She's known nothing but darkness for 413 days…but he'll burn down the world to save her.
After a year in captivity, Nova Monroe is back in Starlight Grove—but she's not the same woman who vanished. She lives on the edge, chases adrenaline, and refuses to be caged again. Cliff diving. Mountain biking. Anything to feel alive and outrun the memories clawing at her.
But the single dad with shadows of his own won't let her face it alone. Especially when she finds herself needing a place to stay.
Kol Archer has made it his mission to protect her. As a Forest Service investigator, he's no stranger to rugged terrain or battling for control. But nothing prepared him for Nova—her fire, her fight, the way she makes him feel something he thought was lost.
The closer they get, the more dangerous things become. Someone doesn't want Nova to move on. And Kol is determined to stop them—no matter the cost.
Because for the first time in forever, Nova's not just surviving. She's learning how to live, how to trust, and reminding Kol he can, too. But as darkness looms, the truth could destroy them both…
Into the Fading Twilight is a single dad, roommates-to-lovers, small-town romance about a woman starting over and a man who will do anything to keep her safe. This book can be listened to as a stand-alone.
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.
I was so excited for Nova and Kol's story. Kol was my favourite brother alongside Orion, and I was desperate to finally get Nova's story too. Catherine Cowles absolutely nailed it for me. She didn't shy away from either Nova or Kol's trauma, and the way she brought them together was beautifully done.
I flew through this book in just a couple of hours because I genuinely couldn't put it down. The relationship development was a solid 10/10 for me and the pacing, plot and writing had me hooked. I definitely need to go back and read more of Catherine Cowles' books now.
I'm also two for two when it comes to guessing the 'villain', although I did doubt myself for a moment there - excellent plot twist! My only small gripe is that once Nova and Kol finally got together everything felt very full speed ahead from that point on.
Can't wait for Mav and Aster's book although sad we won't be getting Orion's book yet! But absolutely love the Archer family and how they all had a part in supporting Nova.
I received an advanced reading copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Honestly, every book Catherine Cowles writes is somehow better than the last, and Into the Fading Twilight is no exception.
This story was packed with trauma, grief, healing, and learning how to grow through it all together, which is something I absolutely gobble up in my romances. The emotional depth of this book had me completely invested from beginning to end.
Kol is the absolute epitome of down bad. This man would do anything to make Nova feel safe, not only in her home and in their town, but also in her own skin. The way he loved her so fiercely and patiently had me swooning.
And Nova? She is an absolute badass. After everything she’s been through, her strength and resilience were incredible to witness. I wanted nothing but happiness for her.
As for the suspense, I was convinced I had figured out who was behind it all… and, dammit, I was completely wrong. At this point, if I ever correctly guess the culprit in one of Catherine Cowles’s books, I honestly feel like I deserve a gold trophy.
This book gave me all the feels, kept me on the edge of my seat, and reminded me exactly why Catherine Cowles remains one of my auto-buy authors.
What you can expect: — Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense — First Person X Dual POV — Grumpy X Sunshine — Single Dad — Roommates-To-Lovers — Forbidden Romance — ‘Touch Her And Die’ — Trauma & Healing — Found Family
Into the Fading Twilight is the second instalment in the Starlight Grove series by author Catherine Cowles. As somebody that has read and loved her entire backlog (all 30+ books) I don’t mean it lightly when I say that this is not only my current favourite book of this series… but also my favourite Catherine Cowles book to-date. This story ticked every single checkbox and expectation that I had from the moment that I realised who the featured couple of the book would be during my read of Across the Vanishing Sky. The writing was immersive, the pacing was perfectly balanced between the romance and suspense elements, and the development of the characters felt perfectly executed with great emotional impact. The exploration of trauma, PTSD and survivor’s guilt was written to perfection in the way that Cowles refused to undermine the severity of these circumstances for not only on the victim, but also on the community of people that love them. The family bonds, both by blood and by choice, are one of this series’ greatest strengths and I adore the way that the Archer family all stick together in love and protection of one another. Into the Fading Twilight felt unputdownable from the very first page and I dreaded the moment I was forced to come up for air in-lieu of my adult responsibilities. This is a must-read for both new and returning fans of the romantic suspense genre that love a single dad, grumpy/sunshine and forbidden romance dynamic.
