Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Book 1 in the Tattered & Torn series
Category: Romantic Suspense
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I had known I wouldn’t receive any warmth from this town. Yet, somehow, I’d hoped. That I could atone for something that wasn’t even mine. That I could make things right. Find a home again the mountains that had always soothed me when life was roughest. Maybe even find peace after all of these years.” - Everly
How is it possible that I haven't read a Catherine Cowles book before? Where has this author been hiding? This book might be the best example of a well-written romantic suspense that I've read in a long time. The balance between the increasingly dangerous situation and the relationship development between the two main characters was superb, I ate this book up and was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was behind the attacks!
I was hooked right away. The prologue is gripping, and 11-year-old Everly is such a brave girl, who only grows up to be even stronger. Talk about standing up for what you know is right, even when the price of that action is so high. It was heartbreaking to read about everything she endured as a young child, but it was clear those life experiences had shaped her into an empathic and determined woman. Her courage and determination to bring happiness to a bad place, and to face her demons no matter how much other people wanted to bury their heads in the sand and pretend nothing happened was inspiring.
“‘Anyone can be brave for twenty breaths. And in that time, you can do almost anything. Or at least take the first steps you need to get there.’” - Everly
Hayes was an interesting MMC. He was dependable, and honorable and ultimately took on responsibility for things he shouldn't have. Playing the peacemaker for his family, all of whom have lingering trauma in some shape or form from Everly's father's actions, it was obvious why Everly rubbed him the wrong way - she was a stark reminder of something he wanted to forget.
“Everly was a reminder of my greatest failure. One I’d been working to make up for ever since.” - Hayes
However, Everly was good for Hayes and his family despite Hayes's initial wariness of her and what she represented. The wounds from the past hadn’t gone away, they were just scabbed over but festering within his family.
“The mountains seemed to taunt us, even now. But the range was still beautiful - that beauty was simply haunted.” - Hayes
It didn’t take too long before Hayes understood he'd been an ass and I appreciated the story didn’t drag out the enemies-to-lovers element. I loved how Hayes' family embraced Everly wholeheartedly as well, there was so much healing that happened for a lot of the characters outside of the main couple.
There is much more to learn about the town of Wolf Gap and the host of hodge-podge characters from different walks of life. I can't wait to see more of everyone in the series' other books, look for more reviews soon!
Tropes and Themes: Small Town, Mystery, Suspense, Enemies to Lovers, Abuse, Forced Proximity, Second Chance, Police Officer.
Blurb
Be brave. Just for sixty seconds. Twenty breaths.
It took every ounce of my courage to return to the small town I fled all those years ago. But I should’ve known he’d hate me. How could he not when my father’s blood still runs through my veins?
Yet here I am, desperate for a chance to make things right. Even if it means facing the family my father almost destroyed and the boy with the dark eyes—now grown—who still haunts my dreams.
I never expected just how explosive things would turn between us. He’s the last person I should want. Yet, somehow, I keep drawing closer—so close I know I’ll end up burned.
But Hayes is a good man, a noble one. Someone who channeled his pain into a career spent protecting those around him. So, when the threats begin, he steps in to keep me safe. And we discover that maybe neither of us knew the other at all.
As the sparks between us ignite into something deeper, someone watches. And they’ll do anything to tear it all apart…
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