I loved him before I knew what the word meant. From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between. But he was never mine to love. I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more. That was before. Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces. I knit every last shred back together all on my own. And I’ve all but forgotten his …
And I’ve all but forgotten his name.
Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more.
But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time.
And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.
more
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
“When the world made you feel dull, it was such a gift to have someone who thought you shined.”
THIS book was so good! So so good!!! It was exactly what I needed to settle into after a long week. I just loved it! I have read every book by Catherine Cowles now, but I can honestly say, I think I’ve gone full circle with her now. I remember reading Further to Fall and specifically asking for Liam and Ford’s books….and here we are. I loved Liam’s book, so naturally the wait for Ford’s book was a painful but necessary one. I am a happy Bee now that I’ve finally gotten Ford’s story. {{sigh}}
Ford was ALL man. THE man. All grown and such a sweetheart. He had real emotion and drive, not driven by anger or broodiness, but he sure was protective of Bell – and it was the kind that made you smile while watching them navigate their new relationship. The guilt he felt was two fold, but that added a heightened level of desire and need coming from them both. I seriously loved it! It felt like it added an element of angst to their love story. I really liked Bell too. She was so strong with a side of stubborn, but she had a soft spot for Ford and watching them finally get in sync with each other was a huge sigh of relief!
If there is one thing I can consistently say, it’s that Cowles puts so much heart into the words she uses to set the tone of the story, and I absolutely love the visual she provides. With this one, she gave me such a vivid and intimate look into loss and guilt and all the unnecessary parameters the outside world puts on love and our very own hearts. The perception of pain is a selfish mirror. The projection of pain is the anger coming out, but it’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes it’s a necessary evil. I love a story with some good give and take, and this one had quite a bit of it.
“Just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.”
Ford and Bell’s past and the ease of their familiarity was both a balm and a source of pain. It was a very interesting dynamic and feeling the push and pull of their emotions was a real tension that was palpable. I could understand their hesitance…..their guilt that gave them pause. It was so hard to see them fighting it only to have their love simmering under all the hindering emotions without an outlet. I looooved watching them fight for their truth, though.
This was a true depiction of how much fun loving your best friend can be. But, Cowles writes romantic suspense with passion, and there is so much heat in her words – so with that romance and heat comes the relatability and connection that I love feeling with her characters. They’re always down home, small town folks with their heart on their sleeves with some depth to their thinking. They have so much to hold onto, and her being able to put that into words so that I can better ‘feel’ her story says a lot. It wasn’t any different with this one. She intrigued me with a necessary escape. I loved their dynamic. How they started, the unknown teenage love – just every bit of it worked for me.
I really am falling into a groove with Cowles’ books. She’s a very well manicured read and one of the easiest ones too. She infuses pain and emotion into her words and braids it seamlessly with the action going on. She really does a great job showing the love and pain that flows unmitigated between the characters, and it reads beautifully. I love her flow and her cadence. This was one of my favorite reads of hers. I think she nailed the unspoken pain that comes along with heartbreak and loss….and I honestly felt that in this story. So good….so sooo so good.
The next book, Perfect Wreckage, is up for PREORDER right now, and I am going to be first in line for this one!!! I am super excited for it!!! Seriously some of the best side characters – and I know their stories are going to EPIC!! I’m STOKED!! Yet another wonderful start to a new series.
“Sometimes, the greater the difficulty, the sweeter the reward.”
~BEE
5* Soulmate Stars
I went into the story blind and was very happy that I did because as I was turning the pages I was captivated immediately and it did not stop until the last word was read.
The story of Ford and Bell is not your typical love story of love at first sight, get married and have kids. Ford was dating Bell’s older sister Violet when tragedy struck, and Bell’s world was upended badly. Her and Ford were best friends and when she needed him during this difficult time he was nowhere to be found. When Ford reluctantly returns to his hometown of Anchor Island after 11 years he is reunited with memories that he thought he had left behind. When Bell and Ford are forced to work together wounds are opened up, feelings are shared, and learning to trust each other again like they did as young kids.
