Wrecked Palace by Catherine Cowles Book Review!

"I love you. I think a part of me loved you from the first moment I saw you. Some part of me recognized that you were the one person who could understand me. Who could help me find my way back." - Catherine Cowles, Wrecked Palace

Well, I have to tell y’all... I am not surprised... I loved Wrecked Palace!

 I am so glad I stumbled on this series recently because I have fallen in love with every single story in this series! Catherine Cowles wrote another amazing book, filled with characters that are hard not to love. This book tells the story of Caelyn and Griffin, though you can’t mention them without talking about Will, Ava and Mia.

 I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with kids in a story quite as much as I did with these “tiny terrors.” I loved the family dynamics and that this book was so family focused! I loved that we as readers really got to know every member of this family and there was something that drew me in about each of them. Will just broke my heart and made it smile. He is so loving and so protective and tries so hard to hold everything in to protect his siblings, but doesn’t allow himself to be the kid that he is. Ava reminds me of myself. She is quiet, unassuming, a big bookaholic, and an internal thinker and feeler. This doesn’t mean she doesn’t have big feelings, but she usually has to process it by herself before sharing with others. Mia is glitter, rainbows and unicorns. She clearly brings joy and happiness to anyone in her world. All of these kids and how amazing they are are that way in big part because of their big sister Caelyn who’s been the Mom none of them ever had. 

Caelyn sacrifices herself over and over for the family that she loves and her friends who are the best family she’s ever known. She has a heart of gold and like Mia, spreads joy to anyone she can.

Enter, Griffin. Griffin is gruff and quiet and little know anything about him because he prefers it that way. Griffin thinks if he doesn’t open himself up to people, he won’t be hurt again. He lost his family in a tragic, traumatic event that he still has nightmares about years after their loss. He has taken to renovating their family home on Anchor Island, but the house feels...empty, and he feels alone. There's one spark of joy that Griffin has in his life, though... his daily run in's with the Island chef/grocery store manager, Caelyn. 

Then, as they say, the rest is... 

Reading these two characters stories come together was so good. I read this book in 24 hours. I loved the vulnerability Griffin struggled with throughout this story- the possibility of opening himself up to others and potentially getting hurt or risking losing them again. I love Cae Cae's heart. She loves her siblings, she loves her friends, she even loves her no good biological parents, but who loves her? Sure, her friends and family do, but Caelyn is desperately wanting someone who will put her first. The two of them together...

Do yourself a favor and check this book and the whole series out! 

You will not be disappointed!! 

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Perfect Wreckage by Catherine Cowles Book Review!

 "If you really want to live your life to the fullest, you have to let go of who you think you should be and let yourself become who you truly are." - Catherine Cowles, Perfect Wreckage

That quote got me. It is a great summary of what this book really is about. This story follows Kenna and Crosby. This is the second book in the Wrecked series. I originally didn't think I could like a second book in a series more than I liked the first, but... I do. I loved Kenna and Crosby's story. Don't get me wrong, I love Bell and Ford in Reckless Memories, but there is just something about Kenna and Crosby to me.

Even in Reckless Memories, we would get snippets of Crosby teasing or poking at 'Brown Eyes' and her not giving him the time of day, but still not hating his attention and affection. Even as a side character, Crosby seemed like he had a kind heart and Kenna desperately needed that. Kenna, in the first book, seemed like such a badass but also untouchable. She is close with Bell and Caelyn, but that was about it.

Through this book we learn a lot more about Kenna and what has made her into the impenetrable force that she is. She has gone through a lot in her life, after having a mother who never acted as a mother but more of a toxic relationship, a father she never knew, and  several other traumas that you'll read about if  you read this book. It helped me to realize how big of a fighter she truly is, and also why she fights so hard to let people in. She's been let down way too many times to be willing to be vulnerable again. This is another one of those super relatable characters that I love to read about. I also just want to give Kenna a big hug. 

Crosby grew up in a very affluent family, but didn't have the perfect family life that you may expect. He had his basic needs covered while there are plenty that don't, but he definitely has scars from growing up with his family. These scars prevent him from being vulnerable with others as well. He's constantly searching for that freedom, that adrenaline high to remind him he's alive and he's his own man. 

When Crosby starts to get to know Kenna more and more, he finds himself conflicted internally. Will he be able to "give up" that freedom that he so desperately needs to settle down with someone? Will Kenna be able to open herself up to the possibility of getting hurt again? 

This story was just so good. It kept me flipping the pages and wanting to know more and more. I can't finish my review without mentioning two other characters though: Harriet and Zoe. I loved Harriet's character for Kenna. She stepped in when Kenna's own biological mother couldn't be bothered. Harriet shared her home, her heart, her love, and her wisdom, and Kenna became all the better for it. Everyone deserves to have a Harriet in their lives. And Zoe... sweet Zoe! I love Crosby's heart for donating so much of his time and legal expertise to help kids in the foster care system. Zoe is one of those kids and a kid Crosby was able to save from a terrible foster home situation based on his intuition and gut. I love the heart Crosby has for Zoe and Kenna as well after Crosby introduced them. This was just another section of this book that just...made my heart smile. 

