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Sutter Lake #4
Beautifully Broken Control
A woman trying to rebuild her life.
Kennedy is doing all she can to escape, to prove that she’s not the monster her father was. A simple life of peace and service is all she needs.
A man haunted by a past he can’t forget.
Cain has buried his demons under layers of control and success. The only thing he needs is his company and his solitude. Certainly not a woman with captivating green eyes filled with ghosts so similar to his own.
He’s a reminder of the life she’s left behind. And she’s a threat to his tightly guarded control. As sparks fly between them, they discover that what they might need most is each other.
But with pasts like theirs...you never know when darkness might descend.
Kennedy is doing all she can to escape, to prove that she’s not the monster her father was. A simple life of peace and service is all she needs.
A man haunted by a past he can’t forget.
Cain has buried his demons under layers of control and success. The only thing he needs is his company and his solitude. Certainly not a woman with captivating green eyes filled with ghosts so similar to his own.
He’s a reminder of the life she’s left behind. And she’s a threat to his tightly guarded control. As sparks fly between them, they discover that what they might need most is each other.
But with pasts like theirs...you never know when darkness might descend.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2020
2181 people are currently reading
7940 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Cowles
55 books29.3k followersWriter of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
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February 9, 2020
Beautifully Broken Control is book four in the Sutter Lake series by Catherine Cowles. Every book in this series has been amazing and I have been so looking forward to finding out Kennedy and Cain’s story.
We knew when we met Kennedy in the previous book that she had secrets. She is twenty two years old. She came to Sutter Lake to disappear. All she wants is to live simply with her dog, Chuck. She spends her days working for Jensen in the tea shop, her afternoons teaching children ballet, and her evenings volunteering at the shelter. But no matter how much she gives back, it will never be enough for the sins her father committed. For the lives his crimes destroyed.
“I was nothing. No one. And for now, that’s just what I needed to be.”
Cain Hale also has a dark, painful past. He is now a very rich and successful business man. His only focus is on making his security firm the best there is. On the outside, he is cool and composed. He never lets anyone see anything more. He keeps his secrets, his pain, buried deep. When part of his past comes back to haunt him, he has to get out of Portland. What better place to find peace than the small town his two best friends live in, Sutter Lake. Only he hadn’t planned to meet a woman who would sneak right past all those walls he had built up. A woman who he immediately wanted to protect. A woman who made him feel things he didn’t want to feel but who he couldn’t seem to stay away from.
“This man was slowly slipping behind every defense I had.”
As much as neither of these two wanted it, they couldn’t fight the tether that bound them. But there are so many secrets. Secrets they aren’t willing to share, even with each other.
This was such a good book. As with every one of Catherine’s books, once I got started, I couldn’t put it down. And of course, there is always that element of danger added in to keep us on our toes.
Also, as with every other book, I love the bond between all of these characters. Theirs is a hodge podge bunch of people that have become family. That love each other and will do anything for each other. No matter the risk. They accepted both Kennedy and Cain into their circle with no hesitation. Every time Kennedy tries to keep herself at a distance, Jensen reminds her, you are family.
I enjoyed every page of this book. I loved Kennedy and Cain but more importantly, I love this whole bunch. I can’t wait to see what Catherine Cowles does next.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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March 22, 2020
standalone series
this book is completely different yet similar in a lot of ways to the previous books. does it make sense that the H and h in this might be my favorite couple but their book isnt? both of them arent native to the town of sutter lake and theyre also running away from smth. i loved seeing how they slowly found solace not only in each other but also in this breathtakingly beautiful small town. their romance was just the sweetest thing.
however, while i was reading this book i found myself missing the one thing that made me fall in love with this series in the first place which was the setting and the warm family dynamic. both of these elements werent as prominent in this book as they were in the previous ones. the source of conflict for both of our characters came from the urban life they were trying to escape from. there werent a lot of that domestic/homey scene i was craving for.
the mystery subplot was pretty much formulaic at this point bcs what happened in this book was essentially more or less the same version as in the other books. regardless, i really enjoyed this series as a whole and would definitely recommend it if youre a fan of small town romances or just looking for smth light to read that has some cute romance, wonderful countryside vibes, and enough suspense to keep you invested.
#1 beautifully broken pieces — 3 stars
#2 beautifully broken life — 2.5 stars
#3 beautifully broken spirit — 3.75 stars
#4 beautifully broken control — 3 stars
this book is completely different yet similar in a lot of ways to the previous books. does it make sense that the H and h in this might be my favorite couple but their book isnt? both of them arent native to the town of sutter lake and theyre also running away from smth. i loved seeing how they slowly found solace not only in each other but also in this breathtakingly beautiful small town. their romance was just the sweetest thing.
however, while i was reading this book i found myself missing the one thing that made me fall in love with this series in the first place which was the setting and the warm family dynamic. both of these elements werent as prominent in this book as they were in the previous ones. the source of conflict for both of our characters came from the urban life they were trying to escape from. there werent a lot of that domestic/homey scene i was craving for.
the mystery subplot was pretty much formulaic at this point bcs what happened in this book was essentially more or less the same version as in the other books. regardless, i really enjoyed this series as a whole and would definitely recommend it if youre a fan of small town romances or just looking for smth light to read that has some cute romance, wonderful countryside vibes, and enough suspense to keep you invested.
February 16, 2020
Two characters that are so complex, yet have this fierce chemistry to them that will have you melting and wanting more of the wonderful world Catherine has built in this marvelous series...
When Kennedy was introduced in the previous novel, I knew right off the bat I was going to love her no matter what. But then she is properly introduced on her history and her previous past, and you are instantly drawn in to wanting to read more. That is the power that Catherine Cowles has with her magical words that are going to always keep you flowing for so much more suspense and sweet romantic times. And this novel has made no exception as to what she is striving for. I love reading novels from an author from the very start, and seeing them evolve throughout time. Catherine is one of those and I adore the fact that she has changed for the positive.
As Kennedy soon learns to get to know Cain, she realizes that letting her wall down is something that she must risk for the sake of building a new life. Thanks to the help from her friends, and Cain, she also comes to a realization that she is a strong minded young lady, that has the power to conquer her fears and move on with her life. Cain on the other hand, knows that her presence is doing soothes him in the best of ways. And what I love the most about him is the fact that he oozes a sense of protectiveness and is such an alpha male of the best kind that makes you want to drool;
"She was a storm wrapped in beauty and grace. She held fierceness and gentleness in equal measure, and it eased something in me..."
I will forever be in love and crave the writing that comes from Catherine no matter what. My hands are already itching wanting to read more of her books. And I know she has a new series coming out soon as well that I am way too anxious to read. Thank you so much to Cat for letting me have the honor of being part of the ride from the very beginning, because your stories are making changes and are always and will always be welcomed in the romance community!
ARC kindly provided by Catherine, in exchange for an honest review...
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When Kennedy was introduced in the previous novel, I knew right off the bat I was going to love her no matter what. But then she is properly introduced on her history and her previous past, and you are instantly drawn in to wanting to read more. That is the power that Catherine Cowles has with her magical words that are going to always keep you flowing for so much more suspense and sweet romantic times. And this novel has made no exception as to what she is striving for. I love reading novels from an author from the very start, and seeing them evolve throughout time. Catherine is one of those and I adore the fact that she has changed for the positive.