This was such a beautiful emotional story of love and friendship, learning to forgive and letting go of the past in order to move forward. I liked the unforeseen bit of mystery which was also added into the mix.
This is my first read by Catherine Cowles and I am so happy to have discovered such a talented author whose writing is emotional, heartfelt and real. The cover of this book is beautiful.
“Hearing her laugh earlier had been the best kind of pain, full of the sweetest memories and the deepest longing for a time that was gone forever.”
Cowles’ words are poetic and paint a stunningly beautiful picture that can only be viewed through the heart of the reader. She sweeps us up and whisks us away in a wave of deep emotion to a wondrous world we never want to leave.
She has a way of tapping into every intricate facet of love, with all of its bliss, euphoria, fear and uncertainty, making the reader feel every poignant, heart-wrenching sentiment along the road to happily ever after. She takes us deep through the layers of the characters, effortlessly captivating our hearts along the way, until these beloved friends have a permanent place in our hearts and their stories are a part of us forever. Ford and Bell’s story is no exception.
It seems like Bell and Ford have always been a vital part of each other’s life, until one fateful night changed everything. After twelve long years, Ford finally returns home. All those old feelings come rushing back, but there is so much pain, devastation and broken trust it seems impossible to see anything else.
This book! It ruined and wrecked me then pieced me back together, and I was under its spell from the first word to the last. These characters held me in their thrall every step of the way, and I don’t know the last time I’ve been so invested in two people finding their forever. Bell and Ford are both so loveable I wanted nothing more than to wrap them in my arms and take away their pain. They’re so complex, authentic, raw and vulnerable, and I desperately wanted to see them find their forever.
Each new book from this gifted wordsmith is better than the last. With characters sure to own you, heart and soul, their magnificent, gripping, beguiling story is, without a doubt, unforgettable, and easily in my top five reads for the year. You absolutely don’t want to miss this one!
No one can weave a mystery into a romance like Catherine Cowles. The emotional journey Bell and Ford went on left me utterly breathless. A great beginning to a new series. Catherine has quickly become one of my favorite authors to read!
Bell and Ford
Wow, this book gets great reviews but it just does not make it for me. Bell was so immature and the ending with her dad was just too convenient.
Look at this gorgeous book! New from Catherine Cowles!
Are you ready for a small town love story that breaks you apart and puts you back together in the best possible way? Then this book is for you! An unbelievable love story that knows to bounds,crosses all the boundaries and pummels through the highest barriers to show that true,real love can conquer all. Throughout it all, we are Pulled along in a suspenseful mystery that is trying to stand in the way of Belle and Ford as well. Perfection is not even strong enough of a word to describe this book!
When I heard Catherine Cowles was starting a new series I knew without a doubt I had to read it! I read her Sutter Lake series and loved every single book! And I can tell this series is going to be much of the same! The first book is about second chances, learning to love again, and learning to trust again. Ford and Bell are only in their 20s but they’ve been through so much I kept thinking they were older. In true Catherine Cowles’ fashion there was some suspense in the book and the person you never expected wasn’t who you thought they were. And of course the cast of characters are so amazing it makes me want the rest of the series now! I definitely loved Ford and Bell’s story and I can’t wait to see more of them in future books too!
~Alexis
Overall the general plot of this story was good, however I felt that after finishing the entire book it could have been written better.
There was a little mystery as well which added to the story but the rest of it was drawn out. There could of been more more background with Violet and the story we get from her Dad at the end.
Overall it was an ok read.
WOW! This story dragged me in from the beginning & I didn’t want to put it down! Ford & Bell have a lot of pain to work through from the past, and that journey is captivating. While they have that important healing going on, Ford also has fences to mend with his family, and Bell has her own family issues to work through. Thankfully, they have an amazing support system to shore them up when needed. Because on top of THAT – someone is busy trying to scare/kill them. :0 What?!?
