An age gap, roommates-to-lovers small town romance from USA Today bestselling author Catherine Cowles…
Fractured Sky, an emotional and swoony contemporary romance from USA Today bestselling author Catherine Cowles, is now available!
Damaged. Broken. Destroyed. I’ve heard it all. A single moment of trusting the wrong person shattered my life into pieces, and my family has never looked at me the same. It’s impossible to convince them that I’m anything more than the broken girl they rescued all those years ago.
Until I meet him.
Ramsey’s surly demeanor and menacing scowl scare most of the world away. But not me. Not when I’ve seen his gentle hands soothe an abused colt or comfort a terrified mare.
And when I finally get up the courage to strike out on my own, Ramsey’s there. Roommates felt like such a safe proposition until Ramsey’s lingering touches and wicked smile light a fire in me I don’t think will ever be extinguished. And he feels it, too…
But just as my new life begins to take root, an evil from my past emerges from the shadows, casting a darkness on my newfound freedom. And this time, they won’t settle for pieces of me. They want everything…
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.
Shattered Sea, a sexy, suspenseful, small town romance from USA Today bestselling author Catherine Cowles, is out now!
I’ve known every kind of pain. Of the heart. Of the body. Of the soul. All I want now is the freedom that comes from making my art.
The last thing I expected was Hollywood royalty to waltz into my gallery in a small town in the middle of nowhere and see me.
A man like Boden Cavanaugh shouldn’t understand me. Shouldn’t be able to soothe my most ragged edges. Even worse, he makes me want the one thing I can’t have. Him.
All it takes is one spark, and friendship catches flame. But as our attraction burns bright, there are forces desperate to send us back into the darkness. And they’ve already killed before…
Keep reading for a look inside Shattered Sea!
The way Boden’s muscles tightened told me the little he’d shared was only the tip of the iceberg. That tension called to me, and I reached out, kneading the flesh along his shoulders. His head fell to my own shoulder, and he sighed. “I’ll only let you do that forever.”
I chuckled. “I do have the magic touch.”
“You could be making millions with those hands.”
“I only use them on very special recipients. They aren’t for sale.”
Boden straightened, but as he did, he came closer. Our faces were close. Lips just a breath away. The urge to lean forward, to know what he felt like, tasted like, was strong. Boden’s hand skated up my arm to my neck to tangle in my hair. I knew that Boden Cavanaugh was more than dangerous. But like a moth to a flame, I kept getting closer.
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.
“Addie and Beckett’s story is heart-achingly beautiful—Hidden Waters is another must-read from Catherine Cowles!— Samantha Young, New York Times Bestselling author
Hidden Waters, an all-new moving and passionate roommates to lovers, small-town romance from bestselling author Catherine Cowles, is available now!
My family tried to break me. But, somehow, I made it out alive, even though the wounds from that survival are forever carved into my bones. Now, my only wish is for…normal. To know what it’s like to have friends, a job, a home.
The last thing I want is for my new roommate to see the scars I’m so desperate to keep hidden, especially not the ruggedly handsome man who steals my breath and sends my heart into overdrive.
But something tells me that Beckett has demons, too. I see it in the shadows haunting his gorgeous eyes and the way he looks at me with gentle understanding.
As our unlikely friendship becomes so much more, forces from my life slink out of the shadows. And we could both lose everything we’ve fought so hard for—down to our very last breaths…
About Catherine Cowles 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.
The peace they both crave they’ll find in each other.
Hidden Waters, an all-new emotional, roommates and friends to lovers, small-town romance from bestselling author Catherine Cowles is coming June 21st, and we have your first look!
Prologue
Addie
PAST
“Cecily!” My father’s voice bellowed through our ranch house. I swore the force of his words shook the beam above our heads.
Mom pulled her hands from the dough she was kneading and wiped them on her apron. “Scamper, Little Mouse.”
The familiar code made my stomach cramp and palms dampen. How many times had she drilled it into my head? “Scamper, Little Mouse. Find a nook to hide, just like a tiny mouse would.”
I bit my lip, shaking my head. “I want to stay with you.”
“Cecily! Where are you?”