As Kennedy soon learns to get to know Cain, she realizes that letting her wall down is something that she must risk for the sake of building a new life. Thanks to the help from her friends, and Cain, she also comes to a realization that she is a strong minded young lady, that has the power to conquer her fears and move on with her life. Cain on the other hand, knows that her presence is doing soothes him in the best of ways. And what I love the most about him is the fact that he oozes a sense of protectiveness and is such an alpha male of the best kind that makes you want to drool;
"She was a storm wrapped in beauty and grace. She held fierceness and gentleness in equal measure, and it eased something in me..."
I will forever be in love and crave the writing that comes from Catherine no matter what. My hands are already itching wanting to read more of her books. And I know she has a new series coming out soon as well that I am way too anxious to read. Thank you so much to Cat for letting me have the honor of being part of the ride from the very beginning, because your stories are making changes and are always and will always be welcomed in the romance community!
ARC kindly provided by Catherine, in exchange for an honest review...
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June 13, 2022
TW discussion of suicide
This is officially my favorite Catherine Cowles book that I've read so far! In this one, Kennedy has run away to Sutter Lake to escape her past where her father stole millions of dollars from innocent people and she helped turn him in. Now, she hates money and extravagance and prefers to spend her time giving back to others. Cain is a multi-million tech genius and has decided to buy a home in Sutter Lake to escape the guilt of his past that follows him everything. He meets Kennedy and is suspicious of her secrets, especially because she's friends with his friends. But the more he spends with her, the more he realizes she's unlike anyone he's ever met. I loved how protective Cain was when it came to Kennedy and how much he just wanted to take care of her. As usual with this series, there was a bit of suspense at the end and that really helped the characters realize how much they wanted to be together. I loved how Kennedy wasn't impressed with Cain's money and how they both had trauma in their pasts that they slowly learned to trust people with. I just loved this book and how these two broken people fell in love!
This is officially my favorite Catherine Cowles book that I've read so far! In this one, Kennedy has run away to Sutter Lake to escape her past where her father stole millions of dollars from innocent people and she helped turn him in. Now, she hates money and extravagance and prefers to spend her time giving back to others. Cain is a multi-million tech genius and has decided to buy a home in Sutter Lake to escape the guilt of his past that follows him everything. He meets Kennedy and is suspicious of her secrets, especially because she's friends with his friends. But the more he spends with her, the more he realizes she's unlike anyone he's ever met. I loved how protective Cain was when it came to Kennedy and how much he just wanted to take care of her. As usual with this series, there was a bit of suspense at the end and that really helped the characters realize how much they wanted to be together. I loved how Kennedy wasn't impressed with Cain's money and how they both had trauma in their pasts that they slowly learned to trust people with. I just loved this book and how these two broken people fell in love!
March 2, 2020
Beautifully Broken Control is a standalone book in The Sutter Lake Series. A slow-burn romance about two broken people that will melt your heart.
Kennedy is running from her past. When she learned that her father's company was stealing millions from innocents, she made a bargain with the FBI to protect her brother, but bring her father and the business down.
Now, half the people think she was just one more involved in her family scheme, and the other half think she's a traitor. So Kennedy decides to escape her old life, shed her old identity, and live a reclusive hard-working life in Sutter Lake, where she tries her best to be invisible.
Cain has his own demons, and when he comes to the small town to seek some comfort in friends, he is immediately intrigued by the quiet newcomer.
Their romance is one that slowly breaks down barriers. And it's just the sweetest thing. I will probably go back and read the previous books in this series at some point. Also, I just want to give a shoutout to this incredible cover - so pretty.
Kennedy is running from her past. When she learned that her father's company was stealing millions from innocents, she made a bargain with the FBI to protect her brother, but bring her father and the business down.
Now, half the people think she was just one more involved in her family scheme, and the other half think she's a traitor. So Kennedy decides to escape her old life, shed her old identity, and live a reclusive hard-working life in Sutter Lake, where she tries her best to be invisible.
Cain has his own demons, and when he comes to the small town to seek some comfort in friends, he is immediately intrigued by the quiet newcomer.
Their romance is one that slowly breaks down barriers. And it's just the sweetest thing. I will probably go back and read the previous books in this series at some point. Also, I just want to give a shoutout to this incredible cover - so pretty.
January 22, 2026
"You crawled into my fucking heart, and I know I'll never get you out. I never want to try."
This one is pretty on par with the third book. Really good characters and an interesting storyline.
BUT WHERE IS THE GROVELING??
Damnit, what does a girl have to do to get a sufficient grovel around here?
There were a lot of extenuating circumstances that lead to the third act breakup, so it was only a matter of time before they resolved their issues, but I am NOT a fan of two characters having an intense, hurtful blowout, then one of the characters gets taken or has a life threatening situation, and they just blow right by what happened and everything is A-Okay.
Not to say that those situations don't tend to clear your thoughts and show what is really important, but by god you will get on your knees and grovel and make up for the fucked up shit you said and did.
Anywhooooo, still really entertaining 🙃
This one is pretty on par with the third book. Really good characters and an interesting storyline.
BUT WHERE IS THE GROVELING??
Damnit, what does a girl have to do to get a sufficient grovel around here?
There were a lot of extenuating circumstances that lead to the third act breakup, so it was only a matter of time before they resolved their issues, but I am NOT a fan of two characters having an intense, hurtful blowout, then one of the characters gets taken or has a life threatening situation, and they just blow right by what happened and everything is A-Okay.
Not to say that those situations don't tend to clear your thoughts and show what is really important, but by god you will get on your knees and grovel and make up for the fucked up shit you said and did.
Anywhooooo, still really entertaining 🙃
May 4, 2020
This is my second book from Miss Cowles. Like her previous book on this series, I do like the concept of the story, but the execution is weak. I need more drama/ angst/ complex plot.
Miss Cowles done a frustrating job by adding a bit of suspense on her story. It does not help enhancing anything, since I can guess pretty much who is the culprit.
The chemistry between Cain and Kennedy is so so. Nothing explosive. I do like the small town concept.
Overall I do not like this book nor hate it.
3 stars
Miss Cowles done a frustrating job by adding a bit of suspense on her story. It does not help enhancing anything, since I can guess pretty much who is the culprit.
The chemistry between Cain and Kennedy is so so. Nothing explosive. I do like the small town concept.
Overall I do not like this book nor hate it.
3 stars
January 6, 2024
“that was the thing about grief, it was ever-changing. The most hopeful thing of all was the knowledge that no state I found myself in was final.”❤️🩹 rtc
January 3, 2021
Kennedy holds a lot of secrets, feeling immense guilt for the sins committed by one of the people closest to her, now all she wants is a simple life, where she can feel safe, valuable and like she is making a difference, she's trying to atone for sins which are not her own. Cain Hale also has a dark, painful past. In the present he is a very wealthy and uber successful businessman. His only focus is on making his security firm the best there is, he has his small group of very close friends and that's it, he keeps his secrets and pain locked down. When he meets Kennedy, Cain is initially mistrustful thinking she may be a threat to his friends, he quickly realises that rather than being a threat she needs protection.
Kennedy makes Cain feel things he hasn't before, she brings out a protective side he never new he had, and the more time he spends with her the more he wants her. However that doesn't stop him from pulling away when she gets to close and memories he wishes to stay buried rush to the forward. When Kennedy is threatened Cain is willing to do anything to get her back safe.
Can I just say Kennedy's
The author does really well in drawing out emotion, in a way that had me caring about the characters and what was happening to them. This may be book four in the series, but so far the author hasn't disappointed me.
Potential Triggers:
Staying in my re-read pile.
Kennedy makes Cain feel things he hasn't before, she brings out a protective side he never new he had, and the more time he spends with her the more he wants her. However that doesn't stop him from pulling away when she gets to close and memories he wishes to stay buried rush to the forward. When Kennedy is threatened Cain is willing to do anything to get her back safe.
