Overall Grade: 5.5 ⭐️
“You made this wrecked palace a home.”
I knew from Catherine Cowles’s earlier books, Reckless Memories and Perfect Wreckage, that Wrecked Palace, her newest book, would be my favorite thus far in this series of standalones. I knew that Griffin “Griff” would steal my heart in his sullen, mysterious way. I knew that Caelyn’s story as guardian and caretaker of her siblings would steal another portion of my heart, but until I jumped into the beauty of Wrecked Palace, I didn’t really know. At each turn of the page, Catherine Cowles reminded me why I will always buy and read her stories. Her ability to invest you into her broken characters is her superpower, and it compels you to pick up her book and read to the very last page.
I won’t speak to the plotline of Cowles’s newest romance. I wish for you, potential reader, to read it on your own. It has too many secrets. Even more, the story is so beautifully drawn at Cowles’s hand that I simply want you to experience it on your own. What I will tell you are the reasons for its beauty.
Firstly, you should know that unlike her other books this is a seriously slow burn. There are definitely sparks, but that isn’t the focus of this book. Instead, this book is about growth, about finding the salve to the broken parts of one’s soul. It’s about a saving grace to pull you through difficult times. Instead of drawing you into the bedroom, Cowles deftly draws you deeper into Griffin and Caelyn’s lives, and it’s a masterpiece.
Secondly, Wrecked Palace is much like her other stories and other series which means more romantic suspense. There is something to be solved in this story, and Cowles guides you carefully through the story to a resolution that is perfect in its rendering.
Thirdly, Griffin and Caelyn are magical together. These are my favorite types of characters: a brooding, silent broken hero, and a heroine who is the light to his dark even in her own brokenness. I know this is written often enough in romance, but Cowles does a superb job with this couple. I hated to leave their story because Cowles invested me so deeply in them that it was difficult to say goodbye. There is simply too much to love about them and their friends who, once again, remind us of the idea of a crafted, constructed family. That element is one more reason why this book is my current favorite of 2021.
Lastly, Catherine Cowles’s style is enigmatic. There is a quietude to her careful storytelling, and it juxtaposes against the violence of her story. Over and over again in her books, her words whisper across the page, crafting beautifully romantic scenes between her characters, and it contracts against the mysteries that need solving as characters’ lives sit in danger. That is one of the qualities of her storytelling that keeps me coming back for more.
So, what does it mean to love and be loved? Is man meant to live a life alone? Can two broken people find completion in each other, in a family of friends constructed out of love and respect, not blood? Those are the questions that pervade Catherine Cowles’s Wrecked Palace. This book destroyed and reconstructed a part of my heart. Yes, the story title is Wrecked Palace, but this book is a reminder that something that is wrecked doesn’t have to remain that way. Instead with love, care, and attention, out of the ashes can come a palace of beauty. Run and read this story.
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Popular Highlights in this book
“That’s your rainbow. So you’re a part of our family, and you never have to leave.”Highlighted by 586 Kindle readers- It was Ava’s gaze that met mine in the rearview mirror. “It looks like you belong with us.”Highlighted by 576 Kindle readers
- “You have no idea the joy you give me. You made this wrecked palace a home.”Highlighted by 482 Kindle readers
About the author
Perfect and Beautiful Friends-to-Lovers! Love this series!
⚓Friends-to-Lovers ⚓Small-Town ⚓Romantic Suspense . “That’s your rainbow. So you’re a part of our family, and you never have to leave.” . Review: This is book 3 in the Wrecked series. In Reckless Memories Griffin came to Ford's rescue. In Perfect Wreckage he punched a guy for talking rudely to Caelyn and I instantly knew I wanted to know him and for them to get together. So I was beyond excited to find out this was their story! Once again, Catherine hooked me with the Prologue and I didn't want to stop! . Caelyn has been through so much with no one to put her first. Having to leave college to care for her 3 younger siblings was not what she had planned, but there's nothing she wouldn't do for them. . Griffin is a grumpy, quiet mystery to everyone in town. He lost his whole family young, but the rumors that circulate couldn't be further from the truth. . Griffin comes into the General Store often to get his groceries and to get lunches from Caelyn. Otherwise he keeps to himself restoring his families old farmhouse. After overhearing some things at the store one day, he knows he needs to help Caelyn. I quickly fell for Griffin. This broody man has such a heart of gold. The connection and relationship he built with Caelyn's siblings Will, Ava and especially Mia melted my heart. “I want to stay with my giant. He’ll protect us.” This man who doesn't trust due to his past, found what has been missing all his life. This was a slow build, but when you're building a friendship and caring for 3 kids, it's expected. They had to come first, so it was absolutely perfect. These two might be my new favorite couple in this series. I love that the secondary characters are still so involved in their friends books. It helps me with missing them. I listened to the audiobook by Joe Arden and Ava Erickson. Ava is my favorite female narrator so I knew this one would be great. Ava was so perfect as sweet, loving and self sacrificing Caelyn. Joe was a great protective and loving Griffin. Please don't miss out on this series!
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- Escape to the pagesReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2025
awwwww I love the tiny terrrors
