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The Walshes #6
The Spire
Rebel, runner, recluse, rich girl.
Nine years ago, Erin Walsh ran away from everything.
Home.
Family.
Secrets.
Tragedy.
Herself.
The only permanence in her life is catastrophe.
She travels from country to country, chasing disaster, teasing fire, playing with poison. She guards against real connections, and shuns the only family she has left.
She holds everyone—even her siblings—at a mile-long distance. It's the only way to protect herself.
But she can't protect herself from him.
He's the ice to her fire, and he's willing to sacrifice everything to bring her home.
Nine years ago, Erin Walsh ran away from everything.
Home.
Family.
Secrets.
Tragedy.
Herself.
The only permanence in her life is catastrophe.
She travels from country to country, chasing disaster, teasing fire, playing with poison. She guards against real connections, and shuns the only family she has left.
She holds everyone—even her siblings—at a mile-long distance. It's the only way to protect herself.
But she can't protect herself from him.
He's the ice to her fire, and he's willing to sacrifice everything to bring her home.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2016
572 people are currently reading
2210 people want to read
About the author
Kate Canterbary
47 books5,549 followersUSA Today Bestseller Kate Canterbary writes smart, steamy contemporary romances loaded with heat, heart, and happy ever afters. Kate lives on the New England coast with her husband and daughter.
To get in touch with Kate, please email kate@katecanterbary.com
To get in touch with Kate, please email kate@katecanterbary.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 503 reviews
December 17, 2016
The one and only loner Walsh finally gets some stage time, and she's just as dynamic as the rest of them. Finally, we get to know Erin Walsh.
While all the Walshes grew up deeply hurt by the life they led after their mother's death and Angus' evil, I feel like Erin, the youngest Walsh, fell further than the rest of them did. Which is why it's been so many years since she left Boston. We've read of how close knit this family is up to now, and yet with each installment, we've been led to understand how big of a hole Erin's absence made in their family.
This installment has so many reveals, I didn't even know how to process it. I don't know how to properly review it without giving away too much. I just feel like I should say that some of the story takes place concurrently with some of the previous installments. And we once again get more points of view of a previous situation. Kate Canterbary excels at forcing you to gain a new perspective of a character you thought you had pegged before.
As always, the sexy times are sexy, the emotional times evocative, tear jerking, and sigh-worthy. We get a lot of the whole Walsh clan. We may get a little frustrated with our gun-shy heroine, but it's worth it.
While all the Walshes grew up deeply hurt by the life they led after their mother's death and Angus' evil, I feel like Erin, the youngest Walsh, fell further than the rest of them did. Which is why it's been so many years since she left Boston. We've read of how close knit this family is up to now, and yet with each installment, we've been led to understand how big of a hole Erin's absence made in their family.
This installment has so many reveals, I didn't even know how to process it. I don't know how to properly review it without giving away too much. I just feel like I should say that some of the story takes place concurrently with some of the previous installments. And we once again get more points of view of a previous situation. Kate Canterbary excels at forcing you to gain a new perspective of a character you thought you had pegged before.
As always, the sexy times are sexy, the emotional times evocative, tear jerking, and sigh-worthy. We get a lot of the whole Walsh clan. We may get a little frustrated with our gun-shy heroine, but it's worth it.
November 13, 2022
The Spire is not exactly a winner. I had so much expectation from Miss Cantenbary. Alas, I have to be disappointed.
The characters are lovely. But the rest of the story is cold. Nick is hot for Erin. But Erin seems put off by Nick's aggresive. Although I do understand Erin position. I wish Miss Canterbary can made the chemistry click much faster during the first half of the story.
I love Nick. Erin takes a while to get warmed up. I like some of the comedy, but the whole story does not live up to my expectation.
3 stars
The characters are lovely. But the rest of the story is cold. Nick is hot for Erin. But Erin seems put off by Nick's aggresive. Although I do understand Erin position. I wish Miss Canterbary can made the chemistry click much faster during the first half of the story.
I love Nick. Erin takes a while to get warmed up. I like some of the comedy, but the whole story does not live up to my expectation.
3 stars
June 9, 2017
“She flies with her own wings.”
4.5 Homecoming stars
I’m a huge fan of this series, it has become one of my all-time favourites, telling the story of six siblings who endured a horrific childhood and who are now all grown up and all over each other’s lives. Romantic, dramatic, laugh-out-loud funny and super sexy with sensational dynamics, these books are absolutely fantastic and I have been impatiently waiting for this one!
Erin Walsh is the baby of the family. She is the mysterious sibling who had a difficult time growing up and who eventually left home to lead her own path, travelling the world while she studies volcanos and all things climate change. For 5 books Erin has been present in the series through emails, text messages and the occasional visit, and I have been so excited to finally get to know her. And this book did not disappoint!
There’s always been a sense of mystery surrounding Erin. We know she suffered at the hands of her father like the rest of her siblings, we know she was taken in by eldest sister, Shannon, as a teenager and the two of them had a massive falling out, and since then she has been roaming the globe for nine years, never settling and only reluctantly returning home to Boston when family occasions call for it (usually for wedding).
She’s never had the desire to return home and face her past, she doesn’t even know where to start. But life throws her a twist when she meets a man who makes her question her globetrotting, escapist lifestyle for the first time.
Erin’s love interest has been a hot topic of discussion in fan groups. His identify has remained a mystery so I’m not going to spoil it for you, but… .
This book picks up immediately where the last one left off (prior to the epilogue), and is written in dual POV, showing us the unique relationship between Erin and her hero in glorious detail. The chemistry, the heat, the banter and emails, the slow build to something more, and the heartache and angst as they fight to make a life together in the most unlikely of circumstances. It’s surprising and wonderful all at the same time, it made my heart hurt, and it made me giddy with happiness, and I loved every single moment of it.
I love Erin. She’s such a wonderfully complex character. Her pain and vulnerability broke my heart, but I love her strength, resilience and determination. She is truly wild, living her life on her own terms and absolutely owning it, but the shadows that she carries never leave her, and watching her finally start to deal with her past and face up to all that she has left behind was absolutely fantastic!
And her hero…. Oh holy SWOON!!!!! He’s perfect for her! Gorgeous, intelligent, deeply caring and refreshingly honest, he puts himself right out there for her, holding nothing back, and I love that! He truly understands Erin, he accepts her as she is, and he proudly stands by her side through her journey.
But he’s no pushover. He’s strong, and he knows what he wants, and his alphaness rounds out his gentle nature beautifully, proving to himself be exactly the man that Erin needs.
But their relationship is not an easy one. There is heartache and angst as they work to figure out what they want and then work to find a way to have it.
The relationship is raw, honest and real (and so, so hot!), and I fell in love right alongside them and felt everything that they were dealing with.
I loved being back with the Walshes. This is such a wonderful group of characters, I adore them all so much, and I loved the chance to catch up with all of them. There is great continuation for the couples and a whole lot of reveals as even more secrets are uncovered, relationships are mended and tears are shed (both the characters’ and mine). And then there’s Riley - youngest brother of the family, keeper of all of the secrets, and the only one whose story remains untold, his story absolutely rocked me and I cannot WAIT for his book!!!
This is a fantastic addition to the series. It’s slightly different to the others in that it’s mostly set away from the family, whereas in the other books everybody is all up in each other’s business, but it still has the same feel to it that I love and have come to expect. Kate did a wonderful job with this book, taking us around the world in beautiful detail as we follow Erin’s journey, and giving her story the intensity that I was hoping for, while still remaining fun, sexy and romantic, with wonderfully written and perfectly balanced drama. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, and finished it with a massive smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
I loved it!
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Homecoming stars
I’m a huge fan of this series, it has become one of my all-time favourites, telling the story of six siblings who endured a horrific childhood and who are now all grown up and all over each other’s lives. Romantic, dramatic, laugh-out-loud funny and super sexy with sensational dynamics, these books are absolutely fantastic and I have been impatiently waiting for this one!
Erin Walsh is the baby of the family. She is the mysterious sibling who had a difficult time growing up and who eventually left home to lead her own path, travelling the world while she studies volcanos and all things climate change. For 5 books Erin has been present in the series through emails, text messages and the occasional visit, and I have been so excited to finally get to know her. And this book did not disappoint!
There’s always been a sense of mystery surrounding Erin. We know she suffered at the hands of her father like the rest of her siblings, we know she was taken in by eldest sister, Shannon, as a teenager and the two of them had a massive falling out, and since then she has been roaming the globe for nine years, never settling and only reluctantly returning home to Boston when family occasions call for it (usually for wedding).
For years after leaving home, avoiding ... had been my superpower, and I wore it like a merit badge. It served me well. It allowed me to engage to the degree that was comfortable for me. It gave me the space to work through all – um, most? – of my issues. But it also wore the ties between me and my siblings down to threads, and my muscles didn’t remember how to reach out anymore.
She’s never had the desire to return home and face her past, she doesn’t even know where to start. But life throws her a twist when she meets a man who makes her question her globetrotting, escapist lifestyle for the first time.
“I want…everything. I don’t know what everything is, but I want it.”
Erin’s love interest has been a hot topic of discussion in fan groups. His identify has remained a mystery so I’m not going to spoil it for you, but… .
This book picks up immediately where the last one left off (prior to the epilogue), and is written in dual POV, showing us the unique relationship between Erin and her hero in glorious detail. The chemistry, the heat, the banter and emails, the slow build to something more, and the heartache and angst as they fight to make a life together in the most unlikely of circumstances. It’s surprising and wonderful all at the same time, it made my heart hurt, and it made me giddy with happiness, and I loved every single moment of it.
“I want everything,” I whispered. I pressed my face to the hollow of her neck, and when I scraped my teeth over the delicate skin there, her body jerked against my hold. ... “Let me have you.”
I love Erin. She’s such a wonderfully complex character. Her pain and vulnerability broke my heart, but I love her strength, resilience and determination. She is truly wild, living her life on her own terms and absolutely owning it, but the shadows that she carries never leave her, and watching her finally start to deal with her past and face up to all that she has left behind was absolutely fantastic!
"Some people have to leave to find their way home again … I'm one of them. I went away because it was the healthiest, safest option for me, but there are many reasons why I've stayed away. They're not about grudges or revenge. They're only about needing to find my way home, and no one else can do that for me."
And her hero…. Oh holy SWOON!!!!! He’s perfect for her! Gorgeous, intelligent, deeply caring and refreshingly honest, he puts himself right out there for her, holding nothing back, and I love that! He truly understands Erin, he accepts her as she is, and he proudly stands by her side through her journey.
“There are tornadoes in my head sometimes”…
“I know,” he said as his lips met mine. “But your storms, they don’t scare me.”
But he’s no pushover. He’s strong, and he knows what he wants, and his alphaness rounds out his gentle nature beautifully, proving to himself be exactly the man that Erin needs.
She flew with her own wings, and I had to let her. She’d come back to me in due time, and she’d come home, too.
But their relationship is not an easy one. There is heartache and angst as they work to figure out what they want and then work to find a way to have it.
The relationship is raw, honest and real (and so, so hot!), and I fell in love right alongside them and felt everything that they were dealing with.
“I’ll always wait for you. Don’t you dare doubt that.” … “I’ll be right here when you’re ready for me.”
I loved being back with the Walshes. This is such a wonderful group of characters, I adore them all so much, and I loved the chance to catch up with all of them. There is great continuation for the couples and a whole lot of reveals as even more secrets are uncovered, relationships are mended and tears are shed (both the characters’ and mine). And then there’s Riley - youngest brother of the family, keeper of all of the secrets, and the only one whose story remains untold, his story absolutely rocked me and I cannot WAIT for his book!!!
This is a fantastic addition to the series. It’s slightly different to the others in that it’s mostly set away from the family, whereas in the other books everybody is all up in each other’s business, but it still has the same feel to it that I love and have come to expect. Kate did a wonderful job with this book, taking us around the world in beautiful detail as we follow Erin’s journey, and giving her story the intensity that I was hoping for, while still remaining fun, sexy and romantic, with wonderfully written and perfectly balanced drama. I read this book in one sitting, unable to put it down, and finished it with a massive smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
“You should never sit around waiting for life to start because it’s leaving you with every second.”
“You should explore the world … Do dangerous things. Ignore the fuck out of conventional wisdom. Walk on fire. Treat everyone with kindness because people are the only things worth holding on to. Live without regrets because there is no time for that shit. Never forget the way home, and leave a trail of breadcrumbs if you have to. Love, and get your heart broken, and say fuck it, and love again and then again.”
I loved it!
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2017
I honestly have no words for this book. It was such a beautiful journey home. If I could give it all of the stars I would. So for now I am using GIFs to convey my feelings for this amazing book.
The book starts and we are all:
December 16, 2016
This book. Gahhhh. Kate Canterbary outdid herself with The Spire. I love all of her books but this Walsh story was my favorite. Erin was such a great heroine. She was strong and spunky and smart as a whip. But she was also vulnerable and lost and missing parts of her heart that needed filling.
I had no idea what to expect with this book. But what I didn't expect....happened. Totally knocked me off my rocker and had my jaw hanging wide open. AND I LOVED IT.
The hero is exactly that. A hero. A hunk. A man who loves hard and fully and puts his time in. A man who knows what he wants but doesn't demand it. He nurtures it. Feeds and grows it until it blossoms into something perfect and beautiful. Gahhhhh.
"Maybe that was the most appropriate summary of my craving for Miss Walsh. Her beauty was the slap in the face, but her mind was the sucker punch."
I loved how he adored her in every way. It melted my heart. He never gave up.
"I want to keep you."
"I'll keep you as long as you let me, lovely."
This book snatched my heart and it still hasn't let go long after I finished. I can't stop thinking about this great couple and their hard fight for happiness. It was worth it.
"He loved me the way I was, and he let me love him in my scraggly way."
Rock on, Kate. This book was everything.
I had no idea what to expect with this book. But what I didn't expect....happened. Totally knocked me off my rocker and had my jaw hanging wide open. AND I LOVED IT.
