Beautiful Exile

Sparrow Falls #4

by Catherine Cowles

I should’ve known Lincoln Pierce was trouble from the moment I held my knife to his throat.

I’ve been running for most of my life, hiding away in a small town and hoping no one discovers who I truly am. The only problem is that I can never let anyone know the real me. Or at least that was true until my brother moved his best friend onto our shared property.

Now, I’m stuck trying to avoid the nosy billionaire’s probing questions and piercing stares. And it doesn’t help that I almost killed him the first time we met.

Oops.

But when all my carefully crafted lies come crashing down around me, it’s Linc stepping in to shield me. And when it looks like the person hunting me for all those years is back, Linc will do anything to keep me safe.

Only it’s not just my safety at risk. It’s my heart. Because when Linc touches me, I lose all sense. And when I truly get to know the broken billionaire, he’s so much more than a ruthless business tycoon. He’s the man showing me that it’s time to really live.

But I’m not the only one with secrets. Linc has them, too. And when the forces from our pasts emerge from the shadows, it’s with only one goal: to end the new life we’re building together. For good.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance, Found Family, Suspense, Contemporary Romance

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2025

About the author

Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

Reviews

[Catherine Cowles]

💚🩷HAPPY BEAUTIFUL EXILE RELEASE DAY🩷💚

Linc and Arden are officially here and I am incredibly excited for you to read the newest installment in the Sparrow Falls series! These two were the most fun to write and in their story you'll find:

💚Heroine in Hiding
🩷Man Obsessed
💚He Falls First
🩷Billionaire
💚Hockey Team Owner
🩷Artist Heroine
💚Brother's Best Friend
🩷Touch Her and D!e Vibes
💚Forced Proximity
🩷Who Hurt You?
💚Fighter Hero and Heroine

Grab your copy now!
Ebook: https://geni.us/BtflExlAmzn
Deluxe edition paperback: https://geni.us/BtflExlDeluxe
Audiobook: https://geni.us/BtflExlAudio

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This re-read was exactly what I needed, it gave me everything it did the first time. Arden and Linc are the true definition of partners, I'll always love them and their story is one of my favourite.

Linc was, and still is, one of my favourite MMCs. The way that he not only understood Arden, but her art too, will never be topped. He protected her, was there for her when she needed it the most, but still gave her space. He knew what she needed without her ever having to say it. He was kind and gentle and so possessive. He had his demons and I loved how he did everything to escape them. He was always in step with Arden, never in front of her, never behind, always right there next to her, and that was everything...
I absolutely loved Arden, she was fierce and guarded, but always there for the people she loved. It broke my heart seeing how fear kept her from living her life fully, but she was strong and determined. Seeing her open up to her family was so emotional, that scene with Nora made me cry so freaking much. I absolutely adore the way she became so much more open because of Linc, he gave her everything she needed and he became her light in the dark.

Their moments were so special, the pool scene, the way he took care of her when the power went out, the gym scene, the camping trip, that scene in her studio ahh, every single conversation they had... He loved her unconditionally and made her feel seen, the same way she always saw him for who he was. The moments he called her baby were so precious.. And I, of course, have to mention their first encounter, that will forever be the most iconic meet-cute!!

I know their story developed fast, but honestly, I wouldn't want it any other way.. They've been through so much, they deserved everything as quickly as they got it. While Kye and Fallon are my favourite, Arden and Linc are such a close second there's barely any difference. And we do love a man that would spend half a million dollars just to make sure the art she poured her soul in doesn't end up in the hands of someone that made her feel uncomfortable..

This book is the one that, for me, showcased just how special this found family truly was. Their bond, the way they were always there and that scene at the end was just the cherry on the top. The Colson's will always be that family!!

The suspense part was great even if it wasn't my focus this time, but I know their story was so much more special because of those moments...

༻﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡༺

“𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓪𝓻𝓽. 𝓚𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝔂𝓵𝓮. 𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓼 𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓮𝓮𝓵.”

“𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓶 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭. 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓪𝓫𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓫 𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓪𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓰𝓸. 𝓦𝓱𝓸 𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓿𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓭 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂. 𝓐𝓻𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮.”

“𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓼, 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓶.”

“𝓣𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓲𝓽. 𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓕𝓪𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓮𝔁𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓵𝔂 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽.”

“𝓦𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓪 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓪𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓪 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮.”