Can I just say Kennedy's
The author does really well in drawing out emotion, in a way that had me caring about the characters and what was happening to them. This may be book four in the series, but so far the author hasn't disappointed me.
Potential Triggers:
Staying in my re-read pile.
February 20, 2020
5 stars for Cain & Kennedy!
This is my fave Sutter Lake book to date, and that’s hard to say because I love them all so much! The demons that both of these characters had to work through was AMAZINGLY written! I feel like my heart was quivering the whole time. Catherine Cowles has become my favorite “small town” romance writer! I love the way she has created this whole world, and the love-able characters in it. I want to be part of their circle! This story wasn’t predictable at all which is what I loved the most!! I can’t stop talking about it!
“The scent of you lingers in every room, your touch burns my skin long after you take your hand away. You crawled into my fucking heart, and I know I’ll never get you out. I never want to try.”
This is my fave Sutter Lake book to date, and that’s hard to say because I love them all so much! The demons that both of these characters had to work through was AMAZINGLY written! I feel like my heart was quivering the whole time. Catherine Cowles has become my favorite “small town” romance writer! I love the way she has created this whole world, and the love-able characters in it. I want to be part of their circle! This story wasn’t predictable at all which is what I loved the most!! I can’t stop talking about it!
“The scent of you lingers in every room, your touch burns my skin long after you take your hand away. You crawled into my fucking heart, and I know I’ll never get you out. I never want to try.”
February 9, 2020
Beautifully Broken Control is the fourth book in the Sutter Lake series by Catherine Cowles. Every book in this series has been phenomenal, and this one was no exception. Cowles is an excellent writer with books that ooze heartfelt goodness. I was absolutely smitten with every little detail that made up this story.
Twenty two year old Kennedy came to Sutter Lake to escape her past. All she wants is a simple life of peace for her and her dog, Chuck. She settles in well, makes new friends and keeps herself busy with work. She helps Jensen with her shop, teaches children ballet and volunteers at a shelter. But no matter how hard she tries, she is constantly haunted by the sins of her father and all of the lives that he destroyed.
Cain is a smart, wealthy and successful entrepreneur, but he too has a painful past. One that he won't disclose and keeps buried deep within himself. When there is a security threat at his firm, he has to leave Portland and heads to his hometown of Sutter Lake to spend some time with his two best friends. Only he wasn't expecting to meet a green-eyed beauty with a past that is so similar to his own.
Overall, I really feel as though Catherine Cowles delivered an addictive, heartfelt, well written, small town romance. I absolutely loved it and simply can't recommend it enough. Don't just add this to your TBR, move it up to the top and inhale it quickly yet as slowly as you can. This is one book and series that should be read by everyone.
Twenty two year old Kennedy came to Sutter Lake to escape her past. All she wants is a simple life of peace for her and her dog, Chuck. She settles in well, makes new friends and keeps herself busy with work. She helps Jensen with her shop, teaches children ballet and volunteers at a shelter. But no matter how hard she tries, she is constantly haunted by the sins of her father and all of the lives that he destroyed.
Cain is a smart, wealthy and successful entrepreneur, but he too has a painful past. One that he won't disclose and keeps buried deep within himself. When there is a security threat at his firm, he has to leave Portland and heads to his hometown of Sutter Lake to spend some time with his two best friends. Only he wasn't expecting to meet a green-eyed beauty with a past that is so similar to his own.
Overall, I really feel as though Catherine Cowles delivered an addictive, heartfelt, well written, small town romance. I absolutely loved it and simply can't recommend it enough. Don't just add this to your TBR, move it up to the top and inhale it quickly yet as slowly as you can. This is one book and series that should be read by everyone.
April 7, 2024
Beautifully Broken Control is the 4th book in the Sutter Lake small town series!
Kennedy is trying to rebuild her life in Sutter Lake. At the beginning of the story we see her helping the FBI take down her father for his corrupt business (he stole millions from innocent clients). On top of feeling guilt over how things went, she also had her family and friends turning their backs on her and treating her horribly as well. So she took off to Sutter Lake! Cain is a multi-millionaire with a tech company who ends up buying a house in Sutter Lake and has his best friends there, who happen to have also befriended Kennedy. In Cain’s eyes Kennedy is very mysterious and he’s at first a little wary about his friends being friends with her, but soon they both get to know one another.
I enjoyed this one with how both Kennedy and Cain are escaping things from their past and starting fresh together in Sutter Lake! The danger/suspense element in this one and how that played out just wasn’t my fav, but the characters and friend group were good!
Kennedy is trying to rebuild her life in Sutter Lake. At the beginning of the story we see her helping the FBI take down her father for his corrupt business (he stole millions from innocent clients). On top of feeling guilt over how things went, she also had her family and friends turning their backs on her and treating her horribly as well. So she took off to Sutter Lake! Cain is a multi-millionaire with a tech company who ends up buying a house in Sutter Lake and has his best friends there, who happen to have also befriended Kennedy. In Cain’s eyes Kennedy is very mysterious and he’s at first a little wary about his friends being friends with her, but soon they both get to know one another.
I enjoyed this one with how both Kennedy and Cain are escaping things from their past and starting fresh together in Sutter Lake! The danger/suspense element in this one and how that played out just wasn’t my fav, but the characters and friend group were good!
March 21, 2025
4 stars
This is one of the most emotional and beautiful stories by Catherine Cowles I have ever read. It’s also my favourite of this series, and that’s not going to change. I loved the story, the tropes, the romance, and the chemistry between Cain and Kennedy. Everything was so good.
Kennedy is a woman running away from her past life, which only destroyed and broke her. She starts living in Sutter Lake, finds people who love and accept her, makes friends, and builds a home—but she never expected Cain to barge into her life and unravel her past with a reminder of what she left behind. Kennedy is sweet, thoughtful, and loves a simple and grounded life after the events that led her to escape her lavish past. She is a closed-off person, but I liked how she made an effort to let people know her, tragic past and all. She deserved all the love and support.
“I think most people feel that way. But we can’t erase our pasts. They make us who we are. And, often, it’s the ugly parts that lead to the most beauty.”
Cain is a man with a haunted past. He is charming in a broody and mysterious way, keeping his demons and pain close to his heart, never letting anyone get close enough to hurt him—or for him to hurt others. But Kennedy waltzed into his life before he could prepare himself. He cares for the people he considers family, and now Kennedy is his family too. He cared for her, wanted to protect her, and wanted her—but he couldn’t let himself love her because he had too much baggage to dump on her. Yet Kennedy loved him for who he was and waited for him to share his haunted past with her. Cain’s character development was slow, but it was done so well.
“You have me. All of me. Even the demons.”
The romance was heartbreaking yet beautiful and alluring. Kennedy wanted to hide, but Cain wanted to unravel her and her past. He wanted to show her that she was not defined by the lifestyle she lived before she escaped. What they were never prepared for was falling in love with those imperfections. There is a fourteen-year age gap between Cain and Kennedy, but they never acted like it was a weird thing or that he was too old for her—something so common in age-gap romances. The slow-burn was executed so well, alongside the development of emotional intimacy between them. They didn’t fall in love at first sight; they patiently waited for each other to open up about their pasts and trauma. They helped heal each other.
I didn’t expect the plot twist to be that twisted. I loved the ending—it was perfect for Cain and Kennedy. Now, only Anna’s book is left, and I already liked her here, so I can’t wait to read her story. I’m definitely going to miss all these characters once I finish the last book, and I’m not ready.
