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Lost & Found #0.5

Visions of You

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I’ve only ever had one secret: I’ve been in love with my best friend’s brother for as long as I can remember.

West Castille is everything my little-girl heart dreamed of and everything I still yearn for, even now. There is just one problem. He’s never felt the same.

West moved on to the military and then into private security, using his finely honed protective streak to keep everyone but me safe, while I lost myself in my music and a coffee-shop job in our small town.

But when creepy messages on my social media turn to threatening notes left at my door, West is the one who shows up on my porch.

I tell myself it’s brotherly concern or a favor for his sister, but that all feels like a lie when his skin brushes mine. One stolen kiss could send us hurtling into disaster. Because when my stalker sees the way we touch, he’ll do anything to end us both…

ebook

First published November 23, 2023

19 people are currently reading
2718 people want to read

About the author

Catherine Cowles

51 books27.5k followers
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.

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5 stars
232 (20%)
4 stars
408 (36%)
3 stars
376 (33%)
2 stars
79 (7%)
1 star
16 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Mia S..
544 reviews38 followers
December 18, 2024
Novella, but loved Lex and West’s story. It seems like it was rushed but really not so much- like I feel it ended too quickly but really hit all the spots. And not spoiling but nice surprise on the villain!
Profile Image for hanna.
155 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2024
the most mid thing I’ve ever read but I still want to read this series
Profile Image for Lori Leaf.
462 reviews41 followers
August 4, 2025
Exactly what a novella should be; a quick drop into a characters life. You don’t know the full history or story but it’s enough to get you interested. The suspense with this one was great, growing with more danger and anticipation until all was revealed. The push and pull of the relationship was real and had me rooting for them.
Profile Image for Cassie.
103 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2025
This story moved SO FAST. There was almost no character development, and it all felt rushed and unrealistic. I didn’t see the stalker reveal coming, but I didn’t like how it was done. It’s a short easy read, but not one I’d recommend.
Profile Image for Jess - Reader of Books.
1,024 reviews73 followers
January 21, 2025
Visions of You by Catherine Cowles 💙
Lost and Found, Novella 0.5
Interconnected Standalone

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Adult • Romantic Suspense
ebook Review
89 pages

💙sister’s best friend
💙childhood friends
💙FMC in danger
💙close proximity
💙small town

📍“I’ve always seen you. Even when I was gone for years, visions of you played on repeat in my mind. I could’ve drawn your face from memory with how often I saw you, how often I imagined what your skin would feel like.”

The world: Jess, did you highlight Holt’s name every single time?

Me: How dare you ask me such a thing?! Who do you think I am?! I can’t believe this.

Me: Yes.

Me: Every time.

Me: Because.

Me: Leave me alone.

Me: I’m weak.

I also (re)read the preview of Whispers of You at the end of this book. And that prologue still gets my heart bump bumpidity bump.

But let’s talk West and Lex. It’s the mutual pining for me. It really is. It does things to me. There’s this feeling of excitement, this rush of equal parts endless joy and lingering sadness. And when they finally give in?! What a thing of beauty. 👏🏼

And just like that, in the course of 2 years, I have read every single book — full length and novella — written but Catherine Cowles out in the world. *sigh* It was the BEST journey 🫶🏼
Profile Image for Shelby Smith.
198 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2024
I got the SE from the probably smut advent calendar and I guess that’s why it’s called probably smut not definitely. The storyline however and the included beginning to the next book in the series hooks you. It’s suspenseful and has action that I love in books. Solid read
Profile Image for vanessa.
329 reviews
July 3, 2025
3.25⭐️ this should have been a full novel ! Yes it was that good but I wasn’t a fan of their “love” story it needed more context but the stalker story line was very good bc I did not expect on who it turned out to be. Never would have guessed it and always thought it was her friend or the customer.
Profile Image for Shannon Mayhan.
Author 2 books158 followers
June 2, 2025
Loved this quick story. Catherine always does an amazing job at telling a story. This one makes you want more!
Profile Image for AJ.
3,244 reviews1,069 followers
April 11, 2025
4 stars

This is a gorgeous novella from Catherine Cowles, a standalone prequel to her Lost & Found series, and a best-friend’s-brother romance that has chemistry, emotion, steam and a beautiful love story.