Nova Monroe… oh how my heart has been breaking for you since before the very first page in the prologue. My heart first shattered at the end of book one when she was believed to be dead… only for the tattered pieces to be hastily stitched back together with the revelation that she was in-fact alive and holding onto life. However those threads have since continued to unravel throughout her story progression as I have found myself on the precipice of tears on multiple occasions as a result of her trauma and the way this has shaped her as a person. My absolute favourite aspect to Nova’s story is the way that her healing journey isn't rushed nor is it linear. It's messy, vulnerable and at times uncomfortable to read about in the way that she struggles to recognise who she is after her ordeal. It’s about taking two steps forward just to suddenly find yourself taking four steps back. I adore that her story is a direct continuation of the events throughout Across the Vanishing Sky as I feel like I’ve truly been given the opportunity to fully grasp and understand Nova’s journey from beginning-to-end. I will forever be in awe of the strength that she manages to pull from within herself in her refusal to lay down and give up. Nova is a woman that has looked darkness in the eye and has fought to see its beauty no matter how isolated she became. The way she strives to live as much of a normal life in her discovery to figure out who she is as a person after everything was commendable. Nova’s resilience and determination to not just survive, but live, is awe-inspiring and makes for a compelling journey to follow her on. It was everything to me in getting to see Nova work through her trauma within her own way and on her own terms. Most of all… I loved that her journey wasn’t ’over’ by the end of her story. Nova progressed immensely in her path towards healing throughout the book, however it becomes clear in the end that she still has ways to go which felt honest and realistic. Nova is a beautifully complex and established character that I have loved every moment getting to know on a much deeper level, and I am looking forward to any cameos she will have throughout the duration of this series.
Kol Archer is the grumpy single dad of all of our dreams (don’t even try to deny it) and I loved getting the opportunity to understand his character and trauma on a much deeper, more intimate level. He really surprised me with just how soft and tender he is and the way that he’s unafraid to love his people loudly. Kol is still gruff and broody at times, and yet still his devotion for his loved ones is unmatched. I loved getting to explore those individual connections through his own POV and to see how he interacts differently with each person. However it also became clear to me very quickly just how much weight Kol carries on his shoulders. The misplaced guilt and responsibility for the events of his past broke my heart in the way that he holds himself back from living a full life in some twisted form of atonement that not his to pay. He lives for others rather than himself so I was thrilled to see Kol learn how to reach for what he wanted without factoring in the needs of others. Kol is a kind, emphatic and gentle man that is capable of so much love and light to the people that matter. I understood why he was afraid to let outsiders into the Archer family dynamic after all they endured, but still in this he has managed to secure a trusted circle that he can rely on for help. Kol was a wonderful character to explore and I couldn’t be happier with the beautiful family that he finds himself with by the end of his story.
The relationships explored throughout Into the Fading Twilight, both romantic and non-romantic, are such an essential and beautifully executed attribute to the story that helped to support the developing of both main characters. The bonds that Kol shares with his brothers and uncle Waylon continues to be an absolute highlight of the series as they prove time and again how deep their emotional ties run. The way that Waylon acts not only as an uncle but as the father-figure that the Archer men deserve had me close to tears on several occasions. Kol’s relationship with his deeply empathetic, funny and chaotic daughter Skylar plays a pivotal role in softening his tough demeanour in the way that it leaves a crack in an otherwise impenetrable doorway into connection. The way he dotes on his child and strives to be the best version of himself for her benefit was beautiful to witness. The small circle of people that Kol trusts and considers friends feels all the more impactful as this enables the readers to further explore his intricacies as a character.
