What do you think?
Rate this book
Delicate
So much can happen in the space of a single moment.
One moment is all it takes for something extraordinary to begin—or to be torn away.
Close friends Beckett and Noelle are well aware of that.
Nearly two years have passed since they suffered the devastating loss of a brilliant part of their lives. Though a new normal seemed unthinkable, giving in to grief wasn’t an option; for Noelle’s young daughter and for themselves, they’ve been relearning how to live by relying on his genuine spirit, her caring warmth, and the forward march of time.
However, life isn’t done with them just yet.
Its next impactful moment forces this truth into view as they find their friendship shaken by the gentle whispers of another unexpected change.
Their heads say they can’t embrace it.
But what if there’s nothing their hearts need more?
In this stirring romance about powerful bonds, broken plans, and life’s most beautiful and most undreamt-of paths, Beckett and Noelle must figure out where they stand in the delicate balance between their love for each other and their loyalty to the past.
*This story contains mature content.*
One moment is all it takes for something extraordinary to begin—or to be torn away.
Close friends Beckett and Noelle are well aware of that.
Nearly two years have passed since they suffered the devastating loss of a brilliant part of their lives. Though a new normal seemed unthinkable, giving in to grief wasn’t an option; for Noelle’s young daughter and for themselves, they’ve been relearning how to live by relying on his genuine spirit, her caring warmth, and the forward march of time.
However, life isn’t done with them just yet.
Its next impactful moment forces this truth into view as they find their friendship shaken by the gentle whispers of another unexpected change.
Their heads say they can’t embrace it.
But what if there’s nothing their hearts need more?
In this stirring romance about powerful bonds, broken plans, and life’s most beautiful and most undreamt-of paths, Beckett and Noelle must figure out where they stand in the delicate balance between their love for each other and their loyalty to the past.
*This story contains mature content.*
619 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Cottrell
12 books43 followersK. L. Cottrell is a writer of romance. She loves turning daydreams, real-life experiences, and unexpected moments of inspiration into something she can use to bring both healing and entertainment to herself and others. She loves reading, has an addiction to music (and to her husband), is a child at heart, and could eat Tex-Mex every day of her life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 11, 2022
Delicate was a novel about moving forward after loss. I felt weighted down by this one. It seemed to drag and if one of them said they were sorry one more time I was going to throw this book across the room..
I do want to note that I loved the cover.
So you’ve probably guessed that this wasn’t for me.
Thanks C. L. Cottrell via NetGalley.
I do want to note that I loved the cover.
So you’ve probably guessed that this wasn’t for me.
Thanks C. L. Cottrell via NetGalley.
December 8, 2021
Wow, this was a very emotional read. It was quite rough for me to get through having lost someone very close to me a few months ago all of the emotions were still fresh while reading this. I still enjoyed the book so much and it was beautifully written. In a way, I feel like it helped me heal almost. It felt like I was grieving with Noelle and Beckett, but there were quite a few times that I had to stop reading because it did get a bit much for me, but I don't regret it at all. This book brought every emotion out of me. I absolutely loved the story and it's something that I've never seen in a book before. I loved how there was dual pov and there were also past and present chapters so, you really get in the character's heads and experience everything with them. It was a phenomenal book and I can't wait to read more by the author!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an EARC. While I did receive an ARC the thoughts in this review are completely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an EARC. While I did receive an ARC the thoughts in this review are completely my own.
November 20, 2021
I apologize in advance because there will be spoilers in this review because it’s the only way to help get my point across of how breathtaking this book is. Please read at your own discretion.
Thank you K L Cottrell for writing this book. It is breathtaking and heart rendering. It made me cry so many times because Beckett and Noelle are beautiful together and it was such a privilege to watch them grow into their relationships of themselves and each other.
The coin toss killed me because it’s all the possibilities and wonder of “what if?” What if Beckett had won the coin toss instead of Cliff? What if Noelle had completely disregarded the coin toss? Not like the second what if matters because Beckett is such a freaking sweetheart that he’d probably find someway to make Noelle fall in love with Cliff because Cliff had won the coin toss. But the thing that killed me the most was when it went full circle and Noelle gave Beckett the two sided tails coin. Ugh, the feels and when Noelle told him that he won I cried because I wanted those two together since the beginning of the book.
