Chasing Shelter

Sparrow Falls #5

by Catherine Cowles

I came here seeking sanctuary, I never meant to fall for the broody single dad next door.

I've spent my life hiding in plain sight, burying my past beneath layers of carefully constructed lies. Moving to Sparrow Falls was supposed to be a fresh start. A place to lay low. But when I end up living next door to the single dad who just happens to be one of my brother’s best friends, everything changes.

Trace Colson sees too much, asks too many questions, and his protectiveness is as infuriating as it is alluring.

And when danger comes calling, it’s Trace who stands between me and the darkness.

But being close to him is its own kind of risk. Because with every heated glance and every stolen touch, Trace tempts me to open my heart, to dream of a life I’d long since given up on. The only problem? Trace has his own demons, and when they collide with mine, the fallout could destroy us both.

Forever.

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

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 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

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this re-read, they were so cute and it was even more emotional the second time!
I didn't think it was possible to love this series more than I do, but I was proven wrong, every book was so much more special on the re-read.

Trace and Ellie were absolutely perfect, I loved how he helped her with Gremlin and Bumper, him teaching her to make breakfast, all the moments he was there for her, how she brought more laughter in his life, the trust, all those scenes where they let each other in.. That scene when all the walls came down made me cry again, I guess I'm always sensitive.. I loved the rainbows, the crazy hair, the t-shirts, the goats, the butterfly garden, the 90's songs.. Honestly, everything!!

I really love the bond Ellie and Keeley have, they are so adorable, and I loved how Leah came around. Ellie really had a great support system in the Colson's, they were always there and Linc and Ellie finally got the family they always deserved. I also loved how close Ellie and Linc were, no matter what, and Arden always had her back. Thea and Fallon and Ellie were such a great trio too.

I really enjoyed it and I have to say, all those small moments between Kye and Fallon have so much more meaning now, I'm so excited to read their book again!! Also, that scene on the stairs with Ellie and Kye was so special.

“𝓣𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓷 𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓷. 𝓗𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓓𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓼 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭. 𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓻𝓸𝔀 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓪𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴𝓼 𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓸𝓮𝓼𝓷’𝓽.”

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

Catherine never misses, this series is everything to me and this just solidified that!! I loved it so much!!
I love single dad romances, so I knew I was going to enjoy this and boy did I..

Trace was everything I wanted him to be, grumpy, with his icy control and a soft side and so many broken pieces. Seeing him slowly open up to Ellie was everything and the way he let her be herself, giving her back the control she never had was amazing, while still protecting her no matter what!!
Ellie, I absolutely loved her, the way she was trying to find herself again, to bring back color into her life now that she was finally free. She loved Trace so unconditionally and I adored how easy she got under his skin, the way she messed with his system was hilarious. She made him finally live the life he deserved and didn't let him push her away. That one scene made me so emotional... I'm a little sensitive right now, and I definitely cried a little..

They were exactly what the other person needed, opposites in the best way possible.. I loved how it progressed and the banter was so good!!
And Keeley, I loved that little girl so much, her bond with Ellie was so endearing and I loved how they became close. And of course, her and Trace's bond was so special, it's what makes me love this romances as much as I do..
And let's not forget Gremlin and Bumper, the best companions a person can ask for!!

The chat is, once again, the best part. This found family will always have a special place in my heart, it's why I love this books so much, the way they are always there for each other is simply amazing. And, once again, Lolli's diamond art stole the show..
Also, I'm so happy we finally met Dex, I'm even more excited for his book now!!

I didn't guess the right person this time.. Disappointing, I know.. I really thought, after guessing it right the last two times, that I was getting better at it, guess not.. But, oh well.. As always, I really enjoyed the suspense part!!

Now, we only got one more book left, which makes me very sad, I love this series so much!!
But, I'm incredibly excited for Kye and Fallon, I've been waiting for their book since the beginning!!

༻﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡༺

“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓾𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮, 𝓒𝓱𝓲𝓮𝓯?”

“𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮.”

“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓲𝓻 𝓴𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼.”

“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭, 𝓑𝓵𝓪𝔃𝓮. 𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼.”

“𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮𝓼, 𝔀𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝓪 𝓫𝓻𝓾𝓽𝓪𝓵 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓾𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻. 𝓨𝓸𝓾’𝓿𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓪 𝓯𝓮𝔀 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓵𝔂. 𝓗𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓲𝓽 𝓪𝓵𝓼𝓸 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓴𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝓮.”

“𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓬𝓱𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮.”

𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓭𝓲𝓭𝓷’𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓽 𝓰𝓸. 𝓣𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓭𝓲𝓭, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓷𝓮𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓘. 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓸𝓷 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓱𝓲𝓶. 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝔀𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓴𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰.

”𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓼𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓼 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓼 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻. 𝓛𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮𝓽𝔂. 𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓽𝓮𝓻, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵𝓵𝔂 𝓰𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮.”


.·:*¨ ¨*:·.

I need this book to come quicker!!
My slump refuses to go away completely, I have never read slower 😭 This is my last hope, I need my single daddy Trace asap!!

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars!! 🌟

So glad to be back in Sparrow Falls — this small town truly owns my heart every single time.
💕 Single dad next door.
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine.
🏡 Neighbors to lovers + found family perfection.

Trace & Ellie were EVERYTHING. Like, their dynamic had me hooked from page one. Trace is that classic broody single dad sheriff who pretends he doesn’t need anyone, while Ellie is sunshine but scarred, carrying her own darkness and just wanting a fresh start. And the way she bonded with Keely? 🥹 Ugh, my heart melted into a puddle.

The suspense kept me on edge (Catherine Cowles really never misses on that front), and while yes, I could tell the general vibe of how things would wrap up, I still got hit with twists I didn’t see coming. I literally thought I had the villain pegged… and I was so wrong again 😭. The romance though? The perfect slow build — protective hero + resilient heroine + the most adorable little girl = instant win.

But here’s the thing… if you’ve read my prior reviews of this series, you’ll remember I’ve said it before: all these books follow a very similar recipe. The first 80% feels fresh, then the ending always circles back to the same beats — someone from the past reappears, the FMC gets kidnapped, and the MMC + crew swoop in to save her. It kind of kills the final act excitement when you know what’s coming. The formula makes the big finale predictable, boring & lackluster. This one was a little better though, maybe because I listened on audio (Jason Clarke & Desiree Ketchum did such a great job!) or because I never would’ve guessed the villain. Either way, still solid.

Final thoughts? Trace & Ellie delivered, the suspense kept me guessing, and Sparrow Falls once again gave me that cozy-dangerous mix I crave.

But now for the most important part… THE NEXT BOOK IS FALLON & KYLER. 🫠 I’ve been waiting for them since book one and I’m actually dying. Why do authors always save the most anticipated couple for last?! Ahhh, I need it ASAP.

[Anna reads ;) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fallon and Kye ????? 🥵🥵

[Anila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5⭐️

Catherine Cowles always sucks me in with the tropes in her books, but more than likely I end up being disappointed once I read the last chapter. Why? Because all her books are essentially the same, you just need to interchange the characters’ names. I always go into her books with the hope that the author will surprise me, but out of the five books in the series only the fourth one kind of succeeded.

Trace and Ellie had some cute moments throughout the book. However, they were honestly pretty boring on their own and as a couple. They did nothing for me. Also, the amount of times the word “bestie” was used is a crime. It was super cringey and took me out of the story. I get that Trace has a young daughter and Ellie lived a very sheltered life, but I felt like the writing could have been better because it came off really childish. I’m not even going to talk about the nicknames since I’ve hated on them in all my reviews of this series.

This was still a fine read, but it’s nothing I haven’t read before from the author and I lost interest by the end.

[Lilyya ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2– i think i’m done with CC— stars

I’ve read enough from this author to know they follow a very specific skeleton: change the names, change the town, but the vibe stays the same. that’s not always a bad thing — I actually like familiar dynamics when they’re well done — but this book really pushed the wrong buttons and i’m honestly disappointed because i really was looking for this one seeing as this authors’ single parent books are usually exquisite.

but there’s this recurring “quirky grandma makes sexual comments and the little kid repeats them innocently” bit in this series that the author seems obsessed with, and it’s starting to feel off. In this book, the six-year-old says:

“Daddy, your hands are too big. They always get stuck in the parts,”

and the FMC, whispering to the girl’s dad (with the kid and her mom literally right there), goes,

“That’s what she said.”

and don’t even get me started on the granny giving people illicit substances without their consent, like… why?