“We weren’t the perfect people, but we just might be perfect for each other.”
This is one of the most emotional and beautiful stories by Catherine Cowles I have ever read. It’s also my favourite of this series, and that’s not going to change. I loved the story, the tropes, the romance, and the chemistry between Cain and Kennedy. Everything was so good.
Kennedy is a woman running away from her past life, which only destroyed and broke her. She starts living in Sutter Lake, finds people who love and accept her, makes friends, and builds a home—but she never expected Cain to barge into her life and unravel her past with a reminder of what she left behind. Kennedy is sweet, thoughtful, and loves a simple and grounded life after the events that led her to escape her lavish past. She is a closed-off person, but I liked how she made an effort to let people know her, tragic past and all. She deserved all the love and support.
“I think most people feel that way. But we can’t erase our pasts. They make us who we are. And, often, it’s the ugly parts that lead to the most beauty.”
Cain is a man with a haunted past. He is charming in a broody and mysterious way, keeping his demons and pain close to his heart, never letting anyone get close enough to hurt him—or for him to hurt others. But Kennedy waltzed into his life before he could prepare himself. He cares for the people he considers family, and now Kennedy is his family too. He cared for her, wanted to protect her, and wanted her—but he couldn’t let himself love her because he had too much baggage to dump on her. Yet Kennedy loved him for who he was and waited for him to share his haunted past with her. Cain’s character development was slow, but it was done so well.
“You have me. All of me. Even the demons.”
The romance was heartbreaking yet beautiful and alluring. Kennedy wanted to hide, but Cain wanted to unravel her and her past. He wanted to show her that she was not defined by the lifestyle she lived before she escaped. What they were never prepared for was falling in love with those imperfections. There is a fourteen-year age gap between Cain and Kennedy, but they never acted like it was a weird thing or that he was too old for her—something so common in age-gap romances. The slow-burn was executed so well, alongside the development of emotional intimacy between them. They didn’t fall in love at first sight; they patiently waited for each other to open up about their pasts and trauma. They helped heal each other.
“You crawled into my fucking heart, and I know I’ll never get you out. I never want to try. I love you, Kennedy.”
“There are moments that are so hard, you’ll think they’ve broken you, and you’ll never recover. But it’s those moments that make you appreciate the goodness, the sweetness, something so beautiful it will almost seem painful to take it all in.”
I didn’t expect the plot twist to be that twisted. I loved the ending—it was perfect for Cain and Kennedy. Now, only Anna’s book is left, and I already liked her here, so I can’t wait to read her story. I’m definitely going to miss all these characters once I finish the last book, and I’m not ready.
February 20, 2020
...just perfect! Perfect end of the whole series!
And that bonus scene at Catherine's newsletter is so lovely ohmygod ♥
And that bonus scene at Catherine's newsletter is so lovely ohmygod ♥
June 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 rounded down.
A good overall entertaining story. The MC characters both hard hardships in their families and pasts they need to overcome. That is something I enjoy in stories.
This is a semi-romance genre book. Very few short steamy scenes more about the romance.
The girl(Kennedy) has a father that was running a financial scheme on people. The guy (Cain) has a mother that had substance abuse issues. They both have trust issues stemming from those experiences.
They find each other in small town in Oregon more or less hiding out. Then new problems in their lives arise they have to deal with.
One theme of the book is a gratitude jar which Kennedy uses. Always a good reminder to appreciate things.
A good overall entertaining story. The MC characters both hard hardships in their families and pasts they need to overcome. That is something I enjoy in stories.
This is a semi-romance genre book. Very few short steamy scenes more about the romance.
The girl(Kennedy) has a father that was running a financial scheme on people. The guy (Cain) has a mother that had substance abuse issues. They both have trust issues stemming from those experiences.
They find each other in small town in Oregon more or less hiding out. Then new problems in their lives arise they have to deal with.
One theme of the book is a gratitude jar which Kennedy uses. Always a good reminder to appreciate things.
June 8, 2021
4.5 Kennedy and Cain Stars
We weren’t the perfect people, but we just might be perfect for each other.
I really enjoyed this fourth instalment of romantic suspense set in Sutter Lake , Oregon.
Each book focuses on a different couple and Beautifully Broken Control is about Kennedy and Cain.
Kennedy (22) appeared in Beautifully Broken Spirit when she got the job working with Jensen at The Tea Kettle. There is an air of mystery about Kennedy in that book but Cain (36) has been mentioned before and played a significant part in Beautifully Broken Lifealbeit he wasn't physically present in Sutter Lake. He is best friends with both Tuck and Walker and after some turbulent events both in his private life and work , the billionaire tech guy decides to go back to Sutter Lake and his friends for a well deserved break but as always , danger lurks.
I read some reviews that said each of these books is very formulaic and I guess they are - the question is , does the story hold your interest , even if you have a good idea of what is coming? My answer is yes. I like this writer's style and the characters , for the most part , are engaging and really likeable. I guessed most of the plot but there were a couple of twists that surprised me - I wasn't quite the smarty pants detective I thought I was!
Great dialogue and dynamics between all the couples -
“There’s no need to pout, grumpypants.”
I froze, turning in place.
“Did you just call me grumpypants?” Kennedy’s lips twitched, and her eyes danced.
“I could call you Mr. Grumpypants if you’re feeling fancy.”
And Grandma Irma is still stealing the show...
Irma shot to her feet.
“Quick, someone call 9-1-1. I’m going into cardiac arrest with all this hotness.”
If you enjoy small town romance with a hot alpha hero who comes to the rescue of the woman he has fallen for then snap this up.
Kennedy grumbled something under her breath.
“I see you’ve got the same overprotective streak as Tuck and Walker.”
Tuck and Walker had nothing on me, but I didn’t tell her that.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Triggers?
We weren’t the perfect people, but we just might be perfect for each other.
I really enjoyed this fourth instalment of romantic suspense set in Sutter Lake , Oregon.
Each book focuses on a different couple and Beautifully Broken Control is about Kennedy and Cain.
Kennedy (22) appeared in Beautifully Broken Spirit when she got the job working with Jensen at The Tea Kettle. There is an air of mystery about Kennedy in that book but Cain (36) has been mentioned before and played a significant part in Beautifully Broken Lifealbeit he wasn't physically present in Sutter Lake. He is best friends with both Tuck and Walker and after some turbulent events both in his private life and work , the billionaire tech guy decides to go back to Sutter Lake and his friends for a well deserved break but as always , danger lurks.
I read some reviews that said each of these books is very formulaic and I guess they are - the question is , does the story hold your interest , even if you have a good idea of what is coming? My answer is yes. I like this writer's style and the characters , for the most part , are engaging and really likeable. I guessed most of the plot but there were a couple of twists that surprised me - I wasn't quite the smarty pants detective I thought I was!
Great dialogue and dynamics between all the couples -
“There’s no need to pout, grumpypants.”
I froze, turning in place.
“Did you just call me grumpypants?” Kennedy’s lips twitched, and her eyes danced.
“I could call you Mr. Grumpypants if you’re feeling fancy.”
And Grandma Irma is still stealing the show...
Irma shot to her feet.
“Quick, someone call 9-1-1. I’m going into cardiac arrest with all this hotness.”
If you enjoy small town romance with a hot alpha hero who comes to the rescue of the woman he has fallen for then snap this up.
Kennedy grumbled something under her breath.
“I see you’ve got the same overprotective streak as Tuck and Walker.”
Tuck and Walker had nothing on me, but I didn’t tell her that.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Triggers?