I know, it’s an intense & beautiful story, I say! And the next couple in the series is very intriguing, as well! I’m looking forward to heading back to Anchor. : )
OMG there isn’t enough words in the dictionary to describe how much I freakin loved this latest book by one of my favorite authors!!! Ford and Isabelle (Bell) were the best of friends until tragedy strikes and Ford and Bell go their separate ways not by choice. Ford holds immense guilt for the events that had transpired and never went back home until he has no choice. His parents and brother need him to help save the family business and Ford comes back and runs into Bell. Them seeing each other again brings back so many memories, feelings, and lots of guilt and frustration. They work on a friendship rebuilding trust, the more time they spend together other feelings start to develop. Even though they had a lot of things to work through, Ford and Bell were willing to work through all of the pain of the past. When things start happening to the both of them in regards to their past. Can they find out who is behind all of the attacks before someone gets hurt? I loved this book so much….Catherine has a way with words that are so powerful that they suck you right in to the story as if you were living it right along with the characters. I was hooked from beginning to end and I can’t wait to see more from this series. I loved everything this author has produced, and this book is no exception. I highly recommend this book to all and I can’t wait to see more. Well done!!!!
Like the sands through an hourglass, the crashing of the waves and the flittering breeze in the trees, time goes by, scars heal, memories remain like a haunt in the night, yet real love conquers all. Catherine has created the true essence of romance and finding that someone who is both your heart and soul. That one person you cant live without.
It will wreck you and break you, you will feel every emotion as Ford and Bell find there way through the darkness.
Even love the little bit of suspense.
An absolute gem, or even better a diamond in the rough
A brand-new series from one of my favorite authors is always an exciting thing! Reckless Memories is book one of The Wrecked Series. If you’ve read Further to Fall, you’ll recognize Ford but it’s not necessary to read that prior to this one.
First of all, I’ll admit, I was a little worried going into this one. Whenever there is a deceased spouse/significant other in a story, I always worry that the current love interest will somehow feel second best–like a consolation prize. I am very happy to say that this was NOT the case here AT ALL, so if you’re like me and that’s an issue for you, I feel like you will be very pleased with how the author handled this.
This is a beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, and following your heart. Ford and Bell were just perfection together. I loved watching them come into their feelings. They both had a lot of fear and regret to get through to make it to the other side of this story and it was not an easy road, but in the end, it was worth it. This second-chance romance was an emotional ride with a good dose of suspense. I was drawn in immediately and finished it in one day. I listened to the audiobook and Andi Arndt and Joe Arden did a phenomenal job with their narration. I just loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
Catherine Cowles is in my top 3 favorite authors now. I absolutely adored Reckless Memories! I love when an author can make me FEEL a range of emotions and she is always able to do that to me with her writing. I was consumed with Bell and Ford’s story. I can’t wait for the next in the series!!
4.5 Stars.
Catherine’s writing is flawless. Give her a blank document and she creates magic.
I’ve been looking forward to Ford’s story since Further to Fall… this was not what I was expecting, to be honest. I wasn’t expecting so much emotion! Ford was the crazy, fun-loving bar owner. And now I’m seeing all the emotions from his past… which makes me fall in love with him more!
I seriously cannot wait for the next book! I think it’s going to be a blast to read!
Reckless Memories by Catherine Cowles was a second chance at love romance with all the feels and intrigue. It was an emotional story that captivated me from start to finish. There is friendship and feelings that are forever changed when tragedy strikes. Afterwards, Ford left and Bell stayed. It was just too much for Ford and Bell tried to move on. I loved Bell. She was strong and caring. Ford struggled with the past and guilt. He stayed away, until his family needed him. What follows is a story of forgiveness, love and moving forward. Their journey was not easy, but you can’t help but cheer for them. But who wanted to hurt them? Such a great read and an author I will definitely be reading ore off!
Red and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Loved loved loved it!!!
5 stars!!! WOW..I am so happy we got Ford’s story!