Their grief over losing Cliff, Noelle’s fiancé and Beckett’s best friend/bonded brother, it was like a dingy in a stormy sea being battered around and threatened to be pulled under many times but the other person was their lighthouse guiding them safely back to shore (I know it’s corny but it’s the best way to describe it). I loved those moments when they set aside their grief long enough to do something to help the other out. For Beckett, it was learning ballet so he could get Noelle to understand that she can dance still and it doesn’t matter if she thinks she is rusty or not. Or if Theo or Noelle need anything there is not a thing he won’t do to make it happen. For Noelle, it was profusely thanking Beckett and letting him stay over, for cleaning his wounds and knowing where he came from, from standing between him and his horrid mother because she wanted to be his shield for once. Oh, and the caramels.
This is a book of wishes and hopes. Of broken people learning how to be whole again with each other and themselves. It’s of a little girl who misses her dad, but can decide that she wants her uncle to be her second dad and knowing that her first dad is not being replaced. It’s falling stars and stardust swirling around with the rain and sun and a beautiful promise that while things might not be okay at least they can not be okay together. It’s about two boys who grew up with horrible families but found a family with themselves and Noelle. It’s beautiful friendships that bloom into something that will steal your heart.
The world-building was on point and the pacing was perfect. The characters will steal your soul with their sweetness. It will have you screaming at the pages like a horrible person being all “he’s dead, he wants you two to be together.”
I could probably wax poetry about this book all year, but I want you all to read this book so I won’t.
TW: grief, loss of significant other, child abuse (Beckett and Cliff did not have great childhoods), mention of alcohol, giving up on something one enjoyed (in this case, Noelle gave up on dance).
⭐️ all of them (cannot come up with a number)
💧 all of the feels
Thank you K L Cottrell for writing this book. It is breathtaking and heart rendering. It made me cry so many times because Beckett and Noelle are beautiful together and it was such a privilege to watch them grow into their relationships of themselves and each other.
The coin toss killed me because it’s all the possibilities and wonder of “what if?” What if Beckett had won the coin toss instead of Cliff? What if Noelle had completely disregarded the coin toss? Not like the second what if matters because Beckett is such a freaking sweetheart that he’d probably find someway to make Noelle fall in love with Cliff because Cliff had won the coin toss. But the thing that killed me the most was when it went full circle and Noelle gave Beckett the two sided tails coin. Ugh, the feels and when Noelle told him that he won I cried because I wanted those two together since the beginning of the book.
Their grief over losing Cliff, Noelle’s fiancé and Beckett’s best friend/bonded brother, it was like a dingy in a stormy sea being battered around and threatened to be pulled under many times but the other person was their lighthouse guiding them safely back to shore (I know it’s corny but it’s the best way to describe it). I loved those moments when they set aside their grief long enough to do something to help the other out. For Beckett, it was learning ballet so he could get Noelle to understand that she can dance still and it doesn’t matter if she thinks she is rusty or not. Or if Theo or Noelle need anything there is not a thing he won’t do to make it happen. For Noelle, it was profusely thanking Beckett and letting him stay over, for cleaning his wounds and knowing where he came from, from standing between him and his horrid mother because she wanted to be his shield for once. Oh, and the caramels.
This is a book of wishes and hopes. Of broken people learning how to be whole again with each other and themselves. It’s of a little girl who misses her dad, but can decide that she wants her uncle to be her second dad and knowing that her first dad is not being replaced. It’s falling stars and stardust swirling around with the rain and sun and a beautiful promise that while things might not be okay at least they can not be okay together. It’s about two boys who grew up with horrible families but found a family with themselves and Noelle. It’s beautiful friendships that bloom into something that will steal your heart.
The world-building was on point and the pacing was perfect. The characters will steal your soul with their sweetness. It will have you screaming at the pages like a horrible person being all “he’s dead, he wants you two to be together.”
I could probably wax poetry about this book all year, but I want you all to read this book so I won’t.
TW: grief, loss of significant other, child abuse (Beckett and Cliff did not have great childhoods), mention of alcohol, giving up on something one enjoyed (in this case, Noelle gave up on dance).