It's available free on ebook or audio from the author's website - https://www.catherinecowles.com/visio....

West Castille works for Anchor Security (and I’m assuming we’ll get stories about the rest of the team as the series continues). When his younger sister calls him to let him know that her roommate and best friend has a dangerous stalker, he drops everything to travel to his small country home town to find out what’s going on.

Lex is mortified when her childhood crush, West, rocks up on her doorstep to investigate the creepy stalker who has been leaving her notes that seem to be getting more and more deranged. She’s always had feelings for him, but nothing ever happened between them, and now that they’re all grown up and in close proximity once again, sparks are flying!

“Don’t pretend like you see me one moment and then I’m a stranger the next.”
West stalked closer to me. “You’ve never been a stranger.”

And as the threat against Lex becomes more dangerous, West is right there by her side, being all broody and protective. It’s gorgeous to see, and full of chemistry because West has always had a thing for Lex, but their four year age gap made things impossible when he was 20 and she was 16. Now though, that’s not an issue, and being together again has them finally breaking down those walls.

He pressed his forehead to mine. “It’s you and me. Like it always should’ve been.”

It’s a quick read, so things move quickly, and I was right on board the whole way. It’s sweet, sexy and beautifully romantic, and as with all Catherine Cowles books, there’s a fairly predictable suspense storyline that works really well for the story.

We get to meet the men of Anchor Security, and with the head of the company, Holt accompanying West on his trip home, we get hints about the torment that he is dealing with, and I’m so excited for his story to kick off the series for real.

This is a short but enjoyable read.

4 stars!

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.


Profile Image for Megan | Megan.Reads.Romance.
647 reviews72 followers
December 10, 2025
What a perfect little novella from the Lost & Found universe.

Thanks to Must Love Audio for the ALC - this is part of the Lost & Found audiobook box set, available December 10th!

West works with Holt's security company (Lost & Found book 1), and when his sister calls to let him know that her bestie, Lex, is being stalked and harassed, he doesn't hesitate to work this job for free. Holt tags along, and those two end up back in West's small town to figure out who is behind the threats and messages. Lex has dreams of being a musician, despite her parents' disapproval. She's working day and night to make that dream come true, posting videos of herself on social media and playing every moment she's not working at the coffee shop. When a creep won't stop leaving comments on her videos, it gives her pause, until notes start showing up at her apartment door.

Properly spooked, Lex knows she needs help. But her best friend's brother isn't really a safe space for her anymore, after years of crushing on him and his quiet rejections. But West bulldozes his way in and promises to protect her, and that makes her hackles rise. Who is this guy to storm back in and take over when he's avoided her for years?

Read if you love:
- Private security x Musician
- Best friend's brother
- FMC in danger
- Forced proximity
- Mutual pining
- Hate(ish) to love
- Romantic suspense
- Novella
- Small town
- Childhood crush
- Stalker

THE AUDIOBOOK: Jason Clarke & Erin Mallon did this novella justice. While it's novella length makes this story feel fast-paced, there was still so much development between the two main characters. Jason Clarke plays a gruff and firm West perfectly, swinging from soft to hard with tension and longing in perfect timing with Erin Mallon's portrayal of Lex, who has to fight her feelings and for her own independence when West comes storming into town. Super easy to listen to! 5 stars.
Profile Image for Venessa.
267 reviews18 followers
December 20, 2024
3.75⭐️

