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Review

4 stars!

Catherine Cowles is a new-to-me author that I have been wanting to read for a while, and I’m so excited that I finally dove in! Her writing is easy and natural, and I was completely swept up in this beautifully emotional small-town romance. The story of a broken woman searching for peace, and finding it in the arms of a man still battling with his own grief from the past. With a touch of drama and suspense, I was completely hooked and I loved it!

Taylor is struggling to move on from the death of her beloved mother. She was the only family she had, and after nursing her through months of illness, she is still unable to come to terms with her loss and is drowning in grief. While holidaying with friends, she finds comfort in the solitude of a small town in rural Oregon, and she makes the snap decision to move there for a year for a fresh start to pull herself back together.

Walker Cole is a small-town cop who dedicated his life to helping others after losing his first love in traumatic circumstances. He is intrigued by the new woman in town and can’t help but run into her continuously since she is working in his sister’s tea shop and renting a holiday cabin on his parent’s ranch. He knows she’s suffering, but he wants to help, and he’s determined to be there for her however he can be.

She needed someone who would never leave her. I could be that. I would be her friend, her constant shadow, her shoulder to cry on for as long as she wanted me. I would be more if she let me.

It’s a sweet set-up, and I love how quickly Walker is feeling the feels for Taylor. And I love how he doesn’t hide it! He’s open with her, he’s gentle and understanding, but he still pushes her to let him in, and I loved watching him slowly win her over.

“I want to explore what this thing is between us. Neither of us can know what the future will bring … I think we should take things one day at a time, see where the road leads … Because I am sure as fuck exhausted from not giving in to you.”

Taylor is feeling things too, but she’s terrified of opening her heart to somebody and having it broken again. Her fear is a visceral thing, and at times she seems to be ruled entirely by her pain, but she slowly begins to ease into her new life and let Walker in. And how can she not, when the man is pure, protective perfection, urging her forward and spouting off swoony and determined declarations at every opportunity.

Walker’s eyes bore into mine. “You and I are going to see where this thing leads.” I pressed my lips together. “We’re not going to worry about all the possible what-ifs. We are going to roll with things. I’m going to have you. Often.” My lips stretched into a slow smile. I liked that plan. “I’m also going to be here for you.” My heart stutter-stepped. “No matter what does or doesn’t happen between us in the bedroom.”

He’s so gorgeous, and I just loved him!

Alongside the love story, there’s a mystery/suspense storyline as women are going missing in their small town. It’s a case that hits close to home for Walker, and provides some excitement as he and Taylor are inevitably dragged into the drama, and I thought it was tied into their story really well.

“I want you. You’re mine, remember?”
“I’m broken, Walker.”
“Well, then all your beautifully broken pieces are mine.”

Oh swoon!

Walker is a big family man, and we get to meet his family, and his best friend, Tuck, and they are a great bunch. They have each other’s backs without question, and the dynamics are lots of fun. We also meet Taylor’s friends (two of whom have already had a book – [book:Further To Fall|40366085]), and the group of family and friends have their own stories told in future books.

I loved this book. Taylor’s emotions were occasionally a bit overwhelming, but it makes her journey all the more satisfying as she finds strength in love, and the courage to move on and claim her HEA.

“I love you. You snuck in and stole my goddamned heart, but I hope you never give it back. Please give me a chance to love you.”

I love that I’ve found a new series to lose myself in, and I’m so excited to continue on!

4 stars!

 

Sutter Lake Series

 

Check out our Catherine Cowles Author Spotlight for more awesome reads!