January 13, 2023
***2.5 Stars***
Seems I've hit a bump in the road in reading Catherine Cowles's backlist.
I just couldn't fully connect with either Kennedy or Cain. Both of their backstories were underdeveloped and a lot of the feels here felt like words on paper. I just didn't get the emotional impact the author was going for.
I didn't know enough about Kennedy's wealthy and privileged life before Sutter Lake to be on board with her complete 180 of living the simple, bare-bones life. I understood her guilt when it came to how many innocent people her father screwed over with his Ponzi scheme, but the extreme with which she took it just didn't ring true to me.
Cain felt like a formulaic, rich, overprotective hero with a tortured past. I needed more. It's almost like the author was afraid to go there. You can't give me his story of a horrible childhood and a VERY traumatic loss in a glossed over way. I needed to feel it. Cain was consumed with grief and anger and obsessive protectiveness, and we got the cause of all that in small bursts that didn't deliver the depth of that pain.
With how little I was able to connect to them, I couldn't understand how quickly Kennedy and Cain's relationship and bond formed for two people who supposedly have trust issues. And oh boy did I need a damn good grovel after Cain exploded on Kennedy when he thought she'd crossed a line by invading his privacy (note: she did not). This disappointed reader didnt get her grovel.
Also, I think this may have been the most ridiculous third act suspense element of all the books I've read. Completely felt like throwaway shock value.
So, big bump in the road on my Catherine Cowles journey, but I was still glad to be back with the Sutter Lake gang.
February 19, 2020
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"Whether we like it or not, grief is sometimes our greatest teacher."
Ahhh....for the final book in this series, I don't think Catherine Cowles left anything out. It had emotion. It had peeks back at the other characters. It had drama. It really just made me smile while I read it. I knew of Cain from the previous books because he had "helped out" and he had a certain "set of skills" (I giggled at that) that had been useful in each of the previous storylines, so I knew his story was going to be a good one. Right, I was. It was good!! I barreled through this one and didn't put it down. Pure smiles on my face.
This is one of those “knight in shining armor” books, but not one bit of it was boring and the words were so easy and fun to read. Smiling, laughing, easy-going and fun, this book had everything I needed for Cain and Kennedy’s story to resonate with me. But sadly, it's the last in the series. As sad as that makes me, I feel like she did their story justice.
What do you do when morals trump loyalty and you’re chastised for it? Kennedy had that reality and it's one that happens more often than not. I know from personal experience, so seeing her guilt and seeing her punish herself the way she did was all too real and very relatable. I felt so sorry for her but her character didn't allow for that. She was so strong and so determined to do good in the world. There was not one thing I didn't admire about her because she had some fierceness to her and I admired her tenacity. She was living the life she was because of something she had no control over - but I truly loved that she was so self sufficient and strong. She was also stubborn, and I probably loved that just as much as her strength. HA!
"She was a storm wrapped in beauty and grace."
I loved seeing the softer side of Cain and I feel like Cowles did a really good job with him. His temperament and his confidence mixed really well with his business sense and sexiness. He was a visual that I didn't mind having - that's for sure! He had a way with his "suave" that most men merely attempt, and Cowles did him justice. No lie, having Kennedy bring out another side of him sure made me sigh. Some of him was super soft, to the point of it sounding a little too soft, but I loved him all the same because he had his demons, but he was trying to keep them in check. I'll hold my thumb and forefinger reeeeally close for this visual, because yes - it was a little feminine in the hero's descriptive words to a certain degree, but not distractingly so. Sliiightly. Not jarringly.
"My control always seemed to slip a bit around Kennedy."
I feel like Cowles sits down and thinks up the BEST characters and then writes her stories around them. The supporting cast of characters in this series made for an amazing round of stories. But that Gramma Irma.....she was a character that I could visualize and "hear" in every single book. She had me in stitches!!! OhMyGosh, she was hilarious. I loved her old world knowledge mixed with her woman's intuition. She seriously was the best.
I don't like to expect anything happening in a book, and sometimes these "romantic suspense" books are eerily predictable - only because we all know soooomething is going to happen to the heroine and we need someone to save the day. So the anticipation is out for the extra bit of drama added into these books, but I need to keep in mind this is the trope in its truest form, but I can sum it up with ease because her writing flows. It's effortless and it reads really clean. The great thing is, I think Catherine Cowles is synonymous with "Small Town Romance" and I love that she can put me in that little mountain town in Oregon and I can relate with it all the way down to the little shops that know your name and your food order before you ever walk in. That small town feel is paraded through this book with comfort and knowledge. It has to be one of my favorite parts about her series.
Cowles has beauty and grace, an ease with her words. It’s always a joy to read her stories and she gives an honest, feel-good story about love triumphing a past that has too much control over the future. She gives me the emotions I crave in a lighter story I really enjoy her words and look forward to reading more from her.
"Kennedy lived with a joy I didn't think I'd ever witness before. It was the simple things that gave her the most pleasure."
~BEE
PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/37I2h9K
Affiliate Link
ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY: http://bit.ly/38JO0uP
"Whether we like it or not, grief is sometimes our greatest teacher."
Ahhh....for the final book in this series, I don't think Catherine Cowles left anything out. It had emotion. It had peeks back at the other characters. It had drama. It really just made me smile while I read it. I knew of Cain from the previous books because he had "helped out" and he had a certain "set of skills" (I giggled at that) that had been useful in each of the previous storylines, so I knew his story was going to be a good one. Right, I was. It was good!! I barreled through this one and didn't put it down. Pure smiles on my face.
This is one of those “knight in shining armor” books, but not one bit of it was boring and the words were so easy and fun to read. Smiling, laughing, easy-going and fun, this book had everything I needed for Cain and Kennedy’s story to resonate with me. But sadly, it's the last in the series. As sad as that makes me, I feel like she did their story justice.
What do you do when morals trump loyalty and you’re chastised for it? Kennedy had that reality and it's one that happens more often than not. I know from personal experience, so seeing her guilt and seeing her punish herself the way she did was all too real and very relatable. I felt so sorry for her but her character didn't allow for that. She was so strong and so determined to do good in the world. There was not one thing I didn't admire about her because she had some fierceness to her and I admired her tenacity. She was living the life she was because of something she had no control over - but I truly loved that she was so self sufficient and strong. She was also stubborn, and I probably loved that just as much as her strength. HA!
"She was a storm wrapped in beauty and grace."
I loved seeing the softer side of Cain and I feel like Cowles did a really good job with him. His temperament and his confidence mixed really well with his business sense and sexiness. He was a visual that I didn't mind having - that's for sure! He had a way with his "suave" that most men merely attempt, and Cowles did him justice. No lie, having Kennedy bring out another side of him sure made me sigh. Some of him was super soft, to the point of it sounding a little too soft, but I loved him all the same because he had his demons, but he was trying to keep them in check. I'll hold my thumb and forefinger reeeeally close for this visual, because yes - it was a little feminine in the hero's descriptive words to a certain degree, but not distractingly so. Sliiightly. Not jarringly.
"My control always seemed to slip a bit around Kennedy."
I feel like Cowles sits down and thinks up the BEST characters and then writes her stories around them. The supporting cast of characters in this series made for an amazing round of stories. But that Gramma Irma.....she was a character that I could visualize and "hear" in every single book. She had me in stitches!!! OhMyGosh, she was hilarious. I loved her old world knowledge mixed with her woman's intuition. She seriously was the best.
