Delicate Escape by: Catherine Cowles

Delicate Escape (Sparrow Falls #2)
Author: Catherine Cowles
Published: August 2024
Publisher: Catherine Cowles
Format: ARC eBook/Physical
Pages: 380
Rating: 5/5
Summary:
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…

Review:

First I'd like to thank Catherine and her team for sending me an ARC to review for Delicate Escape. Like always, Catherine knows how to pull at all the feelings, make you question your own mind trying to figure out who the unsub is, and somehow wrap this book up perfectly, but still eager for the next book in the series!

From the beginning, I was so drawn to Thea's story, wanting to know what really happened to her, and watching her growth from the beginning to end. She was practically a shell of a person when she came to Sparrow Falls, and yet, even with all of the baggage and issues Shep has.... they both find one another, and truly bloom independently and together by the end of the book. It was amazing!

Honestly, I devoured this book, but so many times (hello work) that I had to force myself to put it down, but not once did things slow down in the story. Catherine gives you just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what is going to happen and who is up to no good, all while sprinkling in the absolutely hilarious moments that is sweet old Lolli! I swear that woman reminds me so much of my own nana, I live for those scenes!

It goes without saying that every Found Family story Catherine writes, I want it. The way the entire family cares for Thea without hesitation at all is truly heartwarming. While she may feel like she needs to stay hidden, the more she begins to open up with Shep, the more she realizes that life is worth living, not hiding in the corners. Having his protection as well as everyone else in the family - Including Anson... that man is a GEM! - was so beautiful to see. And it really shows you that while you might not be from blood, that doesn't always matter when it comes to family. It's those who show up for you, care for you and make sure you're truly loved.

For Shep, he's adopted, so there's a lot of thoughts that always swirled around in his head growing up. While he claims that it doesn't bother him as much as an adult, there's always that lingering feeling wondering why he was given up. With the more time spent with Thea, he also begins to realize that his found family is what matters most, and that even the disgusting men like Russ can't make him feel less than.

Speaking of Russ, let me tell you, both him and Brendan deserve everything they have coming to them. Right from the beginning the hate was there, and the more you read this story, the stronger that feeling gets. What I would give to reach into the book and give him a good hard punch in the face...

Okay, so their relationship I was sucked into hard! I mean truly beautiful, heartwarming, and just had me in all my feels! The way Shep is constantly there for Thea and always making sure she is okay to move forward for whatever reason is so incredibly sweet! I really loved watching them grow together!

Now like always, Catherine makes me second guess the unsub EVERY. SINGLE. TIME! And guess what... I'm wrong AGAIN! As soon that those scenes played out, I literally gasped, sat forward and binged the rest of the book as fast as possible because I just HAD to know what was going to happen. It was truly a wild ride!

Overall, if you hadn't guessed it, this was another fantastic read by Catherine Cowles. It was a roller coaster ride of emotion, trauma, growth, and fear that had me on the edge of my seat DEVOURING this story. The way I was so easily drawn into Shep and Thea's story was flawless. Chefs Kiss Catherine, because you've got another amazing read again!!

That's all for my review, and seriously go grab your copy if you haven't yet!

So until the next time, keep reading!

Your Graduated Bookworm!! :)