The hero is exactly that. A hero. A hunk. A man who loves hard and fully and puts his time in. A man who knows what he wants but doesn't demand it. He nurtures it. Feeds and grows it until it blossoms into something perfect and beautiful. Gahhhhh.
"Maybe that was the most appropriate summary of my craving for Miss Walsh. Her beauty was the slap in the face, but her mind was the sucker punch."
I loved how he adored her in every way. It melted my heart. He never gave up.
"I want to keep you."
"I'll keep you as long as you let me, lovely."
This book snatched my heart and it still hasn't let go long after I finished. I can't stop thinking about this great couple and their hard fight for happiness. It was worth it.
"He loved me the way I was, and he let me love him in my scraggly way."
Rock on, Kate. This book was everything.
December 13, 2016
5 stars!!
Y'all this book!!! It was everything I needed from Erin's story. It's going to be so hard to write a review without giving anything away but I will try.
First this "can" be read as a standalone however I do NOT recommend it. The whole series is interconnected and makes more sense if you read them all.
Erin is the world traveler. She left home and stays away for her own sanity. I could not wait to see into her head. We knew that she left for reasons and that her and Shannon never talked but we didn't know why. We finally find out why in the book and it all clicked.
Erin's love interest was so damn swoony!!! He had the patience of a saint and it showed. Their connection was of true soulmates.
The chemistry was off the charts. The emotions this book brought out in me were ones I thought I didn't even have. It takes a lot to make me cry (black heart) but one scene in this book nearly brought me to my knees.
I loved this book so hard. I don't feel that my review will do it justice but start from book 1 and read this series. You won't be sorry.
Y'all this book!!! It was everything I needed from Erin's story. It's going to be so hard to write a review without giving anything away but I will try.
First this "can" be read as a standalone however I do NOT recommend it. The whole series is interconnected and makes more sense if you read them all.
Erin is the world traveler. She left home and stays away for her own sanity. I could not wait to see into her head. We knew that she left for reasons and that her and Shannon never talked but we didn't know why. We finally find out why in the book and it all clicked.
Erin's love interest was so damn swoony!!! He had the patience of a saint and it showed. Their connection was of true soulmates.
The chemistry was off the charts. The emotions this book brought out in me were ones I thought I didn't even have. It takes a lot to make me cry (black heart) but one scene in this book nearly brought me to my knees.
I loved this book so hard. I don't feel that my review will do it justice but start from book 1 and read this series. You won't be sorry.
December 19, 2016
2.75 stars
Maybe it's a case of me not you... but my first thought was WTF ?? Everything happen so fast i couldn't get into it. But i saw some potential so i didn't stop. This time all i was thinking was "coward". I didn't saw her growing or anything for most of the book. She never changed her mind just run and run. Yes her past is hard and i completely understand her thirst to be independant, but doing nothing for her sister even when there's big sign, accept the status quo in her relationship when she can make everything better but just run or skip ... it fucking annoyed me !! I'm not saying the blame is all on her shoulders I'm just appalled by her cowardise.
Maybe i just didn't understand or maybe i'm being too harsh but yeah i just didn't get this story.
Maybe it's a case of me not you... but my first thought was WTF ?? Everything happen so fast i couldn't get into it. But i saw some potential so i didn't stop. This time all i was thinking was "coward". I didn't saw her growing or anything for most of the book. She never changed her mind just run and run. Yes her past is hard and i completely understand her thirst to be independant, but doing nothing for her sister even when there's big sign, accept the status quo in her relationship when she can make everything better but just run or skip ... it fucking annoyed me !! I'm not saying the blame is all on her shoulders I'm just appalled by her cowardise.
Maybe i just didn't understand or maybe i'm being too harsh but yeah i just didn't get this story.
December 10, 2016
“There are tornadoes in my head sometimes.”
“I know. But your storms, they don’t scare me.”
I just want to hold this feeling forever. This feeling that I found at the end of a storm; one that pulled at my brow, pushed at my heart, made me hurt and laugh and ache and smile. This feeling of... I don't know. Happiness. Contentment. Relief. Excitement. Homecoming.
Maybe it's just one of those, or maybe it's all of them, but whatever it is, I never want it gone. And I have Kate Canterbary to thank for it.
Well, Ms. Canterbary, Erin Walsh and ____. What? You didn't think I'd tell you who the mystery man was, did you? I. Would. Never. Because part of the magic that is The Spire is in the uncertainty. The not knowing. The potential for heartbreak.
The impossibility and possibility of it all.
I have so much I want to say about this book. Instead, I'll try to keep it simple. With threads of hope and pain throughout, and blistering tension of all varieties constantly simmering under the surface, The Spire was everything I hoped for in a book about our wandering Walsh.
Every. Single. Thing.
“Some people have to leave to find their way home again.”
I adore this series. I have since I read my first one (The Cornerstone), and it's because these books are so smart. So unique. They're rich with humor and humanity, and they have such depth that you could read them time and time again and still find something new, something different. And not for nothing, the characters are achingly real and their shortcomings painfully relatable.
Erin, for me, the most relatable of all. Her storms... I feel like I've weathered a version of them. Her heart, I want to protect. Her choices, I wanted to rage against and validate. Her love? Well, her love made me want to devour each and every one of Ms. Canterbary's words, while simultaneously savoring every surprising, sexy, sweet and savage moment.
The Spire is that rare book you want, that you build up in your mind, then find it's not what you expected. It's more. It's better than you could have anticipated. And when it takes your heart and mind all over the world, through a field of emotions that rock your body and brings you home again, you're left feeling this... feeling. It may not have a name, but you'll want to hold on to it forever.
I know I do.
“We’re the lightning, Skip.”
“And the crash was worth it.”
~ SIX Volcanic STARS ~
“I know. But your storms, they don’t scare me.”
I just want to hold this feeling forever. This feeling that I found at the end of a storm; one that pulled at my brow, pushed at my heart, made me hurt and laugh and ache and smile. This feeling of... I don't know. Happiness. Contentment. Relief. Excitement. Homecoming.
Maybe it's just one of those, or maybe it's all of them, but whatever it is, I never want it gone. And I have Kate Canterbary to thank for it.
Well, Ms. Canterbary, Erin Walsh and ____. What? You didn't think I'd tell you who the mystery man was, did you? I. Would. Never. Because part of the magic that is The Spire is in the uncertainty. The not knowing. The potential for heartbreak.
The impossibility and possibility of it all.
I have so much I want to say about this book. Instead, I'll try to keep it simple. With threads of hope and pain throughout, and blistering tension of all varieties constantly simmering under the surface, The Spire was everything I hoped for in a book about our wandering Walsh.
Every. Single. Thing.
“Some people have to leave to find their way home again.”
I adore this series. I have since I read my first one (The Cornerstone), and it's because these books are so smart. So unique. They're rich with humor and humanity, and they have such depth that you could read them time and time again and still find something new, something different. And not for nothing, the characters are achingly real and their shortcomings painfully relatable.
Erin, for me, the most relatable of all. Her storms... I feel like I've weathered a version of them. Her heart, I want to protect. Her choices, I wanted to rage against and validate. Her love? Well, her love made me want to devour each and every one of Ms. Canterbary's words, while simultaneously savoring every surprising, sexy, sweet and savage moment.
The Spire is that rare book you want, that you build up in your mind, then find it's not what you expected. It's more. It's better than you could have anticipated. And when it takes your heart and mind all over the world, through a field of emotions that rock your body and brings you home again, you're left feeling this... feeling. It may not have a name, but you'll want to hold on to it forever.
I know I do.
“We’re the lightning, Skip.”
“And the crash was worth it.”
~ SIX Volcanic STARS ~
December 21, 2016
Ugh ... why was this soooooo good ! Just why ??? Just when I think Kate can't pull off another awesomeness Walsh shenannies , she goes ahead and does just that ! Erin Walsh was kinda off separated from the rest of the pack character all this time.. so it was finally good to see her with her siblings .. and the hero of this book .. plain yumminess I tell you!!!!! Just wow !
December 13, 2016
Michelle: Ok Ivy, here’s the thing, we promised Author Lady we would be vague, like the readers need to crack some special code to understand our review and it’s going to be fucking hard, but we will do it, right? So here it goes, finally, Erin’s story and so help me Sweet Baby Jesus, was Erin everything and nothing like I expected!
Ivy: We are getting out extra snappy tap shoes and dance the hell out of this review, because there’s certain key scenes that need to be experienced first hand. *limbers up* Ok, let’s vague this up.
Michelle: Her special someone ... well let’s just say if Will is my Book Husband, Erin’s special someone is going to be my side piece, a side piece that I’m willing to share with you, Ivy. He is what men were to made of, with patience, understanding, hot and just gah, I want to say more about my side piece. Or you (Ivy) and I can become sister wives and we have both Will and and Erin’s Special Someone. Deal?
Ivy: I believe in that commune-style living and all of the Walshes can come in and join. Seriously, not kicking any of them outta bed. But Erin’s man...he is an amazingly patient, sexy, smart, supportive book boyfriend. Not gonna lie, he’s a huge part of why I really enjoyed The Spire. Also, I want to give him a warm Iceland welcome myself. *daydreams* Ok, enough about he-who-we’re-not-naming and his secure position in my book boyfriend stable. How about that prickly pear Erin?
Michelle: Getting Erin’s story left me emotionally drained. I knew I was not going to like her past while growing up with that father of theirs, I had to put my big girl panties on to endure those paragraphs. I’m surprised even the devil would want Angus in hell. “We could all breathe easier knowing he was now busy managing day-to-day operations in hell.” The story behind her and Shannon’s dissension is finally upon us, and yes, you guessed it, I cried for them. Some of you may not get her need to run at first, but you need to immerse yourself in the story. Erin is so freaking smart! I love how the author … with each Walsh character she writes, she does not make them boring. This is especially true to the women that she writes. These are women that can hold their own in the real world not dependent on a man. With Erin, this statement holds true. She’s traveled the world, studying rocks and the climate change and Ms. Thing knows her shit! So much so, that when she gets on her tangents with her Special Someone, it’s like foreplay of words to him.
Ivy: Well, Angus is a huge turdblossom. I cannot decide if it’s a bad or a good thing that these scenes are not on the page, because he’s the worst. The damage he caused all his children is reprehensible, but what he did to Shannon and Erin, let’s just say his spot in hell better be extra toasty. Having said that, I did struggle to connect with Erin fully because of a couple of character traits that really irk me, so this bias is all on me and not on the writing. Emotional runners make me twitchy, even when they’re like Erin and have the BEST reasons for running. That avoidance is exhausting and she’s so paralyzed by her past that she avoids her family for nine years. Even if emotionally, I wasn’t quite there with her until the end, I do think her character arc is fascinating and ultimately satisfying. Even if I wanted more of her emotions, I do think the last few beats that played out did give me what I needed. I just wished there was more of it.
Michelle: I had to read The Spire before Ivy because she was busy with real life, and I kept pestering her. My emotions were all over the place. I had to talk to one of my Walsh Groupies friends (Robyn, I’m looking at you) and driving her crazy with my incessatious messages, tangents, WTFs and OMGs. Thank God for the spoiler room because I don’t know how I made it reading The Spire without Ivy holding my hand. I rarely highlight my books, but with The Spire, I have tons of highlights.
Ivy: You just kept cracking that whip, but when it came down to it, I was able to read this in a day. And I restrained myself...until the plot thickened and then I just texted you constantly. People, it was like I word-vomited all of my feels to Michelle and she patiently told me that I had to keep reading. And that we had to share Erin’s man. I pouted.
Michelle: For me, and I’ve read all of Kate Canterbary’s other books, this book is by far the best one and that’s saying alot because again, I loved each and everyone of her books. I think we both agree that although this a book on the Walsh family and they each work as standalones, (except for Restored because you need to read Necessary Restoration before reading Restored), since all the stories overlap, she does give you a glimpse into the rest of the Walsh clan. Having said that, and I think Ivy will agree with me that The Spire, like the rest of Ms. Canterbary’s books are best read in order, starting with Underneath it All (which, by the way, is free on all outlets). If you read Underneath it All first, then you’ll get the gist of the Walshes and their complex dynamics.
Ivy: This isn’t my favorite, but I do believe this is another superb layer to this Walsh story parfait and every flavor works seamlessly together yet still stands on its own. I love how these books give me familiar scenes, but from a different perspective. For instance, one scene can appear in multiple books, but each time you’re seeing it from another character’s eyes, and they all knit together into one kickass quilt. Each individual book, or square in that quilt, is unique yet put them all together and you see a beautiful piece of writing. I really want to re-read the whole series.
Michelle: I think this may have been one of the hardest reviews to write because I wanted to say more but really cannot and plus I try not to break a promise. But more so, it’s still very fresh on my mind and I cannot stop thinking about the story and how Ms. Canterbary’s mind work. All I know is that when Riley’s book comes out in May 2017, I am going to take off from work lol. My poor sweet Riley.
Ivy: Oh RISD. *shakes head* Girl, I can’t even. Now, I think we’re going to have to vacation together, get all the books and just buddy read until we get him all to ourselves...ok, and his woman, whoever she may be.
That’s it - we both loved it and this series, so check it out!
**An ARC was provided for an honest review.
Ivy: We are getting out extra snappy tap shoes and dance the hell out of this review, because there’s certain key scenes that need to be experienced first hand. *limbers up* Ok, let’s vague this up.
Michelle: Her special someone ... well let’s just say if Will is my Book Husband, Erin’s special someone is going to be my side piece, a side piece that I’m willing to share with you, Ivy. He is what men were to made of, with patience, understanding, hot and just gah, I want to say more about my side piece. Or you (Ivy) and I can become sister wives and we have both Will and and Erin’s Special Someone. Deal?
Ivy: I believe in that commune-style living and all of the Walshes can come in and join. Seriously, not kicking any of them outta bed. But Erin’s man...he is an amazingly patient, sexy, smart, supportive book boyfriend. Not gonna lie, he’s a huge part of why I really enjoyed The Spire. Also, I want to give him a warm Iceland welcome myself. *daydreams* Ok, enough about he-who-we’re-not-naming and his secure position in my book boyfriend stable. How about that prickly pear Erin?
