“A tortured hero, an inspirational heroine, suspense, and a slow-burn romance are the perfect recipe for a book that will utterly captivate readers. A must read for 2021!” – Samantha Young, New York Times bestselling author
Wrecked Palace, an all-new sweet and addictive slow-burn standalone romance in the Wrecked Series by author Catherine Cowles is available now!
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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…
Review
5 stars and a new fave!
Oh, I love this book! An absolutely beautiful slow burning romance between two people who have been through so much – Caelyn, who is a pseudo-single mother to her three siblings, and Griffin, a grumpy recluse with a tragic past. Add three gorgeous kids to the mix, and I was completely swept up in this amazing story of love, family and healing. I already know it’s going to be a fave for 2021.
Caelyn is the third of a trio of best friends to have their stories told in this series. Her life has been hard, defined by the moment she left College early to return home to Anchor Island to take guardianship over her three younger siblings after her mother was imprisoned. While she missed out on a lot of opportunities, she has never once regretted her choice and she loves and protects her younger brother and two little sisters fiercely – even if it means that her personal life has taken a backseat.
Griffin has appeared in the backgrounds of the previous books. Quiet, reclusive and grumpy, he doesn’t engage with anybody in town, but he is the man that Caelyn has been mooning over, seeing something more to him than the closed-off persona he shows the world. I loved the chance to get to really know Griffin in this book. His backstory is tragic, and his solitary lifestyle makes complete sense, but Caelyn has sparked his interest in a way that nobody ese has, and when he goes out of his way to help her out, he has no idea that his whole world is about to be turned upside down.
It’s a great set-up that becomes so much more awesome as Caelyn and her family end up completely invading Griffin’s life. The siblings are in danger, and Griffin is there to protect and defend, but in order to keep them as safe as possible, he moves them into his house mid-renovation, and every moment of it is complete perfection – from the building sexual tension between Griffin and Caelyn, to his bonding with 16 year old Will, and being a protector to quiet Ava and boisterously adorably Mia. The dynamics between them all develop beautifully, and it’s a joy to watch Caelyn and the kids bring life back into Griffin’s world.
I hadn’t realized how empty my life had been. Not until they had filled it.
And the love story! OMG, it’s such a beautiful romance! It’s very much a slow burn – Caelyn and Griffin both have a lot they need to work through personally, plus there’s the pressing issue of keeping her safe from the threat to her and her family, but from the very beginning there is a strong connection between the two of them, and I loved the heart-melting moments that had me in a world of soon.
Griffin cupped my cheeks, his large hands engulfing my face.
“You’re allowed to feel whatever you need to. Just know I’ve got you.”
They begin as friends-who-are-attracted, and their feelings develop over time as they get to know each other more. It’s sweet, emotional and angst-free, and I could feel every single moment of them falling harder and harder for each other, and my heart was pounding and I was squeeing with blissed-out glee when they finally take the step towards more.
“I want this with you. I don’t know for sure where it will lead. But I want to find out.”
It’s a gorgeous romance that is blessedly drama-free. The conflict comes externally to the relationship as the threat to Caelyn and her siblings becomes more dangerous. It brings mystery and suspense to the story, which is not only exciting, but it works well to drive the progression of the love story, to show the depth of the connection between Caelyn and her siblings, and in developing Griffin’s relationship with Will, Ava and Mia. Seeing them together and watching them becoming a family is such a highlight of this book.
The couples from the previous books in the series are all a part of the unfolding drama – being there for Caelyn and Griffin, and forming an extended family that is gorgeous to see. This book can be read as a standalone, but beware minor spoilers for the earlier books.
This is one of those books that gives you that feeling. That excited anticipation that you get when you’re reading a book and you know it’s going to be something special. You’re desperate to read it and can’t put it down, and at the same time you want to savour every moment and experience. It’s so beautifully written, not only a story of hope and healing for a man who had lost his way, but an emotional and meaningful story of family, friendship and love, and of chasing your dreams and fighting for your happy ending. I loved every single moment of it.
5 huge stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wrecked
Reckless Memories (#1)
Review
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Perfect Wreckage (#2)
Review
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Wrecked Palace (#3)
Review
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Excerpt
I climbed out of my truck in the parking lot of The General Store. Why was it that I
always ended up here? There was just something about the brown-haired beauty who
worked at the kitchen inside. Normally, people who shined with that life-is-beautiful kind
of positivity made me want to punch something. But with Caelyn, I was fascinated.
I started towards the store when a man called my name. I stiffened and turned,
expecting to see a stranger, maybe one of the reporters still holding out hope that I’d
share my story with the world. The set of my shoulders eased a bit when I saw that it
was Ford Hardy, owner of The Catch Bar & Grill. I said nothing but waited for the man to
make his approach. He wasn’t a stranger exactly, but I had no desire for idle chitchat.
“I’ve been hoping to run into you,” he greeted.
I stayed silent.
Ford chuckled. “Not too talkative, are you?”
“Not much to say, I guess.”
Ford’s expression grew serious. “I just wanted to thank you for your help a few
months back.”
“I didn’t do anything anyone else wouldn’t do.” Ford had been attacked by
someone sick in the head. He’d been jumped from behind and knocked unconscious. I’d
just come along at the right time.
“Either way, thank you.” He held out a hand, and I took it for a shake. “Come into
the bar sometime. I’ll treat you to a beer and a meal. It’s the least I can do.”
I fought the wince that wanted to surface. The last thing I wanted was to sit
around at the island watering hole. People whispered, thinking they were being discreet
when they were anything but. Even worse, they sometimes thought it was completely
acceptable to approach and ask me a million intrusive questions. “I’ll try and come by.”
Ford grinned. “I’m taking that as a fat chance in hell.”