It’s not edgy, it’s not clever ; it’s just uncomfortable. I don’t think I’m overreacting for feeling weirded out. using a child as setup for never ending innuendos, even “subtly,” is a choice. and not a great one.

on top of that, the story didn’t bring anything new. predictable, generic, and trying way too hard to be cheeky. I’ve tried a few books in this series now, and I think I’m done..

[sabrina (on vacation🏝️) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 4 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: twisty small town romance
🎶 Song: better days - the goo goo dolls
📖 Favourite Quote: "Thank you for showing me what love could be."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 Final thoughts: do these books have the same formula? yes but I eat it up every time.

In the package:
📦 dark secrets
📦 found family
📦 wounded but strong Heroine

This series is like crack to me. I'm not ready for it to end. These books have the perfect blend of mystery, romance, found family and suspense.

I finally thought I had the mystery figured out and I was wrong, AGAIN. Trace and Ellie's chemistry was adorable and the way he was so gentle with her was 🥹 Loved seeing the moments with Keely as well. I could do without the diamond art scenes, its starting to get repetitive.

I am SO excited for Kye's book, I just know its going to be my favourite 🤭

📚Read if you enjoyed: Devney Perry's books!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knowing who the couple is, this single daddy romance is going to be incredible

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

Chasing Shelter is book five in the Sparrow Falls series by Catherine Cowles. I love the Colson family. This is Trace’s book. In every book of this series, I marvel at the closeness of this family, of how their mother holds them together and loves them so strong. And the text message thread between the siblings always makes me laugh. Of course, I have to mention their crazy grandmother, Lolli, who keeps us all laughing with her crazy antics.



Trace Colson is thirty six years old and is the sheriff of Sparrow Falls. Trace came to live with the Colsons when he was twelve years old. His first twelve years were a nightmare. But his life truly began when he met the Colsons. But, because of the way he life was before, he thrives on order, on rules, on protecting the people he loves, and on caring for his six year old daughter who is the center of his world.



Ellie Pierce is twenty six years old. Ellie grew up in New York with a wealthy, power hungry father who ruled every aspect of her life. She went from there to a fiance who did the same. She finally realized how low she’d allowed herself to sink and wanted the happiness she saw her older brother, Linc had with his fiance in Sparrow Falls. So she broke off her engagement and moved, determined to start fresh, to finally be free and find her happiness. She certainly hadn’t expected to be living right next door to the sexy sheriff and his daughter.



Ellie and Trace are about as opposite as they could be, Ellie all bright colors and chaos, still trying to figure out who she is, and Trace who is all about rules and schedules and order. But when danger finds Ellie, it is Trace who is right by her side, making sure she’s safe while still allowing her the freedom to be who she wants to be.

These two were so perfect for each other. And I always love spending more time with the Colson family. Of course, we were kept on the edge of our seats the further we got into the story, trying to figure out what was going on. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep us guessing as these two navigate their new feelings for each other. The ending had my heart beating like crazy. And the epilogue was so sweet. It’s another great addition to the series. The next book will be Kye and Fallon’s book in Secret Haven.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine kills it no matter what tropes she's writing about, but there's something about a grumpy single dad that just gets me every time. I adored how Ellie was this ray of sunshine, despite her horrible upbringing, and she was someone who could test Trace and pull out his less serious side. Her relationship with his daughter was everything and I love how they bonded over everything bright, fun, and braids. As usual, Catherine also had me hooked with the suspense and I never see the twists or bad guy coming. The found family in this book is everything and she has us SALIVATING for Kye and Fallon's book next! I can't believe this series is almost over, but every single one has been small town suspense perfection!!!

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

This was a wonderful return to Sparrow Falls! I love this cast of characters and any time I spend with them is time well spent!

Trace and Ellie had great chemistry, right from the start. I loved their banter and connection. I also loved how Keeley fit in the story too. She was such a bright ray of sunshine! I just loved her!