This was so quick and fast paced but I really liked the writing style and the mystery! I wish this was a full sized book, as we could’ve gotten more background between them but I’ve seen some of Catherine Cowles other work going around so I’m definitely excited to keep going with this series and try out her other stuff! 😍
Profile Image for Jessie Kratzer.
63 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2025
This was a very cute novella! Had me hooked from the beginning!! The only thing I would change is that I wanted more!! Wish it was a full story of these 2!! It was quick but full of banter! Read this novella!!
Profile Image for Kimberly Glover.
84 reviews
July 8, 2025
4/5- For a novella this book was so good! I loved how right way it got to the plot. Although, I wouldn’t have minded it being a longer! In true Catherine Cowles fashion, I didn’t see the twist coming and definitely didn’t see the actual bad guy coming!
Profile Image for Ashly.
304 reviews12 followers
July 6, 2025
A nice little mini-suspense romance. Childhood crush turns into adult love. Bodyguard romance. Cozy up under a blanket and enjoy this super short read!
Profile Image for Emily G.
511 reviews26 followers
August 27, 2025
Does what it says on the novella shaped tin really
Profile Image for maggie ♡.
42 reviews11 followers
October 2, 2025
4.25!
Only reason this wasn’t higher was because I enjoyed the plot more than the romance. I loved all of the drama and tension like please give me more.
Profile Image for Katie.
328 reviews7 followers
December 18, 2024
Book Review 📚
Title: Visions of You
Series: Lost and Found Series
Author: Catherine Cowles
Format: Paperback
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
🎸 Small Town Romance
☕️ Best Friend’s Brother
🎸 Romantic Suspense
☕️ Childhood Friends
🎸 Forced Proximity

Review:
Visions of You occurs before Whispers of You in the Lost and Found Series by Catherine Cowles. I was so excited to see this one in the Probably Smut novella collection! It was perfect! It was short, but packed with everything I love in a Catherine Cowles book. I loved West and Lex. They were so good together. Their relationship had the perfect amount of sweetness, tension and spice. I was humbled once again because I was SO confident that I knew who the villain was and I was way wrong 😅 I loved this novella and it’s definitely time for a reread of the Lost and Found series 🩵🩵

Side Note: Every time Holt spoke in this book it literally broke my heart 💔 I wanted to give him a big hug throughout this entire story 🥺🥺

#Bookstagram #MinnesotaReader #AudiobookLover #BookReview #Minnesota#RomanceReader #BookLover #Booksta
Profile Image for mirah.
283 reviews14 followers
January 29, 2025
2.75

novella set before the rest of the series.

this girl lex is being stalked (i thought it was her best guy friend who OBVIOUSLY wanted to sleep with her but no , it was the POLICE OFFICER who always responded to her police calls!! i hate the cops)! her girl best friend calls her brother, west who works for HOLTS private security firm so so they both go to the town to sort lex's stalker out. lex and west are obviously in love but it was a bit forced cause imo there wasn't enough background to really sell it to me. west was also a dick to lex; going on about her clothes and how she dressed, how she lived and it was giving victim blaming which i didn't like. lex gave into west so quick and i get it's a novella but i was just not believing of them as a couple! it was so quick to read tho so meh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Book_Lovers_Quest.
146 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2025
I just recently started reading this authors books and so far have enjoyed every one of them. Though this was a short prequel novella to the Lost & Found series it was just as enjoyable as her full length books.

The brother's best friend trope was on point and combined with the "who hurt you" trope gave this storyline the perfect touch. The dash of mystery had me trying to guess the entire time who was the cause of Lexi's dilemma, but the twist was like wow, never saw that coming.

If you are looking for a quick read between books or simply need a pallet cleanser, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
25 reviews
January 13, 2025
It’s 84 pages. Fast moving. No story building, shitty plot but again it’s 84 pages
Profile Image for Feya.
203 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2024
I got this in my PS Smut Advent Calendar and she was a new author to me. I truly was impressed with this novella. It hit all the marks and even had a nice twist towards the end. I had a feeling who the stalker was but no spoiling from me.

It wasn’t rushed but I wanted more towards the end. It was definitely a quick read however it’s made me want to continue reading the series so mission accomplished.