“𝓘𝓽’𝓼 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴.”
“𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓲𝓽. 𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮.”

“𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾.”
“𝓑𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓰𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓭. 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓸𝓼𝓽. 𝓚𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓯𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓹 𝓸𝓯𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓬𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯.”

“𝓘’𝓭 𝓼𝓹𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓭𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓯 𝓲𝓽 𝓶𝓮𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝔀𝓷𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴. 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓪 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓪 𝓫𝓸𝓷𝓾𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼—𝓫𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾—𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂.”

“𝓘’𝓶 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓼𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴. 𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮. 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓰𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽.”

“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓵𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓶. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓮𝓹𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝔂 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝓹𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓪𝔀 𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓰𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝔂 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓹. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓮 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

AHHH I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!
They might be my favourite couple in this series. This book, despite the tension and the suspense felt like a warm hug. I can't explain it, but it was everything! Arden and Linc were perfect!

This series just gets better and better, and I'm certainly getting better at guessing who the person behind everything is, at least in most part..

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I KNEW THIS BOOK WOULD BE MY FAVE FROM HER WHEN I READ THE PROLOGUE & FIRST TWO CHAPTERS IN Broken Harbor!! I love a good reverse grumpy x sunshine, and this book? Chef’s kiss. Also, IDK what I seem like online, but in real life, I’m super introverted and can come off as closed-off & grumpy even when I’m trying not to be 😭. So, when I get a grumpy x sunshine where the FMC is the grump?? Yeah, top 3 trope, easy.

Arden?? A badass, reclusive artist with a past she’s hiding from. Lincoln?? Billionaire, brother’s best friend, falls first and falls HARD. I LIVE FOR A MAN WHO JUST KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS. And Linc? Yeah, this man saw Arden holding a knife to his throat and STILL said, “Yup. That’s my girl.” 😭😭

Their chemistry?? UNDENIABLE. The tension?? PERFECTLY DONE. I love how protective Linc is, but he never overshadows Arden—he lets her fight her own battles but is always right there when she needs him 🥹. Also, Brutus?? He won over the dog, and that’s when I knew Linc was endgame.

BUT (and this is why it’s not 5 stars)... if you’ve read Catherine Cowles before, you already KNOW how the suspense will play out. Same formula, every time. Someone from the past is back for revenge, we spend the whole book suspecting someone, turns out to be someone else, life-and-death situation at the 80% mark, they barely make it out, THE END. Like??? Why do we NEED the same climax in every book?? 😩 It kills the tension because if you’ve read her before, you already know what’s coming. Not to mention, if you haven’t read the previous books, you’ll probably struggle because this found family has a HUGE family tree and a lot of history.

That said, I still ATE this book up. I love this found family so much, I’d die for them 😭. And Arden?? My fave FMC of the series. Seeing her open up to love?? Beautiful. The twist?? I gasped. And Linc?? Protective & completely obsessed with Arden—I want one.

Read this if you love:
🥀 Reverse grumpy x sunshine
🥀 Brother’s best friend
🥀 He falls first, and HARD
🥀 Found family
🥀 Billionaire x artist
🥀 Small-town romance
🥀 A hero who would burn the world down for his girl

Will I read the next book? ABSOLUTELY. Will I complain it has the same suspense formula? Also yes. 😂 But I CAN’T STOP. This series has me hooked.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO OBSESSED with Linc and Arden and their story! Arden is such a unique heroine, especially compared to the other heroines of this series, and I loved how she was so kick-butt and could take care of herself. She's definitely the most distanced and closed off heroine, so Linc has to work even harder for her to trust him. And LINC!?!?! Swoooooon. He's the definition of "he falls first" and "if he could he would." He's a billionaire hockey team owner who falls so hard for Arden from the moment they meet and he's SO patient with her. She is running from trauma and he is never scared away from being there for her and showing her how much he wants her.

As usual with Catherine's books, the suspense is top tier and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The prologue punches you in the gut and you follow Arden as she's trying to navigate the danger that she's facing now after hiding away her whole life.

I don't know how Catherine makes each book better and better in this series, but Linc and Arden (and Brutus) stole my heart and I'll be thinking about them for a long time.

[Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ OBSESSED
I love Lincoln so much, but Arden was the real star of this one for me. I love love love her character. So much depth under that reserved exterior. Loved getting to know her deeper!

