One night was all it took for everything to change.From college student to guardian in a single breath.My siblings became my world. No time for date nights or romantic dreams.I traded quiet weekends for sleepless nights.Giving my all to make sure they were cared for. But Griffin had a brokenness that called to me—one that mirrored my own.Gruff and just a little bit reckless.He was the last thing … a little bit reckless.
He was the last thing I needed. But everything I wanted.
Only someone isn’t happy about this new life I’m building.
Deciding to set fire to everything I hold close.
And when the smoke clears, there might be only ashes left behind…
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I am sobbing happy tears with this book, granted that could be partially my pms but either way this book is a winner. I absolutely LOVE this story so much. Griffin and Cae are great characters, as is everyone else, especially her siblings. This story has a little bit of it all. Griffin is a gorgeous man who just needed someone to show him it was safe to have people on your side, and Cae was the perfect woman for this. Add is everyone else and as I already said, you have a winner! Give your chance on this story and really any and all of Catherine Cowles books!
p.s. I really hope in the future we get a book for Will, after he has grown up some!
Wrecked Palace is the third book in the Wrecked series. This story is about Caelyn and how she came to be raising her three younger siblings. It’s also how the love and protectiveness of a broken and private man helped her and her siblings in all the ways that matter. Whew! This was an emotional journey! I even had a tear in my eye at one point. (which I don’t do much or hardly at all with books.)
Griffin Lockwood is the town recluse. He is a private man who had an enormous tragedy happen to him at a very young age. He has had to deal with the media ever since, which has made him more and more closed off. He is drawn to Caelyn, though, and feels a fierce need to protect her and her siblings. Griffin’s interactions with Will, Ava and Mia are so endearing and genuine.
This is a sweet, tender story with some added suspense. I had my suspicions and was correct, but was also surprised at another revelation at the end. There is very light steam at the end of the book between Griffin and Caelyn. I love this series and highly recommend.
Thank you to Social Butterfly PR and the author for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wrecked Palace is book 3 in Catherine Cowles Wrecked series. This book has been hands down my favourite. It was a book full of emotions, which the author allowed to flow off the pages and into your heart. This was a book that I could not put down, it made me cry, it made me laugh and just brought true joy to me. Reckless memories book 1 in the series was good. Perfect wreckage book 2 in the series was good. But Wrecked Palace was beyond good. I will give this books 5+.”You made this wrecked palace a home.”
Blurb:
One night was all it took for everything to change.
From college student to guardian in a single breath.
My siblings became my world.
No time for date nights or romantic dreams.
I traded quiet weekends for sleepless nights.
Giving my all to make sure they were cared for.
But Griffin had a brokenness that called to me—one that mirrored my own.
Gruff and just a little bit reckless.
He was the last thing I needed. But everything I wanted.
Only someone isn’t happy about this new life I’m building.
Deciding to set fire to everything I hold close.
And when the smoke clears, there might be only ashes left behind…
Romantic Suspense
Damaged and Brooding Hero with a Heart of Gold
Sweet, Caring, and Strong heroine
Inherited Children
A Kitten with the Perfect Name
I found my first favorite book of the year!
The way Caelyn and Griffin’s story was set up in the previous books made me really excited. It is always great finally finding out why the broody/grumpy/quiet man is the way he is. I’m also a total sucker for inherited kids! We get to see a little bit of Caelyn taking care of her siblings in the previous books. She’s always come across as such a good person. Learning her full story–what happened to her to bring her home from college and find herself the guardian of her siblings–had me falling head over heels in love with her as a character. I think Catherine Cowles is doing such a wonderful job with this romantic suspense series. It’s beyond emotional and I love all of the characters. It’s always a treat to see the characters from previous books, while also getting the story of the two new characters. Every time we’re introduced to someone in this series, I’m just so curious about them. In this one we meet Shay. The way she interacts with Caelyn and the mystery surrounding her, always has me dying to read her book –> Reckless Refuge!
Honestly, if you want emotion, suspense, and that happily ever after that the characters definitely deserve, I think this whole series is worth reading. I seriously loved every moment of it. And plus, the covers are absolutely beautiful! Thank you to Catherine Cowles and Social Butterfly PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Slow burn romance at its best!
This is the third book in the Wrecked Series and I can say that it can certainly be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
This small town story was big on packing in the mystery, suspense and and romance.
Well written with well developed characters, what I loved the most is that these characters had so much heart and easy nature. Both were faced with their own demons and heartache, yet their slow burn romance was so swoony and heartfelt.
Well worth checking out!
4.5 stars!
5+ stars!
Wrecked Palace has my heart. Every piece of it. I’d been captivated from page one. Catherine Cowles gave us a beautiful slow burn romance full of emotion, swoons, suspense and an unbreakable family bond. I love Caelyn, Griffin, and the kids so very much! If I could give Wrecked Palace more than 5 stars, I would.
The third book in the Wrecked series may be the best in the series to date … and for me, that’s saying something considering how deeply I looooved the previous two books. If you know me, you know I am a characters girl and Wrecked Palace has some truly incredible characters. Caelyn may be the most selfless heroine I have ever read. She gave up so much for her siblings. And, she would do it again and again because she loves her family so powerfully. Her parents caused so much destruction physically and mentally but Caelyn stepped up and did whatever she could to ensure her tiny terrors had a good life. I loved her and her kind heart so much. What a light she was!
Griffin is a beautiful soul. Broken and tortured but beautiful nonetheless. I know Wrecked Palace is only the first book I read this year but I’m calling it. Griffin Lockwood is my book boyfriend of the year. On the outside all you see is an angry, broody, recluse but once you get past the scowl you see just how big his heart really is. He endured an unimaginable loss that would undoubtedly cause anyone to want to get away. I felt his hurt. As the story continued and I saw some of his walls come down, I couldn’t help but fall more and more in love. He’s a really good man. I have to say, every moment he shared with the kids were my favorite parts of the story (especially the tender moment with Ava. *cries* such a sweet moment.)
I really enjoyed the romance between Caelyn and Griffin. It felt different because they fit in each other’s lives so effortlessly that you almost forget that they weren’t actually a couple. But when they did get together… swoon… it was amazing.
Wrecked Palace is a must read. It had the drama, the suspense and the small town charm. It made me swoon, made my stomach tighten in anticipation and wreaked havoc on my emotions. Much like Caelyn I cried at everything – the happy, the sad and the tender moments. I loved every single thing about this book and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Oh My!!! My Heart and Reading Soul Adored and Devoured This Heart Aching, Pounding, and Warming Story!!
Wrecked Palace is a beautifully written slow burning romance between Griffin a broody recluse and Caelyn a pseudo single mum to her three siblings who you will simply adore.
Both Griffin and Caelyn bare emotional scars from traumatising events in the past. After crossing each others paths a number of times they form an unlikely yet beautiful friendship that slow burns into a heartwarming romance.
Riddled with emotion, suspense, love, friendship, family, and chemistry Griffin and Caelyn’s story takes you on an equally heartbreaking and heartwarming journey about loss, healing, hope, love, sacrifice, and fighting for your family, happiness, and forever love.
Catherine Cowles has again written a beautiful tale that will pull at all your heart strings and have you falling in love with each character, sitting on the edge of your seat with anticipation, devouring every word, and feeling completely satisfied as you finish the story with a warmed heart and a smile on your face.
I adored this book so much! This is my new favorite in one of my all-time favorite series. I loved Caelyn, Griffin, Will, Ava, and Mia. I don’t want to spoil anything about the story so I will just say this is a must-read for all romance lovers!
Another good book by Catherine Cowles. Caelyn and Griffin’s story is super sweet.
Caelyn has the kindest heart who always attempts to see the positive in everyone. She is a giving soul. She is the guardian for her siblings aka tiny terrors which she loves them like they are her own children. The tiny terrors stole the show to me. I fell in love with each of them. Then comes along The Giant Grumpy-Pants Griffin. This family just melted his heart. His heart had been so broken but each day it became fuller with Caelyn and the tiny terrors.
This story has all the feels. Romance, Suspense, Witty Banter, and Love. The only drawback I had was the slow slow burn and sizzle. Everything else was great. Grab the book and jump into Caelyn and Griffin’s story.
Overall Grade: 5.5
“You made this wrecked palace a home.”
I knew from Catherine Cowles’s earlier books, Reckless Memories and Perfect Wreckage, that Wrecked Palace, her newest book, would be my favorite thus far in this series of standalones. I knew that Griffin “Griff” would steal my heart in his sullen, mysterious way. I knew that Caelyn’s story as guardian and caretaker of her siblings would steal another portion of my heart, but until I jumped into the beauty of Wrecked Palace, I didn’t really know. At each turn of the page, Catherine Cowles reminded me why I will always buy and read her stories. Her ability to invest you into her broken characters is her superpower, and it compels you to pick up her book and read to the very last page.
I won’t speak to the plotline of Cowles’s newest romance. I wish for you, potential reader, to read it on your own. It has too many secrets. Even more, the story is so beautifully drawn at Cowles’s hand that I simply want you to experience it on your own. What I will tell you are the reasons for its beauty.
Firstly, you should know that unlike her other books this is a seriously slow burn. There are definitely sparks, but that isn’t the focus of this book. Instead, this book is about growth, about finding the salve to the broken parts of one’s soul. It’s about a saving grace to pull you through difficult times. Instead of drawing you into the bedroom, Cowles deftly draws you deeper into Griffin and Caelyn’s lives, and it’s a masterpiece.
Secondly, Wrecked Palace is much like her other stories and other series which means more romantic suspense. There is something to be solved in this story, and Cowles guides you carefully through the story to a resolution that is perfect in its rendering.
Thirdly, Griffin and Caelyn are magical together. These are my favorite types of characters: a brooding, silent broken hero, and a heroine who is the light to his dark even in her own brokenness. I know this is written often enough in romance, but Cowles does a superb job with this couple. I hated to leave their story because Cowles invested me so deeply in them that it was difficult to say goodbye. There is simply too much to love about them and their friends who, once again, remind us of the idea of a crafted, constructed family. That element is one more reason why this book is my current favorite of 2021.
Lastly, Catherine Cowles’s style is enigmatic. There is a quietude to her careful storytelling, and it juxtaposes against the violence of her story. Over and over again in her books, her words whisper across the page, crafting beautifully romantic scenes between her characters, and it contracts against the mysteries that need solving as characters’ lives sit in danger. That is one of the qualities of her storytelling that keeps me coming back for more.
So, what does it mean to love and be loved? Is man meant to live a life alone? Can two broken people find completion in each other, in a family of friends constructed out of love and respect, not blood? Those are the questions that pervade Catherine Cowles’s Wrecked Palace. This book destroyed and reconstructed a part of my heart. Yes, the story title is Wrecked Palace, but this book is a reminder that something that is wrecked doesn’t have to remain that way. Instead with love, care, and attention, out of the ashes can come a palace of beauty. Run and read this story.
This series keeps getting better and better. I loved Griffin and his mysterious, grouchy nature. Caelyn is the most incredible person, taking care of her younger siblings when their world fell apart. These two were so perfect for each other. I loved how they helped each other grow into their better selves. The drama and suspense throughout this story was amazing. It kept me glued to my kindle. Will, Ava and Mia stole the show. They were so full of love and acceptance for Griffin. I absolutely loved the way they became a family. This entire group of characters feel like lifelong friends.
Rating: 5/ 5 stars
This series just gets better and better. This couple omg. They just might be my new favorite by CC! The grumpy/sunshine vibes were so on point. I adored these two and watching them fall in love.
And the fact there were kids in the scenario melting Griffin’s heart just melted mine too! It was so amazing. I can’t wait to reread this one!
Seriously, the emotion, the amazing friendship between our MCs, the way Griffin would do anything to protect Caelyn and her brothers!! Gah, I swooned so hard over Griffin!! He just completely owned my heart throughout the whole book. And Caelyn, what an amazing woman. I loved her so much too. The way she would do anything for the people she loves. The way she gave so so much of herself to others. The way she protected Griffin from the town. These two were just always there for each other and I loved every second of it.
Catherine never fails to bring us amazing characters, deep and emotional story lines that will just hit you in all the feels. Wrecked Palace was another winner in this incredible series. And I can’t wait to get more of it!
I always devour books by Catherine Cowles but Wrecked Palace completely stole my heart! She is definitely one of my favorite authors!
Caelyn is such a loving and strong character! The love she has for her siblings is admirable! Those kids have a piece of my heart! Getting more of the other characters from this series is always a plus!
Caelyn’s kindness is what draws Griffen to her. I know I’ve said this many times but Griffen is my Favorite book boyfriend! I absolutely fell for him!
This book has everything! Those sweet moments that make you swoon! The heartbreaking times that will bring you to tears. With a little bit of a mystery and some suspense, this book was Perfect!
5 Can She Get Her HEA Stars!!
This third book in one of my all time favorite series literally grabbed by the heart with the phone call that changes everything for Caelyn and it hasn’t let go yet!! Caelyn and Griffin’s story is fraught with so many emotions I’m going to do my best to not give anything away!
With each page I turned I was mesmerized by everything that is happening in our H/h’s lives. Caelyn is raising her siblings and really hasn’t had a chance at love because she takes this responsibility very seriously and who has time for love when there’s three little people relying on you. However, Griffin is a man that is in need of someone to love him and show him that life can have happiness.
Griffin is a broody man that’s not had an easy life and he lives on the outskirts of their island town kind of hovering in the background. However, Caelyn has somewhat crushed on him for a long time and she’s finally going to get to know him better even if it’s on a temporary basis. But this girl is determined to get to know him and maybe they can both get the love they each richly deserve and desire.
It’s definitely not a smooth ride for these two because there’s someone that doesn’t want for them to have their happily ever after… but leave it to Griffin to protect those that he loves. And let me tell you, even though I knew there was going to a suspenseful aspect of this book, I was totally not prepared for when everything was revealed!
If you’re looking for a book that will take you and your emotions on a journey that is emotionally turbulent, filled with sizzling chemistry between a H/h and so much love that you can’t help but have a smile on your face when you read the last page, then Wrecked Palace is a book you MUST READ!!
