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renae_reads_romance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Book Title: Ashes of You Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Lost & Found #5
Star Rating: ♾️ Steam Rating:🔥🔥🔥
I didn’t expect to get so emotional but I’ve just finished Hallie and Lawsons story and I’ve got tears in my eyes 🥺 This book was everything I wanted/needed it to be and more! I’m really sad that this series is over, it is hands down my one of my top favourite series ever!
Okay so a quick run down, Lawson is the oldest Hartley sibling, father to 3 boys who are running him ragged. Hallie is new to cedar ridge, she’s been something absolutely horrific but is looking to start fresh. When Hallie applies to be Lawson’s nanny, they had no idea who the other was until meeting for the first time, see Lawson saved Hallie’s life 5 years ago and neither have ever forgotten about each other.
Hallie fitted in right at home with Lawson and his boys, Drew and Charlie took an immediate liking to her, while Luke took a bit to warm up. The relationship between them all was so beautiful, Hallie was everything they needed and they were everything she didn’t know she needed.
I absolutely loved seeing Law and Hallie slowly fall for each other. Law was trying to stay away and be respectful because he’s her boss, he’s 13 years older and she’s been through a big trauma, but when she constantly shows up for him and his boys, his resolve starts fading. And the way he was constantly there for her too had me melting. He was so sweet, and kind to her but he also showed her how strong she is. I just loved them so much. They are total couple goals/family goals!
Now it wouldn’t be a CC book without a serial killer, and OMG! I knew there was something off about a certain character but I never expected how truly awful this person was.
The ending had me in tears, both sad and happy. Sad because those climax chapters had me on the edge of my seat with nerves, and because it was ending. Happy because those final chapters, and the bonus chapter, just had me so ridiculously happy for them. Everything they’d been through was worth it in the end to see them all so happy.
God I’m getting all emotional writing this review 🥺 Thank you for this beautiful series Catherine!💜
agrippinaes's review
4.0
I enjoyed reading this; for various reasons it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea but I think it was a decently written book. The romance was definitely the high point. Their dynamic was easy to like and I thought the book did a good job at showing the depth of their bond. There was a really nice found family element to this book overall; the other highlight was Hallie’s relationship with Lawson’s children, which developed in a very genuine fashion and was very lovely.
However, I did find as the book went on I realised I liked the concept of the romance more than the execuion of it. Some of the sex scenes felt a little flat to me and I wasn’t completely sold on their chemistry. I also felt that the major external plot was a little too grim and melodramatic at times – it began to grate on me as the book went on.
Still, there was a lot to like; the writing is solid and the construction of the story, both romance and mystery, was done well. It just wasn’t entirely for me but that doesn’t make it a bad book by any means – I think others will enjoy it!
Content Notes: Nanny, boss/employee, forced proximity, law enforcement, age gap.
Warnings:
Other:, age gap , mild OW drama .
However, I did find as the book went on I realised I liked the concept of the romance more than the execuion of it. Some of the sex scenes felt a little flat to me and I wasn’t completely sold on their chemistry. I also felt that the major external plot was a little too grim and melodramatic at times – it began to grate on me as the book went on.
Still, there was a lot to like; the writing is solid and the construction of the story, both romance and mystery, was done well. It just wasn’t entirely for me but that doesn’t make it a bad book by any means – I think others will enjoy it!
Content Notes: Nanny, boss/employee, forced proximity, law enforcement, age gap.
Warnings:
Spoiler
Murder, serial murder, violence, torture (graphic), kidnap / abduction, blood, gun violence, knife violence, rape / sexual violence, child endangerment, child neglect, harassment, references to intimate partner violence, difficult relationship with parents, PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, fainting.Other:
Spoiler
On-page sex, unprotected sexSpoiler
No condoms used, FMC is on birth control, brief mention of both MCs being clear of STIs.Spoiler
13 years, MMC is older.Spoiler
There’s an OW who is jealous of the FMC’s relationship with the MMC and tries to cause drama for them, but is unsuccessful.hetvixcv's review
5.0
This was PERFECTION from start to finish. I loved every single minuscule second of reading it.
Lawson and Hallie were so great together. I loved the whole 5 years ago plot and I was so so so invested from the first word. Nobody does romance mystery like Catherine Cowles. Hallie’s past broke my heart I’m in such awe of that woman and the way she was so so brave. Lawson was so great with her and also so protective, it melted my heart. And of course the whole found family trope and big family dinners were my favorite. I love reading about how far characters form other book have come and this one didn’t dissapoint.
I loved how Hallie got closer to Luke, Drew, and Charlie. They are the greatest kiddos ever. Also the amount of times I laughed reading Drew and Charlie’s shenanigans iykyk.
Lawson and Hallie were so great together. I loved the whole 5 years ago plot and I was so so so invested from the first word. Nobody does romance mystery like Catherine Cowles. Hallie’s past broke my heart I’m in such awe of that woman and the way she was so so brave. Lawson was so great with her and also so protective, it melted my heart. And of course the whole found family trope and big family dinners were my favorite. I love reading about how far characters form other book have come and this one didn’t dissapoint.
I loved how Hallie got closer to Luke, Drew, and Charlie. They are the greatest kiddos ever. Also the amount of times I laughed reading Drew and Charlie’s shenanigans iykyk.
hjb_29's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
jessicacecile's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Torture, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Toxic relationship, Blood, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
preciousdemon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
klew9925's review
5.0
Lawson is desperate need of help with his three boys, and is hiring a nanny for help. What he doesn't know is fate has plans of his own, dropping Hallie off at his door, a victim of kidnapping who he saved only 5 years prior. But when the town begins to experience a string of murders all similar to Hallie's original murder, Lawson is put on high alert and all of his protectiveness comes out.
There is devouring a book, then there is a savoring a book. And let me tell you. I SAVORED EVERY WORD AND EVERY PAGE!!!! Lawson and Hallie are absolutely PERFECT!!! I don't think I have experienced so many emotions in a book! I have have cried, and squealed, and blushed, and swooned, and all of it!!! Lawson is protective, but caring. While Hallie is timid, and nurturing, and slowly gaining her confidence, and it was amazing to see it all unfold!
You get to see everyone from Holt and Wren, all the way through Cady, Roan, and Aspen, and seeing them all come together to save the day was so heart warming.
I have been very stubborn and vocal about Falling Embers being my favorite CC book, but this without a doubt has taken the cake!!!
There is devouring a book, then there is a savoring a book. And let me tell you. I SAVORED EVERY WORD AND EVERY PAGE!!!! Lawson and Hallie are absolutely PERFECT!!! I don't think I have experienced so many emotions in a book! I have have cried, and squealed, and blushed, and swooned, and all of it!!! Lawson is protective, but caring. While Hallie is timid, and nurturing, and slowly gaining her confidence, and it was amazing to see it all unfold!
You get to see everyone from Holt and Wren, all the way through Cady, Roan, and Aspen, and seeing them all come together to save the day was so heart warming.
I have been very stubborn and vocal about Falling Embers being my favorite CC book, but this without a doubt has taken the cake!!!
juliagooliareads's review
too much suspense, too much unbelievable stuff, corny dialogue, lame villain. Every girl in the series was kidnapped, traumatized etc I think every book in the series will be exactly the same
obower26's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25