the girl you want as your BFF! She’s honest, faithful, and dedicated. She also has a lot of trust issues. She had to deal with Grant who was the ex from hell and Grant’s horrible family. Kenna’s mom left her at a young age and was always an embarrassment when she was around. I just wanted to reach through the pages and give Kenna a hug so many times.
Crosby was funny, caring, sexy and was known for friends with benefits status, no serious commitment. He also had trust issues since he caught his fiancé cheating on him. I fell in love with Crosby with his commitment to the kids and how much he cared.
Kenna and Crosby were fun watching the banter between the two. They realized how wrong they had judged each other by first impressions when they started opening up. Then, bring in the others like her ride or die best friends Bell and Caelyn and then Harriet(so much love for Harriet), Zoe(damn you for making me cry so much, just kidding, you gave me all the feels) and Ford and glimpses of Griffin made this book perfect along with the very best HEA.
Grab this 5 Star Book from a 1-Click Author that delivers all the feels.
I’m not sure I can find the words to describe how perfect this book is.
Catherine is a master at finding the perfect mix of emotion and suspense that draws you into the world she’s created and makes you want to live in that world and be surrounded by the characters she brings to life.
Perfect Wreckage wrecked me in the best way possible, then put me back together better than I was before. Kenna is so strong, she’s been through so much in her life but is still such an amazing person. Then there’s Crosby, he has so many layers that you don’t see through at first but under it all is a fiercely protective, loyal and loving heart. And of course the secondary characters are fantastic and just make you want them to get their own stories so you can get to know them better.
I can’t wait for the next book, I need more of this world and these characters!
This is book two in The Wrecked Series and it is Kenna and Crosby’s story and it was so emotional. Kenna had been in love with Grant only for him to betray her by having an affair and when she told him that she was pregnant things didn’t go as planned but that wasn’t the worst that she would have to go through. Crosby is a lawyer and he uses his experiences to help people and he is a good guy but will not do commitment due to last experience of betrayal but he loves to tease Kenna to see the spit fire come to life. Kenna has been through so much in her life so now she blocks everything and everyone out and shows no emotions as that way she can’t be hurt again but what and who will it take to break down her walls that are so high, that person will have to be so patient, caring and special to get through to her and show.her she has people that care. Omg this book is so amazing but so emotional that I found myself in tears on more than one occasion so make sure that you have the tissues handy because you will definitely need them. I couldn’t put this book down and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. There are so many twists and turns along with very difficult situations, secrets, betrayal, abuse, hope, love and a second chance and that is what made this book so addictive. Catherine Cowles is an amazing author and writer and I can’t recommend enough that you need to read this book as it is definitely worth reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an Arc copy of this Amazing Book.
Kenna has carried the stigma of being the daughter of the town drunk all her life and when you live on a small island where everyone knows everyone’s business, that’s a hard burden to rise above. But with the help of Harriet and her good friends, she is surrounded by people who make life better. When Harriet dies, Kenna’s world is turned upside down and the ugliness of her past threatens to destroy her.
Crosby is from a wealthy Boston family that are all about appearances and standing, and having a son practicing law on a small island instead of the family firm is unacceptable to them. But having been cheated on by his now ex-fiance, Crosby has no desire to return to that life of shallowness ever again. So when Kenna and Crosby decide that they are going to have a physical, albeit explosive, arrangement, it suits both of them because neither is prepared to give up their heart again.
But as tensions rise with the reading of Harriet’s Will, and all the messiness of Kenna’s previous life are dragged up, Crosby is finding an overwhelming need to protect her and neither can deny the feelings that are growing in their hearts.
Once again, Catherine Cowles writes the perfect mix of heat, love, need, pain, joy and a little suspense to have you say “just one more chapter”. Perfect Wreckage is the perfect story.
I love these characters and this series. This story has it all. Wicked mother, worse than awful ex’s and wonderful friends. Kenna and Crosby are both broken souls. When they end up getting to know each other better it is heartwarming. The friendship between the all the main characters is also enviable. When Crosby and Kenna are faced with ex’s, the story takes directions that held my complete attention. This is one of the few authors I can say I almost stalk. Her stories are that good.
Wow, I am reeling. This book has everything, Crosby and Kenna took my breath away. Their story had suspense, and heartbreak, Laughs, and love, ice and fire, and all the other feels I could ask for. These two had me laughing and tearing up throughout this amazing rollercoaster ride. I could not put it down and am dying to hear more about the rest of the people on anchor.
Deep breath in…deep breath out…
Once again, Author Catherine Cowles has taken me on a deep emotional roller coaster. Between the anger, sadness, healing…there was so many ups and downs in Perfect Wreckage.
Kenna has been through a lot in her life emotionally and physically. She has been a lost soul and a warm heart. Kenna has had some very deep insight, thanks to Harriet, the woman who took her in and raised her in the Gables since she was eleven years old…but not without some pushing back from Harriet’s biological family.
“…I’d been left in wreckage, broken pieces that would never fit together perfectly again.”