The progression of Nova’s relationships, both pre—established and new, feel very significant to her healing journey as we get to understand what has changed for Nova in the present compared to the past. Her friendship with Brae was equal parts devastating and fulfilling as we, the reader, are forced to endure the stumbling of two people that love one other endlessly suddenly having to re-learn how they can express that love after all they have endured. I really appreciated the moment that Nova realised that she has to sometimes hurt the feelings of the people that she loves in order to prioritise herself and find her own way past her trauma. It was difficult to read at times knowing just how badly Brae wanted to be a supporting voice for her best friend whilst being unsure on how to do so. Nova’s close bond with the adorable children of the series, Owen and Skylar, felt fulfilling as they acted like the perfect safety net for her to simply exist as she is. To be around two small humans that don’t try to push her towards a point of her recovery that she’s not ready to be in just yet, nor communicate the words that aren’t ready to be expressed. There’s a gentle innocence in being around people without existing pressure and responsibility, and I was beyond thrilled that Nova had a space like that to feel more settled in.
The romantic relationship between Kol and Nova was everything I could’ve hoped for in the way that their slow-burn progression enabled them to establish a foundation of friendship to build their feelings upon. The tension and yearning left me (metaphorically) biting my fist whilst simultaneously fighting against tears at the tenderness of their emotional connection. I was thrilled to see an on-page discussion surrounding the concerns of toxic codependency and trauma bonds as this opens a positive gateway to healthy conversation. It was beautiful to witness Nova find a safe space within Kol in the way that he supported her through her recovery within her own terms. He never once rushes her into something that she isn’t ready for and fully trusts that she will progress as she needs. The trust and vulnerability that they express is everything that I had hoped to see as both characters work to unpack their own individual trauma, and I think the slow-burn approach to their romantic relationship was well planned in this regard. My one and only note is I did find the love declarations to happen quite quickly once they progress forward past friendship, but ultimately I understand that these feelings were most likely present and just not verbalised until then. Kol and Nova are such a wonderful couple that made their complex connection feel effortless despite the apparent work and care they both characters have put in.
Into the Fading Twilight was such an incredible follow-up to Across the Vanishing Sky and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. The revelations in this one had me feeling so shocked that I felt like I lost my jaw on the floor… and I’m genuinely still reeling as I write this review. I quite literally squealed with excitement at the end of the story where we get an insight into which couple Beneath a Midnight Moon will be centred around… and the sneaky trope reveal that we can expect to look forward to. I’m so grateful that author Catherine Cowles is spoiling us with three book releases this year as this means we should expect the third book in our hands by the end of 2026… so don’t mind me eagerly counting down the days in my excitement.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the early copy of the book!! I just want to start off by saying that I’m pretty sure Kol and Nova will be my favorite couple out of this series! Grumpy dad who really only talks to his child who then is the person who founds the missing MC? Yeah watching these two feel the draw to each other and Kol slowly allowing Nova not only in but also being there when she needs a hard place to land, sign me up. This book was well written and I couldn’t help but actually slow down and drink this book in. Catherine did a great job fleshing not only the characters out separately but finding a way to bring the together in the perfect way. I loved this book from start to finish!
I honestly can’t put into words how incredible this book was. First and foremost, I cried. A lot. More than any book I’ve read by her! We all knew this story was destined to be emotional, but my goodness… my heart felt every single moment Catherine gave us.😭🥹
One thing Catherine does so beautifully is write trauma with both delicacy and honesty. Healing isn’t pretty… it’s hard, brutal, dark, and messy. But it’s also possible. The way she portrayed the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the healing journey was nothing short of magical and so authentic.
And Kol? The perfect man. 🥹 I fell for him just as hard as Nova did!👏🏼
He has demons of his own, but he would burn the world down for Nova over and over without hesitation. Time and time again, he proved exactly why he’s destined to become another unforgettable Catherine Cowles book boyfriend.
Kol and Nova’s connection was immediate, and it was everything. Nova needed someone who could love and support her in exactly the right way, and Kol instinctively knew how to be that person. Cue the endless swooning. 🥹❤️
Now can we talk about THAT PLOT TWIST?! My goodnesssss!!
