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loverofromance 's review for:
Beneath the Wreckage
by Catherine Cowles
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ
World Building:๐๐๐๐๐
Cover:๐๐๐๐๐
Hero: ๐ฆธ๐ป๐ฆธ๐ป๐ฆธ๐ป๐ฆธ๐ป.5
Heroine:๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ
Intimacy Level: ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Relationship Building: ๐๐๐๐
Heart & Feels:๐๐๐๐๐
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ๐๐๐๐
Page Turner Level:๐๐๐๐๐
Ending:๐งง๐งง๐งง๐งง๐งง
Overall View: โจโจโจโจ.5
First Impressions
Beneath the Wreckage is the final installment in the "Wrecked" series and I absolutely had a blast with this one here. I couldn't get enough of this book and I think it might be one of my favorite Catherine Cowles. I really enjoyed the manner in which this one was developed and loved that we got the story for Hunter's book, I just really have enjoyed his book in previous installment and was hoping that he would get a story. This book doesn't quite start out as intense as some of the others, but it does have a mysterious beginning and instantly you are behind the heroine as it starts out in her POV. I really enjoyed the whole set up of her restoring a park of cabins and the connection that she and the hero has is on point, plus there is some fun family times that are so well focused on and the story wraps up just beautifully.
First Line
"What do you think? Jenn spun in front of the skinny mirror on the inside of the closet.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Hunter
Works in construction, recently was shot protecting the heroine in (Book 4-Reckless Refuge). He is protective, sincere, pines beautifully and fights for those he loves and is a bit sarcastic.
The Heroine: Piper
Determined, strong willed and wanting to be fully independent and not having to rely on anyone. She struggles letting people into her life due to what she experienced as a teen. Her best friend is her wolf sized dog.
Summary
The story begins with Piper as a teenager, about to enter high school, who was shy and reserved and when her best friend, Jenn, wanting to go to a party, Piper refused. She wasn't ready and didn't feel comfortable and wasn't as extroverted as Jenn. And when she wakes up the next morning, Jenn disappeared, and nothing was heard about her ever since. Now Piper is a grown adult and determined to renovate the island of cabins where Jenn first disappeared, to maybe find some answers, and get this island back to where it should be. Her uncles, who raised her, are completely supportive of her in her endeavor. And then she meets Hunter, who is in charge of the construction work for the renovations and instantly chemistry builds between them. But when events start to destroy the work she has built, she and Hunter work together to find the culprit behind it all and get the island fully renovated and fall in love along the way...
What I Loved
Beneath the Wreckage was such a superb read and every time I pick up this author I continue to be amazed by how she writes and what she is able to craft for her readers. I totally enjoyed this book fully and am a bit sad that the series is over as I have just loved this community and friendships that have been developed throughout it. There is also the style in which this author creates her suspense within her books that is flawless. Its perfectly balanced and this one was such a mystery and there were multiple causes happening within the story that it was hard to determine who was behind it. And I was half right on the villain but not completely haha So the author definitely threw me in for a surprise here and when we discover what happened to Jenn, yeah that was heartbreaking, but loved the way that Hunter and Piper come together in this one here and unite as a team
The actual plot of the story is so well developed, you never really know who the true villain behind everything is though, there are multiple moments to give signs to various characters that come into play, I will tell you that at least one of the players involved will be a complete surprise to you. I was really curious to see how this would all play out and man my heart just broke out to Piper because all of their hard work kept getting torn apart so much but she has such solid drive and passion for what she is doing but that drive does keep her from fully accepting others into her life including Hunter.
Hunter was such a perfect hero, and he is definitely going on my list for the year of best boyfriends because man I loved how understanding and patient he is with Piper. He never pushes her except when she is going out of her way to hurt him and then he stands up for himself and what they have together and ironically that is what she really needed to hear from him. Because of the loss of her friend as a teenager, psychologically, she pushes many people away and I really became endeared that Hunter wasn't going to let her do that to them when they have something worth fighting for.