I don't like to expect anything happening in a book, and sometimes these "romantic suspense" books are eerily predictable - only because we all know soooomething is going to happen to the heroine and we need someone to save the day. So the anticipation is out for the extra bit of drama added into these books, but I need to keep in mind this is the trope in its truest form, but I can sum it up with ease because her writing flows. It's effortless and it reads really clean. The great thing is, I think Catherine Cowles is synonymous with "Small Town Romance" and I love that she can put me in that little mountain town in Oregon and I can relate with it all the way down to the little shops that know your name and your food order before you ever walk in. That small town feel is paraded through this book with comfort and knowledge. It has to be one of my favorite parts about her series.
Cowles has beauty and grace, an ease with her words. It’s always a joy to read her stories and she gives an honest, feel-good story about love triumphing a past that has too much control over the future. She gives me the emotions I crave in a lighter story I really enjoy her words and look forward to reading more from her.
"Kennedy lived with a joy I didn't think I'd ever witness before. It was the simple things that gave her the most pleasure."
~BEE
PURCHASE: https://amzn.to/37I2h9K
Affiliate Link
ENTER HERE TO WIN AN ECOPY: http://bit.ly/38JO0uP
March 6, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 2.75 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
I won’t make this long. It started good, I think this was the one that moved me the most, especially with Kennedy’s background. That prologue was good and painful. The first half is great, I was really into it. This was a solid 3.5 star book. But then, the conflict happened. It was exactly the same as the others which was tiring and disappointing. Then, the whole Cain’s past thing... we never get to see that conversation, which again, disappointing. The fight before the conflict was... uncomfortable?? I felt bad for Kennedy and happy for her cause she was thinking about herself. What bothered me the most was how fast Cain changes from “I can’t talk about this” to “here. I open my mind and past to you.” Like, then what was the whole point of the second half??? Oh, the Jake thing? predictable. The people from the conflict were a bit unexpected but because they did THE EXACT SAME THING as the other books, it was meh.
I was excited to meet Cain cause it was the one we knew the less about, but he was meh. Didn’t love him. I’m sad this was the last book cause it wasn’t the best. Loved the gang. Not the best series I’ve read but the firsts are okay.
I won’t make this long. It started good, I think this was the one that moved me the most, especially with Kennedy’s background. That prologue was good and painful. The first half is great, I was really into it. This was a solid 3.5 star book. But then, the conflict happened. It was exactly the same as the others which was tiring and disappointing. Then, the whole Cain’s past thing... we never get to see that conversation, which again, disappointing. The fight before the conflict was... uncomfortable?? I felt bad for Kennedy and happy for her cause she was thinking about herself. What bothered me the most was how fast Cain changes from “I can’t talk about this” to “here. I open my mind and past to you.” Like, then what was the whole point of the second half??? Oh, the Jake thing? predictable. The people from the conflict were a bit unexpected but because they did THE EXACT SAME THING as the other books, it was meh.
I was excited to meet Cain cause it was the one we knew the less about, but he was meh. Didn’t love him. I’m sad this was the last book cause it wasn’t the best. Loved the gang. Not the best series I’ve read but the firsts are okay.
February 24, 2020
Kennedy arrived on Jensen’s doorstep one day to begin a new life in Sutter lake. Jensen knew Kennedy was seeking somewhere safe and quiet so she offered her a job and a place to stay. She didn’t ask questions, she sensed that one day when Kennedy was ready she would tell her story.
Two years later and Kennedy is well and truly settled into her quiet town. She loves her job at Jensen’s bakery and her other part time job teaching ballet. As if her days weren’t busy enough, she also volunteers at the local shelter in the evenings. Jensen’s family and friends have welcomed Kennedy into their fold and this has made a huge difference, making her feel like part of a family again.
When Cain Hale moves to Sutter Lake, he too is trying to escape the memories of his past. His best friends Walker & Tuck are thrilled to have him back in their daily lives and the Sawyer family quickly wrap him back into their close knit clan. Cain is a very private man, his circle of people he can trust and feel comfortable around is small, once you are a part of his circle you will be for life.
‘Whoever he’d lost - it had marked him. Created a lens through which he views the world.’
When Cain first meets Kennedy his senses are on full alert, she is hiding something, he can see it in her eyes and his first thought is for his friends. Do they know anything about her, what if she means to do them harm? However, it doesn’t take long for him to get to know Kennedy and his initial view on her does a 360 degree turn. She is selfless, sweet, fiercely independent and a very beautiful woman.
Cain feels so drawn to Kennedy and his protective instincts kick in whenever he is around her. He knows she too is running from something which makes his need to keep her safe running through his mind all the time. He likes to be in control of what goes on around him, not just for himself but the people he holds dear in his life, Kennedy is quickly becoming one of those people.
‘It was as if her soul called to mine in a song only the two of us could recognise. A broken siren’s song. And it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.’
When Kennedy’s past begins to creep back into her life in Sutter Lake she knows her secrets are going to have to come out and she hopes that it doesn’t mean the end of the life she loves so much. She has worked so hard to pay for the mistakes made by others and if she the little that she has now it would devastate her. Especially what she has found with Cain.
‘But we can’t erase our pasts. They make us who we are. And, often, it’s the ugly parts that lead to the most beauty.’
OMG, I have been dying to read Kennedy’s story and Catherine did an incredible job bringing it to life. I could not stop reading this book on Saturday, nothing else got done, dinner was not cooked, the house was a mess, I didn’t get dressed and I regret nothing!
Two years later and Kennedy is well and truly settled into her quiet town. She loves her job at Jensen’s bakery and her other part time job teaching ballet. As if her days weren’t busy enough, she also volunteers at the local shelter in the evenings. Jensen’s family and friends have welcomed Kennedy into their fold and this has made a huge difference, making her feel like part of a family again.
When Cain Hale moves to Sutter Lake, he too is trying to escape the memories of his past. His best friends Walker & Tuck are thrilled to have him back in their daily lives and the Sawyer family quickly wrap him back into their close knit clan. Cain is a very private man, his circle of people he can trust and feel comfortable around is small, once you are a part of his circle you will be for life.
‘Whoever he’d lost - it had marked him. Created a lens through which he views the world.’
When Cain first meets Kennedy his senses are on full alert, she is hiding something, he can see it in her eyes and his first thought is for his friends. Do they know anything about her, what if she means to do them harm? However, it doesn’t take long for him to get to know Kennedy and his initial view on her does a 360 degree turn. She is selfless, sweet, fiercely independent and a very beautiful woman.
Cain feels so drawn to Kennedy and his protective instincts kick in whenever he is around her. He knows she too is running from something which makes his need to keep her safe running through his mind all the time. He likes to be in control of what goes on around him, not just for himself but the people he holds dear in his life, Kennedy is quickly becoming one of those people.
‘It was as if her soul called to mine in a song only the two of us could recognise. A broken siren’s song. And it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.’
When Kennedy’s past begins to creep back into her life in Sutter Lake she knows her secrets are going to have to come out and she hopes that it doesn’t mean the end of the life she loves so much. She has worked so hard to pay for the mistakes made by others and if she the little that she has now it would devastate her. Especially what she has found with Cain.
‘But we can’t erase our pasts. They make us who we are. And, often, it’s the ugly parts that lead to the most beauty.’
OMG, I have been dying to read Kennedy’s story and Catherine did an incredible job bringing it to life. I could not stop reading this book on Saturday, nothing else got done, dinner was not cooked, the house was a mess, I didn’t get dressed and I regret nothing!