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Exile is the fourth book in the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles. I’ve been reading Catherine’s books for a long time now but somehow, with each new book, she finds a new way to surprise me. And Holy Moly did she surprise me with this one. This is a romantic suspense that kept me guessing all the way through and when the time for the big reveal finally came, I practically fell off the chair!



Arden Waverly is twenty five years old. She is a reclusive artist and lives in a guest house on her brother, Cope Colson’s property in Sparrow Falls, Oregon. As we know from the other books, the Colson siblings are a mixture of biological, adopted and foster kids, now all adults. They are all as close as any family could be regardless of how they are bound together. Their group text chain is hilarious by the way! Arden became an orphan when she was eleven and eventually ended up with the Colsons who gave her love and a safe place to just be her. But Arden’s scars are the type you can’t see. Scars and fears she will never be able to let go of. She loves living on her brother’s property since he is rarely there. Her brother plays hockey for a pro team in Seattle. But then she learned that her brother’s best friend who is also the owner of the hockey team he plays for, needs a place to stay for awhile and of course, he offers up his house.



Lincoln ‘Linc’ Pierce is thirty seven years old and is the owner of an NHL team of Seattle. Linc fell in love with Sparrow Falls while visiting his closest friend, Cope. He fell so in love with it that he is looking to buy property and build his own home. Cope has offered his own home to stay in, in the interim. What Linc wasn’t prepared for is Cope’s younger sister. They had quite the first meeting, not exactly a ‘meet cute!’ But a memorable one. He probably fell in love with her right from that first moment. She was feisty and had walls up like crazy. But it was obvious to Linc that she had secrets, painful ones, just like he did.

As these two circle each other, danger finds Arden. Her crazy family descends on her of course. But it’s Linc that won’t leave her side. He just seems to know exactly what she needs, how to help her. And as they get closer, she is also determined to do the same for him. We also get to know Linc’s younger sister, Ellie. I adored her immediately. There were so many elements to this story. There was Linc and Arden’s story of course, but also Linc’s and his sister, Ellie’s. Also Arden’s relationship with her foster mom, the matriarch of the Colson family, Nora. And all of her crazy siblings.



As always, I loved every single thing about this book. And wow, what an ending! I’ve given up thinking I could ever solve any of Catherine’s books before she chooses to reveal who the real culprit is. At the end, she lets us know who the next book is about but you’ll have to read it to find out. Book five will be called Chasing Shelter, and I can’t wait.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[glavreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story is everything to me :’)

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful entry to the series! I love this found family so much!!

Going back to Sparrow Falls may mean possible danger and stalking, but it also has a wonderful found family, that I always found enjoyable. I say that, because, for a small town, it's quite fraught with peril! But that's just fine, it makes for a great series!

In this entry, we finally learn more about Arden, our reclusive artist. She has been very secretive and though she loves her adoptive family, she has many traumas she is hiding and she's lived through so much. So when Lincoln, a billionaire buddy of her brother, starts living near her and showing interest in her art, Arden is as defensive as ever.

But Linc falls first and he falls hard. He becomes so protective and even wins over her trusty canine guardian. And when danger starts to target Arden and put her in danger, he will do anything to keep her safe.

I enjoyed this book a lot, but I feel like the suspense element was such a huge part of this one. I didn't get enough time of these two falling in love. And I found myself tuning out at every next thing happening with that plot line. Overall, this was still a wonderful story. I can't wait for the next one!

Narrated in dual style by Samantha Brentmoor and Sebastian York.

4 stars
3 on the spice scale

CW: death of parents (murder, suicide), toxic/abusive parent, violence, grief, PTSD, stalking

*Thank you to the author for an ALC and ARC of this title.*

[casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is each book in this series a hit every! single! time?! 🤩

Catherine absolutely never misses, but this book was truly something special. From their dynamic meet-cute — seriously might be one of my favorites ever — to their well-deserved HEA, I was HOOKED from start to finish!

I personally love my FMC’s a little grumpy and closed-off, and Arden was exactly that in her own special way. She’s honestly one of the strongest characters I’ve ever read about, and I admired her so much. Lincoln, the head-over-heels obsessed billionaire, being the one to give her the peace and calm she’s been searching for all her life was everything to me 🥹 I just loved how protective he was of her while also knowing her strength and understanding her need for independence. These two had so much tension and a connection like no other!