“I’m in the kitchen, Allen. Just making your favorite biscuits for dinner.” She pushed me towards the back door, her hands warm and soothing but forceful. “Go, Little Mouse.”
I opened my mouth to try another argument, but her sharp look had me snapping it shut. The door closed quietly behind me. Mom knew better than to advertise that someone had made an escape.
I stepped to the side of the door and pressed my back to the siding of the house. I held my breath as I waited. Dad’s footsteps pounded against the floor. I watched the back step tremble with the force of them as though we were having our own little earthquake. One that only reached our house.
“John said you left today. Without me.”
I knew the words came through gritted teeth. I could picture my dad—the set of his jaw, the clench of his fists. The red that crept up the back of his neck.
“We were out of baking soda, and I knew you wanted biscuits with dinner. You were out all day. So, I took Addie into town with me.” Mom’s voice was soft, but it didn’t waver.
“Adaline should be home like her mother. She needs to learn how to tend this house so she’ll make a good wife one day. But I can’t imagine that’s possible with you teaching her.”
I pressed my hands harder into the wood of the house, splintered pieces embedding in my palms. I fought the urge to run inside. To tell him to shut up. It would only make things worse.
“I wanted to make sure you had what you wanted for dinner.” Mom’s voice sounded defeated, almost as if she’d given up.
“Then you should’ve planned ahead. Checked our pantry before I took you to the store on Sunday.”
“I’m sorry, Allen.”
There was silence for a moment, and I could picture Dad staring at her. Sometimes, he prowled around her like a jungle cat, looking for any signs of weakness.
“Tell me the truth. Were you going to meet a man?”
Mom let out a small gasp. “No. I would never. You know that.”
“Lies. I see the way you flirt with the ranch hands.”
I went up on my tiptoes, craning my head to get a glimpse inside. My stomach knotted as I took them in. Dad had grabbed Mom by the collar of her dress, pushing her against the refrigerator.
“I don’t. I would never disrespect you that way.”
“Bullshit.” He hauled back, slapping her so hard she crumpled to the floor.
A small sound escaped my lips, a panicked, keening noise. Dad’s head snapped around as he looked for the source of the sound. I took off running. My legs pumped hard as I cut across the back field towards the woods.
Our ranch butted up to national forest land. Those trees were my refuge and solace, the only safe place I’d ever known. I pushed my muscles harder, even once I’d reached the shelter of the woods.
My lungs burned as I dodged tall pines and fallen logs. Tears streamed down my face as the guilt grabbed hold. How could I have left her? I’d learned the hard way that it would be worse for us both if I stepped in. Still, I should’ve stayed close.
My run slowed to a walk as I wrapped my arms around my waist. I followed an invisible path I knew by heart and sent up a silent prayer for my mom’s protection. But I wasn’t sure that God heard me. If He did, He’d remained silent in response so far. I prayed harder, pleading and begging—for safety and for freedom.
My muscles burned as the path moved into the foothills of the mountains. The sound of rushing water teased my ears—it only made my tears come harder. This was the place that my mom had shown me, the one we’d bring a picnic to in summer or hike out to in our snow boots in winter.
I stepped out of the trees and took in the waterfall. The crashing of the water onto the rocks below reminded me that there were forces more powerful than me in the world. More mighty even than my father and his fists. I only wished I could channel them to take him on.
“Addie?”
My head jerked in the direction of the voice, my heart hammering against my ribs. I let out a shaky breath as I took in my cousin. “Evie.”
She strode towards me quickly, her horse, Storm, grazing by the edge of the pool of water. She framed my face with her hands and then pulled me into a hug. “What happened?”
“I-I’m okay. Dad hurt Mom.” My voice cracked on my words, and the tears continued to fall.
Everly hugged me tighter. “I’d like to kick his sorry ass.”
“Evie.”
She was so much braver than I was. So much fiercer. Never afraid to stand up to anyone, even her jerk of a brother or her dad when he was in one of his moods.
“Maybe we could poison him. There’s some rat poison at my house. We can grind it up and put it in his sweet tea.”
My hands fisted in her sweatshirt. “You can’t.”