⭐️ all of them (cannot come up with a number)
💧 all of the feels
October 6, 2021
“Acceptance is the unexpected friend of all who refuse change and cling tooth-and-nail to what used to be, because there’s no room for growth when we refuse to move. When something can’t grow, it can’t really live.”
I never expected to feel so many emotions while reading this. I never expected my heart to be shattered only to slowly feel itself being put back together by the love of two characters. I never expected to be so whole-heartedly consumed.
Noelle as has had it hard. She lost the one thing that meant more to her than she could’ve ever imagined; the love of her life, Cliff. The only thing that has truly kept her going is their daughter, Theo. In the midst of it all, Cliff’s best friend, Beckett, has been a constant in her waves. With each passing day, Noelle begins to question if there is a right time to move on from loss or if it is forever going to hold her down.
Beckett himself has struggled with the absence of his best friend more than he lets on. Noelle and Theo are the one thing that makes his life a little easier. Aside from being a total softie, Beckett is the best guy friend every girl needs. Especially through the pain.
Life is truly about growth. Each day that we wake up, we never know what the world is going to offer us. We have to be grateful for opening our eyes and cherish those around us that we hold near and dear to our hearts. The last time we see someone could very well be the last time. I enjoyed the reality of this book. The pain was tolerable because it was real. It was brutal. It was breathtaking.
Delicate explores grief in a whole new way. When Beckett and Noelle discover their feelings for each have grown, the two fight the right and the wrong of the situation. The past is known to haunt us, but the present is known to change us. Without change, we cannot grow. Happiness is vital to continue living.
I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to FEEL. There are books out there that are meant for greatness and this is one of them.
I cannot wait to read more from this beautiful author!
I never expected to feel so many emotions while reading this. I never expected my heart to be shattered only to slowly feel itself being put back together by the love of two characters. I never expected to be so whole-heartedly consumed.
Noelle as has had it hard. She lost the one thing that meant more to her than she could’ve ever imagined; the love of her life, Cliff. The only thing that has truly kept her going is their daughter, Theo. In the midst of it all, Cliff’s best friend, Beckett, has been a constant in her waves. With each passing day, Noelle begins to question if there is a right time to move on from loss or if it is forever going to hold her down.
Beckett himself has struggled with the absence of his best friend more than he lets on. Noelle and Theo are the one thing that makes his life a little easier. Aside from being a total softie, Beckett is the best guy friend every girl needs. Especially through the pain.
Life is truly about growth. Each day that we wake up, we never know what the world is going to offer us. We have to be grateful for opening our eyes and cherish those around us that we hold near and dear to our hearts. The last time we see someone could very well be the last time. I enjoyed the reality of this book. The pain was tolerable because it was real. It was brutal. It was breathtaking.
Delicate explores grief in a whole new way. When Beckett and Noelle discover their feelings for each have grown, the two fight the right and the wrong of the situation. The past is known to haunt us, but the present is known to change us. Without change, we cannot grow. Happiness is vital to continue living.
I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to FEEL. There are books out there that are meant for greatness and this is one of them.
I cannot wait to read more from this beautiful author!
November 17, 2021
This was my first experience reading this author's work and I'm very happy that I took a chance on her. Delicate is definitely not for the weak at heart because this read is a deeply emotional journey that puts the reader right in the middle of the grieving process and the healing process one goes through from the loss of a loved one. I'm not saying this is a sad read though -- there are many happy, silly and uplifting moments throughout the book, but it's the very well written inner thoughts of Beckett and Noelle that really touched me and had me thinking long after reading this book. I can't write this review without mentioning how much I adored Theo -- she was such a bright light and a enchanting, charming character. Her dialogue broke my heart even more than Beckett's and Noelle's though! This is a extremely thought-provoking read and a long read, but so well worth the time because it is such a beautiful and inspiring read as well. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
October 15, 2021
Grab your tissues and buckle up. If you are looking for a book to emotionally destroy you and make your heart soar at the same time, you found it! Noelle and Beckett's story is so beautiful and so tragic all at once. If you have never experienced the grief of loss, you will certainly get an inside look at the heart-wrenching pain of losing someone you truly love. You'll see how difficult the healing process really is. But, you will also follow these amazing characters as they come to realize that moving forward does not mean forgetting; that continuing to live your own life and finding happiness again is not disrespecting the dead.