Anyways, Catherine has once again done her thing and stays winning as the romantic suspense queen! Arden & Lincoln had that soulmate kind of love, and I loved every second of their beautiful and healing story. Sparrow Falls is easily a favorite series of mine, and I am SOOO looking forward to the next book — seriously, y’all aren’t ready! 🤌🏼

Thank you so much to Catherine Cowles & her team for an ARC of this book! 💌

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oh yeah this was absolutely everything and more. linc & arden have that soulmate kind of love and i just adore them so so much!! :,)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

SO READY for my silent strength girl arden & her billionaire man looking to find some peace in sparrow falls AHHH <3

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I loved them!!!!!! Arden’s story is everything 🥹 Linc & Arden together literally make my heart all ooey and gooey and my god what a perfect match. The way Catherine writes is such a beautiful mix of poetic & powerful & honestly just makes me feel alive. She will forever be one of my favorites.

Two broken individuals, both very different but oh so similar, finding solace in one another is exactly what I needed. *happy sigh* a billionaire hockey coach & a super talented artist?! I’m telling you they are quite the pairing if I say so myself!! And I love a protective alpha who stays standing up for his woman 🫦🫦🫦

ALSO, I GUESSED A BIG SOMETHING CORRECTLY AND I AM SO PROUD OF MYSELFFFFFF!!!!!!! Wahooooo I feel like a winner hehe

I usually have a favorite side character in all of CCs books, and Benny was one of my fave characters in this one, with of course Lolli being a close second because duh!! I love this family & this series so much!

Onto the next hehe (WHICH I ALSO GUESSED CORRECTLY OMG?! Who is she!! Nancy Drew!??)

Book type: audio (the narrators crushed it)
Spice: 🌶️.5

Tropes:
Heroine in hiding
Man obsessed
He falls first
Touch her and die
Forced proximity
Alpha male
Found family
Brother’s best friend
Billionaire

[Syndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful Exile is somewhat worked. But somehow not exciting either. i usually looking forqard for Miss Cowles's books, but not this one.

I feel.the plot is recycle and well, a bit boring.

3 stars

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arden Waverly has spent her adult life hiding from her past, surrounded by walls that only her adoptive family is able to knock down. That is until she meets Lincoln Pierce, her brother’s best friend, a man with his own past trauma, who sees more to Arden than just what meets the eye.

Catherine Cowles is torturing my poor heart by saving the book I want most for what I am sure will end up being the last book of the series. If you have read this series, you know which potential couple I am referring to. In the meantime, I am enjoying each and every installment in this wild ride to the very end.

This book starts with a literal bang. From page one, I was completely invested in Arden’s story, her past traumas, and potential newfound love. I could not have envisioned a better match for her than Linc, the epitome of the protective hero, who had her back from the moment he first encountered her (holding a knife to his neck). While he is an uber-successful billionaire, it never felt as though he was anything less than Arden’s equal, which was refreshing.

The sibling banter is always on point and continuously one of my favorite aspects of this series. As we learn about each of these adopted siblings and all they endured during their formative years, I fall in love with the Colson family more and more. It’s this unique, complex family dynamic that really sets this series apart from the typical romance.

🎧 I am a huge fan of alternating between the physical/ebook and the audiobook when it comes to CC’s novels. Her narrators, in this case, Samantha Brentmoor and Sebastian York, always add tenfold to her already rich and atmospheric writing, and amp up the emotional component as well. You cannot go wrong with whatever format you choose.

Read if you like:
▪️romantic suspense
▪️heroine in hiding
▪️found family
▪️billionaire x artist
▪️cinnamon roll alpha
▪️brother’s best friend
▪️small town

Thank you Catherine Cowles and Must Love Audio for the gifted copies.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

sam guessing the villian: 0
catherine cowles: 6283

i did actually guess correctly but i'm still giving CC the point because IT STILL BLINDSIDED ME HOW DOES SHE DO IT!!!!!

god i love this universe sm and linc and arden!!!!!! hold my entire heart in their hands

[Marissa Papp · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is just truly ridiculous. im a huge catherine cowles fan, but this series is just getting so incredibly repetitive. Each book i feel is the same story with different characters. This one especially was ridiculous because everything that could possibly happen…happened. A total miss for me

[Kristie (read_between.the_wines)]

**beta read** this might be my favorite book of all time

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
Romantic Suspense
Small Town
Brother's best friend
Billionaire
Artist Heroine
Forced Proximity
Touch her & d!e Vibes
Who hurt you
Heroine in Hiding

5⭐
1.5🌶️

Are we even remotely shocked Catherine gave us another amazing five star, no notes, absolute perfection of a story?