For those of you who remember, we first met Ford in Further to Fall. I was always wondering what his story was and I so happy we finally got it.
The beginning of the book broke my heart. Here we see Ford who is 18 and is dating Violet and they are preparing for college 🙂 He and Isabelle, (or their nicknames Trouble and Cupcake :))Violet’s sister who is 16 are the best of friends. Their parents treat them so differently and I felt bad for how her mother treated her. What no one knows is that Isabelle was secretly in love with Ford, but being that he was her sister’s boyfriend, she said nothing and they were the closest friends. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes, forcing Ford to leave town and he doesn’t return until 10 years later.
What we have are 2 people who are finally face to face and have to face the past. Will they have their second chance? There was also elements of suspense, and I had a few people in mind, but the more I thought about it, I nailed it. It was a crazy ride and I loved every minute of it.
We meet some amazing supporting characters and I am so excited that they are all getting their own stories!!
I am so glad I took a chance on this author from her first book. I love her books more and more and she is now one of my faves. I can’t wait for the next book in this series! <3 If you haven't read any of her books, I recommend them all 🙂
Bell has gotten over the tragedy that befell her years ago. But when Ford walks into the bar she manages, she finds she’s absolutely not over it, at all. “I feel like a bundle of exposed nerves.” But somehow, someway, she’s got to find a way to work with the man who abandoned her when she needed him the most, because his family’s bar needs him, and she cannot do anything to jeopardize the business belonging to the two people who became her family when her own let her down just as Ford let her down.
Dang! Reckless Memories is a tearjerker. Both Bell and Ford hold so much pain inside. His because the guilt he had never gotten over, and hers because not only did she lose the only family member who she loved and loved her in return, but because she had lost her best friend, too. Sigh…but the way they slowly became each other’s everything was just beautiful. I loved this poignant, heartbreaking and beautiful story.
Another great book by Catherine. This is a friends to lovers book. But a lot of heartache had to occur before this relationship could even blossom. One tragic night, tore families apart. So much hurt, betrayal and miscommunication was in affect for a decade. When Ford is asked to come home and help with the family business, reluctantly he came home. When he walked in to the Catch, Bell was shocked. She couldn’t believe after Allendale this time, Ford finally came home. All the angry and hurt feelings came back to the surface. All Ford could do is apologize. After heart to heart and difficult talks, Ford and Bell started to find their friendship again. But strange things are beginning to happen to Bell and then Ford. Devastating things! All based upon what happened that tragic night. Now Ford and friends are on the lookout for who is after Bell. This book grabbed my attention right at the beginning and it was difficult to set down! My pulse was racing at the end. Gah! A definite must read!
This is Bell and Ford’s story and it had all the elements I love in a book. A fierce girl gang who have each other’s backs no matter what. I loved getting to know the side characters, they helped bring the story to life, but also made you wonder what theirs would be too. I’m looking forward to hearing Kaylen and Kenna’s stories.
Bell and Ford are bound together by a tragic past. They both dealt with it in their own way but Bell definitely felt abandoned by Ford. The boy she loved but could never have. The one who was her best friend but that just up and left her to piece her world back together again on her own. Well he’s back and wreaking havoc with her heart.
Catherine writes an emotional book. One full of big feelings that just won’t leave Bell and Ford alone. She unfolds how these two have been connected since childhood, sharing a bond that no one else could. BUT there is someone out to destroy their second chance and they have to shoulder the hits one after the other. I loved how we really got a sense of who they are and where they fit in the tight knit community of Anchor. This has the perfect balance of angst, suspense and of course steam. Fun times on a desk? Yes please and thank you.
Andi embodied Bell from her carefree, innocent youth, to the fiercely independent woman that she has become. We feel all the things and these narrators can be credited for a big chunk of that, along with fantastic writing from Catherine. Joe exposes Ford’s tortured soul for us. Letting us into his head and his heart. A great performance by two seasoned pros.
An all round great audiobook that I’d definitely recommend.