Across the Vanishing Sky

Starlight Grove #1

by Catherine Cowles

He spent a lifetime trying to escape his dark past…but to save her, he’ll wade back into the shadows.

Braedyn Winslow never expected to return to Starlight Grove—the town that took everything from her. Not after her best friend, the one who’d sacrificed so much for her, vanished without a trace. But with a young son to raise and a past that won’t stay buried, Brae is back…and determined to uncover the truth.

She just didn’t count on the brooding, reclusive mountain man living next door.

Dex Archer is the stuff of local legend—silent, rugged, and surrounded by whispers of his and his brothers’ violent father. But Brae sees through the scowl and his parentage to the man beneath: fiercely loyal, unexpectedly kind…and just dangerous enough to protect her when someone starts warning her off her search.

The closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to stay away from Dex. And as things get more perilous, Brae realizes the only person she can rely on is the one man who swore never to trust again.

Only someone isn’t happy that Brae has been digging, and they’ll do anything to stop her. But Dex? He’ll do anything to save her, even slip back into the dark…

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Mystery, Suspense

498 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 3, 2026

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 Dex since the moment he was mentioned in the Sparrow Falls series and he didn't disappoint!!
I loved this book so much, the Archer brothers won me over so fast.

After a decade in the FBI, Dex is coming back to Starlight Grove. His father left him and his brothers with a dark legacy, one they still struggle with.. 
Brae and her son are moving to Starlight Grove, the place where her best friend Nova, the only family she had, went missing in a year ago. Brae is determined to find Nova and get the answers she so desperately needs, but living next to a broody, hot hacker is both a blessing and a curse. They don't want to get close, but the more time they spend together uncovering the truth and learning about each other, the harder is to deny those feelings.. But, the danger is closer than they think.. 

I loved Dex so much, it broke my heart seeing him struggle with his demons.. He was strong and loyal, a little grumpy, but so kind and the way he was there for Brae and her son was truly special. He risked so much just to help and he always showed up for her.
Brae was so determined, fiery and brave. She was an amazing mother and even do she lost the one person who was always there for her, she never gave up, didn't lose hope and she fought so hard to find her.. She stood her ground and she saw Dex for who he was, she didn't let him push her away and she was always there for him. Her bond with Owen, her son, was strong and I loved how easily she fit in the Archer family. They embraced her and were there for her when she needed them the most. It made me so emotional seeing the love everybody showed her. 

I absolutely loved the Archer brothers and Waylon. They had such a special bond, one forged in darkness, linked with trauma they never overcame.. My heart hurt for them, they had their way of coping, but they all have scars that will never heal. I love everything they did for others, how close they were and Waylon is such an amazing man, he took them in when no one else would and helped them heal in the best way he could.. I already know that all their stories are going to break me, but Orion's story is going to destroyed me, I'm not surviving that for sure..
I also loved Cora and Aster and the way they supported Brae.

Brae and Dex were absolutely perfect for each other. Their first encounter was hilarious and I loved their banter. I loved the cookies and the hot sauces, the quiet moments and the absolute chaos, the way he was so protective of her, how he took care of her, how she always stood up for him and how she told him what he needed to hear.. I loved the way they were there for each other and how Dex was with Owen. He didn't think he deserved anyone loving him, she didn't think she could trust someone again, so seeing them break down those walls for each other was incredibly special.. And, I have to say, Dex and Yeti were the cutest, it was so funny seeing him being wary of her to her absolutely adoring him.

Honestly, I could write a whole essay, but I really shouldn't, so let's just say I really really enjoyed this. I absolutely adore the way Catherine writes, her books bring such comfort to me and I loved seeing some familiar faces too!!

I, of course, didn't guess the person behind everything.. I was close, like really close, so I'm taking that as a win..

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I might end up loving this series more than the Sparrow Falls one, which I honestly thought was imposible..

P. S. I did find the overuse of bro and bruh and all the slang a little irritating, so I kind of just ignored it..

*Thank you to Netgalley and a huge thank you to Evermore Books UK for providing me with an ARC.*

.·:*¨ ¨*:·.

Ahhhh I'm so happy I got a widget!!!
This is one of my most anticipated releases for next year, so it only feels right for this to be my last read of this year!

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five freaking stars. No notes.

This book wrecked me in the best way. I devoured it in less than 24 hours because I physically could not put it down. I don’t even know how to properly put my obsession into words. Every chapter pulled me deeper, every reveal hit harder, and I was locked in from the very first page.

Set in Starlight Grove, new this town officially owns my heart. Watching Dex, who we first met as a side character in the Sparrow Falls series, finally get his story felt so deserved. Seeing him step out of the background and into a love that was fierce, protective, and just the right amount of possessive had me kicking my feet. And Brae? I adored her instantly. Getting to know her and her sweet son, Owen, and watching this little found family take shape while they worked through grief and healing absolutely wrecked me in the best way.

The twists and turns kept me on edge, the emotional moments hit so hard, and that ending? I am still not okay. Catherine Cowles has me fully hooked, and I am begging for the next book immediately.

[monica ✨ romantasyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day I’ll be able to figure out who the bad guy is!!!!


Full rtc

[Amelia Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Across the Vanishing Sky
Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Starlight Grove #1

What to expect:
*Single mother
*Small town found family
*Missing BFF

Pros:
You guys are not ready for the intense feelings that this book will leave you with. This story is by far my favorite from this author! I cannot wait to continue reading this series!

Small town, found family are two of my favorite tropes. Combine that with a set of brothers that don’t mind crossing the lines between right and wrong, absolute five star read!

Safety:
No OW drama, does have OM drama in the form of a crazy ex-boyfriend and the bad guy of the story. No cheating. No third act breakup.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books for the opportunity to read and review this title!

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters: Braedyn (FMC) & Dex (MMC)

[Zoë Nira · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 Stars)
ARC / ALC review

This is, hands down, one of my favourite Catherine Cowles books.

I already loved Dex from the small parts he played in the Sparrow Falls series, but wow, Catherine truly did him justice in his own book. I love him. Watching him struggle with his inner demons honestly hurt my heart, but what made it even more powerful was that he could talk to Brae about it 🥹. His loyalty, his steadiness, the way he is always there for her, Dex is everything.

The bond between Brae and Dex was just incredible. From the moment they meet, to the boobie cookies, to all the overprotective moments (on both sides), I was fully invested. And “Breathe with me” 🥹, that line alone wrecked me in the best way.

The Archer brothers? Absolutely amazing. I need all their books immediately. No patience left here. My favourite characters are obviously Owen & Skylar (and I will not be taking feedback on this).

There was an underlying tension throughout the entire story that kept me hooked. Is Nova alive? Is Nova dead? I was constantly questioning everything. I had three suspects:
1. Holly > yes, sorry, she was just a bit suspicious
2.Sheriff Miller > after he thwarted everything? Definitely suspicious (and rightfully so), though not our perpetrator
3. Vincent > too obvious, but still a possibility… and ultimately an extra villain

And yet again, Catherine Cowles managed to surprise me. I didn’t guess it. After/during the big plot reveal, the book briefly dipped to 4.75 stars because I thought maybe not all my wishes were fulfilled… but NOTHING could be further from the truth. Everything I wanted, I got and more. I absolutely cannot wait for Into the Vading Twilight.

Also, the audiobook? Perfection with all the narrators!!!

I could talk about how much I loved this book for days…

Before I end this review, I need to scream about one thing: THE WILD SIDE CAMEO?!?!?! I WAS NOT OKAY.

“Dude, are you guys wrestling? I wanna tap in. Who’s your favourite wrestler? Mine’s Wild Side. He’s the freaking dopest.”

Favourite quotes (because there are too many):
“Feel that life here. Like butterfly wings. Wonder if that butterfly would take flight if I kissed you.”

“I’ll handle cleanup. You get the kiddo.”

“We’re claiming you, Hellion. You belong with us now.”

“If you ever come at Owen again, I’ll let Sky do her worst, and I’ll make sure every secret you have is posted to your Snapchat weekly. I can do it. I used to hack computers for the FBI.”

“We, Hellion. You’re not in this alone. And in case it’s been lost on you, it’s not just me who has your back. You’ve won over the Archers one by one. We’ve all got your back.”

“Taking care of my girl. Because it’s a bloody privilege. Don’t steal that from me.”

[Karly · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.25/5) arc review in progress!

[Anastasia ⋆｡☽˚｡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

[Jen ♥]

the single mom trope sold me 🤭

[lucialeelibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

this freaking book was one of the most FUCKING PERFECT thing I've read.

If someone had ever told me I’d read a book where the plot includes mystery, murder, missing people and an insanely good romance… I would’ve laughed in their face. Because anyone who truly knows me knows I’m not a thriller girl, not a mystery fan, and I hate anything that leaves me drowning in suspense. But heywe’re trying new things. Growth. Character development. And here I am, writing a review for the undisputed queen of romantic suspense: Catherine Cowles.

Huge thanks to Bloom Books, NetGalley, and our author for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Across the Vanishing Sky, book one in this brand-new series that already has me fully hooked.

Welcome to Starlight Grove, a small town where everyone knows everyone, everyone smiles… and everyone is hiding something. This is home to a very particular family: the Archer brothers. They’re infamous, not because of anything they’ve done, but because of the shadow they live under. Their father was one of the most notorious serial killers in the area, and the town has never let his children forget it.

This book follows the second of the five brothers: Dex Archer. Morally questionable, arrested at 21 by the FBI for hacking, and forced to work with them for ten years as part of his sentence. He is very, and I mean VERY attractive and wears glasses. Glasses. The kind that lower your blood pressure and raise everything else (literally). Dex is incredible. He’s broken, haunted by his demons, and permanently grumpy. He’s strong, loyal, closed-off… until he meets Brae. From that moment on, something shifts. Her determination and strength bring out a side of Dex that even his brothers start questioning. If you asked the women in the book to describe him physically, Aster would say it best: "Did you say Dex? Glasses? The guy whose hotness is only matched by his grumpiness?”
I love her. And yes I fully agree.

Now let’s talk about Brae, she is a WARRIOR. A strong, determined woman with one goal: finding her missing best friend—her chosen sister. She’s a single mom who moves to Starlight Grove to track down any clue related to Nova, or Supernova as her son Owen calls her. Owen, an 8-year-old sweetheart, wears glasses, is obsessed with Yeti (their search-and-rescue dog trained for trails and open terrain), loves coding and programming, and has a very obvious crush on their neighbor, Dex. What I love most about Brae? Her determination. Nothing and no one stops her. And because of her kindness, honesty, and transparency, the entire town is willing to help her. When someone fights with that much heart, people show up.

The relationship between Brae and Dex was fantastic. Not forced. Not rushed. It unfolded exactly how it should have. They found each other when they needed it most and became the missing piece that helped pull the other back from the wrong path. Through oddly shaped cookies, hot sauces, quiet moments, and fierce protection, Dex was the first person who didn’t hesitate who risked everything to help her. And Brae? She never cared where he came from. She shut down anyone who tried to judge him. To her, Dex is everything not his father’s sins, not his past, just him.Dex and Owen connected instantly. From the very first moment, it felt natural and sweet. And Yeti? Completely obsessed with Dex. Their scenes together are hilarious and bring much-needed lightness to the darker moments of the story.

And we have to talk about the Archer brothers, because they are essential:
- Wylder, the oldest — The Profiler.
- Dex, the second — The Hacker.
- Kol, the third — The Tracker.
- Orion, the fourth — The Mapmaker.
- And Maverick, the youngest — the most unhinged and chaotic one of all.
They all play a role, but let’s be real the one who has me in a chokehold already is Orion. Quiet. Watchful. Mysterious. I like them exactly like that.

And now the most important question: Did I figure out who the villain was? I THOUGHT I DID. But when the reveal finally happened… I was shocked. I never suspected that person not even once. And I loved that. The mystery was done right.

So yes. I’m officially on this bus!! I want more Catherine Cowles and absolutely more of this series.

[BookshelfNumberNineteen · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ Across the Vanishing Sky | Catherine Cowles ~

🩷 Single Mum
🩶 Morally Grey Hero
🩷 Neighbours to Lovers
🩶 Grumpy only for Her
🩷 Who Hurt You?
🩶 Suspense & Mystery
🩷 Small Town & Found Family

What an absolutely astounding introduction to Starlight Grove!

Catherine Cowles has delivered a gritty & edgy yet also emotional & entertaining series opener, with her new book “Across the Vanishing Sky”

The back story for the Archer brothers, the reason Brae has returned to Starlight Grove, the family dynamics, the small town, the tension, the suspense filled plot and of course the love story…. Everything absolutely HITS. THE. SPOT! And that ending, my heart actually aches!

I’m not sure Dex & Braedyn’s first encounter could be classed as a “meet cute” but it sure was revealing! Then later in the book we get a perfectly placed “Fuck it” moment followed by “tell me to stop”…. Catherine played an absolute ace with those 4 words! Transporting Dex fully into sexy book boyfriend territory!

As Dex and Brae battle the darkness and navigate their guilt, loneliness, and trust issues, Catherine infuses their story with light. With pockets of joy, witty one liners, family group chats, entertaining kids and fun family members (Hello Uncle Waylon!) Watching Dex & Brae begin to heal together and form a deep connection is truly something special.

Thank you Evermore for providing me an eARC of Across the Vanishing Sky, I’m so excited to see others reactions to this much anticipated book! It was a pleasure to dive in early!

[Gianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not crying, you are 😭

Wow, from start to finish this was interesting, heartwarming & suspenseful.

And oh can’t go wrong with an MMC with glasses, is a hacker, and protective as heck…yes please.

[Chelsea Mansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across the Vanishing Sky eARC Review 🌌

4.5 ⭐️

Welcome to Starlight Grove and what a way to start a new series 👏🏻😍

I am absolutely convinced Catherine cannot write a bad book. This book had everything you could want in a romantic suspense and now I am frothing at the mouth for the rest of the series 🤭🙌🏻

Dex, Brae, Owen and Yeti have my entire heart.

What a beautiful story about love, loss, overcoming struggles, and learning to trust again. Catherine’s writing is always magical and this story sucked me in from the very beginning. Her books are like true crime but the romance version with a happily ever after and I’ll never get enough.

I loved the Archer brothers and their dynamic. Their group chats were the best and I cannot wait for each and every one of their stories.

What to expect:
💗 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭/𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭
💗 𝐇𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞
💗 𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐲/𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞
💗 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
💗 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮?
💗 𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐲 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫
💗 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦
💗 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨
💗 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲
💗 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧
💗 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨
💗 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭

Thank you so much Catherine, Bloom & NetGalley for the arc!

[BeautyAndTheBooks]

Now that the Sparrow Falls series is concluded I need this book yesterday.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re everything that isn’t cold. You’re warmth. You’re fire. You’re life.”

Wow, I think I’m speechless after finishing… this was incredible!!! I was so nervous to dive into a new series because I thought nothing would ever even come close to how much I loved Sparrow Falls, but I’m here to tell you that Starlight Grove might have just clinched the number one spot!!

Something Catherine does so beautifully in her books is the found family, and this one was so well done. I absolutely loved getting to know Dex and all of his brothers. But more than that I love how even though they were all closed off they welcomed Brae into their family and truly made her and Owen feel at home. Dex and Brae had such a sweet love story where the trust and admiration for each other was bone deep. I absolutely loved getting to see Dex fit in perfectly with Brae and Owen and Yeti, together they made the sweetest little fam 🥹

I am so excited that we will get to return to Starlight Grove and get to know each brother even more as we follow each of their stories, I just know it’s going to be so good!! I also loved the crossover from all of the Catherine world! We got cameos from Anson (Sparrow Falls) Ridley (All the missing pieces) and Lolli (Sparrow Falls). I was literally screaming every time this happened because it was so exciting to see all of these books coexist in the same world.

Now for the suspense part, I really thought I had it figured out. News flash I was not even close 😂 I will say the last 20% of this book had my heart rate extra elevated and stressed like crazy because so much was happening. I do think it’s worth noting the crimes and suspense in this book are a little bit darker than I’ve read before in Catherine’s books, so just be mindful of that.

Overall, this book exceeded all of my expectations and I am just so giddy that we are getting to start over with a new series and a new family to follow!! 100/10 you must read!!

[Sarah | Sarahs.BookCorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

✩4.25

✦What to Expect✦
•Hurt/comfort
•Hate to love
•Grumpy x sunshine
•Neighbors to lovers
•Hacker Hero
•Found family
•Morally gray hero
•Single mom
•Grumpy only for her
•Who hurt you?
•Small town
•Bigfoot
•Romantic suspense

✦Characters✦
•Braedyn Winslow
•Dex Archer

✦Fav Quotes✦
“It’s like you understood me before we even met.”

“Tell me how you feel.”
“Like I’m coming back to life.”

“I’m with you. You aren’t alone. You never will be.”

“I love you.”
“I trust you,”

✦Thoughts✦
I knew Dex was going to be good, but dammmm sirr🥵🥵

I was hooked right away with this story and wanted to know what happened to Nova!

Brae is a little baddie and fearless and I loved that!!! I love her determination and how she refused to give up hope. Also Yeti omgggg I love a good pup. Give that dog all the treats!!!

I went through a roller coaster of emotions during that ending omg!!!! Was on the edge of my seat with those twists & reveals!!!

The Archer brothers 😮‍💨😮‍💨 oh I am obsessed! I can’t wait for each of their books!
I love their relationship and banter as a family!

✦Micro-Tropes✦
•F it

•ARC Read•

✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves 6 stars!

Narration by Samantha Brentmoor & Jason Clarke, and boy did these two do a fantastic job for Dec and Brae!!

How is it possible that Catherine continues to write books that make me fall more in love than the last?! Book 1 in the new Starlight Grove series, but I have been waiting to get to know Dex since sparrow falls!!

This one did not let me down!! I was pulled in so fast by this town and these characters! The perfect romantic suspense that made me swoon, but kept me on my toes! The tension, the mystery, the absolute masterpiece this was!! I did not guess that twist and things they faced had my jaw on the floor!!

Dex’s character won me over from the beginning, but watching him deal with his demons was such a heart tugging thing. His protectiveness over Brae & Owen was just everything!! Brae was the best FMC & someone you definitely want in your corner. Fierce, strong willed, and so loveable!! The whole Archer crew is a yes for me!! I’m so ready for more from these brothers!! & I cannot forget these hilarious kids in this book!! Absolutely cackling at their dialogue and the things they had to say!

Overall just a fantastic read and another knock out of the park by Catherine!! I am so ready to get back to Starlight Grove for the next book!!

Thank you Catherine Cowles & team for this opportunity!!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AMAZING start to a new series by one of my favorite authors ever & I already know this series is going to be a favorite of mine & NEXT LEVEL.

We finally get SEXY HACKER DEXY’S STORYYYY & it’s a freaking gooood one. He is one of five siblings and his father also happened to be one of the worst serial killers around!! We get a brother group chat, we get found family, so many cute animals & of course, another mystery!!!

Brae is a single mom (to one of the sweetest little boys ever) who a year prior, visited the small town of starlight grove with her bestie & then her best friend nova disappeared without a trace… Now she’s back & officially moved to said small town to figure out what the heck happened to her & SHE ISNT GIVING UP. I love her & her drive & humor ugh she’s the best. Last thing she expected was her hot next door neighbor to wiggle his way past her walls & into her heart!! SWOOOOON!!

The audio was so good & I am sooooo excited for the rest of the series 🤭🥵🫶

Type: physical/audio
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
Neighbors to lovers
Small town
Found family
Single mom
Who hurt you
Grumpy x sunshine
Romantic suspense

[Catherine Cowles]

🗻Across the Vanishing Sky E-Book Cover Reveal🗻
I am so excited to bring you the-book cover for Across the Vanishing Sky, book one in my brand new series, Starlight Grove! Brea and Dex could not be more perfect on this dreamy pink cover and I am obsessed!
I am so excited to bring you to a brand new town following five brothers who were raised by a serial killer! Give me all the trauma 😆 Up first is our morally gray hacker, Dex, and he falls for the single mom next door!
You can pre-order your copy now! https://geni.us/VnshngAmzn

[Delaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tension. The mystery. The romance. Top tier. I absolutely adore this new town that Catherine Cowles has brought us to and I CANNOT WAIT for more stories set here. This is a fantastic start to the world and I loved every minute. I know the next book will be even more amazing! Loved seeing characters from previous books make small appearances here, also. Highly recommend the read!

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC RTC!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨
Thank you to Read Bloom, NetGalley, and especially Catherine Cowles for the opportunity to read this masterpiece.

I have been intrigued by Dex since we first met him in Sparrow Falls. Truly, no one writes small-town romantic suspense better than Catherine Cowles. I was hooked from the prologue; every single character was written beautifully. The banter between Brae and Dex is top-tier right from the start. I loved the "found family" aspect and seeing how close the brothers are, especially given everything they’ve endured (and the hot sauces!).

Once again, I thought I knew exactly where the plot twists were going—I was only half right! As always, the suspense leaves your heart on the floor.

I especially adore how Owen and Skylar had such amazing personalities; they felt like a true part of the story, not just side characters. There were so many moments where Owen made me smile or shed a tear. Who am I kidding? They all made me feel everything! All of the brothers had me alternating between grinning and crying.

This book was the perfect setup for the Starlight Grove series. I am so excited for the rest of the brothers’ stories, especially Kol and Orion.

The ending was absolutely perfect—one of the best conclusions I’ve read in a long time—and yes, my emotional self definitely cried.

I highly recommend this book. It is truly a story about hope, never giving up, and finding the light within yourself.

I cannot wait for the rest of the brothers books. thank you again for the ARC for my honest review. ❤️

"You made me feel unafraid. For the first time in forever. You made me okay with who I am."

"It's not going to change what I think about you, buttercup. You're still my hot, unhinged neighbour who has perfected a scowl and glower that could freeze water in the Sahara."

"It's like you understood me before we even met."

What to Expect:
🏔️ Small Town Suspense
🩷Single Mom
🩷 Found Family
🩷Who hurt you?

[AOKayy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Bloom Books, and Catherine Cowles for the ARC of Across the Vanishing Sky.

Publication Date: March 3, 2026
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

I was completely blown away by this book. If you love romance woven with mystery and thriller elements, add this to your TBR immediately!!

The story opens with best friends Braeydn and Nova on a hiking trip until Nova vanishes without a trace. A year later, Braeydn moves to Starlight Grove, the town where Nova disappeared, determined to uncover the truth. Not long after arriving, she clashes with her grumpy hot neighbor. Dex is a member of the Archer family who have long been shadowed by the fact their dad was an accused serial killer.

Without giving too much away (and trust me, there’s a lot to unravel), this story delivers the perfect blend of romance and suspense. It has found family, genuinely chilling moments, and an ending that both shocks and breaks your heart. I also found myself laughing out loud more than once - the dynamic between the Archer brothers, the apology cookies, and the nicknames! So funny!

The reason this was not a 5 star read for me was the pacing of the ending. After such a detailed and immersive story, the final chapter felt rushed, quickly transitioning into an epilogue set three months later. It almost seemed to gloss over the aftermath of everything that happened. That said, knowing this is part of a series, I’m hopeful the next installment will expand on those lingering threads and give the conclusion more space to breathe.

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved this one. Catherine Cowles truly is the queen of romantic suspense, and somehow she just keeps getting better. This might honestly be my favorite of hers yet.

From the very beginning I was hooked. The suspense had me completely locked in, but it was the emotion and the yearning that really did me in. Catherine has this way of writing characters that feel real. You don’t just read about them, you ache with them.

Dex Archer. That man. The broody, reclusive mountain man vibe mixed with fierce loyalty and quiet protectiveness? Absolutely everything. And watching him slowly let Brae in while danger closed in around them had me turning pages way too late into the night. The tension between them was perfect, and when things escalated, I felt every second of it.

I also loved getting to know his brothers. The glimpses we got have me so excited for their stories because if they are anything like Dex, we are in for something special.

The suspense kept me guessing, the romance made my heart squeeze, and the emotional depth reminded me exactly why I love Catherine’s books so much. This one is going straight onto my favorites shelf. Thanks to the author for the arc and the ALC the audiobook was amazing with a full cast!!!

[Shénagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles.

This was such a solid romantic suspense read for me. Small town setting, single mum returning home, a missing best friend mystery hanging over everything and I was hooked straight away. The suspense definitely kept me turning the pages, and there were a couple of moments that genuinely surprised me.

Dex was peak broody, protective energy (which I will never complain about), and I loved the slow build between him and Braedyn. The found family vibes and the way he softened around her and her son? Adorable.

The only reason it’s four stars instead of five is that a few elements felt a little familiar for the genre it is, but honestly, that didn’t stop me from flying through it.

If you love small-town romance with a strong suspense thread and a protective MMC, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Becca Santavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive! This was the easiest 5 ⭐ this year. The story instantly got you hooked in the prologue. Dex and Brae were so perfect for each. I loved the found family that Brae and Owen ended up with Dex and his family. Dex has such a protective personality and I loved everything about him. I tandem read and listened to the audiobook. The narrators were fantastic! I loved Samantha Brentmoor as Brae and Jason Clark as Dex they did a fantastic job. I am also excited for the next books in the series if the narrators for the brothers are staying the same as in this book. I am so grateful for the early copay of this book from Catherine and her teamm I will definitely be recommending it.

[hailee]

physical arc currently en route to my apartment and i am very excited

[charisse ♡]

preread: the way i have the arc in my hands rn... literally screaming

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5 | 🌶 3

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ
✧ grumpy x sunshine
✧ single mom
✧ found family
✧ small town
✧ morally gray hero

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ
i’ll start by saying, if this isn’t on your radar, i needs to be added immediately.

i have so much to say about this one but ‘wow’ does a pretty good job of summarizing it. i made a point to put together a list of ‘theories’ while i read & am actually really happy to report that i was wrong about absolutely all of them. there is nothing better than being taken down a bunch of different paths, thinking you’ve figured it out… only to realize you’ve been cleverly misdirected time & time again. the suspense in this book was next level - while it hit its major peak in the back half of the book, little breadcrumbs were woven in throughout, making it a book i truly could not put down.

the characters were honestly perfection. dex & brae’s romance was the kind of believable slow burn you crave in a romance. i loved watching both characters learn more about each other & start to earn each other’s trust as things unfolded. brae was such a ray of sunshine despite all the suffering she’s working through & she is a rockstar of a single mom to owen. there were actually a few parenting lessons/quotes i highlighted as i was reading because i just thought she handled some of the situations so well. dex was the perfect amount of grumpy to balance her out. although he was truly only grumpy when it came to brae, i loved seeing the small glimpses of softness peek through. his character had so many levels that it was fun peeling them back to learn more about him. we also love a protective mmc who wears glasses & has questionable morals when it comes to bending the law to help others.

oftentimes, the first book in a series is a little slower & takes a minute to process because there are so many characters to introduce & backstories to begin building. i did not feel that at all with this book. the author did such a perfect job weaving in the other brothers & side characters without taking away from dex & brae. the archer brothers’ father was a serial killer - but after 400 pages i still couldn’t tell you what he did in detail or properly explain the fall out for the family. she did such an amazing job making sure that each brother gets the opportunity to tell their own story & explain how their father’s actions impacted them - which is just perfection. i absolutely cannot wait to keep reading.

this book was genuine perfection. the pacing, the character development, the cameos & the suspense all made it impossible to put down. consider me hooked on the starlight grove series - i will be (im)patiently waiting for book 2.

[Erin (erinsreadingroom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ 4 stars

Across the Vanishing Sky is the first instalment in the Starlight Grove series by author Catherine Cowles. Not only is Cowles an auto-buy author of mine but she is also an auto-read author. No matter what I’m doing and what book I’m reading… I immediately want to abandon it all the second I get a new book by her in my hands. There’s just something so special about finding an author that you just know that you will enjoy no matter what the context and this newest instalment is yet another shining example of this sentiment. Across the Vanishing Sky had me in its clutches from the very first page (like always) and I had the absolute best time playing detective as I anxiously tried to anticipate who the villain was before the big reveal. Unsurprisingly I failed. Again. The big reveal genuinely duped me and had my jaw on the floor in shock. The pacing of the plot felt steady in its build up towards the emotional end and I read the book in its entirety in one sitting with ease. Author Catherine Cowles knows how to allure her readers into an emotionally compelling tale filled with love, loss and family. The suspense elements adds something invigorating that you wouldn’t otherwise find in a standard romance story… and I’m making it a challenge to guess at least one of the villains correctly throughout this new series. Just once. That’s all I ask to feel successful.

Braedyn Winslow snatched my heart out of my chest from the very moment she was introduced and I only continued to fall in-love with her on a deeper level as the plot continued to progress. Selfless, empathetic and driven are only some of the many positive attributes that I greatly credit to Brae’s character which you see come into play time and again throughout her journey. My heart broke as her past was discussed and it became clear just how truly alone she has felt in raising her son as a single mother with nobody but her soul sister to rely on. The devastation and loss that she felt in the aftermath of her best friend’s disappearance nearly broke me, however I also felt nothing but pride in her refusal to give up on Nova no matter how many doors were slammed in her face. Braedyn knows who she is at her core and she knows that giving up on the small number of people that she loves is not what she stands for. I really respected that no matter the outcome of Nova’s disappearance… all Brae wanted was to be able to finally have answers and to give Nova the peace that she deserves in life and in death. Braedyn’s commitment to the people she loves in unparalleled and it’s very clear that there is no line that she will not cross in their defence. Her ability to still find light and joy within a world that had been proven to be unkind to her was commendable, and she truly made it so easy to root for her success. I adored every aspect of Brae’s character and it was emotional to witness just how seamlessly the Archer family enveloped her and her son into their dynamic. Brae and Owen were the missing pieces that the Archer’s didn’t realising that they were missing… and I cannot wait to see this family continue to grow and evolve as the series continues.

Dex Archer has been my favourite mystery that I have felt eager to unravel after being introduced to his character through numerous cameos and mentions in Cowles other works… and it’s safe to say that he has not disappointed in the end. A decade of working in service for the FBI in lieu of facing time in prison for his actions as a hacker has made a visible impact on Dex. It honestly gutted me to see the weight of the blame and burden that both he and his brothers carry upon their shoulders on behalf of a horrid man that deserve no secondary thought. It broke my heart to see the small-minded community of Starlight Grove continue to regard the Archer family with wariness and distrust when they themselves have done nothing to deserve it. I found his grumpy demeanour hilarious as this seemed to be something that only Brae could bring to the surface, and I loved getting to see how their interactions evolved into comfortable banter that helped build their relationship forward. Dex is a caretaker to his core and I really valued the insight that we are granted into the depths of the bonds that he shares with his family. Beneath the surface is a loving and gentle man who is struggling to believe that he is deserving to see that love reciprocated which never failed to make my heart hurt on his behalf. I loved getting to understand Dex on a vulnerable level as he slowly begins to let down his walls and learns how to begin trusting people again. Getting to see his character begin to thrive with time and patience was a reward within itself, and it was the best feeling getting to witness this once reclusive man begin to open himself up to what his life could be should he feel brave enough to reveal his vulnerabilities and fight for it.

If there’s anything you can rely on author Catherine Cowles to deliver on… it’s a fun introduction between the two main characters that will leave you smiling and shaking your head in disbelief. The introduction between Braedyn and Dex was no different as it involved a misunderstanding regarding home keys, accidental indecent exposure and the threat of pepper spray. I loved the way that their relationship gradually progressed as both characters really seemed to prioritise taking their time to know and understand one another first. Brae and Dex are two deeply broken and mistrustful people that have had to work really hard to be open and expose the deepest vulnerabilities that they’ve worked so hard to shove down. The trust and friendship that they worked to earn was the perfect foundation to build their budding romantic relationship upon. I adored the simplicity of their bond in the way that they presented themselves at face value with the acceptance that who they are is enough. Dex and Brae’s relationship felt well-balanced with the soft and intimate moments paired the searing intensity that will fanning you face and kicking your feet. Their refusal to stay stagnant and the way that they continued to push and challenge one another for the better was very well executed and helped to showcase that relationship is a true partnership that is made to last. My favourite aspect to their relationship is definitely a credit to Dex’s bond with Brae’s son and the way that he continued to ensure that his presence in Owen’s life was welcomed. It was the most rewarding experience getting to witness Dex and Brae find love and safety within one another as they showed maturity in their ability to communicate and lean upon one another for support. I adored their bond from start-to-finish and I couldn’t be happier with the heartwarming conclusion to their story.

Across the Vanishing Sky acted as a solid introduction and indication in what we can expect from the remainder of the Starlight Grove series. I adored the introduction to the Archer brothers as I already feel like I have a solid understanding on their characters and the bond that they share as a family. The trauma that they carry breaks my heart and it makes me sad to see how long they’ve been carrying the weight and blame of a man that doesn’t deserve so much as an afterthought. I cannot wait to see every member of this family learn how to unravel their pain and witness them fight for the happy ending that they have long deserved. I really enjoyed the several 'easter egg' moments that are planted throughout this story which makes me hope that I already have an idea on at least three couples to expect in future instalments to this series. I couldn't be more excited for the recent announcement that the next instalment will be centred around our resident single daddy Kol… and don’t think I didn’t notice that the blurb provides no indicator on who his love interest is. If it’s who I think it is then I’m going to screech in excitement, and I’m so grateful that we only have to wait until July 2026 for the release of Into the Fading Twilight. There was also some really fun cameos from characters in both the Sparrow Falls series and All the Missing Pieces which I adored as they remain amongst my favourite titles by this author, and I’m looking forward to seeing if we get to see any more fun drop-ins throughout the remainder of the series.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m not growling at you. I’m growling at whoever f*cking dared to put their hands on you.”

Welcome to Starlight Grove... another small town that Catherine Cowles will put through the ringer for our enjoyment 😂

So far I have yet to guess the twist in any of Catherine's book... and the streak kept going for this story as well 🤭 and if you are missing Sparrow Falls, this book will do the trick.

I won't give anything away, but we finally get to see more of Dex who we only got crumbs of in Sparrow Falls. He is the grumpy neighbour to Brae who is new in town. She and her son moved to Starlight Grove to continue the search for her missing best friend who dissappeared a year ago during a hike. Dex reluctantly starts to help her with her search and well you have to read to find out whodunnit don't you!

Pick this up if you like:
🥾 Neighbours to lovers
💻 He is a hacker
🥾 She is a single mom
💻 Grumpy for her only
🥾 Grumpy x Sunshine
💻 Found family

Would I recommend this to a friend? Yessss 🩷🩷🩷 I literally can not wait for book 2 as I am pretty sure I know who the next couple is and I NEED their story like yesterday.

Thank you to Catherine Cowles and Evermore UK for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.