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.
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This is book one in a brand new series
Ford and Bell will completely steal your heart, break your heart and put it back together again! What a fantabulous read that you can’t and won’t want to put down! I mean that seriously I didn’t just read their story I devoured it! Catherine Cowles writing is some of the best and I always one click every single thing she puts out. Her stories give you a break from everything going on and makes you smile inside. I can’t recommend this book more. Enjoy!
Reckless Memories is the first installment in Catherine Cowles new Wrecked Series.
Reckless Memories is based on fictional Anchor Island, Washington. Here you will meet Isabelle ‘Bell’ Kipton, she’s a wounded girl who’s just trying to find her way after an event at 16 changed the course of her life. Bell’s parents never understood her, and even though they still reside on the island she doesn’t have anything to do with them since she never did conform to their way of life. When you’re introduced to Bell she’s managing the Hardy’s local business, The Catch Bar & Grill. You see, the Hardy’s have always been a part of Bell’s life, her best friend from childhood, Ford is their oldest son, but he left the island at 18 with plans to never come back.
Unforeseen circumstances will throw Bell & Ford back into each others path, the question is, will they be able to face their shared past and move forward or will those old wounds fester and keep them from healing?
From the moment Bell sees Ford you can only hope that they figure it out, because it’s obvious to everyone who knows them that there’s something there that you just don’t find everyday. Some within the community just can’t let go of what happened years ago, and one person is determined to make them pay, but you’ll just have to read this amazing book to find out!
I couldn’t put this book down. The story was captivating from the first page. I absolutely loved the bond between Ford and Isabelle when they were young. Despite her secret crush on her sister’s boyfriend, they had a very strong friendship. The strained relationship between Isabelle and her mother was heartbreaking. I felt like she wasn’t seen at all, just overlooked for not being ‘perfect’. After the tragic accident that sent Ford away for over a decade, his return home definitely threw a monkey wrench in Bell’s life. I enjoyed every moment of it. She tried so hard to be indifferent to him, while all he wanted was her forgiveness. I loved their bickering and banter, the sweet moments, and the heart wrenching ones too. They each had so much pain and guilt that they were still carrying with them. I loved the way they worked through it all. The added suspense to the story made it even more mesmerizing. I was dying to know who was behind it all. The supporting characters, especially Bell’s friends—Kenna and Caelyn—were brilliant. They added so much to the story. I am so excited that the series will focus on the girls’ stories. Can’t wait!!
Another awesome book that will steal your heart. There are so many feels that I don’t know where to start. Guilt, love, hate, regret, loss and because of all of these there is so much sadness. Ford has stayed away for over a decade since he feels like Bell blames him for the accident that killed her sister. Bell has finally moved on with her life but still has a whole in her heart where Ford and his friendship should have been. Will she forgive him for leaving and convince him that she doesn’t blame him? Will he be able to forgive himself? Who is behind the attacks and break-in isn’t who I thought it was and surprised me. Will Bell’s parents ever come around or will they continue to basically disown her?
I am not sure how Catherine Cowles does it, but she has blown me away. From following her since her debut to this book, the way she has grown as an author is just amazing and I honestly think I will say this every time she releases a new book. This is her best to date. It is so raw with emotions and passion. The concept is beyond heartbreaking. Like I am almost crying, kind of heartbreaking and y’all know that I DO NOT CRY as a rule! But there is just something with Reckless Memories that will hit you hard in the feels and will have you wrapped up in the tragic tale that surrounds both Ford and Bell.
Throughout this story, there is the level of mystery surrounding things that happen in this book and I love that layer of suspense that Cowles adds to her books. With this one, I was shocked and in awe of what happened and how it all plays out. I felt it was well thought out and epic in the twists that came. With Ford and Bell, that chemistry. I mean, it is undeniable. It is electrifying. But at the same time heartbreaking. But the way they play off each other. Their banter. Their sizzle. It was beyond brilliant.
Overall, this book was devoured in one sitting. Honestly, when a book hits you so hard, it is a struggle to write a review that does it justice. This book has every note I needed to have me completely captivated and honestly, it will be one of my top books of the year so far. It is raw, emotional, heartbreaking, uplifting, spellbinding and just absolutely everything. Cowles is a brilliant writer and I am dying to have more in this series!
