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Review

4 stars!

The final in the Sutter Lake series, this is a gorgeous story of two damaged people who are running from their pasts, who come together in a sweet, chemistry filled romance. I happily lost myself in this book, and it brings beautiful closure to the series, I loved it.

Cain is the third in a trio of best friends that feature in these books. He is living in the city, away from his best friends Walker and Tuck, but has built himself an empire, becoming a tech genius and billionaire. He’s been around to help his friends out of trouble whenever they needed him, but hasn’t really appeared in the series so far, so I was so excited to get to know him.

Kennedy was introduced in the last book of the series – she is the latest to come aboard as a staff member at Jensen’s tea house, and is renting the apartment upstairs. She’s also running from something, and I couldn’t wait to dive in to her story.

Though there is a huge age gap between them (Cain is 36, Kennedy is 22 – which I kinda love), these two have so much in common. Cain has come from a difficult childhood and has experienced tragedy in his life, which has left him drowning in guilt. The past that he has been trying to so hard not to think about has all been brought up again and, desperate to get away and clear his head, he travels to Sutter Lake for some privacy, quiet, and the company of his dearest friends. Kennedy has been through her own tragedy, and though different to Cain’s, it has left a similar mark on her, but she has turned her entire life around, getting a new identity and a fresh start in Sutter Lake. She is still overwhelmed with guilt and pain from her past, but is trying her hardest to atone by hiding who she is, giving back to her community and finding happiness wherever she can.

When Cain and Kennedy meet there is an immediate spark. More than just being attracted to her, Cain is intrigued by the newcomer to town and he quickly gets all up in her business. It’s not all lovey-dovey from the start, though. Cain is suspicious and a bit of a control freak, and Kennedy is a spirited and independent woman. They snark and bicker, but they also share some special moments, and they flirt and banter, but Cain isn’t interested in romance, especially with somebody so much younger than him. But when Kennedy is injured, being the overprotective alpha that he is, he moves her into his home, and all bets are off.

We weren’t the perfect people, but we just might be perfect for each other.

It’s sweet, fun and full of chemistry, and I loved watching Cain and Kennedy dance around each other and figure each other out. Their attraction is evident from the beginning, but they’ve both been through so much, they’ve been so hurt by it all, and their experiences have left a mark on them. They have a lot to work through, and there are some ups and downs along the way, but there’s no denying that these two are just it for each other. We just have to wait for both of them to see it.

“You crawled into my fucking heart, and I know I’ll never get you out. I never want to try.”

Alongisde the romance, there is a mystery/suspense storyline. Cain’s business is under attack from within, and Kennedy’s past continues to haunt her. There are twists and turns, and the now-expected climax…

…which brings the drama and proves to be the turning point for these two. I was happy to go along for the ride, completely glued to my kindle and keen to see how it was all going to work out, knowing that the drama and angst would be worth it.

“You have me. All of me. Even the demons.”

The rest of the Sutter Lake crew are a part of the story, and I loved seeing them together and watching them be a part of the unfolding romance and drama. I particularly loved seeing the boys together, they have such a strong bond – a true brotherhood – and I loved every moment that we got to see that. The girl posse is also gorgeous, and I love how they included Kennedy and took her back without question.

I have binged this whole series in under a week, and have loved every moment of it. I fell in love with these characters and their stories, and can’t wait to read more of Cowles’ work.

4 stars.

 

Sutter Lake

 

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