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Wrecked #1
Reckless Memories
I loved him before I knew what the word meant.
From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between.
But he was never mine to love.
I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more.
That was before.
Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces.
I knit every last shred back together all on my own.
And I’ve all but forgotten his name.
Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more.
But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time.
And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.
From skinned knees to first dates and everything in between.
But he was never mine to love.
I settled for friendship, even though I always wanted more.
That was before.
Before he ripped my world apart and didn’t bother sticking around to help me pick up the pieces.
I knit every last shred back together all on my own.
And I’ve all but forgotten his name.
Now, he’s back, and everything is torn apart once more.
But he’s not the only one doing the tearing this time.
And there might be no stopping the person who has it out for us both.
332 pages, ebook
First published May 12, 2020
About the author
Catherine Cowles
32 books20.2k followersWriter of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 965 reviews
February 22, 2021
4.5 Stars!
... A story about loss and finding happiness.
What is the one thing that you realized after reading Reckless Memories? That I need to read more Catherine Cowles' amazing stories!
Note: This is a friends to lovers romance.
Ex-sister trope alert. If you're good with it, then you definitely have no problem at all.
Ford and Isabelle were childhood friends. Ford was Isabelle's older sister's boyfriend whom she'd known her whole life. They were inseparable. Ford was always there to comfort and encourage her ever since, every step of the way.
Ford left Anchor Island a decade ago after an accident that wrecked everyone's lives. He blamed himself for failing to protect the one whom he loved, and because of so much guilt and grief, he walked away from the other one who needed him the most.
11 years later, Ford was back in Anchor Island. His family was suffering to manage the bar and they needed him to help out at it. He had no other choice then but to agree and face the past he forever avoided.
This book was indeed heartbreaking. But it also was a story of healing. A tale of overcoming the past, repairing the present, and shaping a new and better future.
The guilt, pain, sorrow, regret, and most of all LOVE, between Ford and Isabelle was deeper than the depths of Mariana Trench, out of reach than the summit of Mount Everest, and timeless than the beauty of Australian outback.
But why not perfect stars? Because I found the lack of communication between Ford and Isabelle too much that it sometimes affected the realness of the story.
But overall, I loved the book. I definitely understand that this is not for all. Some would surely hate it, and some would absolutely love it. But if you think you'll like it, then give this one a chance!
I extremely recommend this to those who likes: Catherine Cowles, friends to lovers, small town, second chance, unrequited love, suspense, slow burn, emotional read, and HEA.
... A story about loss and finding happiness.
What is the one thing that you realized after reading Reckless Memories? That I need to read more Catherine Cowles' amazing stories!
Note: This is a friends to lovers romance.
Ex-sister trope alert. If you're good with it, then you definitely have no problem at all.
Ford and Isabelle were childhood friends. Ford was Isabelle's older sister's boyfriend whom she'd known her whole life. They were inseparable. Ford was always there to comfort and encourage her ever since, every step of the way.
Ford left Anchor Island a decade ago after an accident that wrecked everyone's lives. He blamed himself for failing to protect the one whom he loved, and because of so much guilt and grief, he walked away from the other one who needed him the most.
"I needed you, and you just left. Like it was the easiest thing in the world.”
11 years later, Ford was back in Anchor Island. His family was suffering to manage the bar and they needed him to help out at it. He had no other choice then but to agree and face the past he forever avoided.
"Hearing her laugh earlier had been the best kind of pain, full of the sweetest memories and the deepest longing for a time that was gone forever."
This book was indeed heartbreaking. But it also was a story of healing. A tale of overcoming the past, repairing the present, and shaping a new and better future.
The guilt, pain, sorrow, regret, and most of all LOVE, between Ford and Isabelle was deeper than the depths of Mariana Trench, out of reach than the summit of Mount Everest, and timeless than the beauty of Australian outback.
But why not perfect stars? Because I found the lack of communication between Ford and Isabelle too much that it sometimes affected the realness of the story.
But overall, I loved the book. I definitely understand that this is not for all. Some would surely hate it, and some would absolutely love it. But if you think you'll like it, then give this one a chance!
I extremely recommend this to those who likes: Catherine Cowles, friends to lovers, small town, second chance, unrequited love, suspense, slow burn, emotional read, and HEA.
"Ford Hardy terrified me. He was the tallest cliff I could jump off of, the greatest rush and worst potential for injury."
October 7, 2021
*Spoilers*
This book and I are incompatible.
1) I dislike the 'falling in love with dead sister's boyfriend' trope
2) It was so damn predictable. Fight me
3) The story was situated in a small island town of 2oo people and I might have nearly died from boredom
4)Lastly, Bell and Ford were bland.
In conclusion, NO.
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
April 28, 2020
Reckless Memories is book one in a brand new series, Wrecked, by Catherine Cowles. Catherine has such a beautiful way of mixing in to her romance that element of danger. Just enough to keep us flipping the pages, not knowing what to expect next. This is the story of forgiveness, trust, love, and finding the person and place where you were always meant to be.
Isabelle (Bell) Kipton has lived on Anchor Island, a tiny island off the coast of Washington, all her life, except for her years away at college. Bell’s own parents are pretty much not in her life, have never accepted her. Currently, she is managing The Catch Bar & Restaurant for The Hardy’s, the people that have been more family to her than her own parents ever were. Eleven years ago, when Bell was sixteen, her life was pretty normal, but everything was changed in the blink of an eye. Her life would never be the same. And the person she needed most to help her through it, left town and abandoned her.
Ford Hardy left Anchor Island when he was eighteen years old. He has not been back, the memories are just too much. After college he went to Los Angeles where he now owns several bars. Whenever he and his family get together, he always brings them to him. Or meets them somewhere. But his brother, Hunter, told him they need him home to help with The Catch. If he doesn’t, they might lose it. So after eleven long years, Ford is forced to finally go home and face his memories.
Ford and Bell are not the same people they were when they last saw each other. They are no longer the carefree kids they used to be. They are forced to start over, get to know each other, forgive each other, and face the past neither of them wants to face. They are also forced to admit the attraction they feel for one another, the continuation of what once was a friendship, and on Bell’s part, a childhood crush. But now it’s an attraction that is forbidden. Should never happen. But sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants.
“I see you, Bell. And everything about you is beautiful.”
At the same time, there is someone else that is not at all happy with Ford being home, and the blossoming relationship between them. Whoever it is, is getting bolder with each thing that happens, their anger getting stronger.
“Ford Hardy terrified me. He was the tallest cliff I could jump off of, the greatest rush and worst potential for injury.”
This was such a beautiful story. I couldn’t have loved Ford and Bell more. I loved watching them finally let go of the past and grab on to life again, grab on together. I also loved the little tiny cross over this had to the other series. I fell in love with this island, how beautiful it is described. I would love living in a place like that! I can’t wait for more with this series. The next book will be Bell’s friend Kenna, and Crosby’s story in Perfect Wreckage.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Isabelle (Bell) Kipton has lived on Anchor Island, a tiny island off the coast of Washington, all her life, except for her years away at college. Bell’s own parents are pretty much not in her life, have never accepted her. Currently, she is managing The Catch Bar & Restaurant for The Hardy’s, the people that have been more family to her than her own parents ever were. Eleven years ago, when Bell was sixteen, her life was pretty normal, but everything was changed in the blink of an eye. Her life would never be the same. And the person she needed most to help her through it, left town and abandoned her.
Ford Hardy left Anchor Island when he was eighteen years old. He has not been back, the memories are just too much. After college he went to Los Angeles where he now owns several bars. Whenever he and his family get together, he always brings them to him. Or meets them somewhere. But his brother, Hunter, told him they need him home to help with The Catch. If he doesn’t, they might lose it. So after eleven long years, Ford is forced to finally go home and face his memories.
Ford and Bell are not the same people they were when they last saw each other. They are no longer the carefree kids they used to be. They are forced to start over, get to know each other, forgive each other, and face the past neither of them wants to face. They are also forced to admit the attraction they feel for one another, the continuation of what once was a friendship, and on Bell’s part, a childhood crush. But now it’s an attraction that is forbidden. Should never happen. But sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants.
“I see you, Bell. And everything about you is beautiful.”
At the same time, there is someone else that is not at all happy with Ford being home, and the blossoming relationship between them. Whoever it is, is getting bolder with each thing that happens, their anger getting stronger.
“Ford Hardy terrified me. He was the tallest cliff I could jump off of, the greatest rush and worst potential for injury.”
This was such a beautiful story. I couldn’t have loved Ford and Bell more. I loved watching them finally let go of the past and grab on to life again, grab on together. I also loved the little tiny cross over this had to the other series. I fell in love with this island, how beautiful it is described. I would love living in a place like that! I can’t wait for more with this series. The next book will be Bell’s friend Kenna, and Crosby’s story in Perfect Wreckage.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
August 8, 2022
4.5 stars
Ahhhh this was so good and so angsty! The heroine was best friends with her sister's boyfriend when they were teenagers, but a tragedy took her away. The hero couldn't deal with the guilt and the pain, so he left and made a life for himself in California. Ten years later, he's back in town to help his family's restaurant, the same restaurant the heroine has basically run for the last few years. I loved the angst of the heroine being mad that the hero was back after abandoning her when she needed him the most. And there was definitely a level of taboo because he was dating her sister and their small town would judge them if they started seeing each other. As with Catherine's books, there was a great sense of friendship with the heroine and her best friends. I loved how much they were together! I also enjoyed how the heroine really had to confront her problems with her family and stand up to them on the journey to finding her happiness. This was such a good start to the series and I can't wait to read her friends' stories!
Ahhhh this was so good and so angsty! The heroine was best friends with her sister's boyfriend when they were teenagers, but a tragedy took her away. The hero couldn't deal with the guilt and the pain, so he left and made a life for himself in California. Ten years later, he's back in town to help his family's restaurant, the same restaurant the heroine has basically run for the last few years. I loved the angst of the heroine being mad that the hero was back after abandoning her when she needed him the most. And there was definitely a level of taboo because he was dating her sister and their small town would judge them if they started seeing each other. As with Catherine's books, there was a great sense of friendship with the heroine and her best friends. I loved how much they were together! I also enjoyed how the heroine really had to confront her problems with her family and stand up to them on the journey to finding her happiness. This was such a good start to the series and I can't wait to read her friends' stories!
Shelved as 'nope-nope-nope'
May 12, 2020I hate sister double dipping especially when it seems in this one he loved her sister first and had sex with her. I really wish female authors would find a new bag of tricks that doesnt always make their heroine second best 🙄
September 14, 2022
3.5 stars
Catherine Cowles has been on my radar for the longest and I’m so happy I finally read one of her books! I know she has a lot of small town romances and I’m always here for that.
This is the story of Ford and Bell. Bell and Ford were friends when they were younger but a tragic accident tore them apart. Now years later Ford is back in town… I don’t want to spoil but this had a troupe I don’t always love and the suspense was a little predicable, creepy, and over the top by the end. Still, I enjoyed this authors writing and I’m looking forward to reading more from her!
Catherine Cowles has been on my radar for the longest and I’m so happy I finally read one of her books! I know she has a lot of small town romances and I’m always here for that.
This is the story of Ford and Bell. Bell and Ford were friends when they were younger but a tragic accident tore them apart. Now years later Ford is back in town… I don’t want to spoil but this had a troupe I don’t always love and the suspense was a little predicable, creepy, and over the top by the end. Still, I enjoyed this authors writing and I’m looking forward to reading more from her!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Joe Arden & Andi Arndt
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: contemporary romance
Length: 8h 38m
June 10, 2020
Theres just something wrong with a women dating a guy for so many years, to the point where everyone thinks they are going to get married, only for her to die and her sister is the "heroine" who has had feelings for the Hero for a long time...uhm...what happened to sister code?
NEVER SLEEP WITH YOUR SISTER'S GUY...even if she is dead
The "hero" was in love with the sister who died so forgive me for not falling for the trope of him loving his girlfriends younger sister
NEVER SLEEP WITH YOUR SISTER'S GUY...even if she is dead
The "hero" was in love with the sister who died so forgive me for not falling for the trope of him loving his girlfriends younger sister
December 20, 2020
Emotional, authentic and thoroughly engaging! I absolutely adored this story — it had me from the first page. Bell and Ford's chemistry jumped off the pages from the get-go, which is a difficult and impressive thing to do as a writer. Their love story was complicated, heartwrenching and plagued by more than a hint of suspense. Can't wait to read the rest of the series as the secondary characters have great chemistry too. So intrigued!
Catherine Cowles is definitely my fav new-to-me author of the year!
Catherine Cowles is definitely my fav new-to-me author of the year!
May 25, 2021
I skimmed through the second half of the book😒. It was full of PAIN. Every chapter had something to gloat about. Why can't ANY of the characters had anything to be happy about.
I honestly felt this really sad vibe coming through out the story🙄
Some of the cringey points were :
◾MC realising the romantic presence of his ex GF's lil sister after the GF died.
◾The lil sister who's the MC was pathetically in love with MC even knowing his love for her sister.
◾The sad sad sad happenings throughout the story
◾The apparant 'suspense' of the book which was actually alot creepy.
I honestly felt this really sad vibe coming through out the story🙄
Some of the cringey points were :
◾MC realising the romantic presence of his ex GF's lil sister after the GF died.
◾The lil sister who's the MC was pathetically in love with MC even knowing his love for her sister.
◾The sad sad sad happenings throughout the story
◾The apparant 'suspense' of the book which was actually alot creepy.
April 29, 2020
Reckless Memories is the first book in a brand new series by Catherine Cowles. She writes such beautiful love stories that are packed with all the feels along with an element of suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This story is a compelling and deeply emotional romance that held my attention from start to finish.
Isabelle "Bell" Kipton has lived on Anchor Island pretty much her whole life. Her relationship with her parents is strained because she wouldn't conform to their ways. The Hardy's, who run the restaurant & bar where she works, have become more of a family to her than her family ever was. More than a decade earlier, when she was just sixteen, tragedy struck and turned her whole world upside down. What she needed was her best friend but because he was hurting too, he left town and never looked back.
The memories and the pain were simply too much for Ford Hardy, so he left Anchor Island at the age of eighteen. He now lives in Los Angeles where he owns and runs several successful bars. When he wants to see his family he flies them to his home or some other location other than Anchor Island. That is not a place that he ever wants to step foot in again. But years later, he is forced to return home to help save his family's restaurant & bar from going under.
Bell is upset to learn that Ford is back in town, but not for the reason he thinks. Since the two of them are forced to work together, they decide to start over as friends. Once the truth of everything comes out, their friendship strengthens and develops into so much more. But not everyone is happy to see Ford's returns and the relationship blooming between them. This person begins terrorizing them, each action bolder than the one before.
I absolutely loved this beautiful romance. I was impressed by not only the depth, but by the way the story unfolded with an almost aching intensity. It was riveting, seamless, and it flowed well from beginning to end. Catherine is one of those authors that I want to read forever. I am literally obsessed with her writing, her characters and her stories. I simply can't get enough. All of the stars and more for Bell, Ford and Reckless Memories!
Isabelle "Bell" Kipton has lived on Anchor Island pretty much her whole life. Her relationship with her parents is strained because she wouldn't conform to their ways. The Hardy's, who run the restaurant & bar where she works, have become more of a family to her than her family ever was. More than a decade earlier, when she was just sixteen, tragedy struck and turned her whole world upside down. What she needed was her best friend but because he was hurting too, he left town and never looked back.
The memories and the pain were simply too much for Ford Hardy, so he left Anchor Island at the age of eighteen. He now lives in Los Angeles where he owns and runs several successful bars. When he wants to see his family he flies them to his home or some other location other than Anchor Island. That is not a place that he ever wants to step foot in again. But years later, he is forced to return home to help save his family's restaurant & bar from going under.
Bell is upset to learn that Ford is back in town, but not for the reason he thinks. Since the two of them are forced to work together, they decide to start over as friends. Once the truth of everything comes out, their friendship strengthens and develops into so much more. But not everyone is happy to see Ford's returns and the relationship blooming between them. This person begins terrorizing them, each action bolder than the one before.
I absolutely loved this beautiful romance. I was impressed by not only the depth, but by the way the story unfolded with an almost aching intensity. It was riveting, seamless, and it flowed well from beginning to end. Catherine is one of those authors that I want to read forever. I am literally obsessed with her writing, her characters and her stories. I simply can't get enough. All of the stars and more for Bell, Ford and Reckless Memories!
May 26, 2020
Wow!
This book reminds me so much of The Best Kind of Broken. In Reckless Memories,Miss Cowles takes the story into a deeper and serious topic. Trust, forgiviness and overcoming grief are the main topics of this story.
The emotional burden of the main characters are real and raw. I can feel the sorrow, the guilt, the sadness that both Belle and Ford experiencing. Miss Cowles also taker her time to build the romance between Belle and Ford. Slowly and surely, they both find their HEA.
I really do enjoy this book. I finally find Miss Cowles's book that I love so much.
5 stars
This book reminds me so much of The Best Kind of Broken. In Reckless Memories,Miss Cowles takes the story into a deeper and serious topic. Trust, forgiviness and overcoming grief are the main topics of this story.
The emotional burden of the main characters are real and raw. I can feel the sorrow, the guilt, the sadness that both Belle and Ford experiencing. Miss Cowles also taker her time to build the romance between Belle and Ford. Slowly and surely, they both find their HEA.
I really do enjoy this book. I finally find Miss Cowles's book that I love so much.
5 stars
July 21, 2020
2.5☆| This book was on my radar because I had heard good things about it but it didn't meet my expectations.
On a positive note I liked the group of friends and the found family trope. The Hardys (H's family) kinda adopted Bell (h) after everything she went through with her own family and it was a beautiful relationship, especially the mother-daughter moments between Kara and Bell. And the friendship was good too and I wouldn't mind reading a book about them, Kenna was like this overprotective grumpy friend while Caelyn was the hopeless romantic in charge of her little siblings.
What I didn't like was how the trope was made. I'm not a fan of the sister's ex-boyfriend and dead girlfriend/fiancee/wife trope but I can enjoy it if it's done right. But here idk it didn't sit well with me the way they made the dead sister dirty by saying that she had cheated on Ford and then the whole thing about how she knew there was a special relationship between Bell and Ford, and that was more than was a friendship so before she died she was going to break up with him to set him free and blah blah blah so that the main characters didn't have to feel guilty about their relationship.
And the other thing is how the lives of both changed after a fatal accident but somehow the hero always achieves a successful life, while the heroine is barely subsisting. After the accident he left without a scratch, goes to college, opens a very successful business, is basically rich, hangout with famous people and surrounds himself with models and has a happy life, but the heroine is left with big scars, lost her sister and all her family on the way, had to return to this town/island after college when her only dream was to leave there and lives and works for the hero's family. And then the hero returns after many years, making demands and infiltrating her space. Can we change this narrative? please?
On a positive note I liked the group of friends and the found family trope. The Hardys (H's family) kinda adopted Bell (h) after everything she went through with her own family and it was a beautiful relationship, especially the mother-daughter moments between Kara and Bell. And the friendship was good too and I wouldn't mind reading a book about them, Kenna was like this overprotective grumpy friend while Caelyn was the hopeless romantic in charge of her little siblings.
What I didn't like was how the trope was made. I'm not a fan of the sister's ex-boyfriend and dead girlfriend/fiancee/wife trope but I can enjoy it if it's done right. But here idk it didn't sit well with me the way they made the dead sister dirty by saying that she had cheated on Ford and then the whole thing about how she knew there was a special relationship between Bell and Ford, and that was more than was a friendship so before she died she was going to break up with him to set him free and blah blah blah so that the main characters didn't have to feel guilty about their relationship.
And the other thing is how the lives of both changed after a fatal accident but somehow the hero always achieves a successful life, while the heroine is barely subsisting. After the accident he left without a scratch, goes to college, opens a very successful business, is basically rich, hangout with famous people and surrounds himself with models and has a happy life, but the heroine is left with big scars, lost her sister and all her family on the way, had to return to this town/island after college when her only dream was to leave there and lives and works for the hero's family. And then the hero returns after many years, making demands and infiltrating her space. Can we change this narrative? please?
April 18, 2021
Catherine Cowles always hits that sweet spot. She does small town romance like no other. I absolutely loved Bell & Ford!
“I hated his pain, wanted to reach out, and pull him to me, but I couldn’t. Because as much as I didn’t want him to hurt, I couldn’t let him close enough to cause me more pain.”
Longtime friends to lovers calls my name everytime. I’m not going to spoil a thing about this story, but it’s not what or how you think. It starts with a total kaboom moment that alters each life involved forever. This book is full of much needed healing and second chances. Bell maybe my fave CC heroine to date.
Bravo on another masterpiece, Catherine!
“I hated his pain, wanted to reach out, and pull him to me, but I couldn’t. Because as much as I didn’t want him to hurt, I couldn’t let him close enough to cause me more pain.”
Longtime friends to lovers calls my name everytime. I’m not going to spoil a thing about this story, but it’s not what or how you think. It starts with a total kaboom moment that alters each life involved forever. This book is full of much needed healing and second chances. Bell maybe my fave CC heroine to date.
Bravo on another masterpiece, Catherine!
April 25, 2024
This book was just not for me.
Like so the sister dies and then a few years late you meet the MG and have feelings for her and then you realize all this time that you loved her more than her sister who was his girlfriend at that time and died right after he said I Love You.
And then apparently the sister always knew the MG and the hero were in love with one another and was going to breakup with the dude so that they could be together. But then she died. So yeah. This basically sums up the entire story plot.
I mean if you are fine with such plots then you should read it because the book was written well. But I just can’t stomach this troop.
Like so the sister dies and then a few years late you meet the MG and have feelings for her and then you realize all this time that you loved her more than her sister who was his girlfriend at that time and died right after he said I Love You.
And then apparently the sister always knew the MG and the hero were in love with one another and was going to breakup with the dude so that they could be together. But then she died. So yeah. This basically sums up the entire story plot.
I mean if you are fine with such plots then you should read it because the book was written well. But I just can’t stomach this troop.
May 25, 2020
REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"When the world made you feel dull, it was such a gift to have someone who thought you shined."
THIS book was so good! So so good!!! It was exactly what I needed to settle into after a long week. I just loved it! I have read every book by Catherine Cowles now, but I can honestly say, I think I've gone full circle with her now. I remember reading Further to Fall and specifically asking for Liam and Ford's books....and here we are. I loved Liam's book, so naturally the wait for Ford's book was a painful but necessary one. I am a happy Bee now that I've finally gotten Ford's story. {{sigh}}
Ford was ALL man. THE man. All grown and such a sweetheart. He had real emotion and drive, not driven by anger or broodiness, but he sure was protective of Bell - and it was the kind that made you smile while watching them navigate their new relationship. The guilt he felt was two fold, but that added a heightened level of desire and need coming from them both. I seriously loved it! It felt like it added an element of angst to their love story. I really liked Bell too. She was so strong with a side of stubborn, but she had a soft spot for Ford and watching them finally get in sync with each other was a huge sigh of relief!
If there is one thing I can consistently say, it's that Cowles puts so much heart into the words she uses to set the tone of the story, and I absolutely love the visual she provides. With this one, she gave me such a vivid and intimate look into loss and guilt and all the unnecessary parameters the outside world puts on love and our very own hearts. The perception of pain is a selfish mirror. The projection of pain is the anger coming out, but it's not always a bad thing. Sometimes it's a necessary evil. I love a story with some good give and take, and this one had quite a bit of it.
"Just because it's hard, doesn't mean it's not worth it."
Ford and Bell's past and the ease of their familiarity was both a balm and a source of pain. It was a very interesting dynamic and feeling the push and pull of their emotions was a real tension that was palpable. I could understand their hesitance.....their guilt that gave them pause. It was so hard to see them fighting it only to have their love simmering under all the hindering emotions without an outlet. I looooved watching them fight for their truth, though.
This was a true depiction of how much fun loving your best friend can be. But, Cowles writes romantic suspense with passion, and there is so much heat in her words - so with that romance and heat comes the relatability and connection that I love feeling with her characters. They're always down home, small town folks with their heart on their sleeves with some depth to their thinking. They have so much to hold onto, and her being able to put that into words so that I can better 'feel' her story says a lot. It wasn't any different with this one. She intrigued me with a necessary escape. I loved their dynamic. How they started, the unknown teenage love - just every bit of it worked for me.
I really am falling into a groove with Cowles' books. She's a very well manicured read and one of the easiest ones too. She infuses pain and emotion into her words and braids it seamlessly with the action going on. She really does a great job showing the love and pain that flows unmitigated between the characters, and it reads beautifully. I love her flow and her cadence. This was one of my favorite reads of hers. I think she nailed the unspoken pain that comes along with heartbreak and loss....and I honestly felt that in this story. So good....so sooo so good.
The next book, Perfect Wreckage, is up for PREORDER right now, and I am going to be first in line for this one!!! I am super excited for it!!! Seriously some of the best side characters - and I know their stories are going to EPIC!! I'm STOKED!! Yet another wonderful start to a new series, may be my favorite of hers yet!
"Sometimes, the greater the difficulty, the sweeter the reward."
~BEE
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"When the world made you feel dull, it was such a gift to have someone who thought you shined."
THIS book was so good! So so good!!! It was exactly what I needed to settle into after a long week. I just loved it! I have read every book by Catherine Cowles now, but I can honestly say, I think I've gone full circle with her now. I remember reading Further to Fall and specifically asking for Liam and Ford's books....and here we are. I loved Liam's book, so naturally the wait for Ford's book was a painful but necessary one. I am a happy Bee now that I've finally gotten Ford's story. {{sigh}}
Ford was ALL man. THE man. All grown and such a sweetheart. He had real emotion and drive, not driven by anger or broodiness, but he sure was protective of Bell - and it was the kind that made you smile while watching them navigate their new relationship. The guilt he felt was two fold, but that added a heightened level of desire and need coming from them both. I seriously loved it! It felt like it added an element of angst to their love story. I really liked Bell too. She was so strong with a side of stubborn, but she had a soft spot for Ford and watching them finally get in sync with each other was a huge sigh of relief!
If there is one thing I can consistently say, it's that Cowles puts so much heart into the words she uses to set the tone of the story, and I absolutely love the visual she provides. With this one, she gave me such a vivid and intimate look into loss and guilt and all the unnecessary parameters the outside world puts on love and our very own hearts. The perception of pain is a selfish mirror. The projection of pain is the anger coming out, but it's not always a bad thing. Sometimes it's a necessary evil. I love a story with some good give and take, and this one had quite a bit of it.
"Just because it's hard, doesn't mean it's not worth it."
Ford and Bell's past and the ease of their familiarity was both a balm and a source of pain. It was a very interesting dynamic and feeling the push and pull of their emotions was a real tension that was palpable. I could understand their hesitance.....their guilt that gave them pause. It was so hard to see them fighting it only to have their love simmering under all the hindering emotions without an outlet. I looooved watching them fight for their truth, though.
This was a true depiction of how much fun loving your best friend can be. But, Cowles writes romantic suspense with passion, and there is so much heat in her words - so with that romance and heat comes the relatability and connection that I love feeling with her characters. They're always down home, small town folks with their heart on their sleeves with some depth to their thinking. They have so much to hold onto, and her being able to put that into words so that I can better 'feel' her story says a lot. It wasn't any different with this one. She intrigued me with a necessary escape. I loved their dynamic. How they started, the unknown teenage love - just every bit of it worked for me.
I really am falling into a groove with Cowles' books. She's a very well manicured read and one of the easiest ones too. She infuses pain and emotion into her words and braids it seamlessly with the action going on. She really does a great job showing the love and pain that flows unmitigated between the characters, and it reads beautifully. I love her flow and her cadence. This was one of my favorite reads of hers. I think she nailed the unspoken pain that comes along with heartbreak and loss....and I honestly felt that in this story. So good....so sooo so good.
The next book, Perfect Wreckage, is up for PREORDER right now, and I am going to be first in line for this one!!! I am super excited for it!!! Seriously some of the best side characters - and I know their stories are going to EPIC!! I'm STOKED!! Yet another wonderful start to a new series, may be my favorite of hers yet!
"Sometimes, the greater the difficulty, the sweeter the reward."
~BEE
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May 3, 2020
4.5 Stars
What an amazing beginning to a brand new series by Catherine! I love a good second chance romance and this story delivered on all points. As soon as I read the prologue I was hooked, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put this book down until I reached the end.
Isabelle “Bell” was sixteen when tragedy struck, and her life was turned upside down. The one thing that Bell needed most was her best friend. But since he was hurting too, he left and never looked back. Now, more than a decade later Bell is still living on Anchor Island and working at the bar and restaurant the Hardy’s own. They’ve become more of a family than hers ever was. Bell’s life is looking up, but all that changes once Ford storms back to town.
Ford Hardy left Anchor Island when he was eighteen. The pain and memories after a tragedy were too much for him to handle. The guilt of what happened and of him leaving Bell eats at him. He’s made his life a success by owning and running his own bars, but he’s always felt like something was missing. After years of staying away from his hometown, he’s forced to return, but with his return comes consequences.
Bell and Ford once had an unbreakable friendship, but that changed once Ford left. Now with his return they must see if that friendship can be saved. There are many obstacles to overcome and trust to be earned, but it’s unmistakable that the connection that Bell and Ford once had is still there. And once Bell and Ford get to know each other again, those missing pieces that were lost are put back together.
Reckless Memories gave me all the feels. It was filled with mystery, suspense, second chances, love, and above all, hope. This beautiful romance struck my heart and my emotions. Catherine did an incredible job at weaving a story with heartbreak, letting go of the past, and learning to forgive and heal. I can’t wait for more of this addicting new series.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
What an amazing beginning to a brand new series by Catherine! I love a good second chance romance and this story delivered on all points. As soon as I read the prologue I was hooked, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put this book down until I reached the end.
Isabelle “Bell” was sixteen when tragedy struck, and her life was turned upside down. The one thing that Bell needed most was her best friend. But since he was hurting too, he left and never looked back. Now, more than a decade later Bell is still living on Anchor Island and working at the bar and restaurant the Hardy’s own. They’ve become more of a family than hers ever was. Bell’s life is looking up, but all that changes once Ford storms back to town.
Ford Hardy left Anchor Island when he was eighteen. The pain and memories after a tragedy were too much for him to handle. The guilt of what happened and of him leaving Bell eats at him. He’s made his life a success by owning and running his own bars, but he’s always felt like something was missing. After years of staying away from his hometown, he’s forced to return, but with his return comes consequences.
Bell and Ford once had an unbreakable friendship, but that changed once Ford left. Now with his return they must see if that friendship can be saved. There are many obstacles to overcome and trust to be earned, but it’s unmistakable that the connection that Bell and Ford once had is still there. And once Bell and Ford get to know each other again, those missing pieces that were lost are put back together.
Reckless Memories gave me all the feels. It was filled with mystery, suspense, second chances, love, and above all, hope. This beautiful romance struck my heart and my emotions. Catherine did an incredible job at weaving a story with heartbreak, letting go of the past, and learning to forgive and heal. I can’t wait for more of this addicting new series.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book*
August 7, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
well this was okay. I liked the beginning and the family and friends, but it kinda felt short on the romance part. I don’t know what exactly was missing, but I think the transition was a bit choppy. There was a lot of reconciliation, but then there was just relationship, idk. It felt a bit stale after they become friends again. I wasn’t excited or invested. Honestly, they were both just really bland characters 🤷🏻♀️
I did like how the author handled the whole “H dated the sister first but she died”. BUT I found it unnecessary the revelation about Vi at the end. Like ??? let the girl rest, those two were fine without that information. It’s not like “oh, she wasn’t perfect, now i don’t feel guilty”. It felt like that scene was written just to justify and make their relationship guilt-free (not that it was wrong and they had to feel guilty). I didn’t like that.
I would’ve liked seeing Ford and Caelyn’s siblings, though. I’ll continue the series cause like I said, I liked the secondary characters, let’s hope I like those more!!
p.s. i kinda laughed the first time they had sex lol. At the end they were all “oh that was the hottest sex EVER”. But.. girl, the writing in the sex scene was... not the best��
well this was okay. I liked the beginning and the family and friends, but it kinda felt short on the romance part. I don’t know what exactly was missing, but I think the transition was a bit choppy. There was a lot of reconciliation, but then there was just relationship, idk. It felt a bit stale after they become friends again. I wasn’t excited or invested. Honestly, they were both just really bland characters 🤷🏻♀️
I did like how the author handled the whole “H dated the sister first but she died”. BUT I found it unnecessary the revelation about Vi at the end. Like ??? let the girl rest, those two were fine without that information. It’s not like “oh, she wasn’t perfect, now i don’t feel guilty”. It felt like that scene was written just to justify and make their relationship guilt-free (not that it was wrong and they had to feel guilty). I didn’t like that.
I would’ve liked seeing Ford and Caelyn’s siblings, though. I’ll continue the series cause like I said, I liked the secondary characters, let’s hope I like those more!!
p.s. i kinda laughed the first time they had sex lol. At the end they were all “oh that was the hottest sex EVER”. But.. girl, the writing in the sex scene was... not the best��
May 18, 2020
(4.5 Stars)
Catherine Cowles’ Reckless Memories is an incredible story filled with memorable characters and packed with emotion, which rocked us to our core.
An unimaginable tragedy separated them, leaving a hero ravaged by guilt and a heroine scarred and angry. As they are reunited through fate we witness Bell and Ford begin to heal as they face painful memories, embrace their feelings and learn to forgive. Life soon begins to draw them closer, and they surrender to their undeniable attraction. However, not everyone is happy for them...and one person is determined to destroy their lives!
For full review: www.marvelusreads.com
Catherine Cowles’ Reckless Memories is an incredible story filled with memorable characters and packed with emotion, which rocked us to our core.
An unimaginable tragedy separated them, leaving a hero ravaged by guilt and a heroine scarred and angry. As they are reunited through fate we witness Bell and Ford begin to heal as they face painful memories, embrace their feelings and learn to forgive. Life soon begins to draw them closer, and they surrender to their undeniable attraction. However, not everyone is happy for them...and one person is determined to destroy their lives!
For full review: www.marvelusreads.com
May 23, 2020
‘Those reckless memories would almost bring me to my knees.’
Catherine Cowles is an author we’ve been really looking forward to reading and Reckless Memories was a wonderful introduction to her works, bringing with it an emotional childhood friends to lovers, a tad of the forbidden – a small town romance with a bit of intrigue and suspense which culminated in story that had our hearts racing towards the end!
‘I’d never have the one thing my heart wanted above all others. Him.’
We do love small town romances, and Catherine Cowles Reckless Memories delivered the atmospheric feel of the picturesque Anchor Island, population 1500, to the point where we could almost visualise ourselves smelling the sea air and taking in our surroundings whilst sipping a drink and chatting to the locals at The Catch.
The story opens with a sweet prologue which tells of young love and friendship, however the story turns to tragedy, ripping apart the town and especially two people who would consequently be consumed with pain and guilt. Causing one to face the pain alone whilst the other left the town full of guilt and regret.
“I needed you, and you just left. Like it was the easiest thing in the world.”
It’s nearly eleven years later and Ford Hardy is forced to return to Anchor Island to help his parents take care of their business, the local pub, The Catch, and in the time he’s been away, Ford has carved out a successful career for himself, being known as ‘The Nightlife King” of the bars he’s opened and owns across LA.
It’s with a heavy heart that Ford Hardy returns home after so many years, and having to face his childhood friend Isabelle (Bell) Kipton, who feels betrayed by Ford’s absence, especially at a time, all those years ago when she needed him most. Bell also feels riddled with guilt, having feelings for Ford she tries to supress. But it’s not only Bell he needs to make amends with, he also needs to mend fences with his younger brother, Hunter who has been left to pick up the pieces following Fords departure.
‘And even though my heart had claimed him, he hadn’t been mine.’
Having Ford back makes Bell reassess everything and adding to the stress, someone is trying to rattle Bell by tormenting her with gifts and even, at times, becoming violent. Who is behind the attacks and why are they targeting her? We did have our suspicions!
Catherine Cowles writes with such beautiful flair; her characters were endearing, the setting was charming and the story combined many elements we love. A wonderful first time reading experience that ensured us looking forward to checking out where this series of standalone reads goes. We especially can’t wait for Hunter Hardy’s story!
“Maybe you’ve just been missing the things that give life heart. It’s not always the big, glamorous accomplishments. Sometimes, it’s the everyday things that have meaning.”
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May 22, 2020
A new series by Cowles, small beach town, nosy neighbors, feuding families and a sinister crime that begins when the hometown boy returns after an eleven year absence. The Catch is the local watering hole (bar) and ran by the Hardy boys. Childhood friends in the middle of a horrible loss and feelings that have been hidden for far too long.
A solid beginning with an introduction to some interesting characters. It wasn't much different from others you've probably read with the same trope. But the suspense helped give it a boost and although I pegged the menace early on -- but still enjoyed watching as the book played out and even found myself surprised by a couple of twists and turns.
A solid beginning with an introduction to some interesting characters. It wasn't much different from others you've probably read with the same trope. But the suspense helped give it a boost and although I pegged the menace early on -- but still enjoyed watching as the book played out and even found myself surprised by a couple of twists and turns.
October 10, 2020
Holy shit! What a page turner! I couldn’t step for a moment because I was so wrapped up in this heart wrenching story. Catherine Cowles is a masterful storyteller. This story is breathtaking! FRTC...
May 14, 2020
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Bell has
Dang! Reckless Memories is a tearjerker. Both Bell and Ford hold so much pain inside. His because the guilt he had never gotten over, and hers because not only did she lose the only family member who she loved and loved her in return, but because she had lost her best friend, too. Sigh...but the way they slowly became each other's everything was just beautiful. I loved this poignant, heartbreaking and beautiful story.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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April 30, 2020
Well this is an emotionally charged story that begins with an initially heart warming prologue that ends in tragedy - this sets the scene for what is to come.
Violet, Isabelle and Ford were thick as thieves growing up together. Violet and Isabelle are sisters and as they cross the bridge of adolescence a romance develops between Violet and Ford. Isabelle is two years younger than them but has her own special friendship with Ford, he is like her big brother - one she develops a huge crush on.
Violet has been put on a pedestal by her parents, she is the perfect daughter that they wish Isabelle to aspire to be. The two girls are firm friends but they could not be more different. Violet wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and be a doctor, Isabelle just wants to live in the moment. Violet is a rule follower and Isabelle likes to challenge boundaries. This is a huge cause of frustration for their mother and she voices her disappointment often.