Sparrow Falls is hands down, easily becoming one of my favorite romantic suspense series, ever. Arden & Lincoln's story was so complex & beautiful that I simply could not put this one down.

Arden has a past and she seeked refuge with the Colson family growing up. Now a successful artist, she meets Lincoln, her brother's best friend & boss who is in Sparrow Falls building a vacation home. Lincoln is gone for her the minute he lays eyes on Arden. Like buhHhhbyeeeee, deceased, GONE. He's just so smitten over her despite her aggressiveness towards him in their meet cute.

She starts to trust him & decides letting him into her world is worth it. He will stop at nothing to figure out who is threatening Arden & why. I cannot forget our man Brutus in this story. He is the real MVP and no one is ever mad when a pet is the star of the story.

As always figuring out the villian in the story Catherine throws us a surprise or two, and while I was 50% correct I don't see myself as victorious in picking correctly just yet

Thank you Catherine & her team for the eARC +ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Coralie’s library · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Ate & left no crumbs !!

This book was perfection from start to finish 😍

I listened to the audiobook during the day & read the ebook at night ! That’s how OBSESSED I was with beautiful exile 🤭

I already loved the Colson family SO MUCH & I don’t know how Catherine managed it but now I love them even more 🥹

Lolli’s entire personality, the family group chat’s name, their love for each other 🥺🫠

It’s usually very hard for me to care about “side characters” I usually always focus on the mc’s but with this series, I’m just so invested into everyone’s story. Catherine’s writing is simply impeccable and she truly masters the found family trope 🩷

I also love trying to figure out who the villain is every time I read a CC book! Unfortunately I was wrong again … 🤣
but it’s fine because 😱what a twist that was !! 10/10 !!

Arden & Lincoln’s love story was truly beautiful!! If I could read it again for the first time, I would 🩵

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Thank you sooooo much Catherine for the Arc & ALC 🥹😭🫶🏼

[sabrina (on vacation&#x1f3dd;️) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I want to move into these small towns when I'm reading books but I wouldn't step foot in Sparrow Falls, none of these characters can catch a break 🫠 I haven't been able to correctly guess the villain in any of the books so far but this one takes the cake. I audibly gasped at the twist, what the hell!!

Arden might be my favourite FMC so far, she was so badass and I loved seeing her open up to love and letting people into her life 🥹

These books all pretty much have the same formula but I eat it up every single time 🙂‍↕️

[Ashley (wickedreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

no because I love these books so much!! Arden and Linc are so cute together and I love her family so much and Linc's sister is adorable, I can't wait to see more from her!

I really appreciated that while Linc is protective and won't take anyone disrespecting Arden, she can also take care of herself and she LITERALLY HOLDS A KNIFE TO HIS THROAT WHEN THEY MEET AAAAAAAA

[Lover of Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

UPDATED REVIEW: 3 STARS 10/24/2025
So I decided to pick this one up again and the biggest reason was for the plot for the next installments in the series. So that was really the driving force in rereading this book and I was told to try it in audio with an open mind. So I tried it with the audio and its definitely better in audio. And once you get to about 40% is where the story does get better. I understand what the heroine went through in her life but quite frankly....not a good enough reason to treat others badly to be honest and so many around her coddled her even the hero. They just let her get away with treating them badly and wouldn't stand up for themselves. But I did like the hero for the most part....she needed a stronger alpha male to be honest. I found the plot really fascinating and in how their families are connected in the end. I am super stoked for Ellie's book though. And another pet peeve I have about this author is how she writes a grandma figure in each series and they are always so highly sexual about everything in front of children and it just turns me off. If I had kids I would keep them so far away from a person like her. *shrugs*