Michelle: Getting Erin’s story left me emotionally drained. I knew I was not going to like her past while growing up with that father of theirs, I had to put my big girl panties on to endure those paragraphs. I’m surprised even the devil would want Angus in hell. “We could all breathe easier knowing he was now busy managing day-to-day operations in hell.” The story behind her and Shannon’s dissension is finally upon us, and yes, you guessed it, I cried for them. Some of you may not get her need to run at first, but you need to immerse yourself in the story. Erin is so freaking smart! I love how the author … with each Walsh character she writes, she does not make them boring. This is especially true to the women that she writes. These are women that can hold their own in the real world not dependent on a man. With Erin, this statement holds true. She’s traveled the world, studying rocks and the climate change and Ms. Thing knows her shit! So much so, that when she gets on her tangents with her Special Someone, it’s like foreplay of words to him.
Ivy: Well, Angus is a huge turdblossom. I cannot decide if it’s a bad or a good thing that these scenes are not on the page, because he’s the worst. The damage he caused all his children is reprehensible, but what he did to Shannon and Erin, let’s just say his spot in hell better be extra toasty. Having said that, I did struggle to connect with Erin fully because of a couple of character traits that really irk me, so this bias is all on me and not on the writing. Emotional runners make me twitchy, even when they’re like Erin and have the BEST reasons for running. That avoidance is exhausting and she’s so paralyzed by her past that she avoids her family for nine years. Even if emotionally, I wasn’t quite there with her until the end, I do think her character arc is fascinating and ultimately satisfying. Even if I wanted more of her emotions, I do think the last few beats that played out did give me what I needed. I just wished there was more of it.
Michelle: I had to read The Spire before Ivy because she was busy with real life, and I kept pestering her. My emotions were all over the place. I had to talk to one of my Walsh Groupies friends (Robyn, I’m looking at you) and driving her crazy with my incessatious messages, tangents, WTFs and OMGs. Thank God for the spoiler room because I don’t know how I made it reading The Spire without Ivy holding my hand. I rarely highlight my books, but with The Spire, I have tons of highlights.
Ivy: You just kept cracking that whip, but when it came down to it, I was able to read this in a day. And I restrained myself...until the plot thickened and then I just texted you constantly. People, it was like I word-vomited all of my feels to Michelle and she patiently told me that I had to keep reading. And that we had to share Erin’s man. I pouted.
Michelle: For me, and I’ve read all of Kate Canterbary’s other books, this book is by far the best one and that’s saying alot because again, I loved each and everyone of her books. I think we both agree that although this a book on the Walsh family and they each work as standalones, (except for Restored because you need to read Necessary Restoration before reading Restored), since all the stories overlap, she does give you a glimpse into the rest of the Walsh clan. Having said that, and I think Ivy will agree with me that The Spire, like the rest of Ms. Canterbary’s books are best read in order, starting with Underneath it All (which, by the way, is free on all outlets). If you read Underneath it All first, then you’ll get the gist of the Walshes and their complex dynamics.
Ivy: This isn’t my favorite, but I do believe this is another superb layer to this Walsh story parfait and every flavor works seamlessly together yet still stands on its own. I love how these books give me familiar scenes, but from a different perspective. For instance, one scene can appear in multiple books, but each time you’re seeing it from another character’s eyes, and they all knit together into one kickass quilt. Each individual book, or square in that quilt, is unique yet put them all together and you see a beautiful piece of writing. I really want to re-read the whole series.
Michelle: I think this may have been one of the hardest reviews to write because I wanted to say more but really cannot and plus I try not to break a promise. But more so, it’s still very fresh on my mind and I cannot stop thinking about the story and how Ms. Canterbary’s mind work. All I know is that when Riley’s book comes out in May 2017, I am going to take off from work lol. My poor sweet Riley.
Ivy: Oh RISD. *shakes head* Girl, I can’t even. Now, I think we’re going to have to vacation together, get all the books and just buddy read until we get him all to ourselves...ok, and his woman, whoever she may be.
That’s it - we both loved it and this series, so check it out!
**An ARC was provided for an honest review.
December 17, 2021
Erin Walsh, youngest Walsh sibling is a super smart geologist/volcanologist/double PhD woman who ran away nine years ago to escape her shitty childhood. She meets Nick Acevedo, her brother Matt’s best friend, and also conveniently the sexiest pediatric neurosurgeon in all of… Boston? The Americas? Nay, the Entire World.
On a crazy whim, Erin and Nick get married by a local fisherman on a lobster boat off Cape Cod, mere HOURS after meeting for the first time at Matt’s wedding. This is the East Coast cousin of the beloved one-night-in-Vegas wedding trope we love in romance. Big problem though; they won’t be on the same continent for the foreseeable future. Nick is stuck in Boston where he’s saving sick kids lives, and Erin is in Iceland/Oxford/Antartica/wherever volcanos are, doing very important research or something.
The majority of the book is written in form of emails exchanged between Nick and Erin over the first two years of their secret marriage. Yes of course, it’s a secret! They have so much to overcome—maintaining a relationship long distance and trying to sync up unforgiving work schedules to spend what little time they have with each other. Erin has a LOT of baggage but Nick just makes her feel safe, it is heart melting. He is a freaking saint in scrubs, just romance hero gold standard IMO.
I teared up a little bit at Erin and Shannon’s reunion. It’s obvious the two sisters love each other so much despite their bitter Cold War spanning almost a decade.
Overall, a great book in this series and one to enjoy especially if you love a epistolary romance. The steam is lower than the others in the series, because Erin and Nick aren’t physically in the same location most of the time. When they do meet, their bond and chemistry is truly amazing.
TW: past suicide attempt, past sexual abuse, self-harm.
On a crazy whim, Erin and Nick get married by a local fisherman on a lobster boat off Cape Cod, mere HOURS after meeting for the first time at Matt’s wedding. This is the East Coast cousin of the beloved one-night-in-Vegas wedding trope we love in romance. Big problem though; they won’t be on the same continent for the foreseeable future. Nick is stuck in Boston where he’s saving sick kids lives, and Erin is in Iceland/Oxford/Antartica/wherever volcanos are, doing very important research or something.
The majority of the book is written in form of emails exchanged between Nick and Erin over the first two years of their secret marriage. Yes of course, it’s a secret! They have so much to overcome—maintaining a relationship long distance and trying to sync up unforgiving work schedules to spend what little time they have with each other. Erin has a LOT of baggage but Nick just makes her feel safe, it is heart melting. He is a freaking saint in scrubs, just romance hero gold standard IMO.
I teared up a little bit at Erin and Shannon’s reunion. It’s obvious the two sisters love each other so much despite their bitter Cold War spanning almost a decade.
Overall, a great book in this series and one to enjoy especially if you love a epistolary romance. The steam is lower than the others in the series, because Erin and Nick aren’t physically in the same location most of the time. When they do meet, their bond and chemistry is truly amazing.
TW: past suicide attempt, past sexual abuse, self-harm.
December 8, 2016
*** COMPLETELY SPOILER FREE REVIEW ***
This is Kate Canterbary's best writing to date! You can FEEL the amount of blood sweat and tears she put into this book. The Spire was the final book I needed to complete my year. The one I was constantly syncing my kindle waiting for it to appear. I dropped everything the moment I had it so I could devour it. My family, yeah I completely shut them out. I ignored helping the kids with homework, made hubs go get fast food for dinner and maybe even got a little snappy when they interrupted my reading. Oops. Do I regret it? Nope.
This book is filled with so many secrets and huge revelations and OMG!! moments. Even just in the Prologue my jaw dropped. I was hooked and enamored with every single word. I was so excited to find out who Erin's mystery man is! I've been dying to see who it is that finally ropes in this lost wanderer... So my first and foremost reaction was to squeak out with excitement over finally finding out WHO captures Erin's heart. No, I'm not telling you. You'll have to read the book and find out for yourself. But I will say that whether it's who you thought it would be or it's not, you absolutely won't be disappointed. There is so much build up and anticipation. The feelings this book evokes are intense.
Guh. There's so much to say and yet not much I can really say without spoilers. The romance between the two is different than what I expected. But it had to be because Erin herself is different. She's the spire of the family. She's scared, she's lost, she's trying her best to find herself and the only way she knows how to do that is by running away. There's so much definition to Erin's character and why she runs, why she only pops up for moments with her family and then is off again. It so complicated and messy and ultimately heartbreaking.
"Some people have to leave to find their way home again," Erin continued. "I'm one of them. I went away because it was the healthiest, safest option for me, but there are many reasons why I've stayed away. They're not about grudges or revenge. They're only about needing to find my way home, and no one else can do that for me."
Kate Canterbary is the best at writing and building intricate family bonds and all the emotions that come with them. The Walsh series books aren't just about a single couple. This series is about family bonds and all the drama and shenanigans that come with it. The moments that hit me the hardest weren't the romantic ones, weren't the emotional past ones. The most powerful moments were the ones between family. The Walsh family loves hard and loves fierce. They steal my heart and wish I was a part of them. There were moments between them where I had to stop reading because I couldn't see through my tears. That's the kind of emotion Kate's words wrench out of her readers.
The wait for The Spire has been a long one and I know so many people had high expectations for this book. There's a ton of questions everyone wants answered. Questions not just about Erin but about other Walsh's too. Kate does not leave you disappointed. She didn't hold back. I feel like she spoiled us by giving us so much insight into so many things and it was all worth the wait. She leaves you full of revelations and explanations and even gives you things you didn't know you wanted. This story is so full of stolen moments and at times makes you hold your breath. Every single thing has so much meaning. I was left feeling full and happy and so overflowed with emotions. This is one of my very rare book hangovers. Not because I'm heartbroken or upset. But because I don't want to move on yet. I want to reflect and savor every moment and experience that happened...
PREORDER THE SPIRE NOW
Releases December 13th
Amazon US: http://a.co/1c4XfPy
Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/9vEw6uU
Amazon CA: http://a.co/gC5r7Du
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2feVES4
Apple: http://apple.co/29vIgWp
B&N: http://bit.ly/2eZZ3nP
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2fEeh30
This is Kate Canterbary's best writing to date! You can FEEL the amount of blood sweat and tears she put into this book. The Spire was the final book I needed to complete my year. The one I was constantly syncing my kindle waiting for it to appear. I dropped everything the moment I had it so I could devour it. My family, yeah I completely shut them out. I ignored helping the kids with homework, made hubs go get fast food for dinner and maybe even got a little snappy when they interrupted my reading. Oops. Do I regret it? Nope.
This book is filled with so many secrets and huge revelations and OMG!! moments. Even just in the Prologue my jaw dropped. I was hooked and enamored with every single word. I was so excited to find out who Erin's mystery man is! I've been dying to see who it is that finally ropes in this lost wanderer... So my first and foremost reaction was to squeak out with excitement over finally finding out WHO captures Erin's heart. No, I'm not telling you. You'll have to read the book and find out for yourself. But I will say that whether it's who you thought it would be or it's not, you absolutely won't be disappointed. There is so much build up and anticipation. The feelings this book evokes are intense.
Guh. There's so much to say and yet not much I can really say without spoilers. The romance between the two is different than what I expected. But it had to be because Erin herself is different. She's the spire of the family. She's scared, she's lost, she's trying her best to find herself and the only way she knows how to do that is by running away. There's so much definition to Erin's character and why she runs, why she only pops up for moments with her family and then is off again. It so complicated and messy and ultimately heartbreaking.
"Some people have to leave to find their way home again," Erin continued. "I'm one of them. I went away because it was the healthiest, safest option for me, but there are many reasons why I've stayed away. They're not about grudges or revenge. They're only about needing to find my way home, and no one else can do that for me."
Kate Canterbary is the best at writing and building intricate family bonds and all the emotions that come with them. The Walsh series books aren't just about a single couple. This series is about family bonds and all the drama and shenanigans that come with it. The moments that hit me the hardest weren't the romantic ones, weren't the emotional past ones. The most powerful moments were the ones between family. The Walsh family loves hard and loves fierce. They steal my heart and wish I was a part of them. There were moments between them where I had to stop reading because I couldn't see through my tears. That's the kind of emotion Kate's words wrench out of her readers.
The wait for The Spire has been a long one and I know so many people had high expectations for this book. There's a ton of questions everyone wants answered. Questions not just about Erin but about other Walsh's too. Kate does not leave you disappointed. She didn't hold back. I feel like she spoiled us by giving us so much insight into so many things and it was all worth the wait. She leaves you full of revelations and explanations and even gives you things you didn't know you wanted. This story is so full of stolen moments and at times makes you hold your breath. Every single thing has so much meaning. I was left feeling full and happy and so overflowed with emotions. This is one of my very rare book hangovers. Not because I'm heartbroken or upset. But because I don't want to move on yet. I want to reflect and savor every moment and experience that happened...
PREORDER THE SPIRE NOW
Releases December 13th
Amazon US: http://a.co/1c4XfPy
Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/9vEw6uU
Amazon CA: http://a.co/gC5r7Du
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2feVES4
Apple: http://apple.co/29vIgWp
B&N: http://bit.ly/2eZZ3nP
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2fEeh30
June 28, 2018
Joint Review with my co-blogger Michelle to post on release date. In the meantime...
The Bottom Line
I truly enjoyed Erin’s journey. This isn’t my favorite, but I do believe this is another superb layer to this Walsh story parfait and every flavor works seamlessly together to form one kickass dessert. If you look at it like a quilty, each individual book is a square, unique and funky yet put them all together and you see a beautiful piece of writing. I really want to re-read the whole series.
**ARC provided by author for review**
For more reviews, visit
The Bottom Line
I truly enjoyed Erin’s journey. This isn’t my favorite, but I do believe this is another superb layer to this Walsh story parfait and every flavor works seamlessly together to form one kickass dessert. If you look at it like a quilty, each individual book is a square, unique and funky yet put them all together and you see a beautiful piece of writing. I really want to re-read the whole series.
**ARC provided by author for review**
For more reviews, visit
November 15, 2021
5+ Skip stars.
This one undid me down to my deepest core. We got to see more of what happened with Shannon & Erin, and why their rift was so painful. I could deeply identify with Erin. Her hurt was so deep that she kept everyone away to protect herself. That’s why she was a world traveler. It wasn’t just for work, but it was also her armor. Insert Nick Acevedo. Her match was definitely met in him, and her storms didn’t scare him, but it actually brought him closer so that he could bust through them.
“Her beauty was the slap in the face, but her mind was the sucker punch.”
Nick loved every single part of Erin. Her scars, both emotionally and physically did not scare him away.
"There are tornadoes in my head sometimes," I said, my words growing progressively sharper as he pushed inside me. "I know," he said as his lips met mine. "But your storms, they don't scare me."
“I knew who I was, and I knew that the spot inside me created specifically for the purpose of loving and being loved was gone. Amputated, like a limb damaged beyond repair in the bloodiest of battles. In its place was a thick stump of scar tissue that had no business feeling anything at all, but that didn't stop the phantom pains.”
Erin. Broke. Me. She didn’t think she was worthy of love, and to be honest, she didn’t think she was capable of loving anyone. I don’t want to spoil anything, but chapter one right from the get go had me thinking I’d missed something. This book literally starts with a wait…what 🤔in the best possible way!!
Nick Acevedo. Erin’s Mexican Medicine Man— could get IT. The way he talked to her using all the dirty words. The way he “healed” her wounds as he pounded his body into hers, and poured himself into her heart literally. I will never be over this book, this series and these characters. EVER!!
Onto Riley’s book. I want to hold him in my arms, and love on him.
This one undid me down to my deepest core. We got to see more of what happened with Shannon & Erin, and why their rift was so painful. I could deeply identify with Erin. Her hurt was so deep that she kept everyone away to protect herself. That’s why she was a world traveler. It wasn’t just for work, but it was also her armor. Insert Nick Acevedo. Her match was definitely met in him, and her storms didn’t scare him, but it actually brought him closer so that he could bust through them.
“Her beauty was the slap in the face, but her mind was the sucker punch.”
Nick loved every single part of Erin. Her scars, both emotionally and physically did not scare him away.
"There are tornadoes in my head sometimes," I said, my words growing progressively sharper as he pushed inside me. "I know," he said as his lips met mine. "But your storms, they don't scare me."
“I knew who I was, and I knew that the spot inside me created specifically for the purpose of loving and being loved was gone. Amputated, like a limb damaged beyond repair in the bloodiest of battles. In its place was a thick stump of scar tissue that had no business feeling anything at all, but that didn't stop the phantom pains.”
Erin. Broke. Me. She didn’t think she was worthy of love, and to be honest, she didn’t think she was capable of loving anyone. I don’t want to spoil anything, but chapter one right from the get go had me thinking I’d missed something. This book literally starts with a wait…what 🤔in the best possible way!!
Nick Acevedo. Erin’s Mexican Medicine Man— could get IT. The way he talked to her using all the dirty words. The way he “healed” her wounds as he pounded his body into hers, and poured himself into her heart literally. I will never be over this book, this series and these characters. EVER!!
Onto Riley’s book. I want to hold him in my arms, and love on him.
December 17, 2016
Solid 3.5 stars. I really liked finally getting to meet Erin and I absolutely love Nick. I think this author is amazing at character development and creating such truly unique characters. The amount of research she must put into each book is incredible.
I think the only thing that I didn't like was that that MC's spend almost the entire book in a long distance relationship. Most of their interactions are through email,text, phone calls, and video chat. While I enjoyed this for a few chapters, after I awhile I was ready to get more face time together. I can only stay focused on Erin's long random historical and/or scientific tangents for so long.
I would have preferred we had more of them together physically and how they were able to go from mainly long distance to finally living together. The book ended too quickly after they finally do get to have a more traditional relationship. Other than that, I did really enjoy it and, as usual, it was great catching up with the other characters in the series.
I will say that it's very unlikely that I'll read Riley's book as his story will have major triggers for me. After the heartbreak and betrayal I felt over Sam's book, I'd rather not have to go through it again with Riley.
I think the only thing that I didn't like was that that MC's spend almost the entire book in a long distance relationship. Most of their interactions are through email,text, phone calls, and video chat. While I enjoyed this for a few chapters, after I awhile I was ready to get more face time together. I can only stay focused on Erin's long random historical and/or scientific tangents for so long.
I would have preferred we had more of them together physically and how they were able to go from mainly long distance to finally living together. The book ended too quickly after they finally do get to have a more traditional relationship. Other than that, I did really enjoy it and, as usual, it was great catching up with the other characters in the series.
I will say that it's very unlikely that I'll read Riley's book as his story will have major triggers for me. After the heartbreak and betrayal I felt over Sam's book, I'd rather not have to go through it again with Riley.
December 5, 2017
3.5 Stars
Though I love this series, I've always been curious as to what Shannon and Erin's issues were. What would make Shannon, who is a complete momma bear to all her siblings, not want to speak to Erin... Ever!
But this book took forever to tell me. And once I knew, it just seems so anticlimactic. I also didn't like that 75% of the book was either told in text, email, or in Erin and Nick's thoughts. I get that this was a very different way for Kate to tell her story of a member of the Walsh Family, but it just felt like it took forever to get anywhere.
I liked their getting to know each other in a non-traditional way, but I just didn't love it. I also, don't think I ever really understood Riley's predicament. In previous books, all of the sisters-in-laws were concerned about Riley in some way, shape, or form. But I don't think it was ever clear about his feelings for Lauren until this book.
Now I'm really curious about his story. Looking forward to the next book. Hopefully it's much better than this one and goes back to her traditional story telling mode.
Though I love this series, I've always been curious as to what Shannon and Erin's issues were. What would make Shannon, who is a complete momma bear to all her siblings, not want to speak to Erin... Ever!
But this book took forever to tell me. And once I knew, it just seems so anticlimactic. I also didn't like that 75% of the book was either told in text, email, or in Erin and Nick's thoughts. I get that this was a very different way for Kate to tell her story of a member of the Walsh Family, but it just felt like it took forever to get anywhere.
I liked their getting to know each other in a non-traditional way, but I just didn't love it. I also, don't think I ever really understood Riley's predicament. In previous books, all of the sisters-in-laws were concerned about Riley in some way, shape, or form. But I don't think it was ever clear about his feelings for Lauren until this book.
Now I'm really curious about his story. Looking forward to the next book. Hopefully it's much better than this one and goes back to her traditional story telling mode.
lost-interest
November 30, 2022I've read in reviews that their relationship is a long-distance one for a long while and because it's not my cuppa, I lost interest in this book.
June 23, 2020
Hmmm, love the writing style but there wasn't enough going on in this for me. Not a fan of letters and emails telling a story either, made this drag.
Complete story.
Complete story.
April 24, 2020
Really liked this one! It took a bit long for them to really be together but still a really nice read.
March 20, 2023
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
5 “lovely” “Timeout” “Skip” “marriage experiment” “dare” “darlin’” Kisses
I shoulda known this baby Walsh was going to put me through the ringer. She’s done it with all her other siblings, why not add my name to the pile! I’m not mad about it…I loved every single moment of The Spire, Erin and Nick were everything I wanted and then some…but damn if they didn’t make me work for it. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The magical combination of their chemistry, the amazingness that is the Walsh family and Kate’s insanely fantastic writing just sent me to another level of love. So…if you have yet to be introduced to The Walshes Series…we need to remedy that right-freaking-now because…oooooooooomg! It’s seriously the best thing ever. Now…‘technically’ each book can be read as a standalone…but trust me when I say the books mean SO much more if you read them in order. There are a lot of secrets, A LOT of things that happen…and it just makes more sense in understanding the characters if you read in order ( Underneath It All , The Space Between , Necessary Restorations , The Cornerstone , Restored & of course…The Spire). At the very least I definitely would read The Cornerstone before you read The Spire…just because a lot of Erin’s history ties closely with Shannon and that’s explained a bit in The Cornerstone. Either way…The Walshes IMHO MUST be experienced…they’re not to be missed.
Erin Walsh…my little baby Walsh…my wanderer…my traveler…oh, I knew this girl was wreck my heart in a million different ways, but I had no idea. I adore her…so much, I feel like I need to state that because while I adored her, I didn’t necessarily always like what she did. I knew why she was doing what she was doing…I understood her motivations and her actions…I respected her boundaries and her need for them…but that didn’t mean I had to like it. But none of that could ever stop me from loving the ever living crap out of her. And I did…with great pleasure. Erin has always been this phantom…this background character that has been ‘around’ but not really there. I’ve always been interested in her, dyyyyyyyyyyyying to get the full story on her history and wtf the deal is with her and Shannon – which slowly we have been getting through the other books – but it wasn’t until The Cornerstone that I felt like I had even 20% of the information. Then we got a little bit more of her history with Restored…and now, the whole shablamy straight from Erin. It’s not pretty…it’s not pleasant, I mean, it would have to be something pretty severe to leave you escaping your family and home for close to a decade. Learning the whole story was…not fun, I hurt for her, my heart broke for what she had to go through…but it also helped me understand her. It would take an exceptionally extraordinary man to be able to win the heart of Ms. Walsh…and I can think of no better man than Dr. Acevado
Dr. Nicholas Acevado…oh…my…GOD…this man OWNED me. Gaaaaah…I mean I knew to prepare for Erin, but I didn’t even think about preparing myself for Nick! The man is beyond perfect…I mean, first of all he’s from Texas :-) (I might be biased but whatev’s)…then he’s a super hero Doctor and don’t even get me started on how much I love his passion and dedication to his job. He’s literally beautiful from the inside out…intelligent…funny…kind…great son, awesome friend (I love his relationship with all the Walsh’s but I really loved him and Riley…they’re hilarious together)…I mean, I could sing his praises all day, as I already stated the man is PERFECT! But…what made him even more perfect was the way he was with Erin. It was like he was created to be her person – yes, he’s a doctor and doing other great things with his life, but his main purpose was to be Erin’s other half…and he’s fucking spectacular at it. He always knew exactly what to say, exactly how to be there for her, it was never a question in his mind what he needed to do…and the way he felt about her!!!! Just cut my heart out of my chest…it was everything!!! I loved Nick period but I loved Nick for Erin a million times more.
Nothing about Nick and Erin’s relationship is conventional…it’s illogical and it shouldn’t work but I’ll be damned if isn’t the most perfect thing in the world. But they built their love (and my love for them) with every email exchange…every video chat…every stolen weekend and any possible free moment that they could dedicate to each other. They had insta-connection…an effortless chemistry that cannot be fabricated…I loved their banter and the way they just clicked from the moment they met. But…I also knew with Erin’s work and Nick’s work, this wouldn’t be easy. I would bet money, if you look up the definition of ‘longing’ in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Nick and Erin. I felt their desire to be together like it was a living thing…and while yes, some of it hurt, it was all worth it because it made them who they were. It was a part of establishing them as a couple…while they are physically amazing together, it was the emotional bonds that they created that magical weekend on the Cape, it was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to their relationship. Plus, it wouldn’t have been genuine if either one gave up their careers to move to be with the other – plus, there’s the whole Erin/Boston situation that needed to resolve itself organically…but I loved that they put in the work. And it was so worth it…
Kate Canterbary…I just fucking can’t. I’m running out of ways to talk about how majestic she is. It’s a total first world problem but when a series has touched me as deeply as The Walshes has I want to use ALL the words. The characters have invaded my brain so much…I love their crazy little fucked up family so much it should be illegal. It’s not perfect, there is yelling and cursing and sometimes people get their feelings hurt but it’s all worth it because they make it worth it. They always make it right in their own special way and it just makes me love them that much more. The chemistry between all of these characters is just inexplicable...I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when Patrick is grumbly or when Shannon tells someone to suck her dick or when Riley has his fly undone – and none of that makes any sense unless you really know who they are. One thing that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about is the way Kate delivers the details…it’s something I’ve always appreciated but never really thought anything about until The Spire. Kate has a very nuanced style that I’ve always loved and with every book I read, I love soaking up all the little details and particulars about the characters that I can. Kate effortlessly weaves those details in…it’s mixed into a conversation or careful facts are slid into explanations relating to something else…it’s like a treasure map and you never know when you’re going to find a clue or get another piece of the puzzle you didn’t know you were missing. I’m not saying she’s the only author to ever do this but it’s something I’ve grown to treasure about her writing and I personally think she has perfected it quite nicely. It’s like I don’t realize I’m getting the whole story until I realize I already know all that I need to. Needless to say, if it wasn’t already apparent that I’m 1000000000000000% hooked on anything and everything that comes out of Kate’s brain, The Spire only continued to solidify that fact.
As with all Kate Canterbary books, I hate to see them to come to an end…but she always does it sooooooo beautifully. Never rushed…she gives time for every emotion to be fully embraced, and when dealing with Walsh emotion, that is absolutely necessary – and given that we are dealing with Erin and all her baggage, that was especially appreciated. I had high hopes for Erin and Nick…and Kate completely exceeded any and all of them. It was bliss and perfection and all that I could have wanted. Just love. With each and every book in The Walshes Series I am blown away by how much more I can adore these 11 human beings (soon to be 12…I’m looking at you baby boy Riley!) and I’m also in total denial that Preservation is the last book in the series (yes…I know there is Thresholds but this is like…the last ‘official’ book). I can’t think about it being over right now though…I’m too excited to get my hands on RISD!!!!!!!!!! #ObsessedWithTheWalshFamily #MakeMeAWalsh
5 “lovely” “Timeout” “Skip” “marriage experiment” “dare” “darlin’” Kisses
I shoulda known this baby Walsh was going to put me through the ringer. She’s done it with all her other siblings, why not add my name to the pile! I’m not mad about it…I loved every single moment of The Spire, Erin and Nick were everything I wanted and then some…but damn if they didn’t make me work for it. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The magical combination of their chemistry, the amazingness that is the Walsh family and Kate’s insanely fantastic writing just sent me to another level of love. So…if you have yet to be introduced to The Walshes Series…we need to remedy that right-freaking-now because…oooooooooomg! It’s seriously the best thing ever. Now…‘technically’ each book can be read as a standalone…but trust me when I say the books mean SO much more if you read them in order. There are a lot of secrets, A LOT of things that happen…and it just makes more sense in understanding the characters if you read in order ( Underneath It All , The Space Between , Necessary Restorations , The Cornerstone , Restored & of course…The Spire). At the very least I definitely would read The Cornerstone before you read The Spire…just because a lot of Erin’s history ties closely with Shannon and that’s explained a bit in The Cornerstone. Either way…The Walshes IMHO MUST be experienced…they’re not to be missed.
Erin Walsh…my little baby Walsh…my wanderer…my traveler…oh, I knew this girl was wreck my heart in a million different ways, but I had no idea. I adore her…so much, I feel like I need to state that because while I adored her, I didn’t necessarily always like what she did. I knew why she was doing what she was doing…I understood her motivations and her actions…I respected her boundaries and her need for them…but that didn’t mean I had to like it. But none of that could ever stop me from loving the ever living crap out of her. And I did…with great pleasure. Erin has always been this phantom…this background character that has been ‘around’ but not really there. I’ve always been interested in her, dyyyyyyyyyyyying to get the full story on her history and wtf the deal is with her and Shannon – which slowly we have been getting through the other books – but it wasn’t until The Cornerstone that I felt like I had even 20% of the information. Then we got a little bit more of her history with Restored…and now, the whole shablamy straight from Erin. It’s not pretty…it’s not pleasant, I mean, it would have to be something pretty severe to leave you escaping your family and home for close to a decade. Learning the whole story was…not fun, I hurt for her, my heart broke for what she had to go through…but it also helped me understand her. It would take an exceptionally extraordinary man to be able to win the heart of Ms. Walsh…and I can think of no better man than Dr. Acevado
"I know what you're thinking," he said. "Say it, lovely. Say it, or I will."
"You should explore the world," I said, tears springing to my eyes for no rational reason. "Do dangerous things. Ignore the fuck out of conventional wisdom. Walk on fire. Treat everyone with kindness because people are the only things worth holding on to. Live without regrets because there is no time for that shit. Never forget the way home, and leave a trail of breadcrumbs if you have to. Love, and get your heart broken, and say fuck it, and love again and then again. And whatever you do, never pass up an opportunity to get married on a lobster boat under a full moon with Jupiter and Mars as your witnesses."
"All of it," he said, grabbing hold of my waist and pulling me to his chest. "I want all of it, and don't ever stop talking about time and diamonds and literally anything else that comes to your amazing fucking mind, and marry me before we lose another second."
"Right here?" I asked, breathless. "Right now?"
"Here. Now," he said, and I was grinning so hard that my cheeks hurt. "I dare you."
Dr. Nicholas Acevado…oh…my…GOD…this man OWNED me. Gaaaaah…I mean I knew to prepare for Erin, but I didn’t even think about preparing myself for Nick! The man is beyond perfect…I mean, first of all he’s from Texas :-) (I might be biased but whatev’s)…then he’s a super hero Doctor and don’t even get me started on how much I love his passion and dedication to his job. He’s literally beautiful from the inside out…intelligent…funny…kind…great son, awesome friend (I love his relationship with all the Walsh’s but I really loved him and Riley…they’re hilarious together)…I mean, I could sing his praises all day, as I already stated the man is PERFECT! But…what made him even more perfect was the way he was with Erin. It was like he was created to be her person – yes, he’s a doctor and doing other great things with his life, but his main purpose was to be Erin’s other half…and he’s fucking spectacular at it. He always knew exactly what to say, exactly how to be there for her, it was never a question in his mind what he needed to do…and the way he felt about her!!!! Just cut my heart out of my chest…it was everything!!! I loved Nick period but I loved Nick for Erin a million times more.
"Getting away…it puts a lot of things in perspective."
I kissed the skin beneath her belly button. I loved that she was strong and fit, but also soft in certain places. It was a reminder that beneath all the stoicism were sensitive spots and womanly curves.
"What did it put in perspective for you?" I asked.
Erin's shoulders wiggled as if she was struggling to land on a response, and then she blew out a breath. "It turns down the noise," she said. "It lets you hear your own thoughts, and then fix the ones that don't sound the way you want them to. It makes you see the lies you were feeding yourself, and the angel-faced devils you trusted. It forces you to prioritize, and that helps you decide what can stay and what must go."
Nothing about Nick and Erin’s relationship is conventional…it’s illogical and it shouldn’t work but I’ll be damned if isn’t the most perfect thing in the world. But they built their love (and my love for them) with every email exchange…every video chat…every stolen weekend and any possible free moment that they could dedicate to each other. They had insta-connection…an effortless chemistry that cannot be fabricated…I loved their banter and the way they just clicked from the moment they met. But…I also knew with Erin’s work and Nick’s work, this wouldn’t be easy. I would bet money, if you look up the definition of ‘longing’ in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Nick and Erin. I felt their desire to be together like it was a living thing…and while yes, some of it hurt, it was all worth it because it made them who they were. It was a part of establishing them as a couple…while they are physically amazing together, it was the emotional bonds that they created that magical weekend on the Cape, it was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to their relationship. Plus, it wouldn’t have been genuine if either one gave up their careers to move to be with the other – plus, there’s the whole Erin/Boston situation that needed to resolve itself organically…but I loved that they put in the work. And it was so worth it…
"They don't know how it is. Being married to you changes things."
I barked out another laugh. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah," she said emphatically. "I went years without sex before you. I focused on my research and I traveled, and things were good. I was good. I didn't want anything else, and now…" She shook her head as if she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "And now, I want…everything. I don't know what everything is, but I want it."
Kate Canterbary…I just fucking can’t. I’m running out of ways to talk about how majestic she is. It’s a total first world problem but when a series has touched me as deeply as The Walshes has I want to use ALL the words. The characters have invaded my brain so much…I love their crazy little fucked up family so much it should be illegal. It’s not perfect, there is yelling and cursing and sometimes people get their feelings hurt but it’s all worth it because they make it worth it. They always make it right in their own special way and it just makes me love them that much more. The chemistry between all of these characters is just inexplicable...I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when Patrick is grumbly or when Shannon tells someone to suck her dick or when Riley has his fly undone – and none of that makes any sense unless you really know who they are. One thing that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about is the way Kate delivers the details…it’s something I’ve always appreciated but never really thought anything about until The Spire. Kate has a very nuanced style that I’ve always loved and with every book I read, I love soaking up all the little details and particulars about the characters that I can. Kate effortlessly weaves those details in…it’s mixed into a conversation or careful facts are slid into explanations relating to something else…it’s like a treasure map and you never know when you’re going to find a clue or get another piece of the puzzle you didn’t know you were missing. I’m not saying she’s the only author to ever do this but it’s something I’ve grown to treasure about her writing and I personally think she has perfected it quite nicely. It’s like I don’t realize I’m getting the whole story until I realize I already know all that I need to. Needless to say, if it wasn’t already apparent that I’m 1000000000000000% hooked on anything and everything that comes out of Kate’s brain, The Spire only continued to solidify that fact.
"My grandmother, she was something of a mystic," Nick continued. "She used to say that some people fell in love as easy as a leaf fell from a tree, and only when they were ready to fall." He reached for his wine, drained the glass, and returned it to the table. "Others crashed as hard as lightning bolts. Neither was better or worse, but the lightning bolts? It was never simple for them. It was chaos and electricity, unpredictability and fire, and the fall was hard, but it was worth it." He turned back to me, his hand firm on my thigh. "We're the lightning, Skip."
"And the crash was worth it," I whispered.
As with all Kate Canterbary books, I hate to see them to come to an end…but she always does it sooooooo beautifully. Never rushed…she gives time for every emotion to be fully embraced, and when dealing with Walsh emotion, that is absolutely necessary – and given that we are dealing with Erin and all her baggage, that was especially appreciated. I had high hopes for Erin and Nick…and Kate completely exceeded any and all of them. It was bliss and perfection and all that I could have wanted. Just love. With each and every book in The Walshes Series I am blown away by how much more I can adore these 11 human beings (soon to be 12…I’m looking at you baby boy Riley!) and I’m also in total denial that Preservation is the last book in the series (yes…I know there is Thresholds but this is like…the last ‘official’ book). I can’t think about it being over right now though…I’m too excited to get my hands on RISD!!!!!!!!!! #ObsessedWithTheWalshFamily #MakeMeAWalsh
December 14, 2016
She made me fucking wild to keep her. Just wild.
This story was about seeing Erin Walsh in love. It is awkward, yet it's totally natural, and it's fantastic.
This is a story about taking chances, even if they are mistakes.
This is a story about putting your all into something without absolutely losing yourself to it. It's about falling so deeply in love and finding parts of yourself that you didn't know were there. I don't think Erin and her love interest changed each other, they just found each other.
This is a story about coming home. Forgiving others and yourself. Letting yourself be forgiven. Ugh. It was just a really amazing story. I feel like I highlighted nearly everything.
We finally get Erin's side of the story and it's enlightening. In the other books sometimes I had a hard time loving her. That all changed in this book. I love her almost as much as... just kidding you've gotta read to find out!
Kate Canterbary has an absolutely magical way of manipulating words, and making them into feelings. There were so many times this couple was intimate and I felt the depth of their feelings, just from a few words strategically placed together. It just shows how talented this author is. Eliciting feelings from words. Sigh.
So many things are wrapped up from the Walsh family story in general. There's still ONE HUGE story left to tell, and I have a feeling it's going to be my favorite. I mean he's been my favorite since book one! Anywho, my final thoughts about this story are, MAJOR PAY OFF!! We've been teased and teased about Erin, and now we finally have her. In all her fiery glory!
December 6, 2020
AOL
I read another book by this author that I liked quite a lot and have generally loathed literally every other book of hers that I’ve ever had the misfortune to try.
40% of this book is just email messages between the main characters. Erin came across as immature and the part where she is supposedly working on a 2nd PhD at the age of 26 while simultaneously traveling all over the world was patently ludicrous. Erin’s “academic career” stretched the suspension of disbelief past the breaking point. She suffered emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by her father. Before she was 18, she engaged with self-harm, suicidal ideation, addiction, and spent a month in a mental hospital, yet the author asserts that after talking to a therapist for a couple of weeks Erin relocated, graduated early from her baccalaureate, applied to and gained admission to grad school, completed her master’s and PhD, then wrote a dissertation all in less than 8 years without a single setback - not even a scheduling setback - before starting a brand new PhD program (when any other recent PhD grad would have been in a postdoctoral research fellowship).
There���s a certain irony that Erin parallels the Dorrance character, Riley’s “outdoor cat” from the next book. The author spends so much time telling readers that Erin is special that she never gets around to having the character do anything.
I read another book by this author that I liked quite a lot and have generally loathed literally every other book of hers that I’ve ever had the misfortune to try.
40% of this book is just email messages between the main characters. Erin came across as immature and the part where she is supposedly working on a 2nd PhD at the age of 26 while simultaneously traveling all over the world was patently ludicrous. Erin’s “academic career” stretched the suspension of disbelief past the breaking point. She suffered emotional, physical, and sexual abuse by her father. Before she was 18, she engaged with self-harm, suicidal ideation, addiction, and spent a month in a mental hospital, yet the author asserts that after talking to a therapist for a couple of weeks Erin relocated, graduated early from her baccalaureate, applied to and gained admission to grad school, completed her master’s and PhD, then wrote a dissertation all in less than 8 years without a single setback - not even a scheduling setback - before starting a brand new PhD program (when any other recent PhD grad would have been in a postdoctoral research fellowship).
There���s a certain irony that Erin parallels the Dorrance character, Riley’s “outdoor cat” from the next book. The author spends so much time telling readers that Erin is special that she never gets around to having the character do anything.
March 20, 2023
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
5 “lovely” “Timeout” “Skip” “marriage experiment” “dare” “darlin’” Kisses
I shoulda known this baby Walsh was going to put me through the ringer. She’s done it with all her other siblings, why not add my name to the pile! I’m not mad about it…I loved every single moment of The Spire, Erin and Nick were everything I wanted and then some…but damn if they didn’t make me work for it. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The magical combination of their chemistry, the amazingness that is the Walsh family and Kate’s insanely fantastic writing just sent me to another level of love. So…if you have yet to be introduced to The Walshes Series…we need to remedy that right-freaking-now because…oooooooooomg! It’s seriously the best thing ever. Now…‘technically’ each book can be read as a standalone…but trust me when I say the books mean SO much more if you read them in order. There are a lot of secrets, A LOT of things that happen…and it just makes more sense in understanding the characters if you read in order ( Underneath It All , The Space Between , Necessary Restorations , The Cornerstone , Restored & of course…The Spire). At the very least I definitely would read The Cornerstone before you read The Spire…just because a lot of Erin’s history ties closely with Shannon and that’s explained a bit in The Cornerstone. Either way…The Walshes IMHO MUST be experienced…they’re not to be missed.
Erin Walsh…my little baby Walsh…my wanderer…my traveler…oh, I knew this girl was wreck my heart in a million different ways, but I had no idea. I adore her…so much, I feel like I need to state that because while I adored her, I didn’t necessarily always like what she did. I knew why she was doing what she was doing…I understood her motivations and her actions…I respected her boundaries and her need for them…but that didn’t mean I had to like it. But none of that could ever stop me from loving the ever living crap out of her. And I did…with great pleasure. Erin has always been this phantom…this background character that has been ‘around’ but not really there. I’ve always been interested in her, dyyyyyyyyyyyying to get the full story on her history and wtf the deal is with her and Shannon – which slowly we have been getting through the other books – but it wasn’t until The Cornerstone that I felt like I had even 20% of the information. Then we got a little bit more of her history with Restored…and now, the whole shablamy straight from Erin. It’s not pretty…it’s not pleasant, I mean, it would have to be something pretty severe to leave you escaping your family and home for close to a decade. Learning the whole story was…not fun, I hurt for her, my heart broke for what she had to go through…but it also helped me understand her. It would take an exceptionally extraordinary man to be able to win the heart of Ms. Walsh…and I can think of no better man than Dr. Acevado
Dr. Nicholas Acevado…oh…my…GOD…this man OWNED me. Gaaaaah…I mean I knew to prepare for Erin, but I didn’t even think about preparing myself for Nick! The man is beyond perfect…I mean, first of all he’s from Texas :-) (I might be biased but whatev’s)…then he’s a super hero Doctor and don’t even get me started on how much I love his passion and dedication to his job. He’s literally beautiful from the inside out…intelligent…funny…kind…great son, awesome friend (I love his relationship with all the Walsh’s but I really loved him and Riley…they’re hilarious together)…I mean, I could sing his praises all day, as I already stated the man is PERFECT! But…what made him even more perfect was the way he was with Erin. It was like he was created to be her person – yes, he’s a doctor and doing other great things with his life, but his main purpose was to be Erin’s other half…and he’s fucking spectacular at it. He always knew exactly what to say, exactly how to be there for her, it was never a question in his mind what he needed to do…and the way he felt about her!!!! Just cut my heart out of my chest…it was everything!!! I loved Nick period but I loved Nick for Erin a million times more.
Nothing about Nick and Erin’s relationship is conventional…it’s illogical and it shouldn’t work but I’ll be damned if isn’t the most perfect thing in the world. But they built their love (and my love for them) with every email exchange…every video chat…every stolen weekend and any possible free moment that they could dedicate to each other. They had insta-connection…an effortless chemistry that cannot be fabricated…I loved their banter and the way they just clicked from the moment they met. But…I also knew with Erin’s work and Nick’s work, this wouldn’t be easy. I would bet money, if you look up the definition of ‘longing’ in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Nick and Erin. I felt their desire to be together like it was a living thing…and while yes, some of it hurt, it was all worth it because it made them who they were. It was a part of establishing them as a couple…while they are physically amazing together, it was the emotional bonds that they created that magical weekend on the Cape, it was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to their relationship. Plus, it wouldn’t have been genuine if either one gave up their careers to move to be with the other – plus, there’s the whole Erin/Boston situation that needed to resolve itself organically…but I loved that they put in the work. And it was so worth it…
Kate Canterbary…I just fucking can’t. I’m running out of ways to talk about how majestic she is. It’s a total first world problem but when a series has touched me as deeply as The Walshes has I want to use ALL the words. The characters have invaded my brain so much…I love their crazy little fucked up family so much it should be illegal. It’s not perfect, there is yelling and cursing and sometimes people get their feelings hurt but it’s all worth it because they make it worth it. They always make it right in their own special way and it just makes me love them that much more. The chemistry between all of these characters is just inexplicable...I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when Patrick is grumbly or when Shannon tells someone to suck her dick or when Riley has his fly undone – and none of that makes any sense unless you really know who they are. One thing that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about is the way Kate delivers the details…it’s something I’ve always appreciated but never really thought anything about until The Spire. Kate has a very nuanced style that I’ve always loved and with every book I read, I love soaking up all the little details and particulars about the characters that I can. Kate effortlessly weaves those details in…it’s mixed into a conversation or careful facts are slid into explanations relating to something else…it’s like a treasure map and you never know when you’re going to find a clue or get another piece of the puzzle you didn’t know you were missing. I’m not saying she’s the only author to ever do this but it’s something I’ve grown to treasure about her writing and I personally think she has perfected it quite nicely. It’s like I don’t realize I’m getting the whole story until I realize I already know all that I need to. Needless to say, if it wasn’t already apparent that I’m 1000000000000000% hooked on anything and everything that comes out of Kate’s brain, The Spire only continued to solidify that fact.
As with all Kate Canterbary books, I hate to see them to come to an end…but she always does it sooooooo beautifully. Never rushed…she gives time for every emotion to be fully embraced, and when dealing with Walsh emotion, that is absolutely necessary – and given that we are dealing with Erin and all her baggage, that was especially appreciated. I had high hopes for Erin and Nick…and Kate completely exceeded any and all of them. It was bliss and perfection and all that I could have wanted. Just love. With each and every book in The Walshes Series I am blown away by how much more I can adore these 11 human beings (soon to be 12…I’m looking at you baby boy Riley!) and I’m also in total denial that Preservation is the last book in the series (yes…I know there is Thresholds but this is like…the last ‘official’ book). I can’t think about it being over right now though…I’m too excited to get my hands on RISD!!!!!!!!!! #ObsessedWithTheWalshFamily #MakeMeAWalsh
5 “lovely” “Timeout” “Skip” “marriage experiment” “dare” “darlin’” Kisses
I shoulda known this baby Walsh was going to put me through the ringer. She’s done it with all her other siblings, why not add my name to the pile! I’m not mad about it…I loved every single moment of The Spire, Erin and Nick were everything I wanted and then some…but damn if they didn’t make me work for it. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The magical combination of their chemistry, the amazingness that is the Walsh family and Kate’s insanely fantastic writing just sent me to another level of love. So…if you have yet to be introduced to The Walshes Series…we need to remedy that right-freaking-now because…oooooooooomg! It’s seriously the best thing ever. Now…‘technically’ each book can be read as a standalone…but trust me when I say the books mean SO much more if you read them in order. There are a lot of secrets, A LOT of things that happen…and it just makes more sense in understanding the characters if you read in order ( Underneath It All , The Space Between , Necessary Restorations , The Cornerstone , Restored & of course…The Spire). At the very least I definitely would read The Cornerstone before you read The Spire…just because a lot of Erin’s history ties closely with Shannon and that’s explained a bit in The Cornerstone. Either way…The Walshes IMHO MUST be experienced…they’re not to be missed.
Erin Walsh…my little baby Walsh…my wanderer…my traveler…oh, I knew this girl was wreck my heart in a million different ways, but I had no idea. I adore her…so much, I feel like I need to state that because while I adored her, I didn’t necessarily always like what she did. I knew why she was doing what she was doing…I understood her motivations and her actions…I respected her boundaries and her need for them…but that didn’t mean I had to like it. But none of that could ever stop me from loving the ever living crap out of her. And I did…with great pleasure. Erin has always been this phantom…this background character that has been ‘around’ but not really there. I’ve always been interested in her, dyyyyyyyyyyyying to get the full story on her history and wtf the deal is with her and Shannon – which slowly we have been getting through the other books – but it wasn’t until The Cornerstone that I felt like I had even 20% of the information. Then we got a little bit more of her history with Restored…and now, the whole shablamy straight from Erin. It’s not pretty…it’s not pleasant, I mean, it would have to be something pretty severe to leave you escaping your family and home for close to a decade. Learning the whole story was…not fun, I hurt for her, my heart broke for what she had to go through…but it also helped me understand her. It would take an exceptionally extraordinary man to be able to win the heart of Ms. Walsh…and I can think of no better man than Dr. Acevado
"I know what you're thinking," he said. "Say it, lovely. Say it, or I will."
"You should explore the world," I said, tears springing to my eyes for no rational reason. "Do dangerous things. Ignore the fuck out of conventional wisdom. Walk on fire. Treat everyone with kindness because people are the only things worth holding on to. Live without regrets because there is no time for that shit. Never forget the way home, and leave a trail of breadcrumbs if you have to. Love, and get your heart broken, and say fuck it, and love again and then again. And whatever you do, never pass up an opportunity to get married on a lobster boat under a full moon with Jupiter and Mars as your witnesses."
"All of it," he said, grabbing hold of my waist and pulling me to his chest. "I want all of it, and don't ever stop talking about time and diamonds and literally anything else that comes to your amazing fucking mind, and marry me before we lose another second."
"Right here?" I asked, breathless. "Right now?"
"Here. Now," he said, and I was grinning so hard that my cheeks hurt. "I dare you."
Dr. Nicholas Acevado…oh…my…GOD…this man OWNED me. Gaaaaah…I mean I knew to prepare for Erin, but I didn’t even think about preparing myself for Nick! The man is beyond perfect…I mean, first of all he’s from Texas :-) (I might be biased but whatev’s)…then he’s a super hero Doctor and don’t even get me started on how much I love his passion and dedication to his job. He’s literally beautiful from the inside out…intelligent…funny…kind…great son, awesome friend (I love his relationship with all the Walsh’s but I really loved him and Riley…they’re hilarious together)…I mean, I could sing his praises all day, as I already stated the man is PERFECT! But…what made him even more perfect was the way he was with Erin. It was like he was created to be her person – yes, he’s a doctor and doing other great things with his life, but his main purpose was to be Erin’s other half…and he’s fucking spectacular at it. He always knew exactly what to say, exactly how to be there for her, it was never a question in his mind what he needed to do…and the way he felt about her!!!! Just cut my heart out of my chest…it was everything!!! I loved Nick period but I loved Nick for Erin a million times more.
"Getting away…it puts a lot of things in perspective."
I kissed the skin beneath her belly button. I loved that she was strong and fit, but also soft in certain places. It was a reminder that beneath all the stoicism were sensitive spots and womanly curves.
"What did it put in perspective for you?" I asked.
Erin's shoulders wiggled as if she was struggling to land on a response, and then she blew out a breath. "It turns down the noise," she said. "It lets you hear your own thoughts, and then fix the ones that don't sound the way you want them to. It makes you see the lies you were feeding yourself, and the angel-faced devils you trusted. It forces you to prioritize, and that helps you decide what can stay and what must go."
Nothing about Nick and Erin’s relationship is conventional…it’s illogical and it shouldn’t work but I’ll be damned if isn’t the most perfect thing in the world. But they built their love (and my love for them) with every email exchange…every video chat…every stolen weekend and any possible free moment that they could dedicate to each other. They had insta-connection…an effortless chemistry that cannot be fabricated…I loved their banter and the way they just clicked from the moment they met. But…I also knew with Erin’s work and Nick’s work, this wouldn’t be easy. I would bet money, if you look up the definition of ‘longing’ in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Nick and Erin. I felt their desire to be together like it was a living thing…and while yes, some of it hurt, it was all worth it because it made them who they were. It was a part of establishing them as a couple…while they are physically amazing together, it was the emotional bonds that they created that magical weekend on the Cape, it was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to their relationship. Plus, it wouldn’t have been genuine if either one gave up their careers to move to be with the other – plus, there’s the whole Erin/Boston situation that needed to resolve itself organically…but I loved that they put in the work. And it was so worth it…
"They don't know how it is. Being married to you changes things."
I barked out another laugh. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah," she said emphatically. "I went years without sex before you. I focused on my research and I traveled, and things were good. I was good. I didn't want anything else, and now…" She shook her head as if she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "And now, I want…everything. I don't know what everything is, but I want it."
Kate Canterbary…I just fucking can’t. I’m running out of ways to talk about how majestic she is. It’s a total first world problem but when a series has touched me as deeply as The Walshes has I want to use ALL the words. The characters have invaded my brain so much…I love their crazy little fucked up family so much it should be illegal. It’s not perfect, there is yelling and cursing and sometimes people get their feelings hurt but it’s all worth it because they make it worth it. They always make it right in their own special way and it just makes me love them that much more. The chemistry between all of these characters is just inexplicable...I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when Patrick is grumbly or when Shannon tells someone to suck her dick or when Riley has his fly undone – and none of that makes any sense unless you really know who they are. One thing that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about is the way Kate delivers the details…it’s something I’ve always appreciated but never really thought anything about until The Spire. Kate has a very nuanced style that I’ve always loved and with every book I read, I love soaking up all the little details and particulars about the characters that I can. Kate effortlessly weaves those details in…it’s mixed into a conversation or careful facts are slid into explanations relating to something else…it’s like a treasure map and you never know when you’re going to find a clue or get another piece of the puzzle you didn’t know you were missing. I’m not saying she’s the only author to ever do this but it’s something I’ve grown to treasure about her writing and I personally think she has perfected it quite nicely. It’s like I don’t realize I’m getting the whole story until I realize I already know all that I need to. Needless to say, if it wasn’t already apparent that I’m 1000000000000000% hooked on anything and everything that comes out of Kate’s brain, The Spire only continued to solidify that fact.
"My grandmother, she was something of a mystic," Nick continued. "She used to say that some people fell in love as easy as a leaf fell from a tree, and only when they were ready to fall." He reached for his wine, drained the glass, and returned it to the table. "Others crashed as hard as lightning bolts. Neither was better or worse, but the lightning bolts? It was never simple for them. It was chaos and electricity, unpredictability and fire, and the fall was hard, but it was worth it." He turned back to me, his hand firm on my thigh. "We're the lightning, Skip."
"And the crash was worth it," I whispered.
As with all Kate Canterbary books, I hate to see them to come to an end…but she always does it sooooooo beautifully. Never rushed…she gives time for every emotion to be fully embraced, and when dealing with Walsh emotion, that is absolutely necessary – and given that we are dealing with Erin and all her baggage, that was especially appreciated. I had high hopes for Erin and Nick…and Kate completely exceeded any and all of them. It was bliss and perfection and all that I could have wanted. Just love. With each and every book in The Walshes Series I am blown away by how much more I can adore these 11 human beings (soon to be 12…I’m looking at you baby boy Riley!) and I’m also in total denial that Preservation is the last book in the series (yes…I know there is Thresholds but this is like…the last ‘official’ book). I can’t think about it being over right now though…I’m too excited to get my hands on RISD!!!!!!!!!! #ObsessedWithTheWalshFamily #MakeMeAWalsh
May 15, 2017
***ARC Provided by the Publisher and Give Me Books Promotions***
4.5 Stars
This was the first book I have read in the series. As such, I am not sure how to review it. It was good, I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the characters and their story was compelling, and heart wrenching in a lot of places. I thought the characterizations of Erin and her love interest (as I think this might actually be a minor spoiler) were interesting. And I believed them, and in them.
The writing was strong, and I am positive that people who have read the other books in the series will enjoy seeing the glimpses of the other family members. The author asked, once at the beginning and once at the end, to please allow people who have read all of the books to enjoy the surprises...so I am going to leave this here...I enjoyed the book. It can be read as a standalone...and I am guessing there is also some depth to the other relationships that exists with the knowledge of what happened in the other books.
So, either read this one as the first you have read in the series, as I did...or read it as yet another great chapter of the Walsh family story.
I recommend this book.
***This and other reviews also featured on Booked All Night http://www.bookedallnightblog.com/***
4.5 Stars
This was the first book I have read in the series. As such, I am not sure how to review it. It was good, I enjoyed it a lot. I thought the characters and their story was compelling, and heart wrenching in a lot of places. I thought the characterizations of Erin and her love interest (as I think this might actually be a minor spoiler) were interesting. And I believed them, and in them.
The writing was strong, and I am positive that people who have read the other books in the series will enjoy seeing the glimpses of the other family members. The author asked, once at the beginning and once at the end, to please allow people who have read all of the books to enjoy the surprises...so I am going to leave this here...I enjoyed the book. It can be read as a standalone...and I am guessing there is also some depth to the other relationships that exists with the knowledge of what happened in the other books.
So, either read this one as the first you have read in the series, as I did...or read it as yet another great chapter of the Walsh family story.
I recommend this book.
***This and other reviews also featured on Booked All Night http://www.bookedallnightblog.com/***
February 5, 2020
As anyone who has read the Walsh series from the beginning, I was desperate for Erin's story. I was not disappointed in any way, shape or form. Kate worked very hard to keep Erin's love interest a secret from readers and it did add to my enjoyment and build up the anticipation.
I cried happy, sad, angry, frustrated tears from the first page. I experienced the roller coaster of emotions and I never wanted to get off.
Kate's writing style is smart and addictive and I feel like my IQ goes up every time I read her words. This is her best book to date. She has a fan for life right here.
I cried happy, sad, angry, frustrated tears from the first page. I experienced the roller coaster of emotions and I never wanted to get off.
Kate's writing style is smart and addictive and I feel like my IQ goes up every time I read her words. This is her best book to date. She has a fan for life right here.
September 29, 2019
This was fantastically angsty and I really dug that. While also wanting to shake both Nick and Erin, so you know, par for the course with that type of tortured romance. I did NOT see the Riley thing coming, and I'm still not entirely sure what I think of it, but more to come in the review of his own book.
March 20, 2023
*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*
5 “lovely” “Timeout” “Skip” “marriage experiment” “dare” “darlin’” Kisses
I shoulda known this baby Walsh was going to put me through the ringer. She’s done it with all her other siblings, why not add my name to the pile! I’m not mad about it…I loved every single moment of The Spire, Erin and Nick were everything I wanted and then some…but damn if they didn’t make me work for it. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The magical combination of their chemistry, the amazingness that is the Walsh family and Kate’s insanely fantastic writing just sent me to another level of love. So…if you have yet to be introduced to The Walshes Series…we need to remedy that right-freaking-now because…oooooooooomg! It’s seriously the best thing ever. Now…‘technically’ each book can be read as a standalone…but trust me when I say the books mean SO much more if you read them in order. There are a lot of secrets, A LOT of things that happen…and it just makes more sense in understanding the characters if you read in order ( Underneath It All , The Space Between , Necessary Restorations , The Cornerstone , Restored & of course…The Spire). At the very least I definitely would read The Cornerstone before you read The Spire…just because a lot of Erin’s history ties closely with Shannon and that’s explained a bit in The Cornerstone. Either way…The Walshes IMHO MUST be experienced…they’re not to be missed.
Erin Walsh…my little baby Walsh…my wanderer…my traveler…oh, I knew this girl was wreck my heart in a million different ways, but I had no idea. I adore her…so much, I feel like I need to state that because while I adored her, I didn’t necessarily always like what she did. I knew why she was doing what she was doing…I understood her motivations and her actions…I respected her boundaries and her need for them…but that didn’t mean I had to like it. But none of that could ever stop me from loving the ever living crap out of her. And I did…with great pleasure. Erin has always been this phantom…this background character that has been ‘around’ but not really there. I’ve always been interested in her, dyyyyyyyyyyyying to get the full story on her history and wtf the deal is with her and Shannon – which slowly we have been getting through the other books – but it wasn’t until The Cornerstone that I felt like I had even 20% of the information. Then we got a little bit more of her history with Restored…and now, the whole shablamy straight from Erin. It’s not pretty…it’s not pleasant, I mean, it would have to be something pretty severe to leave you escaping your family and home for close to a decade. Learning the whole story was…not fun, I hurt for her, my heart broke for what she had to go through…but it also helped me understand her. It would take an exceptionally extraordinary man to be able to win the heart of Ms. Walsh…and I can think of no better man than Dr. Acevado
Dr. Nicholas Acevado…oh…my…GOD…this man OWNED me. Gaaaaah…I mean I knew to prepare for Erin, but I didn’t even think about preparing myself for Nick! The man is beyond perfect…I mean, first of all he’s from Texas :-) (I might be biased but whatev’s)…then he’s a super hero Doctor and don’t even get me started on how much I love his passion and dedication to his job. He’s literally beautiful from the inside out…intelligent…funny…kind…great son, awesome friend (I love his relationship with all the Walsh’s but I really loved him and Riley…they’re hilarious together)…I mean, I could sing his praises all day, as I already stated the man is PERFECT! But…what made him even more perfect was the way he was with Erin. It was like he was created to be her person – yes, he’s a doctor and doing other great things with his life, but his main purpose was to be Erin’s other half…and he’s fucking spectacular at it. He always knew exactly what to say, exactly how to be there for her, it was never a question in his mind what he needed to do…and the way he felt about her!!!! Just cut my heart out of my chest…it was everything!!! I loved Nick period but I loved Nick for Erin a million times more.
Nothing about Nick and Erin’s relationship is conventional…it’s illogical and it shouldn’t work but I’ll be damned if isn’t the most perfect thing in the world. But they built their love (and my love for them) with every email exchange…every video chat…every stolen weekend and any possible free moment that they could dedicate to each other. They had insta-connection…an effortless chemistry that cannot be fabricated…I loved their banter and the way they just clicked from the moment they met. But…I also knew with Erin’s work and Nick’s work, this wouldn’t be easy. I would bet money, if you look up the definition of ‘longing’ in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Nick and Erin. I felt their desire to be together like it was a living thing…and while yes, some of it hurt, it was all worth it because it made them who they were. It was a part of establishing them as a couple…while they are physically amazing together, it was the emotional bonds that they created that magical weekend on the Cape, it was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to their relationship. Plus, it wouldn’t have been genuine if either one gave up their careers to move to be with the other – plus, there’s the whole Erin/Boston situation that needed to resolve itself organically…but I loved that they put in the work. And it was so worth it…
Kate Canterbary…I just fucking can’t. I’m running out of ways to talk about how majestic she is. It’s a total first world problem but when a series has touched me as deeply as The Walshes has I want to use ALL the words. The characters have invaded my brain so much…I love their crazy little fucked up family so much it should be illegal. It’s not perfect, there is yelling and cursing and sometimes people get their feelings hurt but it’s all worth it because they make it worth it. They always make it right in their own special way and it just makes me love them that much more. The chemistry between all of these characters is just inexplicable...I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when Patrick is grumbly or when Shannon tells someone to suck her dick or when Riley has his fly undone – and none of that makes any sense unless you really know who they are. One thing that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about is the way Kate delivers the details…it’s something I’ve always appreciated but never really thought anything about until The Spire. Kate has a very nuanced style that I’ve always loved and with every book I read, I love soaking up all the little details and particulars about the characters that I can. Kate effortlessly weaves those details in…it’s mixed into a conversation or careful facts are slid into explanations relating to something else…it’s like a treasure map and you never know when you’re going to find a clue or get another piece of the puzzle you didn’t know you were missing. I’m not saying she’s the only author to ever do this but it’s something I’ve grown to treasure about her writing and I personally think she has perfected it quite nicely. It’s like I don’t realize I’m getting the whole story until I realize I already know all that I need to. Needless to say, if it wasn’t already apparent that I’m 1000000000000000% hooked on anything and everything that comes out of Kate’s brain, The Spire only continued to solidify that fact.
As with all Kate Canterbary books, I hate to see them to come to an end…but she always does it sooooooo beautifully. Never rushed…she gives time for every emotion to be fully embraced, and when dealing with Walsh emotion, that is absolutely necessary – and given that we are dealing with Erin and all her baggage, that was especially appreciated. I had high hopes for Erin and Nick…and Kate completely exceeded any and all of them. It was bliss and perfection and all that I could have wanted. Just love. With each and every book in The Walshes Series I am blown away by how much more I can adore these 11 human beings (soon to be 12…I’m looking at you baby boy Riley!) and I’m also in total denial that Preservation is the last book in the series (yes…I know there is Thresholds but this is like…the last ‘official’ book). I can’t think about it being over right now though…I’m too excited to get my hands on RISD!!!!!!!!!! #ObsessedWithTheWalshFamily #MakeMeAWalsh
5 “lovely” “Timeout” “Skip” “marriage experiment” “dare” “darlin’” Kisses
I shoulda known this baby Walsh was going to put me through the ringer. She’s done it with all her other siblings, why not add my name to the pile! I’m not mad about it…I loved every single moment of The Spire, Erin and Nick were everything I wanted and then some…but damn if they didn’t make me work for it. And I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The magical combination of their chemistry, the amazingness that is the Walsh family and Kate’s insanely fantastic writing just sent me to another level of love. So…if you have yet to be introduced to The Walshes Series…we need to remedy that right-freaking-now because…oooooooooomg! It’s seriously the best thing ever. Now…‘technically’ each book can be read as a standalone…but trust me when I say the books mean SO much more if you read them in order. There are a lot of secrets, A LOT of things that happen…and it just makes more sense in understanding the characters if you read in order ( Underneath It All , The Space Between , Necessary Restorations , The Cornerstone , Restored & of course…The Spire). At the very least I definitely would read The Cornerstone before you read The Spire…just because a lot of Erin’s history ties closely with Shannon and that’s explained a bit in The Cornerstone. Either way…The Walshes IMHO MUST be experienced…they’re not to be missed.
Erin Walsh…my little baby Walsh…my wanderer…my traveler…oh, I knew this girl was wreck my heart in a million different ways, but I had no idea. I adore her…so much, I feel like I need to state that because while I adored her, I didn’t necessarily always like what she did. I knew why she was doing what she was doing…I understood her motivations and her actions…I respected her boundaries and her need for them…but that didn’t mean I had to like it. But none of that could ever stop me from loving the ever living crap out of her. And I did…with great pleasure. Erin has always been this phantom…this background character that has been ‘around’ but not really there. I’ve always been interested in her, dyyyyyyyyyyyying to get the full story on her history and wtf the deal is with her and Shannon – which slowly we have been getting through the other books – but it wasn’t until The Cornerstone that I felt like I had even 20% of the information. Then we got a little bit more of her history with Restored…and now, the whole shablamy straight from Erin. It’s not pretty…it’s not pleasant, I mean, it would have to be something pretty severe to leave you escaping your family and home for close to a decade. Learning the whole story was…not fun, I hurt for her, my heart broke for what she had to go through…but it also helped me understand her. It would take an exceptionally extraordinary man to be able to win the heart of Ms. Walsh…and I can think of no better man than Dr. Acevado
"I know what you're thinking," he said. "Say it, lovely. Say it, or I will."
"You should explore the world," I said, tears springing to my eyes for no rational reason. "Do dangerous things. Ignore the fuck out of conventional wisdom. Walk on fire. Treat everyone with kindness because people are the only things worth holding on to. Live without regrets because there is no time for that shit. Never forget the way home, and leave a trail of breadcrumbs if you have to. Love, and get your heart broken, and say fuck it, and love again and then again. And whatever you do, never pass up an opportunity to get married on a lobster boat under a full moon with Jupiter and Mars as your witnesses."
"All of it," he said, grabbing hold of my waist and pulling me to his chest. "I want all of it, and don't ever stop talking about time and diamonds and literally anything else that comes to your amazing fucking mind, and marry me before we lose another second."
"Right here?" I asked, breathless. "Right now?"
"Here. Now," he said, and I was grinning so hard that my cheeks hurt. "I dare you."
Dr. Nicholas Acevado…oh…my…GOD…this man OWNED me. Gaaaaah…I mean I knew to prepare for Erin, but I didn’t even think about preparing myself for Nick! The man is beyond perfect…I mean, first of all he’s from Texas :-) (I might be biased but whatev’s)…then he’s a super hero Doctor and don’t even get me started on how much I love his passion and dedication to his job. He’s literally beautiful from the inside out…intelligent…funny…kind…great son, awesome friend (I love his relationship with all the Walsh’s but I really loved him and Riley…they’re hilarious together)…I mean, I could sing his praises all day, as I already stated the man is PERFECT! But…what made him even more perfect was the way he was with Erin. It was like he was created to be her person – yes, he’s a doctor and doing other great things with his life, but his main purpose was to be Erin’s other half…and he’s fucking spectacular at it. He always knew exactly what to say, exactly how to be there for her, it was never a question in his mind what he needed to do…and the way he felt about her!!!! Just cut my heart out of my chest…it was everything!!! I loved Nick period but I loved Nick for Erin a million times more.
"Getting away…it puts a lot of things in perspective."
I kissed the skin beneath her belly button. I loved that she was strong and fit, but also soft in certain places. It was a reminder that beneath all the stoicism were sensitive spots and womanly curves.
"What did it put in perspective for you?" I asked.
Erin's shoulders wiggled as if she was struggling to land on a response, and then she blew out a breath. "It turns down the noise," she said. "It lets you hear your own thoughts, and then fix the ones that don't sound the way you want them to. It makes you see the lies you were feeding yourself, and the angel-faced devils you trusted. It forces you to prioritize, and that helps you decide what can stay and what must go."
Nothing about Nick and Erin’s relationship is conventional…it’s illogical and it shouldn’t work but I’ll be damned if isn’t the most perfect thing in the world. But they built their love (and my love for them) with every email exchange…every video chat…every stolen weekend and any possible free moment that they could dedicate to each other. They had insta-connection…an effortless chemistry that cannot be fabricated…I loved their banter and the way they just clicked from the moment they met. But…I also knew with Erin’s work and Nick’s work, this wouldn’t be easy. I would bet money, if you look up the definition of ‘longing’ in the dictionary, you should see a picture of Nick and Erin. I felt their desire to be together like it was a living thing…and while yes, some of it hurt, it was all worth it because it made them who they were. It was a part of establishing them as a couple…while they are physically amazing together, it was the emotional bonds that they created that magical weekend on the Cape, it was only the tip of the iceberg when it came to their relationship. Plus, it wouldn’t have been genuine if either one gave up their careers to move to be with the other – plus, there’s the whole Erin/Boston situation that needed to resolve itself organically…but I loved that they put in the work. And it was so worth it…
"They don't know how it is. Being married to you changes things."
I barked out another laugh. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah," she said emphatically. "I went years without sex before you. I focused on my research and I traveled, and things were good. I was good. I didn't want anything else, and now…" She shook her head as if she couldn't believe what she was about to say. "And now, I want…everything. I don't know what everything is, but I want it."
Kate Canterbary…I just fucking can’t. I’m running out of ways to talk about how majestic she is. It’s a total first world problem but when a series has touched me as deeply as The Walshes has I want to use ALL the words. The characters have invaded my brain so much…I love their crazy little fucked up family so much it should be illegal. It’s not perfect, there is yelling and cursing and sometimes people get their feelings hurt but it’s all worth it because they make it worth it. They always make it right in their own special way and it just makes me love them that much more. The chemistry between all of these characters is just inexplicable...I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when Patrick is grumbly or when Shannon tells someone to suck her dick or when Riley has his fly undone – and none of that makes any sense unless you really know who they are. One thing that I don’t think I’ve ever talked about is the way Kate delivers the details…it’s something I’ve always appreciated but never really thought anything about until The Spire. Kate has a very nuanced style that I’ve always loved and with every book I read, I love soaking up all the little details and particulars about the characters that I can. Kate effortlessly weaves those details in…it’s mixed into a conversation or careful facts are slid into explanations relating to something else…it’s like a treasure map and you never know when you’re going to find a clue or get another piece of the puzzle you didn’t know you were missing. I’m not saying she’s the only author to ever do this but it’s something I’ve grown to treasure about her writing and I personally think she has perfected it quite nicely. It’s like I don’t realize I’m getting the whole story until I realize I already know all that I need to. Needless to say, if it wasn’t already apparent that I’m 1000000000000000% hooked on anything and everything that comes out of Kate’s brain, The Spire only continued to solidify that fact.
"My grandmother, she was something of a mystic," Nick continued. "She used to say that some people fell in love as easy as a leaf fell from a tree, and only when they were ready to fall." He reached for his wine, drained the glass, and returned it to the table. "Others crashed as hard as lightning bolts. Neither was better or worse, but the lightning bolts? It was never simple for them. It was chaos and electricity, unpredictability and fire, and the fall was hard, but it was worth it." He turned back to me, his hand firm on my thigh. "We're the lightning, Skip."
"And the crash was worth it," I whispered.
As with all Kate Canterbary books, I hate to see them to come to an end…but she always does it sooooooo beautifully. Never rushed…she gives time for every emotion to be fully embraced, and when dealing with Walsh emotion, that is absolutely necessary – and given that we are dealing with Erin and all her baggage, that was especially appreciated. I had high hopes for Erin and Nick…and Kate completely exceeded any and all of them. It was bliss and perfection and all that I could have wanted. Just love. With each and every book in The Walshes Series I am blown away by how much more I can adore these 11 human beings (soon to be 12…I’m looking at you baby boy Riley!) and I’m also in total denial that Preservation is the last book in the series (yes…I know there is Thresholds but this is like…the last ‘official’ book). I can’t think about it being over right now though…I’m too excited to get my hands on RISD!!!!!!!!!! #ObsessedWithTheWalshFamily #MakeMeAWalsh
February 8, 2017
5 STARS!
I'm a huge Kate Canterbary fan, and I adore her Walsh series tremendously. I've recommended this series countless times to friends, both seasoned romance readers and newbies, and I've semi-jokingly referred to it as 'smart-girl smut.' Fans of Canterbary's Walsh family have clamored for the elusive Erin Walsh's tale, and she has answered the call in The Spire.
Walsh family followers know precious little about Erin Walsh, and, after reading this book, it seems that was by design. Canterbary hoarded details and information about Erin like a sugar-addict refuses to share their cake. Finally, finally, in the pages of The Spire we get Erin Walsh's entire story, and what a story it was.
I'm not sure exactly what I expected going into this book, but whatever it was, the reality far exceeded it. Have you ever read something that made you feel a bit smarter just for having read it? Erin Walsh is not the flaky, flighty sibling that I think a lot of readers expect her to be. She is a highly intelligent, albeit quirky, woman. Canterbary took the opportunity of Erin's knowledge and experiences to pepper the story with many interesting facts and anecdotes on lots of different subjects, and I found myself turning trusty ol' Google on a few occasions. What can I say? I'm a Googler.
Obviously, The Spire is a love story. It was clear to this reader within a few pages that Erin Walsh would need a certain kind of man as her partner. She'd need someone patient and kind, someone loyal and supportive. Someone who was knowledgeable in his own right and shared her professional passion with one of his own. He would have to be her personal champion and her staunchest ally. He'd need to know precisely when to push and when to pull back. She got that, and so much more, in her hero. They were an absolutely perfect match, and their love story was everything I hoped for for Erin. But romantic love isn't the only kind of love, and the siblings that comprise the Walsh family are just learning the true meaning of it after the dreadful abusive childhood they all suffered. These are smart people, though, and they've learned their lessons well. It was a rare and wonderful treat for a fan of this family to see them all together.
As Kate Canterbary always does for me, I was lost in the pages of this book, totally engaged, interested and so very invested in this story. Smiling from cover-to-cover, I fought to stop myself from devouring this book so I wouldn't lose the chance to savor it, something that one should definitely do when reading a Kate Canterbary novel. The Spire had all the classic hallmarks of a perfect contemporary romance - it was sexy, it was witty, it smart, but it was told with a refreshing cleverness and intellect that is often missing from the genre. This story made my heart happy, and I'll be honest, early on in the series I wondered if that would be possible for Erin. It thrills me, after loving all the previous books in this series so much, that The Spire was so exceptional.
I'm a huge Kate Canterbary fan, and I adore her Walsh series tremendously. I've recommended this series countless times to friends, both seasoned romance readers and newbies, and I've semi-jokingly referred to it as 'smart-girl smut.' Fans of Canterbary's Walsh family have clamored for the elusive Erin Walsh's tale, and she has answered the call in The Spire.
Walsh family followers know precious little about Erin Walsh, and, after reading this book, it seems that was by design. Canterbary hoarded details and information about Erin like a sugar-addict refuses to share their cake. Finally, finally, in the pages of The Spire we get Erin Walsh's entire story, and what a story it was.
I'm not sure exactly what I expected going into this book, but whatever it was, the reality far exceeded it. Have you ever read something that made you feel a bit smarter just for having read it? Erin Walsh is not the flaky, flighty sibling that I think a lot of readers expect her to be. She is a highly intelligent, albeit quirky, woman. Canterbary took the opportunity of Erin's knowledge and experiences to pepper the story with many interesting facts and anecdotes on lots of different subjects, and I found myself turning trusty ol' Google on a few occasions. What can I say? I'm a Googler.
Obviously, The Spire is a love story. It was clear to this reader within a few pages that Erin Walsh would need a certain kind of man as her partner. She'd need someone patient and kind, someone loyal and supportive. Someone who was knowledgeable in his own right and shared her professional passion with one of his own. He would have to be her personal champion and her staunchest ally. He'd need to know precisely when to push and when to pull back. She got that, and so much more, in her hero. They were an absolutely perfect match, and their love story was everything I hoped for for Erin. But romantic love isn't the only kind of love, and the siblings that comprise the Walsh family are just learning the true meaning of it after the dreadful abusive childhood they all suffered. These are smart people, though, and they've learned their lessons well. It was a rare and wonderful treat for a fan of this family to see them all together.
As Kate Canterbary always does for me, I was lost in the pages of this book, totally engaged, interested and so very invested in this story. Smiling from cover-to-cover, I fought to stop myself from devouring this book so I wouldn't lose the chance to savor it, something that one should definitely do when reading a Kate Canterbary novel. The Spire had all the classic hallmarks of a perfect contemporary romance - it was sexy, it was witty, it smart, but it was told with a refreshing cleverness and intellect that is often missing from the genre. This story made my heart happy, and I'll be honest, early on in the series I wondered if that would be possible for Erin. It thrills me, after loving all the previous books in this series so much, that The Spire was so exceptional.
July 24, 2019
She flew with her own wings, and I had to let her. She’d come back to me in due time, and she’d come home, too.
Just when I thought I couldn't love an audio book more after listening to The Walshes #5, the Spire featuring Shannon and Will, boom, Dr. Nick Acevedo and Erin Walsh's story hits me right in the heart.
If you haven't listened or read any of the Walsh books yet, stop right here. Massive spoilers ahead.
Content warning behind spoiler
Okay - ready for this?
Throughout the Walsh books, we've kind of known Erin and Dr. Nick have a thing. What that thing is besides Nick having his hand up Erin's skirt at Matt and Lauren's wedding I did not know.
WELL - as Canterbary so craftily does, she gives a big hit right in the prologue. Nick asks Erin to come home for the birth of Shannon's first baby and says he needs HIS WIFE to finally come home. WHAT. HEAD EXPLODES.
Then Canterbary shuttles us back to Will and Lauren's wedding, where Dr. Nick immediately falls for Erin, love at first sight. Erin, despite her wary ways, is also enchanted. She dares him to marry her on a lobster boat. He says yes. They do!
What commences is the hottest, most drawn out courtship that starts with marriage and ends with forever for two people who are absolutely perfect for each other, but are willing to accept they can't be together just yet.
Nick loves Erin with his whole heart, but he allows her to find her way home, allowing her choices, allowing her to use him as her true north. He demands, but only ever enough to make sure she knows he'll always be there. Super hot texts and video chats, and emotional weekends together.
I stayed up way to late finishing this one and I'm just in love. Also-the narrator's southern accent for Dr. Nick is just, yes.
2nd Listen
My gosh this story just hits me in all my feelings and it makes me so happy and makes my heart ache, and just hearing the Nick say "darling" to Erin makes me want to weep with joy and my ovaries explode. The way Nick loves our prickly Erin is absolute perfection, and Erin's coming to terms with her past, with her family, and with herself is such a great journey. Plus, these two's chemistry is off the charts. I could listen to their emails all day long, and that's saying something. Perennial favorite, and the narrators are AMAZING too.
December 12, 2016
As I opened The Spire by Kate Canterbury, I felt the weight of secrets immediately begin to follow me, page after page after page. What would I learn and was I ready to unveil the Walsh history? I'd never felt like this when reading a book before and the uncertainty, and yes, fear, could be felt in my chest — just an ever-so-tiny tightness — as I started Erin's story.
This unyielding apprehension every time Erin spoke. Worse when a new chapter of hers began. Just when the tightness would start to abate, some nugget of truth would knock me a bit askew.
But soon, the feeling of fear began to recede and I started to simply enjoy the experience. The words that were so f*cking beautifully crafted, they almost seemed too good to be true. And the story, a story so intricately woven, I was utterly stunned at how even seemingly insignificant choices, stories and words in previous books, held so much weight now. That there was a deliberateness to it all. Kate isn't simply a writer or an author, she is a master weaver of tales.
I've said in the past that the Walsh series was my favorite combination to read — smart, sexy and fun. And while it is most definitely fun and very, very sexy, The Spire tilts the wheel on smart. Be prepared to highlight passages you'll want to google later, while you marvel at the sheer amount of research that must have gone into this novel.
There are moments of healing that will break your heart open while you cry for Erin's youth. Yet those moments also tell you that she's standing there in the present, as a woman, ready to heal and love and blossom.
The Spire is a beautiful story of pain, love and healing. I'm wary of ever calling something, "the best" or "my favorite," but I can say with all certainty and without reservation that The Walsh Series — and every single wonderful, smart ass, maddening, loving, quirk-laden character — is my favorite series I've ever read.
This unyielding apprehension every time Erin spoke. Worse when a new chapter of hers began. Just when the tightness would start to abate, some nugget of truth would knock me a bit askew.
But soon, the feeling of fear began to recede and I started to simply enjoy the experience. The words that were so f*cking beautifully crafted, they almost seemed too good to be true. And the story, a story so intricately woven, I was utterly stunned at how even seemingly insignificant choices, stories and words in previous books, held so much weight now. That there was a deliberateness to it all. Kate isn't simply a writer or an author, she is a master weaver of tales.
I've said in the past that the Walsh series was my favorite combination to read — smart, sexy and fun. And while it is most definitely fun and very, very sexy, The Spire tilts the wheel on smart. Be prepared to highlight passages you'll want to google later, while you marvel at the sheer amount of research that must have gone into this novel.
There are moments of healing that will break your heart open while you cry for Erin's youth. Yet those moments also tell you that she's standing there in the present, as a woman, ready to heal and love and blossom.
The Spire is a beautiful story of pain, love and healing. I'm wary of ever calling something, "the best" or "my favorite," but I can say with all certainty and without reservation that The Walsh Series — and every single wonderful, smart ass, maddening, loving, quirk-laden character — is my favorite series I've ever read.
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