Lex is a talented musician who spends her nights sharing her music online through YouTube while working at a coffee shop during the day. Dealing with the crazies is all part of the job until one steps up the game and demands her sole attention. What started off as a crush turned into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Will Alex accept help from the boy who broke her heart and walked away time again and again, or will the stalker catch his prey?

West works in a security firm. He is our typical overprotective MC who will do anything for those he cares about. When he receives a call from his sister regarding Lex’s situation, nothing can stop him from heading home and rescuing the girl who has plagued his mind for as long as he can remember. Determined to keep the boundaries firmly in place but Lex is a walking temptation and the thought of losing her is too much.

I loved this novella. It has the right amount of tension to keep you invested in the story without it overpowering the entire plot. It’s definitely fast paced but a great read.
Profile Image for Chiara^•^.
436 reviews117 followers
November 6, 2024
Visions of You by Catherine Cowles
4/5⭐
2/5🌶️

I really enjoyed reading this novella by CC. It was short, but it packed in a lot of sweetness and spice. There was just the right amount of angst and suspense, which are elements that I always love in CC's books.

Lex is a passionate music lover who enjoys expressing herself through writing and singing her own songs. She often shares her musical talents by uploading videos to YouTube. However, as her videos gain more attention, Lex becomes the target of unsettling attention. For several months, she has been receiving threatening letters from an unknown sender, causing her genuine concern for her safety. Fearing for Lex's well-being, her friend takes the initiative to involve her brother, West, in the situation. West is called upon to investigate and help ensure that Lex is no longer in harm's way.

West works at a security company, where he has worked tirelessly for years. Despite his stoic demeanor at work, there's a soft spot in his heart for Lex, which he has carried with him since his teenage years. He's never found the courage to confess his feelings to her. However, with the recent threats to Lex's safety, West's protective nature has kicked into overdrive. Determined to unravel the mystery behind the ominous letters, he's ready to go to great lengths to ensure Lex's safety.
1,254 reviews
January 27, 2025
First book from this author and it will definitely won't be the last. I got this in a book holiday advent box and it was a great introduction to this author's work. I already grabbed the next book in the series after reading this short novella prequel on the train while out of the country for work. It was fast-paced but it is really a set-up for this world and I thought it did a great job doing that and making me want to know what happens to all the other characters we are meeting.

I had 2 options on who the stalker was and got it right but won't give it away haha. I thought the author did a good job making the plot be as much of the focus as the sexy scenes and tension between Lex and West. I thought it was enough, felt almost like Criminal Minds/any cop show but the light version. I was happy West got his head out of his booty and it didn't linger too long haha. I thought Lex was relatable and adorable but strong despite everything that was coming at her. I liked her bestie and West's sister the best though and am super intrigued about Holt and how he gets the love of his life back.

This was good, a 3.5-4 stars rounded up because I was engaged instantly and didn't stop reading on my 1.5hr train ride. I am glad I am reading these books from this advent holiday calendar/book box, I am adding new authors to my 2025 and 2026 to read list/check out their backlogs.
Profile Image for Vriii.
179 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2025
If he wanted to, he would. He definitely would.

He would not let anything come in between. I know you have duties. You have a mission. You have a job. You can't risk everything. I know. I know what's at stake here. But one minute you are pushing her away and the next minute you are going all caveman on her. That's not how it works, dude. I was f****** pissed. I was like, how dare you? Like, you can't just act all asshole-ish and then expect her to forgive you and be in love with you. If you want to stay away from her, stay away. Maintain your distance. Don't come in the next moment getting all jealous that she's talking to other guys and stuff. That's one of the main reasons why I don't like reading brother's best friend or sister's best friend. Because it's always with the MMC — they think that they could make all the decisions for the FMC, they know waht's best. But have you ever asked her, how she feels?

I know it's a novella. So the pacing was obviously fast and not developed. But I just couldn't understand, like, more than half of the book — he was pushing her away. Whereas in the last part of the book, he just surrendered and he was like, "I love you" and stuff. That's not how it works.

Other than this, the book was pretty decent and the mystery trope was written so well ✨️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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