If you're interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent or helping foster children, please read more about that here: 

Foster Information

If you're interested in this story, check it out below:

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As always... happy reading! 

When We Met by Marni Mann Book Review!

 "I can't recall anything from before my surgery, except for your eyes. They held me like a blanket... I didn't want them to let me go." - Marni Mann, When We Met

After having a little time to think after completing this book, this title may be one of the most appropriate titles to a book I've ever experienced. You'll know what I mean if/when you read this book!!

Anyway...

I really enjoyed this book overall. I loved the characters and the character development. I was invested in how Whitney’s life would go and of course, Caleb’s. 

Part 2 of this book threw me for a loop, though. I didn’t understand why what was happening was happening. I read through most of part 2 confused and wondering how the story was going to end. By the end of the book, it definitely made sense and brought it all together, but I wish there was some way I could’ve known as a reader what was going on. I guess that could’ve altered the ending though or how important the ending was so I get it and like I mentioned, I ended up really liking the book overall. Whitney is the type of character everyone would know and love and want to have as a friend. Caleb is the ultimate man- workaholic, can’t slow down until he falls for the girl who helps him see the real value in life. 

If you can't tell, these characters made this book for me. I love them all so much. 

❤️ This story is definitely worth a read, I hope you’ll check it out!

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Happy reading!! 

When Ashes Fall by Marni Mann Book Review!

"No, I don't want to run. Unless it's toward you, and then my answer is yes." - Marni Mann, When Ashes Fall

So... this book snuck up on me! I won an ebook copy of this book in a Facebook group member giveaway. I was of course excited to win any new book, but after my last book binge finished, I decided to check out that new book I’d just received. I read the blurb about this book and was intrigued. Lately I haven’t been really excited about many new books/book blurbs I read so I was pleasantly surprised when I read this description:

It’s said that you can’t love two men at the same time. You can’t split your heart, soul, and body in half. But I’m here to tell you, you can. Dylan Cole is like ice, sharp and predictable, the thunder inside a tumultuous storm. Smith Reid is warmth, soft and gentle, perfect like a sunny day. Both are mine. But I can only have one. There are two sides to this tale. I’m here to tell you mine. If you think this story is about a cheater, you couldn’t be more wrong. 

Like I said- my initial reaction? Intrigue. My second reaction as I read the above blurb- hmm, I don’t want to read a love triangle or anything about cheating. My third reaction- well, that answers that and I looped back around to intrigue!

This book kept me guessing. Not for long, but only because I inhaled this story in less than 24 hours. I couldn’t stop reading. 

I thought I had an idea of what was going on, but then by the next two chapters I was unsure and thought maybe something else was going on. My initial guess of what was going on ended up being correct, but in no way would I label this book as predictable. It kept me on my toes and constantly invested to see how the story was going to end. 

I don’t want to go into too much detail because I want you to experience this spoiler free yourself, but just know- this was a 5 star read for me and I highly recommend it!

If I've peaked your interest, check it out at these links below:

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As always, happy reading! 

More Than Forever by Jay McLean Review!

"Because it's eternal, the rise and fall of the sun. It's forever. Just like us." -Jay McLean, More Than Forever

This book. It guts me. It intrigues me. It makes me believe in love. This is the 4th book in the More series by Jay McLean. While the first, second, and third focus on other great characters like Jake, Kayla, Logan and Amanda, this book is all about Lucy and Cam. I have loved Lucy from the very first introduction to her in the first book. She's a quirky, romance novel addict and she's a ball of fire after a few drinks! She's everything I'd want to be friends with! If I had to describe Cameron in one word it'd be...devoted. He is devoted to Lucy, she is all he sees and all he wants.

Lucy's mom is terminally ill. She's struggling just to make it through her final days and Lucy as a young teen has taken over the role of Mom to the family. She cooks, cleans, transports her siblings. She's holding everyone and everything together while her Dad drinks his sorrows away. If Lucy is holding everyone and everything together, who's holding her? Enter, Cam. No matter how much Lucy tries to push Cam away, he keeps coming back. He shows up every day, trying to take a little bit off her plate and help her out, whether she asks for or acknowledges the help. Lucy thinks she needs to handle everything on her own. If she stops doing everything, she has to think about all she's lost and that's something she can't handle.

Not only does Lucy have this habit of pushing people away, but she's also got another nasty habit that's hurting herself physically. Who knows what would've happened if Cameron hadn't appeared in her life. 