I also enjoyed the small things. Like diamond paintings and murals. IYKYK! There was just the right touch od humor to balance some of the suspense.

I especially appreciated how there was some healing with Trace's Ex-wife! I feel like we either see a good relationship or a bad one, there's no in between.

I look forward to whatever comes next, as this series does not disappoint.

This was narrated beautifully by Desiree Ketchum & Jason Clarke. Such a great performance!

4.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale

CW: Abusive ex, domestic violence, abusive parent, kidnapping, violence

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

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

At this point I do think that my continuing to read these books is a form of self harm. I don’t know what exactly I’m expecting every time I pick up one of these, but I can tell you what I get. Soulless garbage with recycled, formulaic, painfully predictable plots that appear to be more interested in shocking the reader than making sense, characters that feel about as real as the cast of love island, and canned, cringey dialogue that generally makes me want to off myself.

I was once a pretty big fan of CC, and occasionally she’ll come out with a banger that will keep me coming back, but I think this book was the straw that broke the camels back. I’m not even sure she’s fully conscious when she’s writing these at this point.

A few random thoughts and observations:
- the nicknames are getting into felony territory. We cannot do this anymore, I will actually crash out
- did CC just learn the word bestie and decide it should for sure be used at minimum 12 times in ever conversation?
- why do authors think that writing an old person side character who says crazy stuff and has no boundaries is the same thing as having a sense of humor? Not everyone has to be funny
-literally every time lolly was in a scene killed something inside of me. I kept thinking to myself what if I die right now and the last thing I experience on earth is reading about this old lady whose literal entire personality is marijuana for some reason? Like I’ll be slowing fading off into the ether as lolly making some weird ass joke about pot brownies and sex toys or some other bull shit plays on a loop in my dwindling consciousness. I deserve better than that.
-I can’t help but think a lot of the issues in this book could have been avoided if at least one of the characters wasn’t a complete f*cking idiot

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been dying to get to Trace's book since book one. I love a grumpy single dad. Both Trace and Ellie carry heavy emotional baggage from their pasts, especially when it comes to their fathers. Moving to Sparrow Falls, Ellie finally feels safe and free. Especially with the sexy sheriff next door. (Or should we call him Chief? 😉)

When their past starts coming around causing trouble, Trace and Ellie get closer as they open up to each other. This makes way for a lot of heartwarming moments, and also funny ones as well. (Trace keeps losing his shirts. Why is there a goat in the backyard? And of course, my favorite, Lolli. I love that woman!)

I loved the friendship between Ellie and Keely. They were adorable together. And of course I love the whole family. The text chains always have me smiling in each book. At the end, we get a peek into Kye and Fallons book, and I can't wait for that to release. I know it is going to make me emotional!)

[kimberly ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

trace and ellie my goodness i loveeeee them! this book is crazy so many twists and turns and people you won’t expect who is the true villain. but the romance in this book is just as good and the mystery so i was happy

[casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s another Catherine Cowles banger, are we even surprised?! 💖

I truly love everything Catherine writes, but her single parent books have the most special place in my heart. She always balances the couple and kid(s) dynamics so well, and the bond between Trace & Ellie & Keely was no exception 🥹

I absolutely adored Trace & Ellie together! I really felt for Ellie and how she was trying to figure out who she wanted to be in the world after all she’d been through. And Trace being the secretly soft grump he is and giving her a safe place to fully be herself and figure things out was just the sweetest 🫶🏼 Their connection and dynamic was so soft and fun — Ellie pushing all his carefully controlled buttons and Trace wanting nothing more than for her to do so for the rest of his life was everything 🤧

To no one’s surprise, I had the best time with yet another Catherine book! I seriously fall more and more in love with the Colsons and Sparrow Falls as the series goes on. I’m sad it’s almost over, but I’m also SOOO EXCITED for everything that’s coming next 🤩

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

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

4.25! classic catherine cowles x single parent romance is truly such an unbeatable pairing!! i fall more and more in love with the colsons & sparrow falls with every book, absolutely adored this one so much :,)

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

the teasers in 'beautiful exile' for this book?!? it's giving 'ashes of you' with a single girl-dad and i'm SEATEDDD!!