My jaw was on the floor. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such a gasp inducing, screaming at the book kind of twist. Catherine knows her readers come prepared with notebooks and suspect lists because let’s be honest, everyone is always a suspect. 😂 But she absolutely sat back with that cute evil giggle and delivered a mastermind level reveal. Taylor Swift’s Mastermind really should be her anthem. Just saying!👏🏼😂
And the Archer brothers? They’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. Every character in this book was unforgettable. And sweet Skylar… 😭 The cutest, sweetest, sassiest little girl. I absolutely adored her.
All you really need to know is this: This series is something special. I will forever recommend this series to anyone who listens! (And I’ll probably hound you until you do 🤪😂)
Catherine Cowles has once again given us a story filled with heart, healing, suspense, unforgettable characters, and a romance that will stay with me for as long as I’m alive and breathing.😭🥹
I’ve been waiting not so patiently for Kol and Nova’s book, and it did not disappoint! Nova is an amazing FMC, she’s been through the worst thing imaginable and isn’t letting it break her. Grumpy Kol who only loves his daughter and his brothers has finally found someone to open up to and I adored how they healed each other.
I always love the mystery elements in Catherine’s books, and this one definitely surprised me! You can always count on some crazy action at the end. The found family hits every time and I especially loved Nova’s relationship with Skylar. I will say that I expected to like this one more than ATVS, but I think that one is still #1 for me. Crossing my fingers for Mav & Aster next!
Thank you to Bloom & NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
OH! MY! GOD! Into the Fading Twilight is now my favourite book by Catherine, and, in my opinion, her absolute best work to date. 🙂↕️😮💨
From the moment I found out who the main characters of this book were, I was FERAL for it! I dropped everything as soon as it landed on my kindle because I couldn’t wait to read Nova and Kol’s story! 🏃🏼♀️
This book was EVERYTHING I had hoped it would be - painful and heart-wrenching, but also making me giggle, kick my feet, swoon, and cry happy tears. 🥺
My heart was BREAKING for Nova because of the horrors she went through, and how desperately she was trying to outrun the demons of her past and carry on with her life. Her journey was devastating, and I just wanted to give her the biggest hug and protect her from the whole world. But it was also so empowering and wonderful to see her find her own strength again, stop running, face things head-on, and become confident in her ability to protect herself. And in the moments when things became too much, when the darkness threatened to swallow her whole - *KOL ENTERS THE CHAT*. 😏
It felt like Kol and Nova were kindred souls who finally connected the moment they met under the most devastating circumstances, and had longed for each other ever since.
Kol DESTROYED ME. This man was so supportive, understanding, and caring throughout Nova’s healing journey. He was the one person who understood her like no one else could. And despite the scars, fear, and pain they both carried, they still showed each other unconditional love, met each other in the darkness, and became each other’s light. My chest is literally about to explode because of how much love I have for these two. 🥺🩵
And if Kol’s relationship with Nova wasn’t enough of an emotional punch (in the best way), his relationship with his daughter, Skylar, was THE SWEETEST THING. I also absolutely loved the friendship Sky developed with Nova, and how she became another person helping Nova live her life to the fullest.
I also loved seeing how Catherine navigated the friendship between Nova and Brae. I was very curious to see what it would look like after everything they both went through, and I really liked how it was handled.
THE PLOT TWIST THOUGH! I NEVER SAW THIS COMING! I had my detective hat the entire time while reading. I was digging in deep, creating a list of suspects, and ONCE AGAIN - GOT BESTED BY QUEEN CATHERINE! My jaw was on the floor, and the way I screamed when I realised who the villain was! I could never have guessed it! Everything I though I knew was turned upside down. Honestly, Catherine, BRAVO! 👏🏻
I feel like Into the Fading Twilight made me even more feral for this series than I already was before reading it, and I’m SO HOOKED! I need the next book IMMEDIATELY, I need it like AIR! We’re in for an absolute treat with the tortured Archer brothers, and I can’t thank Catherine enough for introducing them into my life! 🙂↕️🩵
Thank you so much Evermore & Catherine for this ARC.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me an eARC of this book.
