{"id":56837,"date":"2021-01-21T08:00:55","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T13:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=56837"},"modified":"2025-08-28T10:20:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:20:43","slug":"blog-tour-excerpt-arc-review-wrecked-palace-wrecked-3-by-catherine-cowles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=56837","title":{"rendered":"Blog Tour, Excerpt & ARC Review: Wrecked Palace (Wrecked, #3) by Catherine Cowles"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cA 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!<\/em>” – Samantha Young,\u00a0New York Times\u00a0<\/em>bestselling author<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Wrecked Palace, an all-new sweet and addictive slow-burn standalone romance in the Wrecked Series by author Catherine Cowles is available now!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Amazon Worldwide<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Apple Books\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Kobo\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Nook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\r\n <\/div><\/div><\/h4>\n
\n

Blurb<\/strong><\/h4>\n

One night was all it took for everything to change.
\nFrom college student to guardian in a single breath.
\nMy siblings became my world.<\/p>\n

No time for date nights or romantic dreams.
\nI traded quiet weekends for sleepless nights.
\nGiving my all to make sure they were cared for.<\/p>\n

But Griffin had a brokenness that called to me\u2014one that mirrored my own.
\nGruff and just a little bit reckless.
\nHe was the last thing I needed. But everything I wanted.<\/p>\n

Only someone isn\u2019t happy about this new life I\u2019m building.
\nDeciding to set fire to everything I hold close.
\nAnd when the smoke clears, there might be only ashes left behind\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Add to Goodreads<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Review<\/strong><\/h4>\n

5 stars and a new fave!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh, I love this book! An absolutely beautiful slow burning romance between two people who have been through so much \u2013 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\u2019s going to be a fave for 2021.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 even if it means that her personal life has taken a backseat.<\/p>\n

Griffin has appeared in the backgrounds of the previous books. Quiet, reclusive and grumpy, he doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a great set-up that becomes so much more awesome as Caelyn and her family end up completely invading Griffin\u2019s 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\u2019s a joy to watch Caelyn and the kids bring life back into Griffin\u2019s world.<\/p>\n

I hadn\u2019t realized how empty my life had been. Not until they had filled it.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And the love story! OMG, it\u2019s such a beautiful romance! It\u2019s very much a slow burn \u2013 Caelyn and Griffin both have a lot they need to work through personally, plus there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Griffin cupped my cheeks, his large hands engulfing my face.
\n\u201cYou\u2019re allowed to feel whatever you need to. Just know I\u2019ve got you.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

They begin as friends-who-are-attracted, and their feelings develop over time as they get to know each other more. It\u2019s 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>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want this with you. I don\u2019t know for sure where it will lead. But I want to find out.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It\u2019s 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\u2019s relationship with Will, Ava and Mia. Seeing them together and watching them becoming a family is such a highlight of this book.<\/p>\n

The couples from the previous books in the series are all a part of the unfolding drama \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

This is one of those books that gives you that feeling<\/i>. That excited anticipation that you get when you\u2019re reading a book and you know it\u2019s going to be something special. You\u2019re desperate to read it and can\u2019t put it down, and at the same time you want to savour every moment and experience. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

5 huge stars!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wrecked<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"\" \u00a0\"\"\u00a0\u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\" \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Reckless Memories (#1)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Perfect Wreckage (#2)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Wrecked Palace (#3)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Reckless Refuge (#4)
\n<\/strong>Review<\/a>
\nBuy\u00a0 Amazon<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Beneath the Wreckage (#5)<\/strong>
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Excerpt<\/strong><\/h4>\n

I climbed out of my truck in the parking lot of The General Store. Why was it that I
\nalways ended up here? There was just something about the brown-haired beauty who
\nworked at the kitchen inside. Normally, people who shined with that life-is-beautiful kind
\nof positivity made me want to punch something. But with Caelyn, I was fascinated.<\/p>\n

I started towards the store when a man called my name. I stiffened and turned,
\nexpecting to see a stranger, maybe one of the reporters still holding out hope that I\u2019d
\nshare my story with the world. The set of my shoulders eased a bit when I saw that it
\nwas Ford Hardy, owner of The Catch Bar &amp; Grill. I said nothing but waited for the man to
\nmake his approach. He wasn\u2019t a stranger exactly, but I had no desire for idle chitchat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been hoping to run into you,\u201d he greeted.<\/p>\n