Reckless Memories is book one in a brand new series, Wrecked, by Catherine Cowles. Catherine has such a beautiful way of mixing in to her romance that element of danger. Just enough to keep us flipping the pages, not knowing what to expect next. This is the story of forgiveness, trust, love, and finding the person and place where you were always meant to be.
Isabelle (Bell) Kipton has lived on Anchor Island, a tiny island off the coast of Washington, all her life, except for her years away at college. Bell’s own parents are pretty much not in her life, have never accepted her. Currently, she is managing The Catch Bar & Restaurant for The Hardy’s, the people that have been more family to her than her own parents ever were. Eleven years ago, when Bell was sixteen, her life was pretty normal, but everything was changed in the blink of an eye. Her life would never be the same. And the person she needed most to help her through it, left town and abandoned her.
Ford Hardy left Anchor Island when he was eighteen years old. He has not been back, the memories are just too much. After college he went to Los Angeles where he now owns several bars. Whenever he and his family get together, he always brings them to him. Or meets them somewhere. But his brother, Hunter, told him they need him home to help with The Catch. If he doesn’t, they might lose it. So after eleven long years, Ford is forced to finally go home and face his memories.
Ford and Bell are not the same people they were when they last saw each other. They are no longer the carefree kids they used to be. They are forced to start over, get to know each other, forgive each other, and face the past neither of them wants to face. They are also forced to admit the attraction they feel for one another, the continuation of what once was a friendship, and on Bell’s part, a childhood crush. But now it’s an attraction that is forbidden. Should never happen. But sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants.
“I see you, Bell. And everything about you is beautiful.”
At the same time, there is someone else that is not at all happy with Ford being home, and the blossoming relationship between them. Whoever it is, is getting bolder with each thing that happens, their anger getting stronger.
“Ford Hardy terrified me. He was the tallest cliff I could jump off of, the greatest rush and worst potential for injury.”
This was such a beautiful story. I couldn’t have loved Ford and Bell more. I loved watching them finally let go of the past and grab on to life again, grab on together. I also loved the little tiny cross over this had to the other series. I fell in love with this island, how beautiful it is described. I would love living in a place like that! I can’t wait for more with this series. The next book will be Bell’s friend Kenna, and Crosby’s story in Perfect Wreckage.
What a great start to a new series! Great characters with so much heart and emotion. I was sucked in from beginning to end!
I have no idea how to write a review for this story. Friends to lover, second chances, romantic suspense – it has everything and more. She has an incredible knack for sucking you in from page one with connectable characters and storylines. Bell and Ford are new favorites of mine and I cannot wait for more of this series. Another must read!!!
Reckless Memories is book 1 in the new ‘Wrecked’ series by Catherine Cowles.
Ford and Bell have been huge parts of each other’s life for a long time, when they are involved in an accident and a life is lost Ford shoulders the blame and runs off to start a new life. Bell was left behind bearing scars not only on the outside but inside aswell. When Ford comes back to town it shakes everything up and when something innocent turns sinister Ford steps up to protect the girl that he feels like he failed.
WOW, I personally loved this story!
I really enjoyed getting to know these new characters, Bell’s friends are loyal and I can’t wait to read Kenna and Crosby’s story in Perfect Wreckage.
Star Ratings; Plot: 5/5 Characters: 5/5 Heat: 5/5 Writing Style: 5/5 Overall: 5/5
Gahhh I just love Catherine’s books.
I’ve been wanting Ford’s book since we met him in Further to Fall, we always knew there was a story, and Catherine did not disappoint.
This one started with a bang, before you could take a breath we were off running.
Bell and Ford both devastated by the events which unfold. This one pulls on the heart strings. Plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Loved all the new characters, can’t wait for what’s still to come.