Crosby McCoy has had some of his own challenges…being misjudged by Kenna is one of them. He is who he is, though. He is a friend, an attorney, and on the outside may seem flighty.
“I might’ve misjudged him a little.”
“That’s a hell of a one-eighty from calling him a slacker lawyer.”
The characters in this second book of the Wrecked series, were perfection! Not only the main characters, Kenna and Crosby, but also all of the supporting characters (Harriet, Bell and Ford, Caelyn, Sheriff Raines, Grant…). This delicate storyline showed the heart of biological vs. chosen “family” as well as love that is given vs. earned. There is a wonderful blend of personalities in this incredible small town, “enemies”/friends to lovers, touch of suspense romance. Book 1 (Reckless Memories) doesn’t “have” to be read first, but I would totally recommend it because the series is good and you get to know Bell and Ford in that one. I felt this book while reading it. Such a well written and deeply enjoyable read!
Small town romance perfection!!
Perfect Wreckage is SO good! I loved every bit of this book. From the crushing moments to the hot steamy ones I couldn’t put it down!
Crosby is a care free thrill seeking lawyer who does not want to be tied down. Kenna strives for perfection in all aspects of her life due to past circumstances. Between having an embarrassing drunk for a Mom and being taunted all her life it’s no wonder she hides from the world. When an unlikely deal is struck between these two things start to change. While he makes her live a little she opens his heart. These two go thru so much in this book and it’ll crack your heart right open.
I love this little island town and it’s inhabitants and am definitely looking forward to more!
Catherine Cowles has written another beautiful love story! There were so many heartbreaking moments but the ultimate love story was amazing!! Kenna has endured so much in her life, I was so angry with the way she was treated by those that should have shown her love. With being let down so much, control over herself and everyone around her became all consuming. Thank goodness she had Harriet, Bell, and Caelyn in her life, but even with them she kept herself contained. When Kenna is dealt another agonizing blow I seriously did not think she could take any more. She was completely wrecked, but with the appearance of Crosby and pulling in her inner strength, her life slowly started to change.
Crosby McCoy, Harriet’s attorney, has also suffered emotional pain in his life. He too has decided everlasting love is not worth all the pain, but his take on life is the complete opposite of Kenna. He is free-spirited, a risk-taker and all about freedom. He has been enjoying needling Kenna and trying to draw her out of her half-zombie state and to see the spark he knows is in there, but when outside sources try to bring her down that protective instinct emerges. The more time they spend with each other, their friends with benefits status starts to get muddled. Emotions become stronger and this too causes chaos.
I absolutely adored this book, I truly felt so much reading this book, but this is a common occurrence when I read anything by this author. The anger over how Kenna was treated was real, my heart was racing waiting for the ball to drop, but then I got that swoony feeling whenever Crosby does something sweet or fun for Kenna. We pretty much know who the bad guy is, but waiting to see what they do had me turning the pages. This was a fantastic book and it was a definite 5 star read.
Whenever I pick up a Cowles book, I brace myself. She ruined me with her dedication in the first book of hers I ever read, then proceeded to break my heart and tenderly piece it back together. I know, every time, each new book will be similar, and it’s the most wondrous and euphoric reading experience!
Kenna Abbot had a hard upbringing on Anchor Island, learning early in life that eventually, anyone who mattered would leave her. Despite her unstable home life and her mother’s addictions, Kenna had her two besties, Belle and Caelyn, and then was blessed to go live with her grandmother’s best friend, Harriet, at her lovely seaside estate. Harriet and the Gables are the security Kenna never had, and they are home and safety for Kenna’s well ordered life.
When the secure, carefully planned life Kenna has built is threatened, she finds herself relying on the last person she would consider safe, Crosby McCoy. A trust fund baby who walked away, Crosby’s carefree, risk-taking, freedom-seeking lifestyle makes Kenna and her need for control twitchy, at best. Sure, he’s a good attorney, but Kenna has experience with spoiled men who come from money, and she has the scars to prove it. When her past comes back to haunt and hound her, however, Crosby is just who she needs in her corner, whether she wants to let him in or not.
Gah! This is my favorite kind of read, and I love these characters so much! Kenna and her BFFs are awesome, supporting each other but not afraid to confront Kenna when she tries to withdraw rather than leaning on them. Kenna and Crosby are so amazing together, and so much fun. He loves nothing more than winding her up so he can finally glimpse the real Kenna she keeps hidden behind her carefully crafted façade. Each shows the other that, in different ways, they’re both living half a life, and I adored watching them stumble through, often resisting the lessons, until they became their best versions of self.
Their story is, by turns, funny and self-deprecating, heartbreaking and tender, and exhilarating and inspiring! What this truly gifted and talented wordsmith may lack in the number of rings within her tree, she more than makes up for with an old soul budding with wisdom that breathes life into the words she lays down in the poetic prose of her powerful, poignant stories.