"I thought it was impossible to laugh again. But he did it; he made my impossible, possible." ~ Lucy

The love story of Lucy and Cameron is beautiful. It's more realistic than most books I've read. Lucy always has her nose stuck in a book. She reads about all our favorite book boyfriends and she realizes she's the luckiest leading lady of all because she has Cameron. 

"You changed her life, Cam. And fate, it changed all of us." 

One of my favorite parts about this book is Cameron's love for Lucy's brothers. He steps in to help her not only because he is falling for her, but also because he's falling for them. He sees them as his own brothers and they take him in as family, too. He's Lucy's strength and the boys' role model. He's full of love for Lucy and for all those he cares about. 

The book follows Cam and Lucy through high school and off to college. They aren't that cookie cutter couple that never has any problems. Lucy's jealous. Cam is oblivious at times. There are definitely times throughout the book where I wish I could just reach through my iPad and shake both Lucy and Cam. But, they are constant. They are fierce in their love for each other. Each are all the other sees. 

"I feel like I've loved you for eternity and it's not even close to long enough." 

Read it. You won't regret it!

A Cry for Hope by Beth Rinyu Review

" This is the story about my family. My beautiful son, my once perfect husband, and finding the courage to live and feel whole again." - Beth Rinyu, A Cry for Hope

Ok, so- this book totally threw me for a loop. Before I say anymore, I want to make sure you know there is about to be a MAJOR SPOILER ALERT  so turn away now if you aren't interested!

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OH.MY.GOSH. This book did a lot of things to me. It broke my heart, it put a bandaid over the wounds, it made me start to see the light, totally wrecked me, and restored my faith in people and marriage. That is a lot for one book to accomplish. Please be patient with me on this review as I've just finished this book and I'm not sure I'm emotionally capable to be writing the review already!


This book started off introducing us to two best friends, Hope and Nick. These two were attached at the hip growing up and the true definition of best friends. It was great to see Hope's early years as the book was told from her POV and Nick was definitely an important character in the book.

Next, we discover grown up Hope. Hope and Nick got separated at a young age and they lost contact. We start reading about Hope's life now, which includes 8 year old Charlie and hubby, Jamie. Hope's life seems like the picture perfect life. She's got the sweetest little boy- he sticks up for the new kid with special needs, he's loving, and is a great kid overall. She's got a husband who worships her and their little boy and she's never been happier.Then, the unthinkable happens. Charlie drowns. As if this weren't bad enough, Hope was at the beach with him that day and has taken on the guilt of not being able to be with him or save him when it happened.

I can only imagine the feelings Hope must've been feeling. Not to mention, Jamie (without directly saying so) held Hope responsible for the loss of their son. Over the 8/9 months of Charlie being gone, Jamie has been aloof and stand-offish. Hope eventually has to leave to get some space between her and Jamie, after finding out about a major mistake on his part. The majority of the book was Hope trying to come to terms with the loss of her son, her feelings regarding the whole tragic accident, how she was going to handle not being a Mom anymore (or at least not having Charlie here) and what she deserves as a person and a wife.

Enter, Nick. Nick is home visiting his father on leave from the Marines. He's going through his own personal tragedy and the two best friends find each other at the perfect time. Their friendship, their love for one another, honestly saves the other. Nick helped Hope realize that she needs to be ok with herself and Hope helped Nick realize he mattered in this world and he was someone worth loving. 

Hope and Nick make a decision that seems so right, and feels so good, in the moment, that everything else goes out of their mind. As a reader, at this point, I've developed this intense love for Nick. He's been there for Hope. He's built her back up, all the while encouraging her to do whatever is best for her, be with whomever makes her happy. Nick goes off to military training just as Jamie makes a reappearance in Hope's life trying to being making amends after a year of acting as a complete stranger. 

As Hope is trying to figure out her life and her feelings, she gets the most devastating news. 

I just can't. I did not see this major turn of events coming. I can't believe Nick is gone. I saw the pregnancy coming a mile away, but I DID NOT see the author killing off Nick. AH! I don't know how else this story could've played out, but I was literally sobbing at the 83% mark and on. My heart breaks at the end of this book, but it also gets glued back together a little bit. I love that, as strange as it is, all of the tragedy brought husband and wife back together. I'm glad to read a book where husband and wife can go through an unbearable situation and still come out strong, together. Jamie wasn't able to father anymore children, so the author makes you believe this was almost Nick's gift to Hope and her husband. Unfortunately, there's not many books that display that or many real life situations that display that anymore either, for that matter. It definitely restored my faith in a strong partnership and couple, even if my heart was seriously breaking at the loss of Hope's best friend.

I'll leave you with this little tidbit. It's probably my favorite gif and you'll see it many times from me probably, but it's totally appropriate for me and this book. This is my face reading the last 15% of this book:

Playlist:

Screaming Infidelities by Dashboard Confessional

Fireflies by Ron Pope

Blue Ocean Floor by Justin Timberlake

Sad by Maroon 5

Home by Phillip Phillips