I stayed silent.<\/p>\n

Ford chuckled. \u201cNot too talkative, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much to say, I guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ford\u2019s expression grew serious. \u201cI just wanted to thank you for your help a few
\nmonths back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do anything anyone else wouldn\u2019t do.\u201d Ford had been attacked by
\nsomeone sick in the head. He\u2019d been jumped from behind and knocked unconscious. I\u2019d
\njust come along at the right time.<\/p>\n

\u201cEither way, thank you.\u201d He held out a hand, and I took it for a shake. \u201cCome into
\nthe bar sometime. I\u2019ll treat you to a beer and a meal. It\u2019s the least I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

I fought the wince that wanted to surface. The last thing I wanted was to sit
\naround at the island watering hole. People whispered, thinking they were being discreet
\nwhen they were anything but. Even worse, they sometimes thought it was completely
\nacceptable to approach and ask me a million intrusive questions. \u201cI\u2019ll try and come by.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ford grinned. \u201cI\u2019m taking that as a fat chance in hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

My lips twitched. \u201cYou\u2019re not a stupid man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank God for that. Well, if I can ever do anything to repay you, just let me
\nknow. My brother\u2019s a contractor. We could give you a couple of days on that house of
\nyours if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n

My jaw tightened. \u201cI\u2019m good. But thanks for the offer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ford nodded and gave me a wave before heading back towards The Catch.
\n\u201cThere\u2019s no expiration date on that.\u201d<\/p>\n

I wouldn\u2019t take Ford up on his offer of help unless I got desperate. I needed to do
\nthis on my own. I started towards the store. Pulling the creaking screen door open, I
\nwalked inside. It was still a bit early, but when 4:00 a.m. was your usual wakeup call,
\n4:30 p.m. was just about perfect for dinner. Plus, I could avoid the after-work crowd.<\/p>\n

I made my way towards the kitchen at the far end of the grocery but stopped in
\nmy tracks when I heard Caelyn\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there any way you could give me more hours? Or more of the bookkeeping to
\ndo?\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Walters, the owner of the store, chuckled. \u201cYou\u2019re doing it all already, deary. I
\nbarely show up here anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, do you know of anyone else who might be looking for some help for things
\nI could do from home?\u201d she pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre the two jobs you have not enough? You\u2019re gonna work yourself to the bone.
\nAnd you need to be home for those kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Caelyn\u2019s voice seemed to deflate on the words. \u201cBut Mia got accepted
\ninto this gymnastics program, and it costs an arm and a leg.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walters\u2019 voice gentled. \u201cI\u2019d be happy to loan you the fees\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Caelyn cut Mr. Walters off. \u201cYou\u2019ve done more than enough for us.\u201d<\/p>\n

A foreign feeling invaded my chest. A twisting sensation that burned. I\u2019d heard
\nthe talk around the island that Caelyn had taken in her three younger siblings after their
\nparents had been involved in some sort of drug bust. I couldn\u2019t imagine taking all that on
\nwhen she must\u2019ve been barely more than a child herself.<\/p>\n

I cleared my throat, stepping around the end of the aisle. Caelyn looked up, the
\nfrown marring her gorgeous face quickly turning into a bright smile. \u201cGriffin. It\u2019s good to
\nsee you. Have you finally given in to trying one of my salads?\u201d<\/p>\n

I gave my head a shake. \u201cI think I\u2019ll stick with the sandwich.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walters grinned. \u201cI don\u2019t know, Caelyn can make kale pretty tasty.\u201d<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t try to fight the twisting of my face. \u201cNo, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walters chuckled. \u201cMaybe another day. All right, I\u2019m off.\u201d He turned to Caelyn.
\n\u201cYou let me know if you change your mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caelyn reached up on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to the old man\u2019s cheek.
\n\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Walters headed out of the store, and just Caelyn and I were left. I slid onto a
\nstool at the counter. It was rare that I waited here for my food, but I couldn\u2019t seem to
\nresist the temptation today. I had this undeniable urge to make sure she was okay.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what\u2019ll it be? Some version of meat and cheese?\u201d<\/p>\n