DNF Review: 03/19/2025

Beautiful Exile I was actually pretty excited for but after a few chapters I decided to DNF this one. I just didn't like the dynamic or the heroine especially and didn't want to force myself to be miserable in this one. I am actually surprised this author wrote such a toxic character. She has wrote some prickly heroines every now and then but this is the worst character from her I have ever read. She literally tries to kill the hero in the beginning, doesn't apologize for it at all, acts entitled and above him because he is a millionaire and self made so he must be a bad guy because of it. I really didn't like her holier than thou attitude she has in this story. And another big release I don't understand the high ratings when this heroine is so bad in the beginning. But I also will hold my heroines accountable. I personally can't recommend this book despite how much I have loved this author and will wait on the other books to make sure the characters are worth reading. I am sad because I did love this hero and wanted him to have a really good story so I am disappointed in this author for writing such a story that is her weakest work.

[kimberly ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.65 stars

this is insane 😭 idk how i feel about the pregnancy at the end, and i hateeeee when the main character has a hard problem saying “i love you” and the person they’re with is pretty incessant about it! also kinda felt instalovey but besides that the book was fun i just enjoyed the others more

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed 2nd half, so bloody dramatic, how can so much bad shit happen in 1 tiny town.

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful Exile was one of my favorites in this series. Arden's story was by far my favorite. Lincoln? I loved him, too.

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diving straight into this review—if you’ve read Catherine’s work, you know she writes a lot of small-town suspense romances. The last twelve books I’ve read by this author have followed this pattern, with similar ways of revealing who is responsible or behind the attacks. As I’ve mentioned in many of my reviews, I would not want to be a woman in these small-town romances because they are always the target.

I have to be honest—I feel like maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace while reading this one. Don’t get me wrong, I love Catherine’s work, but I don’t know if I’m burning out from the same book setup every time, just with different execution. I will say I love how the FMC was a strong character this time that really stood out.

But I didn’t find myself invested in this storyline or its characters. There were some beautiful moments, great spice, and strong family dynamics, but I really struggled this time with seeing the same patterns play out. I’ve also become frustrated with the reveal of who is behind the attacks. Every time, it’s someone you don’t see coming—usually not even a standout character in the story—which leaves me feeling deflated and frustrated when it’s revealed. This has happened many times in other books I’ve read from Catherine.

That said, this is all personal preference and a “me” problem, so read if you wish. I do recommend the audiobook, though—it was fantastic.

I guess I just want to see something different from Catherine.

Genre/Type: Suspense Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook
Audiobook Length: 11hrs 43mins
Narrators: Sebastian York and Samantha Brentmoor - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book Four In The Sparrow Fall Series
Tropes or Themes: Brothers Best Friend, Billionaire, Forced Proximity, He Falls First, Slow Burn, FMC In Hiding, FMC Artist, MMC Obsessed, Taken Care Off, Mine, My Girl, Trauma, Panic Attack, Nightmares, Death Of Parent, Medical Content, Gun Violence, Injury Detail, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Impact Play, Gym Scene, Shower Scene and Outside Scene.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Sav | SavtheBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linc and Arden own me completely and whole-heartedly. Their story is so heartbreaking beautiful and I loved every second.

Arden has a very traumatic past that ended up bringing her to a new family with a completely new identity. She is sure of herself, independent, and strong asf, but even the strongest people need someone sometimes. In walks the man she can't take her eyes off of. Lincoln Pierce. Her brother's best friend and billionaire who is now living in the main house on the property she lives on.

I loved watching these two fall in love and the suspense plot line had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. When the plot twist twisted my jaw was on the actual floor. The banter and jokes were also perfect and I really loved how these two compliment each other.

Also an honorable mention for Brutus and Benny because they are both iconic. Catherine Cowles does no wrong and this book is no different. I do believe I have a new favorite CC book now.

infinity/ 5 stars
2.5/5 spice

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Exile is book 4 in the small town, standalone Sparrow Falls series and I could not wait to get to this one! This book has an artist heroine, billionaire hero (hockey team owner), “who hurt you”, heroine in hiding, brother’s best friend, forced proximity, and romantic suspense vibes. A new favorite in the series for me!

Arden is my new favorite Catherine Cowles heroine! We have seen glimpses of her throughout the series and I knew her book was going to be just so good. Right in the prologue we see Arden’s backstory and how she lost her parents before being adopted into the Colson family. Now it’s years later and Arden is a reclusive artist just trying to keep herself safe when she runs into Lincoln at the gym. Linc is best friends with her brother and owner of the local hockey team. He’s so drawn to her right from the start and seeing the way he’s so caring and protective was everything.