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following a troubled breakup, Ellie Pierce moves to Sparrow Falls seeking a new life and the path of her brother, Lincoln. When she meets her new neighbor Trace, the town sheriff and member of the Colson family, she has no idea just how much of a mark he and his daughter will make on her heart.

If you grew up with boy band adoration; if you wore your hair in braids with pretty bows; if you had a treasure trove of unicorns—this, my friends, is your book. The nostalgia factor alone makes this an immediate yes.

As is always the case, the story grabs you immediately. The complex heroine and the broody hero always make for a fun and engaging story; however, in this case, the sparkly six-year-old completely stole the show. Keely was the breath of fresh air the book and series needed to counteract some of the heaviness of Ellie and Trace’s backstories. The bond that eventually forms between Keely and Ellie was so special, and I loved getting to see Trace realize just how much Ellie meant to both him and his daughter.

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

🎧 I love to alternate between the physical/ebook and the audiobook when it comes to CC’s novels. Narrators Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum do a fantastic job bringing both the comedic fun (think sibling text banter) and the drama to Cowles’ already very atmospheric writing, and help to amp up the added emotional component. Both formats are terrific and you cannot go wrong with whichever format you choose.

I know I have said this before, but I am literally on pins and needles waiting for Catherine Cowles to give us the story we have all been waiting for, Fallon and Ky. The good thing is, it’s next up in the series and will serve as the finale. Eeek, I cannot wait.

Read if you like:
▪️romantic suspense
▪️neighbors-to-lovers
▪️single dad
▪️grumpy x sunshine
▪️hilarious group chats
▪️animal rescue
▪️found family
▪️small town


Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥

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

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed with this & I love a single dad trope! I think the sixth book will be my favourite!

[Toribetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like
• the grumpiest single dad vs sunshine FMC
• thriller-ish elements bc romantic suspense
• forced proximity/neighbor trope
• the most over protective MMC (who’s also the town sheriff)

Definitely pick up Chasing Shelter! 🌲🏔️🌧️☀️

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.75 stars)

This book was everything I wanted and more. Honestly, the Sparrow Falls series as a whole is an easy five stars. It’s emotional, heartwarming, suspenseful, and full of found family vibes that just pull you in. I’m not even kidding when I say I want to be adopted by the Colsons. I need to be at one of those chaotic, love-filled family dinners.

Ellie completely stole my heart. She’s finally stepping out of an abusive relationship and trying to rediscover herself. She’s learning to trust again, to live freely, and to figure out who she is without someone trying to control her. Watching her blossom into this strong, vibrant woman was such a beautiful part of the journey. I was rooting for her the entire time.

And then there’s Trace. Swoon. A hot, single dad and a sheriff? The man is a walking romance novel dream. He was fiercely protective but never overbearing. He gave Ellie the space to find her strength while always making it clear that he had her back. The way he saw her, really saw her, was everything.

And the tension between them? So palpable. It’s such a slow burn and absolutely delicious. They kept getting interrupted, which just built the anticipation even more. But when that flame finally hit, it was burning hot. Totally worth the wait.

Keely, his daughter, was sunshine in tiny human form. She brought so much light to the story, and I truly think her bond with Ellie helped heal pieces of Ellie that had been broken for a long time.

Also, can we talk about the random dog and goat duo? Absolutely hilarious and somehow managed to steal the show more than once. And of course, Lollie the grandma had me cracking up. Her antics are always a guaranteed laugh in this series.

The suspense was top-tier too. I had no clue what was coming and found myself gasping at more than one twist. Catherine Cowles does such a great job of building tension and then blindsiding you in the best possible way.

I cannot wait for the next book. My heart is fully invested in this family. Colsons forever. 🫶

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

Chasing Shelter is the 5th book in the Sparrow Falls series, a small town series with romantic suspense vibes that I’ve been loving! This one is small town, grumpy x sunshine, single dad, neighbors to lovers, has “who hurt you?” vibes, found family, and romantic suspense!

This whole series always feels like you’re returning home because the characters are all such a strong family unit and it’s comforting being back in their world. I loved Ellie and Trace’s story in this one! Trace Colson is the sheriff in town and is raising his 6-year old daughter Keely. He gets a new neighbor one day and it’s Ellie, who he already knows because of her dad and the fact that her brother is engaged to his sister (Lincoln and Arden)! Ellie was needing a fresh start, she leave New York and her fiancé behind, and it just so happens that her brother sets her up in a house right next door to the sheriff. We already met Ellie in the previous book and saw a little of what she’s gone through in life and in this one we see how Trace is able to share about his past/childhood as well.

I loved the close proximity with them being neighbors, I loved his daughter Keely and being besties with Ellie, of course we get Lolli and the whole Colson crew appearances, the emotional traumas, and the chemistry between Trace & Ellie! Another fantastic book in the series. The audios for this series are the best, if you’re able to listen to them I highly recommend. This book is narrated by two of my favorite creators, Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum, who both did a fantastic job bringing Trace and Ellie (and Keely too) to life.

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

[ize ‧₊˚ ☁️⋅👼 ‧₊˚ ♡]

dnf 35% he treats her like his six year old child and she acts like a six year old child. i feel weird.

[crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRACE AND ELLIE, ELLIE AND TRACE!!!

Catherine does it once again ! 😭🤍 this book was so so freaking good. The romance, as always, was to die for! The mystery plotline was INSANE! I mean it literally. I was thrown for a freaking loop! Catherine writes romance and mystery like no other! They blend so so well, you can’t help but fall in love with these characters while also dying to find out who is behind all the mysterious things happening!!

I absolutely adored this book and I cannot wait for the next one! 😭🤍

[courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk what she puts in these books but this is my favorite series of the year

[Marissa E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure how Catherine does it but every book in this series just keeps getting better and better!!

I have been dying for Trace’s book since the very beginning! Trace is meticulous, cautious, and a tortured soul with a very dark childhood. He lives his life for his daughter Keely, determined to be the best dad, and nothing like his father. However, there is a fine line of just going through the motions of day to day life and actually enjoying it. Until, Ellie barges into his life, all rainbows and unicorns. Ellie, who you may remember as Linc’s sister has her own dark past. Her father recently went to prison, he was controlling and manipulative. She is getting out of an abusive relationship and determined to learn to stand on her own two feet.

Trace’s daughter absolutely loves Ellie, she’s also slowing breaking through his hard exterior and showing him what love that truly be like. Only outside forces are determined to dig up the past for both of them. When Ellie’s ex is determined to get her back, her father is also determined not to let her move on. She’s getting threatening messages and even attempts on her life. Trace is determined to protect Keely and Ellie even if that means trying to push her away, because it may be someone from his past that is also involved.

This was the perfect romantic suspense, single dad romance, and this series has the absolute best found family. Every single Colson sibling brings something to the table that you can’t help but love! Including the eccentric Lolli, who is my dream grandmother! Keely traces daughter added so much humor to this story, I absolutely adored her!

Thank you so much to Catherine Cowles for the ALC of Chasing Shelter in exchange for my honest review, as always the narrators do a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life!

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh.

This book suffers from my all time, least favorite cliche - the A type, rule following, believer of order and control man meets and immediately falls in love with the wacky, zany leading lady who has no plans for a productive, self sustaining future, lives her life in full color and can’t be bothered with pesky rules, restrictions and reason. And inevitably- HE changes for her and she changes literally nothing because YOLO.

I loathe this cliche storyline. WHY do authors always think the solution to someone who lives with structure and rules is someone who abhors any rigor whatsoever in their life? Homegirl acts like an actual child - painting rainbows in her living room, in her unicorn decal t-shirt. With a splash of glitter. Natch. Anything for her “bestie” - right?

And do NOT get me started on the ridiculous, over the top, overly sexualized grandmother that is Lolli. At this point her entire personality is comprised of dick jokes and smoking weed. It doesn’t make me a prude to say “grow up.” It’s not funny. It’s highly inappropriate and dare I say - non consensual to several people and therefore borderline predatory.

I have loved reading this series despite the rather formulaic pattern each book falls into - so much so that I assume the local hospital has a designated room just for the Colson family and whichever family member or SO gets kidnapped/tied up/shot at. This poor family. If someone isn’t trying to kill them - are they demoted to the kid table at Thanksgiving?

It pains me to say that I will definitely read Kyler and Fallon’s story because we have been working up to this forbidden dance since book one and I enjoy/need closure on this series. Apparently book five was just a long detour I needed to take before ending with that book.

That said - I don’t mind saying the quiet part out loud… Trace, you and all your single father, rule following hotness deserved better.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed a lot of this book. I couldn’t finish the last book either. Just dragged on. Some of these side characters really ruin it for me. Keelys dialogue occasionally made me feel like the author had never interacted with a 6 year old. I completely skipped the parts with Lolli. And I’ve done so for the last couple of books in this series. She’s not funny and unrealistic enough that I almost expect talking animals to pop up.

[Kirstie · Rating 5 out of 5]

god, i’m so in love with trace and ellie. idk what catherine puts in these books but she has me hooked every. single. time.

forever a lolli stan. she’s iconic, she’s legendary, she is the moment.

already losing my mind waiting for fallon and kye’s book 🥵

tropes you can expect:
- grumpy x sunshine
- single dad
- who hurt you
- found family
- mystery/suspense
- small town romance

huge thanks to catherine and her team for the alc 🫶🏼

[Megan Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking back at every CC series: the law man is always my favorite MMC of the series.
With one book to go this theme may continue.

Trace & Ellie
Grumpy x sunshine (extremes) 🌈
Age gap
Single daddy
Keely : love 🎀
Neighbors
Found family

There’s a gremlin dog and a goat.

As always there’s a suspense plot.
That I never can solve 🤣

[Lia Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book and loved getting to know more about Trace. I feel like he is so different from a typical MMC - like yes he’s been through it but his coping mechanisms are completely different and even though he’s on the quiet side/ grumpy side, he always lights up around his daughter.

I loved Ellie’s spunkiness and how she knew when to support Trace and when to push him. I loved her relationship with Keely and Keely’s mom.

Overall I really loved this book, I didn’t see the bad guy coming but I do wish it was a little more intense.

Can’t wait for the next book!

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy Catherine’s work, but I think my Catherine Cowles streak has run its course. I’m starting to struggle with the predictability of her storylines. I’ve read a good majority of her books, and unfortunately, they tend to follow the same formula. Set in a small town, the female lead becomes the target, and the spice hits right around the 50% mark.

Now don’t get me wrong she’s a great writer, and I’ve enjoyed many of her stories. But at this point, I’m craving something different.

For example, Ashes of You (early 2024) featured a sheriff MMC who was also a single dad. Then came All the Missing Pieces (early 2025) with another grumpy sheriff. And now this latest book? You guessed it a sheriff and a single dad. Not to mention, the spicy scenes always land between the 47%-52% mark.

What really gets to me is that every series follows siblings, and their love interests always end up being the target again, in a small town. How many dangerous incidents can one small town realistically have over the span of 5 books per series?

Can we please get different storylines? Maybe a vacation fling, a big city romance, or even an emotional story with no HEA for a change. At this point, I’d take a one-night stand or a firefighter just give me something different.

At the end of the day, I did enjoy this book. But the repetitive setup and execution are why my rating is just average.

As for the FMC, Ellie she had a rough childhood because of her father, and now that she’s free from him, she’s trying to reclaim what she lost. From her hair, to painting rainbows on her wall, to wearing pink and cute clothes it’s her way of recreating what she lost as a child. Unfortunately, it gave me the ick at times, especially when Trace noticed. It just felt a little uncomfortable.

That said, the audiobook narration is brilliant, so I definitely recommend picking it up in that format.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 12hrs 35mins
Narrators: Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Standalone: Book Five In The Sparrow Falls Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Dad, Grumpy Sunshine, Neighbours, Slowburn, MMC Police Sheriff, My Girl, Mine, Cursing, Kidnapping, Blood, Medical Content, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Oral, Office Scene and Toys
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[Huniyah · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

It felt insta-lovey and honestly i didn’t feel any chemistry between them.