Overall Grade:
As I fell into Catherine Cowles’s forthcoming book, Reckless Memories, the idea of love wound its way through my mind. In reading romance, we oftentimes only think of the definition of love equated with romantic relationships. However, when you look at the word love, there are multiple ideas behind it. Depending on the book you’ve read, the Greeks believed in 6 – 8 forms of love, the most common of them being eros (romantic), philia (brotherly love), and agape (unconditional love). While I was reading Reckless Memories, I found these three “loves” illustrated beautifully through Ford and Bell’s journey. This carefully-turned story encapsulates the power of these types of love towards meting out forgiveness, compassion, and enduring love.
Reckless Memories tells the story of Ford Hardy’s and Isabelle “Bell” Kipton’s journey through pain and trauma to forgiveness and love. Yes, the blurb for Reckless Memories offers a small sense of this book, but it doesn’t really show its depths. There is more to this story than its blurb allows, so I recommend reading this poignant story to discover its power.
For me, Cowles’s ability to render a story that grabs you from the first page and pulls you through the end is impressive. I picked it up yesterday, thinking it would take me a couple of days to read it. However, as has happened with her past books, I simply couldn’t put this story down. Ford and Bell’s story is powerful. It articulates beautifully the difficulty of the mind to move beyond trauma. Cowles shows us the mental fiction we create after a difficulty that prevents our healing. As Ford and Bell encounter each other after a decade apart, they are forced to face the truths of their past. In doing so, they realize that their thoughts were lies. It’s here where I found myself in Cowles’s book. Like Ford and Bell, I create stories around moments that simply don’t exist. Instead of asking for clarity or facing the truth of a situation, my mind overrides all sense. Cowles aptly crafts this in her hero, Ford. We learn quickly in this story that when we face the truth and accept forgiveness we can move forward. Until we make that choice, however, we stagnate at some point. Ford’s travails and acceptance of his love for Bell is the power in this story. For me, he undergoes the biggest transformation, and Cowles writes him well.
In comparison, Bell is the best kind of heroine. Unlike Ford, Bell is hit from a variety of sides when tragedy strikes her and Ford’s life. Ford runs away as his defense mechanism, while Bell is forced to face the consequences. It is here in the story where Cowles shows us the power of philia or brotherly love. Yes, this story is a romance between a hero and heroine. Yet, it is also a love story between friends. Cowles asserts, through her powerful storytelling, that our friends can evolve into a family. When our family from birth is unable to love us as we are, we can create a family of friends who loves, sees, and accepts us, no matter the case. This is one of the most profound ideas of Reckless Memories. With her friends by her side, Bell is able to reinvent herself post-tragedy, and her life is complete until Ford returns. She doesn’t need Ford to complete her, necessarily; instead, he simply adds a layer to her life that makes it more complete. As Cowles acquaints us with Bell, it is clear that her strength lies in her self-knowledge and the love of her friends. It is her fortitude and integrity that make Bell the most heroic, I think.
As Ford and Bell acknowledge their feelings for each other, Cowles articulates the power of eros. From the “Prologue”, it is clear that these two are fated even though complications exist. Cowles has a challenge (I won’t divulge it here) in this story that a writer without the ability to plot a story could find themselves in trouble. However, Cowles meticulously guides us through the potential landmines of her story. In doing so, the reader easily accepts Ford and Bell’s love for each other. Without her careful craftmanship, this could have destroyed the story; instead, their love affair underscores the book’s message.
Lastly, as she does so appealingly, Cowles whispers her prose over the pages of Reckless Memories in a poignant mix of tragedy, suspense, and romance. All of these conspire to build a story that keeps her readers engaged. When you turn to the last page of her book, you want more. More Ford. More Bell. More Anchor. Thankfully, there are more books coming in this series because you simply want more of this story.
Reckless Memories is set on an island, and the ocean that surrounds it represents possibilities. When Ford or Bell need respite, they turn to the beach to find it. Much like Ford and Bell, this book is also a perfect place to journey for respite. While its suspense will keep you turning the page, Catherine Cowles’s careful storytelling will help you escape into a world where anything is possible if you simply embrace love and family and friendship.
CALLING ALL ROMANTICS… If you haven’t read Catherine Cowles’ beautiful stories yet, you’re missing out! Every single one of them is a must-read, but she has really outdone herself with Reckless Memories!