She brings us wounded and broken characters who are so darn endearing and relatable that they own our hearts without us even realizing it, so that we want to wrap our arms around them and fix everything for them. She then proceeds to break them further, along with our own hearts, and gently puts us all back together, somehow making us stronger and more beautiful, with a greater appreciation of the pieces in life that truly matter.
A Cowles book is always a must read, auto buy, top of the TBR list, and one of my top reads for the year. Always. I’m not sure how to be any more clear or emphatic without all-capping at you, but you really need this lady’s words in your life. Each book is the most consuming, wonderful experience with characters who become lifelong friends, and Kenna and Crosby’s story is no different. Start reading it today, because I guarantee it will be one of your top reads this year.
„I can make you feel.”
Catherine Cowles quickly became one of my favorite writers of small-town romances. This author is able to perfectly portray the provincial charm and atmosphere that surrounds this setting. Perfect Wreckage hits the heart from the very beginning, evoking a myriad of emotions, and the characters, with their ups and downs, make us feel like members of an authentic community. This book is deeply emotional, heartbreakingly beautiful, but the path the main characters have gone through to finally find their happily ever after will eventually make up for any sad feeling you may have felt along the way.
From chapter one, my heart was breaking for Kenna. This girl has experienced so much apathy and injustice in her life that more than one person in her place would have given up a long time ago. Yet despite the hard shell she wrapped herself in, Kenna is caring, loving and kind-hearted. I loved to see how Crosby was patiently peeling her armor made of fierceness and stubbornness.
Crosby experienced his own portion of disappointment. Though at first glance he appears to be open, easy-going and adventurous, he wears his own armor that prevents others from getting too close. But despite his closely guarded heart, Crosby is an amazing guy – a little wild, thoughtful and oh, so protective!
From the very beginning you could feel the chemistry and passion below the surface. Although these two gave me a good amount of bickering, and push and pull continued for a good length of the story, somewhere along the way their feelings had intensified. Seeing them struggle with their emotions both broke my heart and filled it to the brim.
But Perfect Wreckage is not only a stunning love story about two stubborn people. This book has also a touch of suspense that kept me at the edge of the seat, because I knew that there’s a situation to be solved and I had no clue how it would play out. Catherine Cowles delivered this part brilliantly, even though at times I wanted to scream and cry.
Perfect Wreckage is a small-town romance at its best. It’s swoon-worthy, poignant and uplifting. It’s also a little bit thrilling and suspenseful. Catherine Cowles’ words are flowing seamlessly and I was literally glued to the pages of this heartwarming story, completely unable to tear myself away until I finished. I cannot wait to get back to this world in the next book!
“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.”
What a beautiful slow burn romance (and a little suspense) this story was! This was my first book from this author but it definitely won’t be my last! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I’m so glad I did!
This is a story of two people with broken hearts slowly mending each other’s worlds.
And it was a hard journey for Kenna. Her life was never easy but possibly the strongest woman I’ve read about in a long time. She never faltered. She made a life for herself.
Crosby. Let me swoon for this man. His snarky personality and love for adventure and nature made me love him quick.
This book has No cliffhanger and ends on a really beautiful HEA.
My heart. Honestly, I was shattered reading this story for everything that Kenna has endured her whole life. The pain, the heartache, the trauma. But what I really love is the fact that she is such a fighter regardless of what is thrown her way. She has such grit and determination that you cannot help but admire! Then you have Crosby. He was that mystery you wanted to solve just from his small bits in the first book of this series. What we get is something so unexpected and heartbreaking as well for him. He is breaking that mold that was expected of him and he fights so hard to not fall back into history. With these two together, even though they spar verbally, their chemistry is beyond undeniable. It sizzles right off the page and honestly, that banter between these two is pretty much foreplay!
There is a lot that happens in this story that will grip you. My heart ached, raced and shattered but was put back together in the most stunning away. Cowles words seem to get more and more intense and flawless that I have such a hard time putting it down! She knows how to bring an intense passionate story with that level of suspense that will keep you on your toes begging for more.There are twists and turns that will have your mind spinning. There are unique characters and moments that will take your breath away. It will grip your soul and have your mind racing. I am dying to know more in this series. The depth of this storyline is so beyond breathtaking that you will be counting the days till we get the next book in our hands! There is something about this sisterhood between Bell, Kenna and Caelyn that really makes you want to be a part of their crew! FYI… I will never look at a spork the same ever!
Living a solitary life and only letting a few close friends in, Kenna finds herself having to resurrect her past when she finds herself in a court battle over the property that Harriet left her in her will. Needing an attorney, she gets aide from Crosby who she needs to let into her life. But opening herself up to Crosby and letting all the baggage she has carried around can do one of two things….either close herself off once again or open herself up to finding happiness and true love. Can Crosby be the man to win her heart? Or will the family that she is up against cause more harm than good? When is the fight a good fight? The connection between Kenna and Crosby is more than just a love story. It also encompasses loss and grief, overcoming obstacles and finding true inner strength to overcome the baggage others have put in your life. Truly a heartwarming story.