February 6, 2020
I devoured this book from start to finish! I absolutely loved how Catherine weaved in elements of suspense into her storyline and had me guessing what would happen next. And Cain - wow. Just WOW. His character development was fantastic, and I absolutely felt every emotion he experienced right along with him. And Kennedy (Kenz) - truly loved her as well. Two beautifully broken people searching for control and they find so much more . . . Steller read!
January 15, 2022
“We can’t erase our pasts. They make us who we are. And, often, it’s the ugly parts that lead to the most beauty.”
- Who is the Hero? Cain Hale - age: 36
~ Cain has degrees in law enforcement and computer programming and has built a huge tech empire. He met Tuck and Walker in college. In the last few books the guys reached out to Cain for background info and help on some bad guys.
An extremely painful event in his past drives Cain to be a bit obsessive when it comes to security. The hurt is so intense and it impacts every aspect of his life. Cain keeps his secrets locked up tight. Only Walker and Tuck know the truth.
- Who is the Heroine? Kennedy Charles - age: 22
~ Kennedy was faced with a dilemma - be moral or be loyal to her family. It was a difficult choice, and she suffered greatly for it.
Kennedy came to Sutter Lake to disappear and to start over. She works at The Tea Kettle and spends her spare time teaching ballet to children, volunteering at a shelter and loving her dog, Chuck. She’s worked hard to build a life for herself in Sutter Lake and her overflowing gratitude jars are a testament to her desire to always find the silver lining.
Plot overview:
~ Kennedy and Cain both carry a lot of guilt for things that happened in the past that were beyond their control. When they first meet, Cain doesn’t trust Kennedy but he quickly learns she could benefit from his protective measures….and his support.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * both characters had bad guys that were invading their lives. So there was stuff going on with Cain’s work that he was trying to deal with and there was stuff going on in Kennedy’s life that she was trying to deal with. So bringing these two together was a double whammie of bad guys. The bad guys for Cain and the bad guys for Kennedy were not connected, so I felt like my focus was split and it was just a bit much for me.
* * the bad guys were equal measure predictable and completely unexpected.
* * kennedy’s brother ticked me off and he needed to grovel and apologize A LOT MORE!!!!
* * Even though Kennedy is 14 years younger than Cain, it wasn’t brought up and this didn’t feel like an age gap story (👍). I thought Kennedy was very mature for her age.
* * I felt really sad for Kennedy, but I loved that she intentionally tried to find the good in things and had a positive attitude. She was a strong character that I really liked.
* * not as much interaction with the Cole family as previous books. I kinda of missed that and it made this couple seem a bit more isolated
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: Suicide and death of sibling (both off page), kidnapping (mostly off page)
- Setting: Sutter Lake (somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, I think)
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I would recommend reading previous books. Both H/h were introduced in previous books
- POV: Dual POV
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 62%
- First time they sleep together: 63%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used
- First time they say I Love You 90%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? yes, I thought the dynamics between the H/h complimented their strengths and fortified their weaknesses
- OW/OM drama? A tiny bit, but Kennedy wasn’t interested in the guy
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Yes. Both are hiding their pasts because it hurts to much to share. Ultimately, their sharing their pasts doesn’t change their feelings
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Yes. Cain was swoony
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? Two years later
- Recommend? Yes
Quotes:
“There’s no need to pout, grumpypants.”I froze, turning in place. “Did you just call me grumpypants?” Kennedy’s lips twitched, and her eyes danced. “I could call you Mr. Grumpypants if you’re feeling fancy.”
“I live with so much guilt. The only way it quiets down is when I give more than I take. When I give, and when I’m grateful.”
“Just because it’s painful now, doesn’t mean I want to forget.”
“I lived on the stolen lives of others. Do you know how that feels to know that? To know that people died because I got ballet lessons, and trips to St. Barts, and as many shoes as I wanted?”
- Who is the Hero? Cain Hale - age: 36
~ Cain has degrees in law enforcement and computer programming and has built a huge tech empire. He met Tuck and Walker in college. In the last few books the guys reached out to Cain for background info and help on some bad guys.
An extremely painful event in his past drives Cain to be a bit obsessive when it comes to security. The hurt is so intense and it impacts every aspect of his life. Cain keeps his secrets locked up tight. Only Walker and Tuck know the truth.
- Who is the Heroine? Kennedy Charles - age: 22
~ Kennedy was faced with a dilemma - be moral or be loyal to her family. It was a difficult choice, and she suffered greatly for it.
Kennedy came to Sutter Lake to disappear and to start over. She works at The Tea Kettle and spends her spare time teaching ballet to children, volunteering at a shelter and loving her dog, Chuck. She’s worked hard to build a life for herself in Sutter Lake and her overflowing gratitude jars are a testament to her desire to always find the silver lining.
Plot overview:
~ Kennedy and Cain both carry a lot of guilt for things that happened in the past that were beyond their control. When they first meet, Cain doesn’t trust Kennedy but he quickly learns she could benefit from his protective measures….and his support.
** The following are my thoughts about this book: **
* * both characters had bad guys that were invading their lives. So there was stuff going on with Cain’s work that he was trying to deal with and there was stuff going on in Kennedy’s life that she was trying to deal with. So bringing these two together was a double whammie of bad guys. The bad guys for Cain and the bad guys for Kennedy were not connected, so I felt like my focus was split and it was just a bit much for me.
* * the bad guys were equal measure predictable and completely unexpected.
* * kennedy’s brother ticked me off and he needed to grovel and apologize A LOT MORE!!!!
* * Even though Kennedy is 14 years younger than Cain, it wasn’t brought up and this didn’t feel like an age gap story (👍). I thought Kennedy was very mature for her age.
* * I felt really sad for Kennedy, but I loved that she intentionally tried to find the good in things and had a positive attitude. She was a strong character that I really liked.
* * not as much interaction with the Cole family as previous books. I kinda of missed that and it made this couple seem a bit more isolated
**Overview:**
- Content Warning: Suicide and death of sibling (both off page), kidnapping (mostly off page)
- Setting: Sutter Lake (somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, I think)
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: I would recommend reading previous books. Both H/h were introduced in previous books
- POV: Dual POV
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 62%
- First time they sleep together: 63%
- Safe sex? Yes. Condoms were used
- First time they say I Love You 90%
- steamy? Yes. Descriptive bedroom scenes
- Chemistry? yes, I thought the dynamics between the H/h complimented their strengths and fortified their weaknesses
- OW/OM drama? A tiny bit, but Kennedy wasn’t interested in the guy
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Yes. Both are hiding their pasts because it hurts to much to share. Ultimately, their sharing their pasts doesn’t change their feelings
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? No
- Did I swoon🥰? Yes. Cain was swoony
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? Two years later
- Recommend? Yes
Quotes:
“There’s no need to pout, grumpypants.”I froze, turning in place. “Did you just call me grumpypants?” Kennedy’s lips twitched, and her eyes danced. “I could call you Mr. Grumpypants if you’re feeling fancy.”
“I live with so much guilt. The only way it quiets down is when I give more than I take. When I give, and when I’m grateful.”
“Just because it’s painful now, doesn’t mean I want to forget.”
“I lived on the stolen lives of others. Do you know how that feels to know that? To know that people died because I got ballet lessons, and trips to St. Barts, and as many shoes as I wanted?”
July 31, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
Beautifully Broken Control is about two characters that are new in some ways to the town of Sutter Lake but we have seen connections to them in previous books in the series. I was really curious to see how this one would be handled though. And I shouldn't have doubted Catherine Cowles because I had a blast with this book, even though its not a favorite of the series, it was a delightful take on moving the series moving forward and I really enjoyed seeing their type of dynamic together. And I really enjoyed seeing how they each connect to the characters in the previous books of the series.