Bell and Ford’s story broke my heart, but I loved how Catherine has the ability to put all of the pieces back together again! Everybody needs a Ford in their lives!!!
Firstly.. this book should come with an emotional warning!! Just so you know to be prepared!!
My Tears started at the prologue for this book, and from that point till the end they were never far away.
Bell and Ford had been Best Friends most of their life, 2 years age difference and even though she had a huge crush on him, he never knew…. because he was also her sister’s boyfriend.
After a tragedy, A broken Ford disappears, now 10 tears later he’s returned and brought all the old hurt and pain back for a fragile Bell, who now works at his family’s Bar.
I have read and loved other books by this author, but this one …. omg it shredded my emotions and tore my heart into pieces.
I wasn’t sure i could like Ford, he had caused a lot of pain for his family, yet it was so easy to see that this man was more than broken and carried the weight of so many secrets on his shoulders that you couldn’t help but fall deeply in love with him !!
I adored Isabell, she had such a big heart yet she was also broken inside.
Catherine Cowles has written one of the most beautiful, encompassing emotional love stories i have read for quite a while. A story that entices and captures you from beginning to end.
This is a story of passion, forgiveness, trust, love, strength and weakness and acceptance. Families, friends and life.
Bell and Ford will touch your heart and own your soul !!!
I discovered Catherine Cowles work with the Sutter Lake series, and ever since she’s become one of my must read authors.
I fell in love with the beautiful cover of Reckless Memories, and was intrigued by the synopsis, and when my fascination with this book didn’t end there. From the minute I started reading this title I could not put it down, and it has to be one of my top reads of this year so far.
Reckless Memories, is the first title in the Wrecked series. It’s a captivating and enthralling small town romance of friendship, love and loss, with a touch of suspense, intrigue and danger thrown in for good measure.
In this title we meet Ford and Belle, a pair who shared a special connection as children, a bond they thought was unbreakable, until an unthinkable tragedy occurred. More than ten years pass before they are reunited and they are confronted with the pain and heartache of the past.
This pair of characters are incredibly complex and flawed, yet completely endearing. Their story is raw, and emotional and the connection and chemistry they share is undeniable. I loved their banter, and the way they bicker with each other, shows the true depth of their connection and understanding of each other.
Bell is a strong, resilient, loyal and headstrong heroine. She speaks her mind and wears her heart on her sleeve. You just can’t help but love her character and embrace all the facets of her personality, including the vulnerability left behind from her childhood years.
Ford is successful, hardworking and loves with his whole heart and desperate for forgiveness.
I absolutely loved Belle and Ford’s story, even if there were a few tears, and I was fascinated by the side characters and cannot wait for future additions to the Wrecked series. I highly recommend reading Reckless Memories, and if you haven’t given Catherine’s books a try, you don’t know what you’re missing.
Catherine Cowles’ Reckless Memories, a story about redemption, healing, and learning to start over was the first read of this author for me. Not knowing what to expect going in, I was very pleasantly surprised to see that I not only liked the story itself but Ms. Cowles’ writing style and tone. It is the type of story that grabs your attention from the first with the characters; their traits, their lives with all the ups and downs, and the plot which flows between romance, life lessons and a bit of suspense to round out the book.
Starting with heartbreak for the main characters, Bell and Ford, and moving into their present Reckless shows what happens to people living with grief and guilt, who have picked up the pieces but never really put them back into place because they never faced the truths that they ran from or refused to see. Bell, a woman who stayed in her hometown despite tragedy and despite parents who berate her for not being “more like her big sister”, has a quiet strength and a solid sense of self. What she has gone through has made her the woman she is though there is a void that she doesn’t know how to fill. Ford left town on the heels of heartbreak, not returning because of guilt. Ford is a man who is plowing through life, replacing love and closeness with work and ambition but when his family needs him, he comes back to help even though ghosts, real and imagined, haunt him.
Told in alternating point of views, Reckless Memories is a tale of facing your demons, facing your truths, and coming to terms with all that life hand up, good and bad. Mrs. Cowles gives a kick of suspense with a “who dunnit/who is it” situation that her leads have to figure out to round out this lovely story.