I almost chuckled. Almost. \u201cSounds good to me. But I know you\u2019ll sneak some
\nvegetables on there somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGotta keep you from getting scurvy.\u201d<\/p>\n

I almost choked. \u201cI thought that was from not enough vitamin C. I drink my
\norange juice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caelyn shook her head and started pulling things out of a fridge below the
\ncounter. \u201cThere\u2019s vitamin C in vegetables, too. And lots of other nutritious things you
\nneed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing I come in here a few times a week then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

An idea was forming in the back of my mind. One that just might be the answer to
\nhelping Caelyn out of her predicament and giving me some nice benefits, as well.<\/p>\n

The screen door banged open. \u201cCae Cae!\u201d a young girl\u2019s voice called out. Soon,
\nthere was a flash of movement past me.<\/p>\n

Caelyn stepped around the counter and lifted the little girl into her arms as she
\nhurled herself at Caelyn. \u201cHow was your day?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo good. I taught cartwheels at recess, and you left me my favorite cookie in my
\nlunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caelyn laughed. \u201cSounds like a good day to me. Where are the rest of the tiny
\nterrors?\u201d<\/p>\n

The little girl beamed up at Caelyn. \u201cThey\u2019re coming, but they were being too
\nslow, so I ran when I got to the parking lot.\u201d Her gaze caught on me. \u201cWhoa. Are you a
\ngiant?\u201d<\/p>\n

I wanted to laugh but seeing the easy affection between the girl and Caelyn stole
\nmy ability to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cMia, this is Mr. Griffin. Griffin, this is my little sister, Mia.\u201d<\/p>\n

The girl looked so much like Beth had at that age, I struggled to find words. \u201cIt\u2019s
\nnice to meet you, Mia.\u201d My voice came out rougher than before, and I tried to force my
\nlips into a smile, but the action felt foreign.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, sis,\u201d a male voice called.<\/p>\n

I turned to see a boy who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen. As soon as
\nhe caught sight of me, wariness filled his features. He quickly crossed to his sisters,
\ntugging another girl behind him. \u201cWho\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Caelyn pressed her lips together as if holding back a laugh. \u201cThis is Mr. Griffin.
\nGriffin, this is Will and Ava, my other two siblings. I hope you don\u2019t mind, but they
\nusually hang with me for thirty minutes before Molly takes over. Kids, you can go hang
\nout in the office while I get Mr. Griffin\u2019s sandwich ready.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wanna stay with you and help,\u201d Mia whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go into the office,\u201d Ava offered. She had taken a step behind her brother as if
\nhiding from me.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey can stay.\u201d The words were out before I could stop them. Awkward and a
\nlittle gruff, but Mia beamed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee, Mr. Griffin wants me to help make his sandwich.\u201d<\/p>\n

Caelyn shook her head. \u201cWell, if that\u2019s the case, we better wash our hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ava headed for the back office while Will took a seat next to me at the counter,
\neyeing me carefully. Caelyn helped Mia up onto a little stool by the sink, and they
\nwashed their hands, Mia singing some sort of song that counted off the seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll clean,\u201d she called. \u201cNo germies can last to thirty.\u201d<\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t hold in my chuckle this time. \u201cI guess they can\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI never thought I\u2019d see the day,\u201d Caelyn started, putting a hand over her heart. \u201cI
\ndo believe you laughed, Griffin Lockwood. Who knew all it took was a seven-year-old
\nsinging about germs?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

About Catherine<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Connect with Catherine:<\/p>\n

Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Facebook\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Twitter\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Pinterest\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Instagram\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Goodreads\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Bookbub\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Website<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Stay up to date with Catherine by joining her mail list<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Check out our Catherine Cowles Author Spotlight<\/a> for more awesome reads!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cA 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,\u00a0New York Times\u00a0bestselling author Wrecked […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":56589,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","yasr_overall_rating":5,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[52,50,49,9,1036,29],"tags":[59,1218,48,1223],"class_list":["post-56837","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-favourite","category-feeeeeeels","category-romance","category-single-parent","category-steamy","tag-arc","tag-catherine-cowles","tag-review","tag-wrecked"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Wrecked-Palace.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7gaNL-eMJ","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56837","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=56837"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56837\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/56589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=56837"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=56837"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=56837"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}