Everly pulled back. “Why not? He shouldn’t be able to do what he’s doing to you and Aunt Cecily.” She bit her bottom lip. “Mom says we can’t interfere.”
No one wanted to interfere. I knew the neighbors saw Mom’s bruises, but they never said a word.
Everly’s fingers dug into my shoulders. “We could run away. We can gather our things, and I’ll bring Storm to pick you up. We could live off the land. We know how.”
Sure, our mothers had taught us what plants were safe to eat, how to build traps and shelter, but how long would we really last? I swallowed against the burn in my throat. “I’m going to talk to Mom. I’ll ask her to run away. We could steal one of the cars. Maybe we could take you and your mom, too.”
A look of longing passed over Everly’s face. “She’ll never leave. Dad doesn’t hit her or us. He’s just…”
Her words trailed off, but I knew what she meant. At times, it seemed as if Uncle Howard’s brain didn’t work right—he was always sure that the whole world was out to get him.
Everly’s fingers tightened on my shoulders. “But if you get a chance to be free, take it.” She gave me a wobbly smile. “You and I could go to college together.”
“Yeah.” College was a million years away. What I wanted more than anything in the meantime was to go to school. To have a real teacher and a classroom.
A crack of thunder sounded, and I looked at the sky. Dark storm clouds had rolled in, and a drop of rain splashed on my forehead. “You should go. You don’t want to get caught out in this on horseback.”
Everly looked back at Storm, who pawed at the dirt. “What about you? Want to come with me to my house? Storm can carry us both.”
I shook my head. “It’ll just make him madder. I’ll wait here for a little bit and then go back.”
Her jaw clenched. “You sure?”
“I’ll be fine.” I just hoped the same would be true for my mom.
“Okay. Let’s meet here for lunch tomorrow. Twelve-thirty?”
“I’ll be here.”
She pulled me into a tight hug. “Love you, Addie.”
“Love you, too.”
Everly released me and mounted Storm, giving me a wave as the skies opened. She kicked Storm into a canter as she rode away, headed down a path that would take her around and up the mountains to her house.
Rain peppered my skin. I hadn’t planned on this little adventure, and I was only wearing a t-shirt and jeans. I hurried for cover, but the trees could only give me so much.
The wind howled, sending the rain sideways and a chill rocketing through me. I’d just stay for a little while longer, enough time for Dad’s temper to cool. Only I didn’t think forever was long enough for that.
My family tried to break me. But, somehow, I made it out alive, even though the wounds from that survival are forever carved into my bones. Now, my only wish is for…normal. To know what it’s like to have friends, a job, a home.
The last thing I want is for my new roommate to see the scars I’m so desperate to keep hidden, especially not the ruggedly handsome man who steals my breath and sends my heart into overdrive.
But something tells me that Beckett has demons, too. I see it in the shadows haunting his gorgeous eyes and the way he looks at me with gentle understanding.
As our unlikely friendship becomes so much more, forces from my life slink out of the shadows. And we could both lose everything we’ve fought so hard for—down to our very last breaths…
About Catherine Cowles 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.
Whispers of You, a swoony, heartfelt, second chance contemporary romance and the first standalone in the all new Lost and Found series from Catherine Cowles, is coming January 31st, and we have the gorgeous cover!
One night—a single moment—cost me everything.
My body, broken beyond repair. The boy I’d thought was my forever. The life I’d always dreamt of.
Now, Holt’s back. And he’s no longer a boy, but a man with shadows in his eyes and demons haunting him.
He says he’s here to make things right. To get back a little bit of all we’ve lost. And he doesn’t show any signs of leaving the small town that has been my refuge.
As stolen moments turn to days, Holt’s around every corner. With his burning stare and lingering touches. Before long, my walls come crashing down and I’m just hoping that taking this second chance isn’t as reckless as it feels.
But not everyone is happy that Holt has returned. As tragedy strikes again, I’m the one left in the crosshairs. And Holt might not be able to save me this time…
About Catherine Cowles 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.
The final two beautifully written and emotional standalones in the Tattered and Torn Series from Catherine Cowles, are coming this fall, and we have the stunning covers!