I really enjoyed this one, I think I liked it more than the first. I loved both main characters, and the romance was very sweet. I actually was pretty surprised by who the bad guy was, I started to have my doubts right before the big reveal so this was a nice twist! I'm excited for more ;)
Ripped out my heart, stomped on it and then gave it a little plaster to try and hold it back together. I fear I will never recover. I too, need a hug.
The single dad aspect of this story fit perfectly, the tender moments between Skylar and Nova may have healed something inside of me. Their connection, and the way Nova fit into Kol's family thawed my heart.
The trauma recovery felt beautifully paced and I adored getting to explore more of the boys' personalities. The presence of Brae, Dex and Owen didn't take away from the story but built on it and felt as though it added to the feel of book 1. Gosh, I could talk to you about the dynamics in this book for hours.
Every time I fail to guess the antagonist in a Catherine Cowles novel, I doubt my likelihood of survival in a horror film. She gets me every single time. My face was in shock at the reveal in this one, I don't think I've been more wrong before!
I didn’t think anything could beat book 1 but this just did that!
The way Nova’s character is portrayed is so complex but understandable as she adapts to trying to regain any sense of a normal life. And Kol, I loved getting chapters from his POV as he is still dealing with the trauma of his past whilst being the most amazing dad to Skylar (we all need a Skylar in our life, a strong little princess in combat boots and fairy wings!!) But this is why they worked so well as Kol seen Nova for who she really is now and he understood exactly what she needed and the care and love they shown each other was heartbreaking as they both dealt with the trauma together.
Throw in a murder mystery and I was hooked! The way Catherine Cowles writes these books so that I am smiling like a school girl at one chapter and the next it gives me chills at how terrifying and shocking it is, is incredible!
And now I am desperate for book 3. If I’m correct in guessing who the next book is about, then this is the brother I’ve been most excited about!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the gifted ARC!
4.5 stars rounded up. I loved the first book in this series, so I was so excited when I got approved for this one, and it definitely didn’t disappoint!
It’s honestly hard to talk about this book without risking spoilers, but from the very beginning I was completely invested.
Kol was exactly the kind of MMC I love. Protective without being overbearing, patient, supportive, and completely gone from the start. And Skye absolutely stole every scene she was in.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Catherine Cowles book without some suspense mixed in, and once again I was convinced I had everything figured out… and once again I was wrong. 🤣
afsgdhdjakal- I HAVE THE ARC IN MY HANDS!!! literally can't wait to be back in starlight grove. also single dad, mhmm. and nova deserves the entire fucking world.
What to expect: *Hurt/Comfort trauma bonding *Single dad *Small town, found family
Safety: No OW/OM drama in the form of jealousy. Some on page violence. Flashbacks of abuse and captivity.
Review: My favorite part of a Catherine Cowles book is guessing who the bad guy will be. I am never right, including this book. I was in shock when the antagonist was revealed!! Complete disbelief!!
Kol and Nova were so good for each other. They were both able to trust in other people and heal again. Sometimes trauma bonding helps in relationships, and that was proven in this story. I am so glad that this couple was able to find their HEA with each other! Looking forward to the next couple in this series!!
Thank you to Edelweiss, the author, and Bloom Books for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Catherine Cowles has a way of taking broken characters, putting them through the wringer, and somehow delivering a story that feels both heartbreaking and healing but Into the Fading Twilight wasn’t just another great Catherine Cowles book for me. This was a special one, and honestly one of my absolute favorites she’s ever written. I know I say that every time but I swear every book just gets better.
Nova’s story completely stole my heart. After everything she’s endured, watching her fight for herself, learn to trust again, and slowly begin to live instead of just survive was such an emotional journey. Catherine handled her trauma recovery with so much care and authenticity, and I felt every step of Nova’s healing.