I honestly lost track of how many times I cried reading this book. As a fan of Cottrell's work, this is nothing new. Her stories are so magical in the way they betray human emotions so perfectly. Her characters feel real enough to be right there in the room with you. I will continue to follow her work and can't recommend it enough!
I honestly lost track of how many times I cried reading this book. As a fan of Cottrell's work, this is nothing new. Her stories are so magical in the way they betray human emotions so perfectly. Her characters feel real enough to be right there in the room with you. I will continue to follow her work and can't recommend it enough!
January 6, 2025
K.L. Cottrell can write a grocery list and I'd probably give it five stars.
This is completely different from any story that I've read from this author - in such a good way. She gave us this story about grief and moving on after losing a loved one. Off the bat, I really understood Beckett and Noelle's relationship. There's nothing that brings you closer than the death of a loved one. What follows is a beautiful story about all of the feelings and mental energy that goes into moving on. It's hard, it's sad, it's happy, it's frustrating, and somehow K.L. Cottrell captures it really well in this novel. Highly highly recommend.
This is completely different from any story that I've read from this author - in such a good way. She gave us this story about grief and moving on after losing a loved one. Off the bat, I really understood Beckett and Noelle's relationship. There's nothing that brings you closer than the death of a loved one. What follows is a beautiful story about all of the feelings and mental energy that goes into moving on. It's hard, it's sad, it's happy, it's frustrating, and somehow K.L. Cottrell captures it really well in this novel. Highly highly recommend.
October 18, 2021
This is a great book. It does get very emotional and I loved it. It tore at my heart but Beckett and Noelles story was powerful and very well written. I absolutely loved this book.
August 4, 2023
Are you ready to cry? Buckle up because you will! This was an emotional story. It was told very well and I liked it.
October 6, 2021
“I’m pretty sure you’re the best thing I’ve ever felt.”
Hello, friends! It’s been a hot minute since my sweet friend and brilliant author, K.L. Cottrell, has released anything. Buuuuut she’s back with a BANG!! Straight out of heaven, we are delivered this deliciously moving, thoughtful work of art. Did I cry? Yes. Was it worth it? Oh, absolutely. This is a friends to lovers romance, a single parent romance, and best friends fiancé (is that a thing?) romance. There is a lot going on in this book, but it is worth every second of your time.
K.L. serves up the piping hot question: is there a right way to move on from loss? The two main characters in this novel are Beckett and Noelle. They are almost haunted to an extent by the loss of Beckett’s best friend and Noelle’s fiancé, Cliff. They were the three amigos until Cliff tragically died in a car accident. This novel explores the growing friendship and eventual relationship between Beckett and Noelle as they navigate their grief, romantic feelings and the guilt associated, and raising Noelle’s daughter, Theodora. This book is A LOT. I would not recommend this if you aren’t big into emotional reads. It’s not light and funny, it’s difficult and painful and heartbreaking at times. We get flashbacks from both Beckett and Noelle’s POVs from before the accident. We see them as friends. We see Noelle and Cliff in love. We see everything. This book doesn’t hold back. THAT BEING SAID – this novel moved me. It touched me in a way I haven’t been in a long time. It’s different and it’s powerful. If you want to come away thinking about these characters for days after, if you want to feel something real – read this novel. It’s sad, but it’s not depressing. As I’m writing my review right now, I don’t feel dejected, I feel inspired. Reading about all that these incredible humans went through, and watching them come out on top? That is something else. Beckett and Noelle were perfect for each other. Their love was unmatched. Everything about this novel was poignant.
Now we get to talk about one of my favorite parts of the novel: Theodora. How does K.L. always *win* with the children she writes? I’m not sure. You see, I’m veeeery picky about children in romance novels. They make or break the story for me, usually. In this novel, Theodora was an absolute doll. She isn’t just cute, though. She adds to the story. She understands that her father, Cliff, is dead. She understands that her “Uncle” Beckett loves her. She also makes it very obvious, multiple times, that she loves Beckett times a million and would do anything for him. There are a lot of important scenes with Theo that move the story forward, and I love that she isn’t just a prop. She is her own character and she is a star. I loved her!!