What I Struggled With
I think the only thing I wanted is to get a book for the Sheriff, I just loved him so much and a bit disappointed we don't see anything for him. And I wasn't a fan of how the heroine treated the hero in the third act. He has been so supportive and understanding and she gets pretty disrespectful and I would have liked to see a bit of a grovel from her as she really hurts him and he forgave her too easily haha
Overall View
Beneath the Wreckage is a such a heartfelt and poignant read that is bound to keep you on your toes and deliver all the heart and feels you can expect from this author!
Favorite Quote(s)
โFriends arenโt always forever. Sometimes, theyโre just for a season. Others might fall away, only to come back when you least expect it. I have a feeling you and Jenn will find your way.โ
That was the thing about being the one left behind. You couldnโt help but look for your loved one in the face of every new person you met, scanning everyone you passed on the street, hoping against hope that sheโd somehow simply appear againโeven if your gut told you sheโd never left the island youโd lost her on.
โSo, hold onto her. To all the memories you have. But donโt let them weigh you down and keep you from moving forward. Thatโs where youโll find new joy. And sheโll be with you every step of the way.โ
โYou loved someone who did something horrible. That doesnโt make you bad. It doesnโt make you blind. It makes you loyal. It makes you someone who wants to see the best in people.โ
The world around us could burn, and I wouldnโt give a damn. Just as long as Piper was in my arms.
โLife is full of unknowns. But that doesnโt mean you canโt take risks. Make that jump. Because as many things that can go wrong, a million more can go right.โ
But something about Hunter had called to me from the first day. A kindred spirit, I realized. Someone who knew what it was to struggle with guilt and ghosts. Someone who I knew wouldnโt judge me for the mess that was my heart and soul. But that kind of vulnerability carried risk. And it felt like I was walking around with an open chest cavity.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Book Boyfriend, Blue Collar Hero
Themes: Property Renovation, Danger, Family Bonds, Love of Animals
Tropes: Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you can read this in order, but you don't necessarily have to. It just helps with the character connections.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ
World Building:๐๐๐๐๐
Cover:๐๐๐๐๐
Hero: ๐ฆธ๐ป๐ฆธ๐ป๐ฆธ๐ป๐ฆธ๐ป.5
Heroine:๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ๐ฆธ๐ปโโ๏ธ
Intimacy Level: ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Relationship Building: ๐๐๐๐
Heart & Feels:๐๐๐๐๐
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ๐๐๐๐
Page Turner Level:๐๐๐๐๐
Ending:๐งง๐งง๐งง๐งง๐งง
Overall View: โจโจโจโจ.5
First Impressions
Beneath the Wreckage is the final installment in the "Wrecked" series and I absolutely had a blast with this one here. I couldn't get enough of this book and I think it might be one of my favorite Catherine Cowles. I really enjoyed the manner in which this one was developed and loved that we got the story for Hunter's book, I just really have enjoyed his book in previous installment and was hoping that he would get a story. This book doesn't quite start out as intense as some of the others, but it does have a mysterious beginning and instantly you are behind the heroine as it starts out in her POV. I really enjoyed the whole set up of her restoring a park of cabins and the connection that she and the hero has is on point, plus there is some fun family times that are so well focused on and the story wraps up just beautifully.
First Line
"What do you think? Jenn spun in front of the skinny mirror on the inside of the closet.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Hunter
Works in construction, recently was shot protecting the heroine in (Book 4-Reckless Refuge). He is protective, sincere, pines beautifully and fights for those he loves and is a bit sarcastic.
The Heroine: Piper
Determined, strong willed and wanting to be fully independent and not having to rely on anyone. She struggles letting people into her life due to what she experienced as a teen. Her best friend is her wolf sized dog.
