2 in 1: Fragile Sanctuary and Delicate Escape by Catherine Cowles

Publisher: The PageSmith LLC
Publication date: May 2024

The scowl should’ve been my first clue to stay far away from Anson Hunt. The sexy smirk and the fact that he’s my brother’s best friend? Reasons two and three. Not to mention, he’s the new contractor working on my house.

He’s everything I’m not: grumpy, rude, and more than a little attached to his solitude. It doesn’t matter how many times I try to kill him with kindness; the man simply won’t crack.

Until he sees me shatter.

Because when my world comes crashing down around me, Anson is the one catching me as I fall. And as so-called accidents start plaguing every part of my life, it’s Anson who steps in to keep me safe.

As he does, I can’t help but feel a flicker of heat. And it only takes a single moment for that spark to ignite into flames, engulfing us both.

But Anson’s a man with secrets, and they have a price. When they’re revealed, neither of us will make it out unscathed…

Fragile Sanctuary is the first book in the Sparrow Falls series.  I ended up binging this entire series (so far) on vacation last week.  It's that good.  I am going to have a hard time picking a favorite, so be prepared for major gushing.  I loved this first book.  Anson and Rowan were just perfect match for each other.  Both of them had so much gut-wrenching tragedy in their background. Rowan found a soft place to fall and an amazing found family of the heart.  Anson didn't have that, but he slowly realizes that Rowan can help him find the healing he needs.  I loved that their romance was a slow burn.  I also loved watching Anson slowly begin to open up the hard shell around his heart.  Along with the romance, the family bond among the Colson clan was so fun and heartwarming.  The solution to the mystery really caught me off guard.  I love a good surprise ending.  Highly recommend.

Publisher: The PageSmith LLC

Publication Date: August 2024

Trust doesn’t come easily when you’ve been running for as long as I have, which is why moving in with a man I barely know is such a bad idea.

Shepard Colson is all golden-boy charm and devastating good looks. But I know what it’s like to be taken in by easy smiles and the promise of forever—I have the scars to prove it.

Only the handsome contractor won’t stop coming by the bakery and prying little truths from my lips. Those amber eyes of his seeing far too much. And when all the secrets come crashing down, he’s determined to keep me safe. Even if it means moving into my rundown cabin to do it.

Now, Shep isn’t just rebuilding the walls of my home, he’s working his way into my heart. Suddenly, he’s everywhere: shirtless in my garden or in a towel coming out of my bathroom. And my resolve is no match.

Only it’s more than his golden looks. It’s him. The way he watches for my wounds but tells me I’m stronger than anyone he’s ever known. And I can’t help but fall.

But I should’ve known better than to think I could be happy. Not when a ghost from my past still has me in his sights. And when he finds me, he’ll do anything to tear my life apart, even if it means ending it for good…

Delicate Escape is book number two and is Shep and Thea's story.  Again, I loved this love story.  It's always a winner when the guy falls first.  Again, both of them have trauma in their past and their relationship is exactly what the both of them need to heal.  I absolutely loved the care that Shep took with gaining Thea's trust. Her story was enraging and so sad.  Letting her be in control of how they interacted was exactly what she needed.  I also loved how she is quickly pulled into the fold of the Colson clan.  The twist in this one blind-sided me.  I did not see that coming at all.  This is a wonderful follow-up to the first book in the series and I highly recommend it.