And KOL? OH my god this man absolutely owns a piece of my heart now. Protective, patient, steady, and exactly the kind of hero Nova needed without ever overshadowing her strength. The way he showed up for her in the big moments, in the quiet moments, in all the ways that mattered had me absolutely melting. Their romance was such a gorgeous slow burn that felt deeply emotional, tender, and so incredibly earned.
And getting more time with the Archer family? I ate that up. Catherine always creates side characters that feel so real and lovable, and being back with this family made the entire story feel even richer.
And because this is Catherine Cowles, the suspense thread kept me completely hooked right alongside the romance. She always knows exactly how to build tension without ever letting it overshadow the emotional core of the story.
This book made me ache, swoon, smile, and just sit there soaking in all the feelings when I finished. Catherine Cowles is already an auto-buy author for me, but this one cemented itself as one of my favorites. Such a beautiful story about healing, love, found family, and finding your way back to yourself.
Thank you Bloom Books for the advance copy. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you, Bloom Books and NetGalley, for the eARC of Into the Fading Twilight by Catherine Cowles.
Did you hear my heart break and slowly get stitched back together? So THIS is what a book hangover feels like. Just walking around doing life while thinking about Kol, Nova, and Starlight Grove non-stop. I would hands down stay up until 2:30 a.m. again to finish this. Best. Decision. Ever. I loved Across the Vanishing Sky, but this book took my love of Nova, Kol, Brae, Dex, SKYLAR!!!, seriously EVERYONE, to another level. If I could give it 11 stars, I would. It is also officially the Catherine Cowles book I have cried the most while reading, which probably didn't help my book hangover, and I loved that it felt like the perfect pair to Across the Vanishing Sky. They complement and build upon each other so well.
I do not want to say too much about the book because it is best to go in blind, but not too blind. Read Across the Vanishing Sky first! Catherine Cowles wrote Nova and her response to her trauma perfectly. It was believable and heart-wrenching. These characters will become like family. You will laugh with them, cry with them, and be clamoring for more once you finish.
Now it's time to start my countdown for book three, Beneath a Midnight Moon, out November 17, 2026!
‘Boy, did someone hit you with the stupid stick this morning’ 🤣
‘Thanks for walking with me through the darkness. For being the light when I need it’
Nova and Kol 🥺.
I was totally captivated the whole way through this story. There was something about the darkness that both characters carried yet the way that they were able to be a light for each other that put me in a bit of a trance.
This second instalment of Starlight Grove follows Nova and her journey in trying to recalibrate herself and learn how to live again after her horrific ordeal from the first book. Kol is Nova’s safe space in every capacity, he is haunted by the memories of finding Nova in addition to that of his past. Together they are trying to navigate a new normal and try to face the demons that still impact them.
However, similar with the first book there was an eerie feeling laced within the story, suspense built when Nova began receiving threatening messages and a new string of females started to disappear. Now, this had me guessing and guessing, I was thinking hard about who was behind all of this. I was confident I had it right but I was wrong every single time 🤣 and I did not suspect the person who was responsible!
I loved how the book was written, it really followed well from Into the Vanishing Sky and I cannot wait for the next book. I’m also desperate for Mav’s book, I’m hoping he’s coming soon! Manifesting so hard for that.
I love the characters in this series. Sky gets a special shout out in this book too, she is such a little vibe, I adore her she is absolute sunshine personified. Such a kind hearted little girl and I almost want her to have her own story.
Catherine Cowles has been one of my favourite authors for years, for a reason and Into The Fading Twilight proved me right again. When I saw where Across The Vanishing Sky left off, I couldn’t wait for Nova’s story any longer - getting to read it early means everything to me. Nova and Kol were perfect for eachother: I ended up tearing up at the vastness of their love and respect for eachother (hi hello when is it my turn?). I also loved both their dynamics with Skylar, who seems to be the coolest kid ever (aside from Owen ofcourse). I’d love to live on their ranch as well and the mystery/suspense aspect I’ve grown to love by Catherine was chef kiss once again. I did not see THAT plot twist coming. This book felt like a warm hug (and considering Catherine quite literally gives us a hug in the dedication, this seems fitting) and I can’t wait for the next book - hello??????