First Line
A single bead of sweat rolled down my sternum, and my hand shook as I tried to wipe it away.
Summary
Kennedy was caught up in a conflict not of her own making. When its revealed that her father has cheated out many out of their savings and retirement for his own financial gain, she works with the FBI to get justice for those wronged but in the process of it, she is blamed by the rest of her family and the world. Everyone she knows turns her back on her and so she goes to Sutter Lake to escape the torment and abuse to have a fresh start but she still bears so much guilt for the past. Then she meets Cain, who comes to town who is best friends with Walker and Tuck. Cain, is escaping the city to find some peace in Sutter Lake and doesn't plan on falling hard for Kennedy, who is a woman of mystery and shadows in her eyes. But Cain has his own demons that could threaten everything he and Kennedy build together.
What I Loved
Catherine Cowles delivers such a wonderful story and I highly recommend this one if you are a fan of the series or even just this author. First, the story is super engaging and really draws you into it immediately and you just feel for the road that the heroine is on and what she was willing to do in order to do the right thing. I really respected the heroine for what she does here. Cain on the other end, is such a man of integrity and heart but he has his own pain and is such a tortured soul. I love how they come together in this one, but the heroine is a bit stubborn when it comes to going into anything with Cain and has so much pride. So much pride it did ruin the enjoyment of the story at times. But the hero is far from perfect, and is a bit stubborn when it comes to allowing the heroine fully into his heart when she opens up to him. They both make mistakes in different ways as they have such a hard time trusting. I really enjoyed the element in which this developed. And that whole end conflict with the danger that enters the story totally surprised me. I wasn't expecting to see how it evolved. I did NOT see the danger elements that enter the story happening haha The author completely shocked me. What really impresses me about this author is even when there are elements that I am not necessarily a big fan of, her writing is so compelling that you are willing to stay invested in the characters and its such a poignant experience overall.
Overall View
Beautifully Broken Control is a captivating read that will entrench your emotions all the way into the story. It delivers on stunningly capture characters and a setting that breathes life into the reader.
Favorite Quote(s)
“We all lose sight sometimes. Of what’s truly important. Of all the people around us who are suffering. That doesn’t mean we can’t recalibrate. Reset our compass so we’re facing the right direction again."
“It’s not about executing the perfect steps. It’s about enjoying the journey.”
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance
Character Types: Billionaire, Self Made Hero, MC on the Run
Themes: Small Town, Danger
Tropes: Protector
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A bit of both
Song This Book Inspires
Love Me Back by Bebe Stockwell
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would say read this in order if possible
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
October 4, 2024
i loved this one!
February 11, 2020
Beautifully Broken Control is the fourth book in the Sutter Lake series. I was taken with this story and what it made me feel. I was absolutely overjoyed with emotion and with every detail that made up this story.
Kennedy came to Sutter Lake to escape her past. She was put in an unthinkable situation which caused a lot of pain. Now, all she wants is a simple life of peace. She makes new friends and keeps to herself working as much as she can. She volunteers at a local shelter and teaches children ballet, whatever she can do to giveback, she does. But as much as she tries, she can’t help but be haunted with her past and the destroyed lives at the hands of her father.
Cain put my heart through a vice. His past was one that was filled with pain and guilt. He keeps those ghosts buried so deep that it’s not only hurting him but also keeps him from opening up to people. He’s a very wealthy, smart and successful entrepreneur. When he finds himself needing to escape and clear his head, he heads to his hometown of Sutter Lake. Once there he never expected the likes of Kennedy and what she would bring to his life.
Kennedy and Cain both know pain. Though both have different pasts, the similarities in what they’ve lost brings them closer together, which in turn makes both of them understand each other on a different level. I loved Kennedy’s spirit and how brave and resilient she was. I also loved Cain’s protective nature and how he’d do anything to keep Kennedy safe. If there were two people who deserved to find happiness it was Kennedy and Cain. It’s not easy to let let love in, but Kennedy and Cain try their hardest, and if there were any two people that deserved happiness it was these two.
Beautifully Broken Control hit me with all the feels. Catherine delivered a heartfelt, emotional, addicting, and well written small town romance. I absolutely love this group of friends and can’t get enough. I miss these characters already. This book and series should not be missed—definitely recommend.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
Kennedy came to Sutter Lake to escape her past. She was put in an unthinkable situation which caused a lot of pain. Now, all she wants is a simple life of peace. She makes new friends and keeps to herself working as much as she can. She volunteers at a local shelter and teaches children ballet, whatever she can do to giveback, she does. But as much as she tries, she can’t help but be haunted with her past and the destroyed lives at the hands of her father.
Cain put my heart through a vice. His past was one that was filled with pain and guilt. He keeps those ghosts buried so deep that it’s not only hurting him but also keeps him from opening up to people. He’s a very wealthy, smart and successful entrepreneur. When he finds himself needing to escape and clear his head, he heads to his hometown of Sutter Lake. Once there he never expected the likes of Kennedy and what she would bring to his life.
Kennedy and Cain both know pain. Though both have different pasts, the similarities in what they’ve lost brings them closer together, which in turn makes both of them understand each other on a different level. I loved Kennedy’s spirit and how brave and resilient she was. I also loved Cain’s protective nature and how he’d do anything to keep Kennedy safe. If there were two people who deserved to find happiness it was Kennedy and Cain. It’s not easy to let let love in, but Kennedy and Cain try their hardest, and if there were any two people that deserved happiness it was these two.
Beautifully Broken Control hit me with all the feels. Catherine delivered a heartfelt, emotional, addicting, and well written small town romance. I absolutely love this group of friends and can’t get enough. I miss these characters already. This book and series should not be missed—definitely recommend.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
March 18, 2020
These two were also really special. I adored them.
Caine's story was so emotional. He was an alpha male but also super sweet. Literally the best of both worlds.
Caine's story was so emotional. He was an alpha male but also super sweet. Literally the best of both worlds.
February 20, 2020
Sutter Lake series is one of the best small town romances and Catherine is amazing, her writing just pulls you right in.
This story is about Cain and Kennedy. Cain is protective, a little overbearing at times, he is mysterious and he is trying to recover over his past. There was definitely an Alpha in Cain, and I was here for it. Kennedy is caring, sweet, friendly and I love that she got her own story. Cain and Kennedy were a great match, they both learned to help each other move on from on from the past, without forgetting completely. Their past are what helped build the character they are in this book.
Their story was a great edition to the Sutter Lake series. This series is great, It always fun to see characters from past books and see side characters get their own stories. This series and book was filled so much love between two people and the friends/family around them.
*thank you Catherine Cowles and Socialbutterfly PR for the opportunity to read and review*
This story is about Cain and Kennedy. Cain is protective, a little overbearing at times, he is mysterious and he is trying to recover over his past. There was definitely an Alpha in Cain, and I was here for it. Kennedy is caring, sweet, friendly and I love that she got her own story. Cain and Kennedy were a great match, they both learned to help each other move on from on from the past, without forgetting completely. Their past are what helped build the character they are in this book.
Their story was a great edition to the Sutter Lake series. This series is great, It always fun to see characters from past books and see side characters get their own stories. This series and book was filled so much love between two people and the friends/family around them.
*thank you Catherine Cowles and Socialbutterfly PR for the opportunity to read and review*
March 1, 2022
3.5 ★
September 10, 2025
This book follows the familiar Catherine Cowles template—emotional backstories, small-town charm, suspenseful twists, and a protective romance at its heart. If you’ve read her other books, you’ll recognize the formula right away.
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