I feel like I could continue naming all of the things I loved about this novel, but you should 100% go read it for yourself. The tension between Noelle and Beckett is delicious. Their intimate scenes are on point. The flashbacks that our author adds in are expertly written and are very easy to follow. And more than anything, all of the characters – even the minor ones – are important and add something of value to the story. You can always tell when an author has spent quality time with their characters and inside the world they’ve built – that is why I love reading K.L.’s stories. She is patient with her characters and her world building. She takes her time and it shows in her brilliant story-telling abilities. In my opinion, this is one of the best books she’s ever written. Her words speak to my soul. A huge round of applause for my dear friend, K.L. Loved this story immensely and cannot wait for you to share it with the world! 5 stars! ❤
Hello, friends! It’s been a hot minute since my sweet friend and brilliant author, K.L. Cottrell, has released anything. Buuuuut she’s back with a BANG!! Straight out of heaven, we are delivered this deliciously moving, thoughtful work of art. Did I cry? Yes. Was it worth it? Oh, absolutely. This is a friends to lovers romance, a single parent romance, and best friends fiancé (is that a thing?) romance. There is a lot going on in this book, but it is worth every second of your time.
K.L. serves up the piping hot question: is there a right way to move on from loss? The two main characters in this novel are Beckett and Noelle. They are almost haunted to an extent by the loss of Beckett’s best friend and Noelle’s fiancé, Cliff. They were the three amigos until Cliff tragically died in a car accident. This novel explores the growing friendship and eventual relationship between Beckett and Noelle as they navigate their grief, romantic feelings and the guilt associated, and raising Noelle’s daughter, Theodora. This book is A LOT. I would not recommend this if you aren’t big into emotional reads. It’s not light and funny, it’s difficult and painful and heartbreaking at times. We get flashbacks from both Beckett and Noelle’s POVs from before the accident. We see them as friends. We see Noelle and Cliff in love. We see everything. This book doesn’t hold back. THAT BEING SAID – this novel moved me. It touched me in a way I haven’t been in a long time. It’s different and it’s powerful. If you want to come away thinking about these characters for days after, if you want to feel something real – read this novel. It’s sad, but it’s not depressing. As I’m writing my review right now, I don’t feel dejected, I feel inspired. Reading about all that these incredible humans went through, and watching them come out on top? That is something else. Beckett and Noelle were perfect for each other. Their love was unmatched. Everything about this novel was poignant.
Now we get to talk about one of my favorite parts of the novel: Theodora. How does K.L. always *win* with the children she writes? I’m not sure. You see, I’m veeeery picky about children in romance novels. They make or break the story for me, usually. In this novel, Theodora was an absolute doll. She isn’t just cute, though. She adds to the story. She understands that her father, Cliff, is dead. She understands that her “Uncle” Beckett loves her. She also makes it very obvious, multiple times, that she loves Beckett times a million and would do anything for him. There are a lot of important scenes with Theo that move the story forward, and I love that she isn’t just a prop. She is her own character and she is a star. I loved her!!
I feel like I could continue naming all of the things I loved about this novel, but you should 100% go read it for yourself. The tension between Noelle and Beckett is delicious. Their intimate scenes are on point. The flashbacks that our author adds in are expertly written and are very easy to follow. And more than anything, all of the characters – even the minor ones – are important and add something of value to the story. You can always tell when an author has spent quality time with their characters and inside the world they’ve built – that is why I love reading K.L.’s stories. She is patient with her characters and her world building. She takes her time and it shows in her brilliant story-telling abilities. In my opinion, this is one of the best books she’s ever written. Her words speak to my soul. A huge round of applause for my dear friend, K.L. Loved this story immensely and cannot wait for you to share it with the world! 5 stars! ❤
January 2, 2022
Delicate was one of the last books I read in 2021 and I'm still not over it.
This book shattered me and put me back together. I cried (a LOT), I laughed out loud, I yelled at the characters, I wanted to rush through the book to see what would happen next and at the same time I never wanted it to end.
Noelle and Beckett's (and Theodora's) story is emotional and heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.
I HIGHLY recommend reading this gem of a book.
This book shattered me and put me back together. I cried (a LOT), I laughed out loud, I yelled at the characters, I wanted to rush through the book to see what would happen next and at the same time I never wanted it to end.
Noelle and Beckett's (and Theodora's) story is emotional and heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.
I HIGHLY recommend reading this gem of a book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews