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Lovely Shattered Secrets

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I only want to start over after my life falls apart into bloody pieces. When the bus stops in Cypress Falls, I can’t think of a more beautiful place to find myself again.

The last thing I expect is to literally fall into the arms of the devastatingly handsome, broody small town cop.

Atlas Ranes has his own story of tragedy. Always feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, I want nothing more than to make him see that he deserves everything he wants in life: Love. Happiness. Family.

But when our pasts catch up with us, the secrets we keep threaten everything…Including the lives we’ve worked so hard to put back together.

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2022

232 people are currently reading
426 people want to read

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Abbey Easton

14 books40 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley Schroeder.
88 reviews
January 11, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ It was giving Safe Haven vibes and honestly not mad about it. I was neverrr bored. Also like how we already meet the characters for the rest of the books in the series. Also also I just think it’s so dope that Isaacs sister is an author. How freaking cool is that. ANYWAYYYYS I enjoyed this!!! A solid suspenseful romance that kept me on my toes
Profile Image for Sarah Cudlipp.
197 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2022
Right from the beginning, it was easy to understand what a strong and selfless character Atlas is. The way he did his absolute best to protect his brothers was incredible. And Atlas has been through it. Losing his mother at a young age, being abused by his father, and then losing his youngest brother because of their father was a lot. Especially since all of that happened by the time Atlas was nine years old. His story could have been a devastating one. But instead, he worked hard to become a cop in a small town and do his best to protect others. Because that is just part of his personality. Atlas is also doing his best to keep his brother Ty in line since he spends most of his time acting out. Atlas is an extremely protective character who puts others’ needs before his own.

Wren can relate a bit to having a rough childhood. She also lost her parents. Though it happened when she was a little older and she had a grandmother to take her in. But then her grandmother became ill and Wren ended up taking care of her and then herself. She did spend a short amount of time in foster care and ended up in a bad situation with a past relationship. It took a lot of strength for Wren to not only get away from her bad situation but to start over somewhere new. And while it takes a little bit, Wren allows herself to put her trust in others. Something she hasn’t done in a long time. But her past isn’t done with her yet and she has to continue putting trust in others to make sure she can keep herself safe.

There was an instant connection between Wren and Atlas that I thought was so organic and believable. They didn’t just jump into bed with one another and profess their undying love. They met and became friends and couldn’t seem to find the words to explain the connection that was happening between them. Atlas didn’t understand why he felt as protective over Wren as he did of his own family. And Wren couldn’t understand why she found herself wanting to lean on Atlas and spill all of her secrets to him. Since they live in a small town, there was no way to avoid each other and the way their story and relationship unraveled was nothing short of amazing. And definitely swoon-worthy!

When they were able to tell one another where they came from and receive no judgments from the other about the choices they made, I was all in for these two to get together. But there were outside forces trying to keep them apart and their feelings about themselves were getting in the way as well. So while Wren and Atlas may have some bruises on their souls, they are in no way broken. And I loved reading about the way they opened up to one another about their pasts. The way they chose to lean on each other and heal together. I think that’s the making of a bond that will never be broken.

The way the action and suspense parts were written honestly had me gasping out loud at times. Abbey Easton is a master of the craft because I would be reading and swooning only to suddenly feel a rush of adrenaline. But she didn’t rush anything. It was like you could feel the pressure mounting and get the sense that something was going to happen. And then when it did, it was something you wouldn’t have predicted. I think that’s pretty impressive. Something else impressive was the way Abbey Easton writes relationships. And not just romantic ones either. Sibling relationships, friendships, and romances are written realistically and beautifully. It really made me care about the characters and what was happening to them. I found myself getting mad for them, sad, scared, and happy for them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Anika.
666 reviews5 followers
March 2, 2024
In "Lovely Shattered Secrets," the first book of the Suspense in Cypress Falls Romance series by Abbey Easton, readers are immersed in a poignant story of two souls seeking refuge and love amidst the shadows of their pasts.

Wren Brooks, haunted by secrets and running from a troubled past, finds herself in the tranquil riverside town of Cypress Falls. All she wants is a fresh start, a place to heal her scarred heart. Little does she expect to collide with Atlas Ranes, the brooding and devoted small-town cop who becomes an unexpected beacon of light in her darkness.

Atlas, burdened by the weight of responsibilities and past regrets, is immediately drawn to the wild and spirited Wren. As their paths intertwine, they find solace and hope in each other's arms, despite the secrets they both carry.

Abbey Easton weaves a captivating tale of love, suspense, and the power of redemption in "Lovely Shattered Secrets." The chemistry between Wren and Atlas is electric, their connection undeniable as they navigate the complexities of their pasts and the growing intensity of their feelings.

As the past comes knocking on their doors, Wren and Atlas must confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities to protect their newfound happiness. Easton skillfully unravels the layers of their characters, revealing raw emotions and tender moments of intimacy.

"Lovely Shattered Secrets" is a compelling small-town romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with suspenseful twists and heartfelt revelations. The Cypress Falls setting adds depth and charm to the story, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding love story.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Lovely Shattered Secrets" and found myself captivated by the characters' journey of healing and love. If you're a fan of small-town romances with a touch of suspense and a guaranteed happily ever after, don't miss this enchanting read. Abbey Easton delivers a heartfelt and gripping story that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Cypress Falls series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
400 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2025
Embarrassing

Him calling her Starlight over and over is the dumbest thing I've read this year. Just embarrassing. So Wren is on the run from a horrible past where she was abused in every way and meets a pair of brothers. The younger brother, Ty, invites her to a party where he forces her to play spin the bottle, refuses to take no for an answer and forces himself on her to the point she leaps off the top deck of a boat to get away from him, but the author wants us to think that this woman who has been assaulted repeatedly finds this to be harmless fun. What a ridiculous thing to write. Ty is a predator. Atlas, our hero, is a walking red flag. He has a violent outburst for no reason. Then he stalks her at a party because apparently he doesn't think a grown woman should be allowed to go to a party and have a drink. He's awful. Both of these characters are terribly immature and have no business dating anyone. The biggest problem is that the author tries to cram so much into this book but doesn't give anything enough time to or effort to actually be interesting. Just a mess of way too many clichés poorly executed. Also, for the love of God stop writing the scene where she's says how beautiful the view is and he agrees, but he's looking at her. We've read it a million times and we're tired of your lazy efforts.
Profile Image for Anita (Hearts and Whodunits).
1,015 reviews18 followers
April 28, 2022
Barely escaping with her life, Wren Brooks finds refuge in the town of Cypress Falls. All she wants is a safe place to start over. Her heart is fragile and the last thing she's looking for is the handsome, broody town cop. Atlas Ranes feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. No matter how hard he tries to keep his little brother out of trouble and advance in his career, it's never quite enough. When a woman literally falls into his arms, his life is sent into a spiral. Can he find a future with Wren before a deadly secret kills them both?
Overall, this was a very good contemporary romance. I liked the two main characters and how they tried to put their pasts behind them to start a new future. I loved how the author described the town and its citizens. Not everyone was welcoming the newcomer, and that made it realistic. The one thing that bothered me was the beginning of the story, the very first scene. Personally, I’m very sensitive about child abuse, and I feel that abuse or abandonment should be off-screen and not described so well. I understood why the scene was there, I just didn’t like it. Otherwise, this story was well-plotted. Thank you to BookSirens and Peridot Publishing LLC for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
2,537 reviews
August 21, 2024
free ebook

she was in foster care
when she was 17 she talked to a counselor at hs. he moved her into his house and controlled her. a friend tried to help her get away and the counselor killed him.

she got away and fled to a small town in another state. she became a waitress. she met a cop and his younger brother

the cop and his 2 younger brothers were abused , not let out of the house. his mom died. his 3 yr old brother was very sick. the dad put them in the car and dropped them in the dark in the middle of no where

the youngest brother died. 2 nice people stopped to help and adopted the other 2 brothers. when they passed they left them everything

the cop moved her into his guest house. they were attracted to each other and shared stories of their backgrounds

someone tracked her down, turned out it was the boyfriend of her friend that the counselor killed, he was gay and the counselor thought she was cheating on him with her gay friend. so the boyfriend kidnapped her and was going to kill her slowly as he thought it was her fault his boyfriend got killed

she managed to free herself but in the fight her boyfriend showed up and she was saved. they married and she got preg

i would read more of this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Patty Duplechin.
772 reviews9 followers
December 15, 2023
This story is about two lost, broken souls. The book is well written and is hard to put down, Atlas had a tragic past and Wren was running from her own past. They meet in the town of Cypress Falls where Atlas is a cop in the small town. He’s handsome and grumpy. He lost one of his brothers when they were little because of the cruelty of their father. He still struggles with the past. He feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. Wren was abused by a controlling man. She’s finally away from him but is always looking over her shoulders. Something about Wren makes Atlas feels like he should protect her. He doesn’t know why. He’s never felt like that before. Can the two help each other heal? Will Wren really finally find a home in Cypress Falls? She waits tables at a restaurant and enjoys making new friends. Maybe she finally found a place in which she belongs. Atlas will need to let go of the past to find a future. Both are attracted to each other. Can they both find happiness together? The characters are strong, caring but doesn’t trust easily. Will they learn to trust? Worth the read. Abbey Easton is a wonderful author. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
225 reviews
June 5, 2025
If you're a fan of Catherine Cowles, you're going to love this! Small town romantic suspense that leaves you hanging on to every breath just waiting for what's around the next corner. I went in skeptical, but came out a fan. I will be eating up this series like it's going out of style.

Wren is new to Cypress falls after running away from a bad situation. She gets a job at the local restaurant and quickly makes nice with the friendly locals. That's when she runs into (or leaps into the arms of) the local cop Atlas Ranes. She's clearly on the run from something, but the pull between them is undeniable.

Atlas too has his own secrets, coming from a very bad upbringing, he still bears the scars that came with it. He tries to deny the pull toward Wren, but when danger is just around the corner... he can't help but want to protect her.
3,714 reviews42 followers
July 9, 2022
This is book one in The Cypress Falls Series and it is Atlas and Wren's story and what a great start to a new series and author. This Book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions right from the first page and I was in tears but I still couldn't put this book down and had to keep turning the pages to see what the outcome would be and it kept my attention throughout the whole book. There are twists and turns along with danger, suspense, action, trust issue's, mystery, secrets, hope and romance and I can't wait to read more book's by this new author as it was so well written with great characters and engaging storyline and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Shanna Johnson.
554 reviews23 followers
February 23, 2024
This book will keep you glued to it from start to finish. Filled with romance, suspense, and a chance at a new refreshing life, you'll love this book. It is very intense and heartbreaking, definitely not a feel good cozy read for most of it. But the ending is beautiful and makes it all worth it.


I will give a warning, because I was NOT expecting some of it. There are quite a few scenes with very detailed assaults (some sexual but those comments aren't as detailed) in a relationship, child abuse, and violence. I normally don't read anything with those so it was a bit of a shock as the book, blurb, and reviews didn't seem to mention it, but still a really good story, I just had to skim through those parts.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,618 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2022
This is the first book in the Cypress Falls series. Atlas and Wren's story was wonderful blend of emotions. They're both emotionally broken but together they start to heal and feel whole again. Atlas is dealing with the guilt of his baby brothers death. He was only nine years old when it happened but he still feels like he failed Crew. Wren is running scared from the man who terrorized, abused and controlled her. Just when it looks like Atlas and Wren could find happiness together her past comes back to haunt her. Wonderfully told, looking forward to reading book two. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,294 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2023
Lovely Shattered Secrets is Book 1 of the Cypress Falls series by Abbey Easton. Wren has been through an awful lot of pain and hardship in her life and is looking to escape when she comes to Cypress Falls. Atlas is a police officer who has a terrible childhood to overcome. Two broken souls find each other and try to help mend the other. Someone from her past finds her and tries to make her pay for sthe past. She is rescued and Atlas tells her he loves her and wants to build a life with her. I highly recommend this book to all romance readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jill Green.
498 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2022
Atlas and Wren have both had a tough start to life. And both have things they don’t want to talk about but you can tell from the beginning they were meant to be. Atlas is such a caring soul who will do anything for anyone and Wren just needs to learn to trust that he will not hurt her. This book was so easy to read and everything flowed effortlessly which made you just immerse yourself in their world.
Loved this story and cannot wait for the next two books.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
244 reviews2 followers
February 26, 2024
I was hooked after reading the first page. Atlas is so strong and selfless that I just had to know how his story would go. Wren really intrigued me, I wanted to understand where she had come from. Easton has a wonderful talent of giving you well rounded and believeable characters and yet you still didn't know much about Wren when you began really rooting for her. It was hard to put this book down. If you like a little suspense with your romance, I would definitely reccomend. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,436 reviews25 followers
May 5, 2024
Atlas' father dumps him and his brothers on the side of the road not able to cope with them after their mother died. Wren is hiding from a bad situation, they meet when Atlas goes to the family owned boat to get Ty to lower the noise, Wren lands in his arns when she jumps from the deck.
Then he rescues her from her work and she gets to a better place. They have feelings for each other but aren't acting on them because of their secrets.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A great romantic suspense from Abbey
370 reviews8 followers
June 14, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

What a read! Gripping from start to finish

Such tragic lives such sadness and fear causing distrust and continuing self blame very moving

Scary at times moments of hope gleamed coming full circle to love happiness and joy

Made me thankful for my own life we all have dark hard times but just as in the story we can move forward

Have just bought second book in series

Can’t wait 😛
Profile Image for Tracey.
91 reviews
July 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I don’t often enjoy reading books written in more than one perspective as they slow down the pace of reading. This book almost required it, as you get a wider view from both sides. The MC’s pasts are soo entwined with their present thinking that it would be hard to follow the story without the flashback scenes and both perspectives.