Catherine Cowles never misses, so please add her books to your tbr!
the vibes ™: - healing from trauma - boundary setting - found family - single parent - suspense
What Nova Went Through BROKE my heart. But she learned how to come through it on the other side. She is such a strong woman. And she smoothed Kohl’s rough edges. And seeing Sky and Nova’s relationship just warms my heart. But this story just shows you YET AGAIN! You never know who you can really trust. Which threw me through a big loop! I was not expecting that! Catherine has because a new favorite author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books 💕💕
I don’t know what Catherine puts in her books to make them so addictive, but here’s another amazing book in the Starlight Grove series. I looked forward to Nova and Kol’s story since I read the last book, and it didn’t disappoint. The love, the emotion, the healing, the humor, the heartwarming moments. They were all there, and it was pure perfection. No wonder I was sent tissues with this book. I definitely needed them!!
I swear Catherine Cowles puts like catnip in these books as I just devour them within a day!
Give me five more please and thank you.
If you didn’t know or have seen from my previous revised Catherine Cowles has become a favourite author. From her characters, to her story’s and just how she writes her books.
The phrase - she writes it I reads it comes to mind, I will forever pick her books up.
Ok onto the review- I adored book one but this for me surpassed it. From the storyline (leaving kinda off from book one) to the characters, the tension, the way the book had me guessing and gasping in equal measures. Catherine Cowles just sucks you into her characters world to a point where you feel part of the family. And I really wanna be part of the Archer family so badly.
Nova has been through it all, she’s wanting to feel something but also feels too much after her ordeal. Kol Archer has become a new favourite - shall we say Daddy character 👀👀 he would lay his life down for his daughter and family but add Nova into that and hot damn.
This book was like catnip to me and I read VERY quickly. I can’t help it. It’s like an obsession I needed to know what was happening. The way the characters grew as individuals but as a couple too was a favourite of mine. I also love that we got to see more of the Archer brothers - they make me smile!
I’m not wishing time away but I need book three now please.
Thanks to Catherine Cowles’s team for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a wild ride. I’ve only read two of Catherine’s books but I was not expecting the twist on either one. Yall are not ready for this one
I loved Nova and Kol and Skylar, and I thought this was really well done. There were some parts where I thought we might have been moving too fast, but overall I’m obsessed with this group of characters and their stories.
i- wow! im so emotional right now it’s insane. the way im still sobbing is unbelievable but it feels so right too.
this was such wild ride and im glad you shared it with us, cat! I’ve been so curious about these two, the epilogue of atvs had me rereading the little scraps we already had.
nova is so incredibly strong and im in awe. she’s a force to be reckoned with, even after more than a year in captivity, she never stopped fighting and healing!! and her incredibly sweet moments with sky? SOBBING she literally gave her what she never got to experience with her parents
and kol is our sweet, protective daddy. sure, he might be a bit overprotective sometimes but it’s all with good intentions and wow wow wow. he’s everything that nova needed, and even while he was battling his own trauma he still showed up time and time again, showing her how worth it she is. he was always there for her, helping her heal and doing anything for him (hint hint he gets tied up). i can’t even imagine how awful it must’ve been for him when he was younger but im so impressed with how he opens his doors and heart for nova,so openly, GAHH literally sobbing again, thanks.
and it wouldn’t be a Catherine book without the plot twist. and let me tell you that this one was like a physical strike to my heart, im in denial and this feels like torture. i literally suspected everyone, even myself at some point because yeah, but this? literally broke my heart into a bajillion pieces and im not sure I’ll ever recover ❤️🩹
thank you for another amazing story Catherine, i adore you
i knew i would eat their story up the second i finished across the vanishing sky… and i was SOOO right. ate it up like it was a chocolate cake baked by orion (chocolate so is that man’s love language)
kol and nova’s story is such a whirlwind of emotions. if you read across the vanishing sky, you know that nova has NOT had it easy and it can’t be easy for her to still have someone out to get her (in the synopsis, i promise this is not a spoiler). nova is genuinely the definition of a fighter. i admire her tenacity to keep going and living her life after it was almost taken away from her. to be able to regain her strength is so admirable. also for her to learn to trust and love all over again is a trait i love about her.