My lips twitched. “You’re not a stupid man.”
“Thank God for that. Well, if I can ever do anything to repay you, just let me
know. My brother’s a contractor. We could give you a couple of days on that house of
yours if you’d like.”
My jaw tightened. “I’m good. But thanks for the offer.”
Ford nodded and gave me a wave before heading back towards The Catch.
“There’s no expiration date on that.”
I wouldn’t take Ford up on his offer of help unless I got desperate. I needed to do
this on my own. I started towards the store. Pulling the creaking screen door open, I
walked inside. It was still a bit early, but when 4:00 a.m. was your usual wakeup call,
4:30 p.m. was just about perfect for dinner. Plus, I could avoid the after-work crowd.
I made my way towards the kitchen at the far end of the grocery but stopped in
my tracks when I heard Caelyn’s voice.
“Is there any way you could give me more hours? Or more of the bookkeeping to
do?”
Mr. Walters, the owner of the store, chuckled. “You’re doing it all already, deary. I
barely show up here anymore.”
“Well, do you know of anyone else who might be looking for some help for things
I could do from home?” she pressed.
“Are the two jobs you have not enough? You’re gonna work yourself to the bone.
And you need to be home for those kids.”
“I know.” Caelyn’s voice seemed to deflate on the words. “But Mia got accepted
into this gymnastics program, and it costs an arm and a leg.”
Walters’ voice gentled. “I’d be happy to loan you the fees—”
“No,” Caelyn cut Mr. Walters off. “You’ve done more than enough for us.”
A foreign feeling invaded my chest. A twisting sensation that burned. I’d heard
the talk around the island that Caelyn had taken in her three younger siblings after their
parents had been involved in some sort of drug bust. I couldn’t imagine taking all that on
when she must’ve been barely more than a child herself.
I cleared my throat, stepping around the end of the aisle. Caelyn looked up, the
frown marring her gorgeous face quickly turning into a bright smile. “Griffin. It’s good to
see you. Have you finally given in to trying one of my salads?”
I gave my head a shake. “I think I’ll stick with the sandwich.”
Walters grinned. “I don’t know, Caelyn can make kale pretty tasty.”
I didn’t try to fight the twisting of my face. “No, thank you.”
Walters chuckled. “Maybe another day. All right, I’m off.” He turned to Caelyn.
“You let me know if you change your mind.”
Caelyn reached up on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to the old man’s cheek.
“Thank you.”
Walters headed out of the store, and just Caelyn and I were left. I slid onto a
stool at the counter. It was rare that I waited here for my food, but I couldn’t seem to
resist the temptation today. I had this undeniable urge to make sure she was okay.
“So, what’ll it be? Some version of meat and cheese?”
I almost chuckled. Almost. “Sounds good to me. But I know you’ll sneak some
vegetables on there somehow.”
“Gotta keep you from getting scurvy.”
I almost choked. “I thought that was from not enough vitamin C. I drink my
orange juice.”
Caelyn shook her head and started pulling things out of a fridge below the
counter. “There’s vitamin C in vegetables, too. And lots of other nutritious things you
need.”
“Good thing I come in here a few times a week then.”
“Good thing.”
An idea was forming in the back of my mind. One that just might be the answer to
helping Caelyn out of her predicament and giving me some nice benefits, as well.
The screen door banged open. “Cae Cae!” a young girl’s voice called out. Soon,
there was a flash of movement past me.
Caelyn stepped around the counter and lifted the little girl into her arms as she
hurled herself at Caelyn. “How was your day?”
“So good. I taught cartwheels at recess, and you left me my favorite cookie in my
lunch.”
Caelyn laughed. “Sounds like a good day to me. Where are the rest of the tiny
terrors?”
The little girl beamed up at Caelyn. “They’re coming, but they were being too
slow, so I ran when I got to the parking lot.” Her gaze caught on me. “Whoa. Are you a
giant?”
I wanted to laugh but seeing the easy affection between the girl and Caelyn stole
my ability to speak.
“Mia, this is Mr. Griffin. Griffin, this is my little sister, Mia.”
The girl looked so much like Beth had at that age, I struggled to find words. “It’s
nice to meet you, Mia.” My voice came out rougher than before, and I tried to force my
lips into a smile, but the action felt foreign.
“Hey, sis,” a male voice called.
I turned to see a boy who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen. As soon as
he caught sight of me, wariness filled his features. He quickly crossed to his sisters,
tugging another girl behind him. “Who’s this?”
Caelyn pressed her lips together as if holding back a laugh. “This is Mr. Griffin.
Griffin, this is Will and Ava, my other two siblings. I hope you don’t mind, but they
usually hang with me for thirty minutes before Molly takes over. Kids, you can go hang
out in the office while I get Mr. Griffin’s sandwich ready.”
“I wanna stay with you and help,” Mia whined.
“I’ll go into the office,” Ava offered. She had taken a step behind her brother as if
hiding from me.
“They can stay.” The words were out before I could stop them. Awkward and a
little gruff, but Mia beamed.
“See, Mr. Griffin wants me to help make his sandwich.”
Caelyn shook her head. “Well, if that’s the case, we better wash our hands.”
Ava headed for the back office while Will took a seat next to me at the counter,
eyeing me carefully. Caelyn helped Mia up onto a little stool by the sink, and they
washed their hands, Mia singing some sort of song that counted off the seconds.
“All clean,” she called. “No germies can last to thirty.”
I couldn’t hold in my chuckle this time. “I guess they can’t.”
“I never thought I’d see the day,” Caelyn started, putting a hand over her heart. “I
do believe you laughed, Griffin Lockwood. Who knew all it took was a seven-year-old
singing about germs?”
About Catherine
Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she’s not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
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