I just love this series overall! The characters and family we’ve gotten to know so well, every new book feels like a warm hug. Lolli and her diamond art never gets old 🤭, Brutus the dog, all the ways Arden can take care of herself, her death metal tees, how obsessed with her he is, her being mad and him thinking it’s cute 🥰!

I received an ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Exile by Catherine Cowles
4,5/5⭐
2/5🌶️

"I wish I could erase all the darkness that has ever touched you."
"You don't have to. You just have to be with me in it."

This is the fourth book in the Sparrow Falls series, and I couldn’t wait to dive into it! This story is about Lincoln and Arden, and I’ve been curious about Arden since the first book. She’s such a talented artist but prefers the company of her studio and her horses over people. As always, Catherine's writing hooked me right from the prologue, and my heart was racing throughout the whole book! The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and even though the romance between Linc and Arden unfolds slowly, it’s beautiful and sweet.

One of my favorite parts was how Linc and Arden first meet—it’s an interesting meet-cute! Their chemistry is electric from the get-go, and I enjoyed their playful banter. Arden is fiery, independent, and strong, but she’s also wrestled with traumas that make her hesitant to trust others. She’s such a talented artist but prefers the company of her studio and her horses over people. At first, she sees Linc as just another cocky billionaire flaunting his money. But as they spend time together, she discovers so much more to him. She tries to keep her distance, but there’s this comfort and safety she feels around him that helps her lower her walls.

"Sometimes, you need to bleed to bloom."

Linc is a great character—he owns a hockey team and is best friends with Cope. He’s hardworking and loyal, but he has his dark past too. I loved the strong bond he shares with his sister, Ellie; it’s clear how much they care about each other. When someone threatens Arden, Linc’s protective side comes out, which is awesome to see! He’s incredibly patient and understanding, knowing about Arden’s trauma without pushing her to open up before she’s ready. He’s always there to support her whenever she needs him.

Overall, this book is another fantastic addition to the series! The Colson family dynamics are always a joy, and Lolli always makes me laugh. As for the villain, Catherine knows how to keep you guessing, and I managed to figure out part of it, which was fun! I’m also super excited about the setup for the next book—it sounds interesting, and I can’t wait to read it!

"Why do you have to see so much?"
"I pay attention to the things that are important. And you're important."

[Alia ✩ ♬ ₊.&#x1f3a7;⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from page one! Linc and Arden’s story was everything—emotional, suspenseful, and beautifully written. Arden is strong, guarded, and fiercely independent, while Linc is the definition of “he falls first”—a patient, overprotective billionaire who adores her completely. 🥹💘
Their slow-burn connection and trust-building melted me. And the suspense? Had me on edge, especially in the final chapters. As always, the found family aspect in Sparrow Falls made my heart so full. Catherine Cowles truly never misses. 🫶
If you love romantic suspense with heart, depth, and swoon, this one’s for you.
✨ “There is freedom in her art. There is an untold poetry in her soul.” ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

i knew linc was gonna be amazing when he said he’s a dr pepper fan

review:
first off i want to say thank you to catherine cowels for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review!

linc and arden 🥰 i absolutely loved this book! the minute we meet arden in fragile sanctuary i was frothing at the mouth for her book and it did not disappoint!!! linc is copes best friend so when i saw that one of the tropes was going to be brothers best friend it made me even more excited!!! i loved arden and how she grew more confident in herself and how she was able to trust and fall in love with linc and LINC!!! oh he was so so perfect for arden!! the way he loved her and waited for her trust was everything and i just love my babies! also the TWIST!!! everything i did kind of have a gut feeling about it but when i realized i was right i was truly gagged!!

read this if you like:
🦋 billionaire
🦋 brothers best friend
🦋 small town mountain setting
🦋 found family

beautiful exile will be available in bookstores and on KU on march 18!! run to read this book (and this whole series) you won’t be disappointed, i know i’ll be getting my copy ASAP!!

[Toribetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
When black cat meets black cat 🤝
And they both do MMA and spar together
And she has a badass cute pup named Brutus that’s trained in German 💘💘💘