Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Lost & Found Series book #4
Category: Romantic Suspense
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
"'He's grumpy like a grizzly bear after hibersnation. Mama and I think he needs a snack.'" - Cady
I've been waiting for Aspen's story this whole series, and she and Roan were everything I imagined their romance to be! All signs pointed to Aspen being on the run from something but Roan was the perfect stoic protector to keep her and her 5-year-old daughter Cady safe from harm.
Capable and dependable, Roan had secrets of his own but Aspen was patient with him and only pushed him just past his comfort zone so he could grow but never felt like he wasn't enough for her. Despite his rough exterior, Roan cared so much about his family and friends that he tried to block everyone out. He may not have pretty words, but Roan proves his feelings in actions over and over again.
"'I see you, Roan. The way you are with Cady. With the animals. With me. And I have a feeling the incredible things I've witnessed are just the tip of the iceberg.'" - Aspen
Aspen was tireless in her endeavor to be the best mom that she could be for Cady. She was devoted and showered the little girl with all the love that she had, hoping to make up for the missing pieces in their lives.
"For her. That was why I was doing all of this. Because she deserved everything good in the world. And I was going to make sure she got it." - Aspen
I loved their relationship and how seamlessly Roan blended into their little family. He found himself determined to watch over them both, and what better way to do that than to move into their house and their hearts?
"I was in love with Aspen Barlow. Her daughter, too. And if anything happened to either of them, I'd never survive." - Roan
This was such a sweet story, with little drama between the couple once they moved from acquaintances to more. They each brought something to the relationship that the other was missing: Roan, protection, and Aspen, gentle love.
Compared to the other books in this series, this was by far my favorite and an easy book review to write for 5 stars. I loved the couple, individually and together, and the suspense storyline felt more realistic and dangerous. Catherine Cowles is one of my go-to authors for a reason!
Tropes and Themes: Single Mom, Grumpy x Sunshine, Small Town, Romantic Suspense, Mystery, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Found Family, Damaged Hero.
Blurb
It was supposed to be a fresh start. A small town where I could hide my little girl from the shadows that haunt us. A place where I could keep us safe.
The last thing I expected was him.
A surly, broody mountain of a man who helps me save an injured deer in a snowstorm.
Now, Roan Hartley keeps showing up with his glowers and grimaces. But they only make his rare smiles and the gentle way he talks to my daughter mean that much more.
When forces from my past find us, Roan is determined to keep us safe—even if that means sleeping on my ancient couch every night.
As days turn to weeks, his touch has my walls crashing down. But someone out there doesn’t want me to find happiness. He doesn’t want me left breathing at all…
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