SHATTERED SEA Coming September 13th
I’ve known every kind of pain. Of the heart. Of the body. Of the soul. All I want now is the freedom that comes from making my art.
The last thing I expected was Hollywood royalty to waltz into my gallery in a small town in the middle of nowhere and see me.
A man like Boden Cavanaugh shouldn’t understand me. Shouldn’t be able to soothe my most ragged edges. Even worse, he makes me want the one thing I can’t have. Him.
All it takes is one spark, and friendship catches flame. But as our attraction burns bright, there are forces desperate to send us back into the darkness. And they’ve already killed before…
Damaged. Broken. Destroyed. I’ve heard it all. A single moment of trusting the wrong person shattered my life into pieces, and my family has never looked at me the same. It’s impossible to convince them that I’m anything more than the broken girl they rescued all those years ago.
Until I meet him.
Ramsey’s surly demeanor and menacing scowl scare most of the world away. But not me. Not when I’ve seen his gentle hands soothe an abused colt or comfort a terrified mare.
And when I finally get up the courage to strike out on my own, Ramsey’s there. Roommates felt like such a safe proposition until Ramsey’s lingering touches and wicked smile light a fire in me I don’t think will ever be extinguished. And he feels it, too…
But just as my new life begins to take root, an evil from my past emerges from the shadows, casting a darkness on my newfound freedom. And this time, they won’t settle for pieces of me. They want everything…
About Catherine Cowles 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.
“A top must read for 2022” —Samantha Young, New York Times bestselling author
Falling Embers, an all-new must read moving romance from Catherine Cowles, is available now!
I’ve loved Calder Cruz from the moment he taught me how to fly. Racing down a mountain and giving me the release I so desperately needed. My understanding. My safe space.
Hadley has fought for a life of her own ever since her sister’s kidnapping. When she was drowning in expectations and family pressures, Calder was always the one who understood her.
Until one night changed it all. From best friends to strangers in a single breath.
She’s like a fire that lives inside me. Even when I thought it was all burned out, there were still embers that lived in my bones.
Calder knows what it’s like to almost lose the people he loves most. He’ll never make that kind of mistake again. Working at the fire station and taking care of his daughters are the only things he needs.
All it takes is a single moment to make him realize how wrong he is. A split second of coming close to losing the woman he has always loved.
But as long-buried embers light anew, there are those who lurk in the shadows. And they’ll do whatever it takes to extinguish that flame for good…
Heat flared to life in Hadley’s eyes, a mix of anger and frustration. She whipped her shirt over her head, leaving her in nothing but a pale pink lacy bra. I wasn’t blind. I knew that Hadley had curves, that she was beautiful, but the sight in front of me had my mouth going dry. I fought the urge to lean in closer. “Cat got your tongue?” I scowled at Hadley through the mirror. “Took me by surprise is all.” “Sure.” I returned my focus to her back, cleaning each scrape meticulously. “Hold your shirt to your chest?” “Too much boobage on display for you?” I chuckled, the sound a little rougher than normal. “I need to unhook your bra. That might be too much boobage for you.” Hadley rolled her eyes but held her t-shirt to her chest, keeping her bra in place. I unhooked the little tines, letting it fall open. I cleaned the rest of the gashes and moved for the antibiotic ointment. As gently as possible I spread it over the worst of her scrapes. Hadley trembled slightly. “Did that hurt?” “No, I’m fine.” But her breathing was more shallow than usual. Her gaze focused on the counter in front of her. Apparently I wasn’t the only one affected.
About Catherine Cowles 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.
“A top must read for 2022” —Samantha Young, New York Times bestselling author
Falling Embers, an all-new second chance romance filled with suspense from Catherine Cowles, is available now!
I’ve loved Calder Cruz from the moment he taught me how to fly. Racing down a mountain and giving me the release I so desperately needed. My understanding. My safe space.
Hadley has fought for a life of her own ever since her sister’s kidnapping. When she was drowning in expectations and family pressures, Calder was always the one who understood her.
Until one night changed it all. From best friends to strangers in a single breath.
She’s like a fire that lives inside me. Even when I thought it was all burned out, there were still embers that lived in my bones.
Calder knows what it’s like to almost lose the people he loves most. He’ll never make that kind of mistake again. Working at the fire station and taking care of his daughters are the only things he needs.
All it takes is a single moment to make him realize how wrong he is. A split second of coming close to losing the woman he has always loved.
But as long-buried embers light anew, there are those who lurk in the shadows. And they’ll do whatever it takes to extinguish that flame for good…
About Catherine Cowles 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.
Hidden Waters, an all-new emotional small-town romance from bestselling author Catherine Cowles is coming June 21st and we have the first look at the stunning cover!
The world had tried to break her.
Addie has dreamt of freedom for as long as she can remember—peace away from the torment of her old life. But now that it’s finally within her grasp, she’s struggling to take those first steps into her new reality.
The last thing she wants is a new roommate to see the scars she’s desperate to keep hidden, especially not the ruggedly handsome man who steals her breath and sends her heart into overdrive.
“I’m nobody’s hero. Trust me.”
All Beckett wants is to silence the demons of his past. The first step is to make amends for not being there when his family needed him the most. That means settling in Wolf Gap for good, even if the town reminds him of all the ways he failed.
He never expected to share a home with a blonde-haired beauty with haunting hazel eyes. But he’s held captive by her quiet strength and the way she sees everything he tries to hide.
Soon, an unlikely friendship becomes so much more. But when forces from Addie’s life slink out of the shadows, they could both lose everything they fought so hard for—down to their very last breaths…
About Catherine Cowles 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.
“An unforgettable start
to a new series. Atmospheric, suspenseful and crackling with tension and electric chemistry,
Tattered Stars is a must read romance for 2022!” —Samantha Young, New York Times
bestselling author
Tattered Stars, a beautiful and moving romantic
suspense and first book in the Tattered & Torn series from bestselling author Catherine
Cowles is coming February 1st and we have the first look!
Prologue Everly
PAST
Be brave. For sixty seconds. Twenty breaths. I could do anything for twenty ins and outs.
The springs on my mattress squeaked as I swung my legs over the side of my bed. I froze. And
listened.
There were lots of things I hated about growing up here. But there were things I loved, too.
Things I was grateful for. Like how attuned I was to every whisper. I’d know in an instant if a
sound didn’t belong.
I waited. Heard the screen door rattle in the wind. The call of an owl. Even the hum of our
refrigerator in the kitchen. I didn’t hear my brother or dad. Mom had been gone for days, helping
a baby come into the world. But I wished for her now. She was the only one who had a chance
of stopping the craziness. But she wasn’t here, and I wasn’t sure what tomorrow would
bring.
I pushed to my feet, praying my mattress would stay quiet and not give me away. The
springs didn’t betray me again. I moved to my closet, careful to avoid any floorboards that
creaked. Pulling a pair of worn jeans from a shelf, I slipped them on. I tugged the nightgown
over my head and reached for a t-shirt.
The breeze picked up through my open window. It had been unbearably hot today but just a
few hours into the night and a chill had settled. I grabbed a flannel just in case. Slipping on
socks, I picked up my boots. I knew better than to put hard soles on this floor.
My dad had taught me how to move without a sound to avoid any kind of predator. And
tonight, I was thankful for each and every lesson—even the ones where I’d had to roll in mud to
disguise myself.
I reached for the doorknob, but my hand stilled on the metal. I could just go back to bed.
Forget my attempt at being brave and wait for Mom to come home. To bring my dad down from
his paranoid state where everyone was the enemy and we were at risk from it all—the
government, neighbors, even my teachers.
I’d watched as our lives got smaller and smaller, with fewer and fewer people to trust. I
didn’t remember a lot of the normal. But I remembered some. The second grade and Miss
Christie before Dad had pulled Ian and me out of school. Visiting Mom’s family in Portland
before he’d decided they were heathens. The town fair before he became convinced that it was
evil.
I closed my eyes and turned the knob. Stepping out into the hall, I listened again. Nothing
out of place. I created a dance to avoid every problematic board in my path, sometimes
tiptoeing, other times stretching my legs to the point I worried I’d tip over.
Finally, I reached the front door. Our old dog, Bruiser, raised his head, but I held a single
finger to my lips, begging for silence. Feeding him table scraps must’ve paid off because he lay
back down and let out a soft snore.
I eased open the door and stepped through to the first true rebellion I’d ever embarked on.
One that might make me like my older sister—an outcast. I closed the door behind me with a
soft snick, but it was deafening to my ears, echoing off the mountain itself. I let the screen door
fall closed, too, only a small rattle in my wake.
I hopped over the porch steps entirely, knowing each and every one would give me away. I
landed with an oomph but held in my cry of pain. Slipping on my boots, I glanced at the shed in
the distance. The motion lights on its exterior meant I didn’t dare try for it. So, I started for the
barn instead.
One of the doors was open a hair to let some of the night air in, and I pulled it a bit more,
just wide enough so Storm and I had a path. As I moved down the aisle, our few horses
nickered or lifted their heads to see who was about. I paused at the tack room, picked up a
bridle, and then continued until I reached Storm’s stall.
She must have scented me coming because her head was already over the stall door. I
gave her nose a rub and then urged her back. “Gotta let me in.” She did as I asked, and I left
the door open, knowing she wasn’t going anywhere…not without me.
I eased the bridle over her head, and she accepted the bit without complaint. “What do you
say we go for a ride?” She seemed to nod her head in agreement. It would’ve been so much
simpler if we were just taking off for one of our afternoon adventures, exploring the
mountains.
I led her out of the stall and towards the exit. We made our way out, and I hoisted myself
onto the fence so I could climb onto her back. She stayed steady as I threw a leg over and
adjusted my grip on the reins. “Nice and easy.”
I guided her down the path that stayed far away from the house. One that led to the
mountain switchbacks. I glanced up at the sky, thanking the heavens for a nearly full moon. I
just prayed my sense of direction was as good as I thought.
I’d never ridden all the way to town before. It was at least fifteen miles, and several paths
ebbed and flowed. But I knew where I was headed. I’d memorized these mountains every day of
my life. They were both a refuge and a prison. Solace and tormentor.
Tonight, they were on my side. Each trail’s crossroads seemed to give me the next logical
step until switchbacks turned to wide, worn paths, the dirt packed by hikers and riders. Soon, I
reached the road into town. I stayed just off it, my heart hammering against my ribs as the
forests turned to neighborhoods.
I adjusted my grip on the reins, seeking out a peek at the lake on the outskirts of town. The
moon made the water almost glitter. “Just a few more minutes,” I whispered to myself. I could be
brave for a little longer.
I moved Storm onto the blacktop, her hooves echoing against the buildings along Aspen
Street. Every store was dark with limited streetlights so residents and visitors alike could see the
stars. Normally, I loved seeing them, too, but tonight I fought a shiver. Wolf Gap felt like a ghost
town.
I slowed Storm as we approached the street I knew held my next battle for bravery. I
wondered if I was already past the point of no return or if I could guide Storm back up the
mountain and go home. I turned her onto Spruce.
The light from a building poured out into the night. It wasn’t harsh, more like a soft beacon,
guiding me home. Only if I walked inside, I had a feeling I’d never see home again. WANT
MORE? Click here for the full sneak peek. >>>https://bit.ly/3KXHwMq
Synopsis
Be brave. Just for sixty seconds. Twenty breaths.
One night changed them both forever.
Their lives shattered, beyond repair, with jagged edges and
pieces askew.
Now, Everly has a chance to make things right. To bring
healing to the place where everything fell apart. But it means facing the family her father almost
destroyed, and the boy with the dark eyes—now grown—who still haunts her dreams.
Just one breath away from having your life ripped out from
under you.
The last thing Hayes wants is another reminder of all the ways
he failed sixteen years ago. When Everly drives back into Wolf Gap, his only mission is to get
her to leave. For his family’s sake, and for his own, those demons need to stay buried for
good.
But everything about this woman is a surprise, from her spine
of steel to the sanctuary she hopes to create with the land her mother left behind. And Hayes is
powerless to stay away.
As a careful friendship sparks into something more, someone
watches. And they’ll do anything to tear it all apart…
About Catherine Cowles 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.
All Encompassing Books 