I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,491 reviews19 followers
October 3, 2022
heartbreaking
Both Atlas´and Ty´s but also Wren´s story broke my heart, it made me wonder how you ever recover from such cruelty… I admired all the characters for their strength to soldier on and was pleased for them when after facing all the demons and hardships they found support, learnt to trust and dared to love again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author 17 books3 followers
December 17, 2022
Two broken hearts filled with secrets being light to each other! This was a beautiful story of love and overcoming dark pasts. It was also full of suspense and fear because Wren’s past wasn’t that long ago and she was still running from it. It came back to hurt her in a bit of an unexpected way. I really enjoyed their story and could hardly put it down.

*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
Profile Image for Shana Frost.
Author 16 books30 followers
February 19, 2024
I really enjoyed the beginning of this book--the author handles description and exposition of emotions very well. Loved the characters, and I want to know more about Ty and Ellie. However, the ending left me a bit annoyed (before the climax) because (SPOILER!) Wren was missing for over 24 hours which are the most crucial hours in an abduction. However, I will give the next books in this series a shot.
528 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2025
Rating: 4 stars

When the right person can light into your life. Both of the main characters - Atlas and Wren - are two scarred (pun intended) souls, who learn how to heal their wounds together and how to let your loved ones see the real you. And that heartbreaking past might not be an obstacle in finding love, but rather can give you purpose.
So if you are looking for a romantic suspense that is rather action-packed, despite its shorter length, has some heartbreaking (potentially triggering) moments and is fade to black - this series is worth checking out.
Profile Image for Anais (atrailofpages).
965 reviews27 followers
May 18, 2022
This is a small town romance about a girl who seems to be on the run from someone, we just don’t know who, which adds to the suspense. She finds a small town and decides to stay there where she meets tall and brooding Atlas who also has secrets, but she’s drawn to him and wants to know more about him.

This is a sweet romance that also has some suspense and mystery added to it. I really enjoyed the romance, and you really get to know and fall in love with the characters, like Atlas 😍 It was a quick read and everything was rather fast paced, especially the romance, but it’s very cute and I’ve not read many small town romances, so it was nice to read something new 😊 and I did enjoy that bit of suspense added into the story. 3.5/5 ⭐️

Thank you @sapphire_ink_press_ & @authorabbeyeaston for the opportunity to read a free e-copy of Lovely Shattered Secrets 🥰
Profile Image for Lisa Baffi.
851 reviews13 followers
August 20, 2022
I loved this story, the closeness between the brothers was heart warming. Also, loved how Atlas and Wren were able to show each other how to trust and love one another. I will definitely read more from this author! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
187 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2023
The chemistry between Atlas and Wren is a beautifully written dance of two injured souls learning to love.

I loved the story and the sensitive way in which fears, abuse and neglect are handled. Both characters are flawed yet trying to find their value in life.

I received an advance review copy for free and I'm voluntarily posting this review
Profile Image for M19arta.
127 reviews
October 8, 2023
I absolutely loved it! Wren and Atlas were both amazing, and their stories were heartbreaking. I'm glad they found each other and helped each other heal. I couldn't get enough of this book and stayed up almost all night to finish it. What a love story! I'm going into book two immediately. I'm hooked!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
160 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2023
Wow

Danger, mystery, romance, love, hate. This book has it all. I'd love to take the female "intaganest," however it's spelled, out behind the barn and give her a good Whoop Ass and her daddy too for raising such a brat. Make her work as a server instead of living life as a richie.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,223 reviews38 followers
November 26, 2023
A sweet, small-town romantic suspense book with plenty of drama, mystery, romance and love. It was a realistic storyline and I loved the small town atmosphere and wonderful characters. The emotions in this book will pull at your heart strings and you won't be able to put it down. I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Abbie Riddle.
1,238 reviews17 followers
February 27, 2025
Okay, I like Abbey Easton's writing.

This story is sweet, touching and a bit difficult to read at times. But it is absolutely worth the read because it is a story about the triumph of love; the journey from shattered hearts and souls to healing, the movement from trauma to triumph.

Absolutely beautiful.
322 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2024
Left me with goosebumps!

I love this one with a great couple to cheer on to a happy ending. I loved the plot, the setting, and characters I’m secondary roles. Everything came together in a very enjoyable love story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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