WHAT AN EPIC STORY! As this series has gone on, I have really grown connected to the characters, but especially Caelyn, and I was so excited for her book. Thankfully, Catherine did NOT disappoint! After a rocky childhood, Caelyn is away at college working to gain a degree in order to get custody of her younger siblings, but the universe has a different plan when she gets a call from home that changes her life. Returning home and getting custody of her siblings earlier than planned, Caelyn has molded her life around giving her siblings as much of a normal childhood as she possibly can. Griffin had a picture-perfect family life until he became the only surviving member after an accident at sea. With everyone remaining in his life focused on selling him out, he becomes a recluse of sorts, not letting anyone in his life or his property. Chemistry has been sparking between Caelyn and Griffin since meeting, but nothing happens until her life is in danger and he focuses on doing anything and everything in his power to not only keep her and her siblings safe, but also help carry the weight of everything in her life. This storyline was such a wild ride! I was on the edge of my seat constantly while reading to find out who was behind hurting Caelyn, and I was so happy that she was so protective of Griffin and his privacy. My heart felt for her siblings and all they had to go through in such a short time, but thankfully everything works out for them and Griffin helps them to cope. I was obsessed with this series before, but this book has solidified that! I love the storyline and the style of writing from Catherine, and I can’t wait to see if this series continues!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I have been waiting and wanting Caelyn’s story! This author totally delivered a great book with Wrecked Palace.
Caelyn is the guardian of her three younger siblings and is doing everything she can to give them the world all while pushing her own dreams aside. Griffin has a heartbreaking past and letting anyone in and trusting is something he is hasn’t done in years. These two find themselves drawn together after several encounters. They each can give the other what they need in life and the journey to get there and their emotional tale is one you don’t want to miss.
This series just gets better with each book and I can’t wait for more from Anchor!
Oh my goodness what an emotional rollercoaster! I was a basket-case full of emotions while reading this book! My eyes kept leaking, I felt like Caelyn! This is book 3 in the Wrecked Series and I think it just might be my favorite.
Griffin and Caelyn’s story was just so wonderful. That man is amazing and I could not get enough. Caelyn is such a strong character; we’ve seen it throughout all the books but this one really showed her love and compassion for her family and friends. I really loved reading about her and her tiny terrors. And we finally got to know Griffin!! Gah! I just loved him!
As always, Catherine weaves the best stories and keeps you guessing what’s going to happen. A little mystery with some sweetness. Her writing style keeps getting better and better. I love Anchor Island and the townspeople (even Miss Nosey lady!). I can’t wait to read more in this series! Great job once again, Catherine!!
Catherine has knocked it out of the park with this one! I could not put it down!
This is my absolute favorite story she has written to date. The prologue just captures your heart. Those poor kids! Caelyn has the weight of the world on her shoulders at such a young age. She’s doing everything within her power to be a great mom figure to those kids and sometimes it just seems the world is out to get her. To bring her down. Caelyn has such a sunny disposition to her that she allows shows a brave front even when she is internally breaking.
And then we (officially) meet Griffin. He’s experienced so much loss and heartbreak even I just want to hug him.
These two are perfect broken souls. Meant to be.
You will not regret reading this wonderful story.
Yes, it is book 3 in the series, but each story is about a separate couple and each can be read all on there own.
OH. MY. GOODNESS. This book is EVERYTHING. I cried real tears. All the characters make this book, not even just the two mains the whole family unit. I fell in love from the start. This is my favorite of the series and I don’t know if it can be topped. 5 PLUS stars!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
6 Stars
Catherine Cowles has delivered her most incredible story yet, and one that will stay with me forever.
I absolutely loved the first two books in the Wrecked series, and have been waiting on pins and needles for this book. Between what we’ve been given of Caelyn’s backstory, and the few glimpses of Griffin, I just knew this one was going to have all the feels. What I wasn’t expecting was just how amazing this story would be.
I have a tendency to get misty-eyed very easily, but it takes a lot to get me to truly cry. This was such a beautifully written story that not only pulled at every one of my emotions, it brought me to tears multiple times. And that’s not to say this story is all sad – while it definitely has its heartbreaking moments, it is also filled with incredibly sweet and happy scenes that made my heart feel like it would burst.
These characters are some of my favorite ever written. Caelynn is so strong and full of life, while also terrified & overwhelmed deep down. Griffin is the yin to her yang, quiet & rough on the outside, but when he opens up there is so much light & love and I couldn’t help but swoon. Will, Ava & Mia each shone on their own which I absolutely loved. Instead of centering on a romance with the kids in the background, they were the true story. While this is a beautiful romance, it blooms from something deeper, and there are so many different layers to the story. The pacing is perfect, never rushed, and explored just right.
Grab your tissues and get ready for the best book hangover you’ve ever experienced.