She’s on the run…
Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding in plain sight—just
as long as no one asks too many questions.
He can’t escape…
Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single whisper can ruin a
life. After seeing the darker side of fame, he's desperate to retreat and find
his voice again.
Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a connection neither
expected.
But the forces they’re both running from still lurk in the shadows…
And you never know when they might strike.
Liam has found great success as a singer and songwriter
but dealing with the cutthroat business side of music has dulled the shine of
his fame. That, plus an obsessive fan, has him leaving L.A. for a quiet respite
in Sutter Lake, the town where his friend Taylor recently found a new start. His
growing interest in quiet and closed-off Tessa seems to be going nowhere since
she shuts him down at every turn, even while being around her is breaking his
writers block and inspiring him to write new music. Tessa has been hiding in
Sutter Lake for over a year, on the run from an abusive ex. Always fearful,
always on-guard, she is ready to flee at the first hint of danger. Liam is the
first person that makes her want to lower her walls and form a connection, but opening
herself up could also mean putting her life at risk.
Sometimes I think I will run out of ways to gush about a
Catherine Cowles book because she is just so, so good at delivering what I
love. Tessa was instantly a character that was easy to empathize with. I wanted
so much for her to push her boundaries of loneliness and allow others in, even
while I understood her fears. Then there was Liam. Loved him! This man was so
patient, so kind, and took such care with Tessa that it melted my heart. Even
before he knew her story, he understood she was fearful and reticent, and he
showed such tenderness to her, and respect for her boundaries. (When Liam said
to Tessa, “What can I do to make you feel safe?” I thought I would expire then
and there.) One of my favorite aspects of the story was seeing all the small
ways Liam tried to help Tessa regain her power and control over her life. That
kind of selfless caretaking really did it for me. The suspense didn’t really
ratchet up until the very end, but it provided a truly satisfying wrap-up. Once
again, I’ll be diving right into the next book in the Sutter Lake series.
Have you read Beautifully Broken Life?
“What can I do to make you feel safe?” <-- cue tears. Liam sounds like a wonderful hero.
ReplyDeleteSam - Liam was the best! And that line of dialogue... hit me right in the heart.
DeleteLovely review of this one Tanya! I agree that she really delivers on her stories. They are so endearing and emotionally provoking. I am working on the Wrecked series, but as soon as I finish, I am delving into this series, and I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee! Funny how we're both involved in two different series by Cowles. I'll probably move on to the Wrecked series next. :)
DeleteThis is an author I need to read more by. Thanks for sharing this one!
ReplyDeleteLisa - I've been bingeing Catherine Cowles lately. I can't get enough. :)
DeleteGlad you're enjoying the series!! I definitely want to get to it. I have only read one of Cowles books so far, but it's been my favorite this year, so I don't know why it's taken me so long to pick up another one.
ReplyDeleteAlison - Oh wow, how awesome that the Cowles book is your favorite this year! I hope the others will be every bit as good for you!
DeleteI loved Liam and Tessa! Great review. I hope the series keeps going strong for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna. I'm about halfway through the final book now. Mason is really standing out as one of my favorite heroes in the series. Right up there with Liam. :)
DeleteI like the sound of this one! Liam sounds like such a dream hero, someone well-matched for Tessa. I'll look this one up.
ReplyDelete