Wrecked Palace (The Wrecked Series Book 3)

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.

I’m shocked that I didn’t love this because the tropes are usually winners for me. The heroine is the guardian of her siblings and the hero is the quiet town recluse. What’s not to love? Well.. the drama was WAY over the top. Like anything you can think of happened to the heroine and her family. Not to mention her siblings were way too perfect! That’s not how children act and it just felt fake to me. The romance took way to long too! I love slow burns but this was too slow and there were only two love scenes that were uninspiring. I really hope this was just a fluke because I normally love Catherine’s books but this really missed the mark for me!

Gah! Just gah! This incredibly gifted scrıbe has a talent for ruıning me in the best way possible, but oh, my heart! This book! Prepare yourself to be poignantly ruıned and beautifully wrecķed by the most authentic, endearing, indomitable characters I’ve ever met.Caelyn O'Connor has had anything but an easy life, gaining custody of her three younger siblings her junior year in college when her druģ addıcted parents walked out on them. It may not be the life she chose, but nothing is more important to her than her siblings. Despite the challenges of single parenthood and barely scrapıng by, Caelyn has an immense heart, a sunny disposition and an innate goodness that colors everything she does.Griffin Lockwood may have come from money, but the loss he's experienced makes that wealth worthless and has nearly desțroyed him. The one ray of sunshine in his solitary existence comes from the kind smile bestowed on him by Caelyn when he stops by a few times each week for groceries at the general store where she works. Griffin is alone by choice, having had too many people trying to open old woųnds. But there's something about Caelyn and her little brood that calls to him, bringing light to his darkness and kinship to his loneliness. And when he learns that she may be in dąnger, he'll stop at nothing to keep her and the kids safe.This exquisite, heart-rending story leaves me at a loss. I can’t find the words to express how stunningly amazing it is. The sheer beauty of these two broķen, woųnded characters helping each other not only to heal but to thrive and find joy and peace left me breathless with their remarkable journey. This talented lady did a wonderful job creating two characters who were as perfect for each other as two could be, showing the lovę between them repeatedly before the words were ever spoken. And Caelyn's siblings added an extraordinary layer, each with very different personalities, sqųeezing my heart over and over in the most toųching, meaningful ways.No matter how much or how little you read, this one needs to go to the top of your TBR, so run to the 1-Clıck now. Then get the box of tissues ready, because you’re definitely going to need them. Yes, these exceptional, unique characters will wreçk you but they'll leave your heart full to bųrsting, and you’ll be better for the lessons they share. I know it's early in the year, but I can say unequivocally this one easily earns a spot on my list of best reads of 2021, so make sure you don’t miss it!

I was really looking forward to this book, but was let down. The story line had so much potential what happened! It seems like the author rushed the end and plagiarized herself! Not to give away the ending, but several lines were identical to Perfect Wreckage. I would have caught it even if I hadn't just read them back to back. But they were WORD FOR WORD the same lines. Not sure if I will be reading more from this author. She's always just shy of meeting the mark for me.

6 years ago, Caelyn O’Connor was in college when she got a call that changed everything, her parents hadn’t been home in days and her 3 young siblings (Will, Mia and Ava) had been left alone. Determined to ensure they are safe and cared for she gets custody. Two jobs help her just about keep their head above water. Now working as manager at the General Store in town, her cooking is popular with those who come in, something that delights her even as she wishes she could get some culinary training, but the kids needs come before what she wants.Griffin Lockwood lost everyone he loved when he was young, the media attention and betrayal from those close to him had him running, locking himself away from everyone. Having returned to Anchor Island to the estate that was his family's safe haven/retreat he keeps to himself renovating the estate. One of the only times he leaves the property is to visit the General Store to see Caelyn. He barely speaks to her but he can't help but come to see her. When he realises she needs help he is unable to keep away and in doing so finds himself welcomed into a family that loves fiercely and gives him something he had thought he had forever lost.When danger comes calling Griffin is determined to protect the woman and children who have come to mean so much to him.A sweet slow burn romance. The MCs feel something for each other from the get go but it takes time for things to develop. I loved seeing the family interactions and Griffin with Caelyn's siblings.I really liked the kids in this, especially Mia who I loved as a character.The tone of this book is gentle.Potential Trigger: Reference to child neglect, drug addiction, death of family and the consequent trauma.

Third book in the Wrecked series and yet another amazing storyI loved Caelyn’s relationship with her siblings and how selfless she is when it comes to themI have been dying for Griffin’s book since getting a glimpse in book one and it did not disappoint. I loved seeing how Caelyn and her siblings gradually broke through how closed off his heart was.Catherine’s books always have just the right amount of romance mixed with suspense and all her hero’s are perfectly swoon-worthy.Another five star book from Catherine and I cannot wait for the next book in the series

Loved this book my first by this author. Griffin and Caelyn were truly beautiful souls that life had hurt beyond belief. Caelyn did everything she could to keep her brother and sisters safe and happy not wanting them to know how hard she found it sometimes. Griffin could see how hard Caelyn was keeping it together especially when threats from unknowns were impacting on her. Griffin was a loner he believed it was safer for him, until he got involved with Caelyn and her siblings and it brought his heart back to life. Loved Caelin and her family and how much Griffin wanted to protect them.

This book started off very strong - I loved all the characters. However, there are some areas for development -1. It started getting a bit long winded in the end2. It became a bit too sickly sweet3. There wasn’t much heat. Infact the hero and heroine really only get together towards the 80% mark4. While being a bit long, I still felt like the end was a bit rushed. I guessed who the villain was right from the start but it never really made sense to have that villain. Also the whole bit with her mom and dad’s deaths was very rushed

Ah man I seriously love this series it just gets better and better!Griffin is hiding, he lost so many people he loved and others were trying to take advantage so he went back to his families holiday home to get some privacy and peace, when he meets Caelyn though that all changes.Caelyn has a lot on her plate caring for her brothers and sisters but when strange things start happening it is Griffin she finds herself leaning on.Can they help each defeat their demons and get back the lives they dream of?