One of the most admirable things about author Catherine Cowles, is that (without blinking) she will rip your heart out, make you laugh, make you swoon, and keep you up all night …all in the same book! RECKLESS MEMORIES definitely checks all of these boxes!
The characters in this first book of the WRECKED series have a deep, heartbreaking history…Ford Hardy (if you are familiar with Catherine’s work, you may remember him from Further to Fall)and Isabelle Kipton were practically family…until a life-changing accident changed all of that…and he tucked tail and ran. However, when his brother, Hunter, called asking for his help with the family business…maybe he should have thought a little longer before stepping into “Trouble’s” space…
“I reacted before I could think better of it. I took the dark beer in my hand and upended it right over Ford Hardy’s head.”
The devastation is evident with Bell…
“Ford Hardy terrified me. He was the tallest cliff I could jump off of, the greatest rush and worst potential for injury.”
Will they ever be able to move past the prominent changes in their lives, the guilt, and the whispers and rekindle their friendship or even find more than that?
“Nothing easy is ever worth much.”
Author Catherine Cowles has written another incredible romantic suspense, with fantastic characters (not just the main characters…but ALL of them!!!), ugly cry moments, heat, and a full range of emotions. I am feeling every emotion after reading this friends-to-enemies/enemies-to-lovers/second chance romance!!! I am giving this 5 All-the-feels stars!!! I Absolutely recommend it!
An amazing beginning to a new series by Ms. Cowles. A night out for Ford and sisters Isabelle and Violet will change their lives forever. Isabelle, now Bell tries to move on without her sister and her best friend. Ford has made a success of his life, but something is missing. He finally returns home, to Anchor, to help with his family’s Catch Bar & Restaurant. Bell has been in charge at the Catch for years; how will it be working with him now that he has returned? Someone is targeting Ford and Bell, but since this is a small island it has to be someone they know. Luckily, they have a close circle of friends they can rely on. So much emotion and healing as Ford and Bell rediscover their friendship and maybe more? An absolutely wonderful read . I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
I received an arc for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you are a fan of Devney Perry you be an instant fan of Catherine Cowles. There is something about her writing that sucks you in and makes it almost impossible to do anything else.
Isabelle Kipton aka Bell has lived on Anchor Island for all her life. She has managed The Catch and Bar Restaurant for The Hardy’s who have been more of a family to her than her own. However, when she was 16 something happened, and the person she needed the most abandoned her.
Ford Hardy left Anchor Island at 18 years old and fled to LA. Now managing several bars he has never really been back home. He always has his family come to him or meets them somewhere. Though his brother Hunter calls him and tells him if he doesn’t come back home the family may lose the bar.
There is, however, someone who is not fond of Ford being back and Bell rekindling an old love. Will Bell and Ford be able to heal from their past mistakes and miscommunication or will someone make sure that they never be together ever again?
I don’t know what it is about Catherine Cowles and her writing skills. She somehow finds a way to write believable characters that you want in your corner, as your family member, your best friend, or as your one and only. Bell and Ford are no different. This is the first book by Catherine that I went through all the emotions and new that I would be destroyed in a way, but damn did it end beautifully. I can’t wait for the next book and would highly recommend this book.
Catherine has out done herself with this book. Her books keep getting better and better. I fell in love with Belle and Ford from the very first chapter. I didn’t even make it out of the prologue with out crying. I always love the suspense she adds into her books with the romance, makes her stories such a page tuner that you don’t want to ever put down. I finished this book in one day and was sad when it ended, I wanted more Belle and Ford. Her books are my favorite kind of stories to read. Thank you Catherine, I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.
I received this for an honest review!
This is my first Of Catherine’s books and it was amazing! The romance, the drama/suspense, the emotion…all awesome. These two characters have literally been through hell and back together. And it’s not over before you know they are faced with everyone’s worst nightmare, it’s not just the towns’ gossip and stares. Your imagine starts to run wild who is the stalker? I literally guess everyone. Her parents, Lacey, even the sheriff. I just didn’t know! All the little details and thoughts from the past. Her dad makes the biggest confession in their lives and wham! Your all set for love!
Contains a HEA