When this team of three are pulled apart by an unthinkable tragedy it takes 10 years before they come together again. Two of them never left their hometown, one did and the reunion is filled with mixed emotions - enormous amounts of grief, regret, longing and lingering love.
There is also an element of suspense when someone decides to seek revenge on someone which has everyone in town on edge, including me trying to figure out who was behind it all. This added an extra layer to what was an already emotional read. I got completely caught up in this heartbreaking love story.
‘Those reckless memories would almost bring me to my knees.’
Violet, Isabelle and Ford were thick as thieves growing up together. Violet and Isabelle are sisters and as they cross the bridge of adolescence a romance develops between Violet and Ford. Isabelle is two years younger than them but has her own special friendship with Ford, he is like her big brother - one she develops a huge crush on.
Violet has been put on a pedestal by her parents, she is the perfect daughter that they wish Isabelle to aspire to be. The two girls are firm friends but they could not be more different. Violet wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and be a doctor, Isabelle just wants to live in the moment. Violet is a rule follower and Isabelle likes to challenge boundaries. This is a huge cause of frustration for their mother and she voices her disappointment often.
When this team of three are pulled apart by an unthinkable tragedy it takes 10 years before they come together again. Two of them never left their hometown, one did and the reunion is filled with mixed emotions - enormous amounts of grief, regret, longing and lingering love.
There is also an element of suspense when someone decides to seek revenge on someone which has everyone in town on edge, including me trying to figure out who was behind it all. This added an extra layer to what was an already emotional read. I got completely caught up in this heartbreaking love story.
‘Those reckless memories would almost bring me to my knees.’
November 7, 2021
DNF @ 87% .... this started dying out for me at 65% but I kept pushing. I pushed to finish it but I finally put it down to read another book (I've actually read 3 books since. LOL) I went back to read some more but at this point. I. Really. Don't. Care. How. This. Ends.
PERIOD.
My 1st by this author and I'm not sure I'll try her again..... But who knows.
PERIOD.
My 1st by this author and I'm not sure I'll try her again..... But who knows.
November 24, 2022
4 Stars
A good start to a series! I loved the forbidden aspect of this one!! That beginning really made me emotional!!!
A good start to a series! I loved the forbidden aspect of this one!! That beginning really made me emotional!!!
November 4, 2022
3.5 stars
RECKLESS MEMORIES
● Bell (27) & Ford (29)
● runs Ford’s family bar / owns bars throughout L.A.
● in high school Ford, Bell, and her sister were in a car wreck
● Bell’s sister was killed in the car wreck
● Ford was the driver which leads him to feel survivor's guilt
● Ford returns back home to help his family’s business after 11 years of being gone
● childhood friends to lovers
● suspense
● someone wants to kill Ford & Bell to right the wrong of her dieing
● small town romance
● standalone in a related series
RECKLESS MEMORIES
● Bell (27) & Ford (29)
● runs Ford’s family bar / owns bars throughout L.A.
● in high school Ford, Bell, and her sister were in a car wreck
● Bell’s sister was killed in the car wreck
● Ford was the driver which leads him to feel survivor's guilt
● Ford returns back home to help his family’s business after 11 years of being gone
● childhood friends to lovers
● suspense
● someone wants to kill Ford & Bell to right the wrong of her dieing
● small town romance
● standalone in a related series
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Joe Arden & Andi Arndt
Length: 8H 38M
May 11, 2020
Reckless Memories is my first by this author and I was blown away! This heartbreaking love story delivered everything I wanted..forgiveness, grief, and love. There was so much emotional baggage for both Ford and Bell, my heart just broke for them. I love the mystery in the book as well, which kept me on the edge of my seat trying to put all the pieces together. What an amazing start to a new series and for me, a new author to continue reading!
March 9, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Introduction
Reckless Memories is the first book in the "Wrecked" series. After falling in love with her "Tattered and Torn" series, I have been wanting to work through her backlisted books. I found Reckless Memories and I just had a blast with this book. If you are a fan of second chance romances, then this one will really work for you. I really have become charmed by Catherine Cowles, her steam is lower than expected though. So don't expect high steam for her. But I love that about her, she writes such great connection and intimacy. What really impressed me with this one was seeing these two slowly rebuild their trust with each other.
Summary
So the gist of the story is that Bell and Ford were once best friends and grew up together. Ford dated her sister, but when they end up in a car accident and her sister dies, Bell never hears from Ford again. Its now been years, and he has come back to help his family and their bar out as he has made a success in making bars successful. But what he doesn't expect is having to face up to the mistakes of the past or to be presented with Bell who is bitter and angry against him. But as Ford and Bell learn to rebuild their past bridges, they also embrace the love and connection that has always been there but never had an opportunity to grow until now...
My Outlook
Reckless Memories was such a wonderful read! I just adored so much of this story. Now it didn't quite get to a five star read (as those I am super picky about) however I found that this one just delivered such a sound story. I was all over the place with the emotion that was delivered. I felt for BOTH the hero and heroine. They both were deceived and so we do see some outer forces that contributed to them being seperated but also some of it was them just being young kids and not fighting for each other enough. I do love a great friends to lovers though, but yeah the author really implements the "Forbidden" aspects to their relationship so well. I really enjoyed seeing them find ways to reconnect with each other. The family that we get introduced to are so endearing and I can't wait for more books into this island coastal town. Definitely a keeper if you are fans of small town romances.
Overall View
I found Reckless Memories to be such a win of a story that melted my heart and captivated the senses! You never can go wrong with a Catherine Cowles.
Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 4
World Building: 4.5
Cover: 4
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Steam: 3
Heart & Feels: 4
Ending: 4
Overall View: 4.25
Trigger Warnings:
Death of a sibling
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