kol is acts of services personified. that man’s love language is so clearly his actions. of course he provided the words as well but it’s so clearly how much he cares for sky (his daughter! as if being the hot forest service investigator who saves nova isn’t enough, he also has to be excellent with kids… especially his own) and nova. i love his protectiveness and touch her and 💀 energy.
one thing i will say… NEVER hire me to solve a crime. tell me why i had a whole list of suspects (pretty much anyone mentioned) and a list of people who definitely could not have committed the crime, yet i STILL got it wrong (it was on my list of innocent people 😭). catherine cowles really do be dishing out trust issues. i’m gonna start questioning everything.
After ATVS, I could not wait for Kol & Nova’s story and just knew this would be an emotional one! And considering the prologue had me wanting to cry, we started off strong! I love how in tune both Kol & Nova are with each other, just from that initial trauma bond. Neither of them tries to hide who they are or put on a mask around each other and I love seeing that vulnerability.
I absolutely adore Skylar so much! She is sassy and so smart, but also so caring and notices those small details about the people she loves too. I truly loved seeing her interacting and getting to know Nova as well - so many heartwarming scenes and the bracelet scene made me tear up!
As usual, I did NOT see that twist coming until right before it happened so CC got me once again! Maybe some day I’ll be better at guessing the villain.
And we can’t forget to mention the audio for this one - it was absolutely fantastic! Performed in duet with a multicast and I literally couldn’t stop myself from listening! Brittany Pressley & Sebastian York were fantastic as Nova & Kol. And the rest of the cast - Jason Clarke, Connor Crais, Adam Gold, and Teddy Hamilton were also fantastic as well. If you love audios and thinking about reading this one, I definitely recommend listening to it!
Thank you so much to Catherine & her team for allowing the opportunity to read/listen to an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Catherine Cowles for the early copy of the book!!
I just want to start off by saying that I am obsessed with this series. As of right now Kole and Nova is my favorite couple of this series.... but who knows where that will go. This Grumpy dad had me loving every moment of their interactions. Nova is such a sweetheart that is trying to make it through each day. I really was struck by how well Catherine Cowles displayed the trauma that they both endured. One thing that I love about this book was how well written this one was and how it didn't want this book to end. I loved it from beginning to end. Another thing that I absolutely loved was how well she did fleshing not only the characters out separately but finding a way to bring the together in the perfect way. I cannot wait for the next book... I will impatiently wait over here until then.
Now the Audio on this one... TOP TIER. This one is a full cast narration and I absolutely love that each of the brothers have their own voice actor that has been consistent since the first book. The cast is perfect and they elevated my reading experience. I cannot wait to keep reading this series.
100% RECOMMEND
Thank you again for this Advanced Audio and Ebook.
I knew after the events of Across the Vanishing Sky that Into the Fading Twilight was going to be amazing. And it lived up to my expectations! Nova went through so much that we didn't, obviously, see in that first book. The whole first book our main characters were trying to find her. Now it is time for Nova to try to find herself again. We get to see her do that and the journey was fantastic. But really I expect nothing less from Chattering Cowles. Kol Archer...He was perfect. A single dad who has a quirky, loving daughter, Sky. He is a Forest Service Investigator and still on the case trying to figure out if some of the other missing people were attached to Travis. But things start happening because someone doesn't want Nova to move on and he, of course feels protective of her. I loved them growing closer and his protectiveness. I love her interactions with Sky. Sky's was amazing in the first book and she continues to be in this one. Catherine continues to really care about her characters and makes you invested. She grabs a hold of your attention from the very beginning and never lets you go. Now with that ending... I need the next one because I need to now what the deal is with those two!! They have to be next. right. please tell me they're next!
Thank you to Bloom for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.