Summary
The story begins with Piper as a teenager, about to enter high school, who was shy and reserved and when her best friend, Jenn, wanting to go to a party, Piper refused. She wasn't ready and didn't feel comfortable and wasn't as extroverted as Jenn. And when she wakes up the next morning, Jenn disappeared, and nothing was heard about her ever since. Now Piper is a grown adult and determined to renovate the island of cabins where Jenn first disappeared, to maybe find some answers, and get this island back to where it should be. Her uncles, who raised her, are completely supportive of her in her endeavor. And then she meets Hunter, who is in charge of the construction work for the renovations and instantly chemistry builds between them. But when events start to destroy the work she has built, she and Hunter work together to find the culprit behind it all and get the island fully renovated and fall in love along the way...
What I Loved
Beneath the Wreckage was such a superb read and every time I pick up this author I continue to be amazed by how she writes and what she is able to craft for her readers. I totally enjoyed this book fully and am a bit sad that the series is over as I have just loved this community and friendships that have been developed throughout it. There is also the style in which this author creates her suspense within her books that is flawless. Its perfectly balanced and this one was such a mystery and there were multiple causes happening within the story that it was hard to determine who was behind it. And I was half right on the villain but not completely haha So the author definitely threw me in for a surprise here and when we discover what happened to Jenn, yeah that was heartbreaking, but loved the way that Hunter and Piper come together in this one here and unite as a team
The actual plot of the story is so well developed, you never really know who the true villain behind everything is though, there are multiple moments to give signs to various characters that come into play, I will tell you that at least one of the players involved will be a complete surprise to you. I was really curious to see how this would all play out and man my heart just broke out to Piper because all of their hard work kept getting torn apart so much but she has such solid drive and passion for what she is doing but that drive does keep her from fully accepting others into her life including Hunter.
Hunter was such a perfect hero, and he is definitely going on my list for the year of best boyfriends because man I loved how understanding and patient he is with Piper. He never pushes her except when she is going out of her way to hurt him and then he stands up for himself and what they have together and ironically that is what she really needed to hear from him. Because of the loss of her friend as a teenager, psychologically, she pushes many people away and I really became endeared that Hunter wasn't going to let her do that to them when they have something worth fighting for.
What I Struggled With
I think the only thing I wanted is to get a book for the Sheriff, I just loved him so much and a bit disappointed we don't see anything for him. And I wasn't a fan of how the heroine treated the hero in the third act. He has been so supportive and understanding and she gets pretty disrespectful and I would have liked to see a bit of a grovel from her as she really hurts him and he forgave her too easily haha
Overall View
Beneath the Wreckage is a such a heartfelt and poignant read that is bound to keep you on your toes and deliver all the heart and feels you can expect from this author!
Favorite Quote(s)
โFriends arenโt always forever. Sometimes, theyโre just for a season. Others might fall away, only to come back when you least expect it. I have a feeling you and Jenn will find your way.โ
That was the thing about being the one left behind. You couldnโt help but look for your loved one in the face of every new person you met, scanning everyone you passed on the street, hoping against hope that sheโd somehow simply appear againโeven if your gut told you sheโd never left the island youโd lost her on.
โSo, hold onto her. To all the memories you have. But donโt let them weigh you down and keep you from moving forward. Thatโs where youโll find new joy. And sheโll be with you every step of the way.โ
โYou loved someone who did something horrible. That doesnโt make you bad. It doesnโt make you blind. It makes you loyal. It makes you someone who wants to see the best in people.โ
The world around us could burn, and I wouldnโt give a damn. Just as long as Piper was in my arms.
โLife is full of unknowns. But that doesnโt mean you canโt take risks. Make that jump. Because as many things that can go wrong, a million more can go right.โ
But something about Hunter had called to me from the first day. A kindred spirit, I realized. Someone who knew what it was to struggle with guilt and ghosts. Someone who I knew wouldnโt judge me for the mess that was my heart and soul. But that kind of vulnerability carried risk. And it felt like I was walking around with an open chest cavity.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Book Boyfriend, Blue Collar Hero
Themes: Property Renovation, Danger, Family Bonds, Love of Animals
Tropes: Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
Multiple POV's
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes you can read this in order, but you don't necessarily have to. It just helps with the character connections.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.