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Tattered & Torn #2
Falling Embers
I loved Calder Cruz from the moment he taught me to fly. He might’ve been my brother’s best friend but he was my everything.
The only who understood me. My safest place. My person.
Until one night changed it all and we became strangers in a single breath.
Now, years later, I see him every day at the fire station. I watch him raise adorable twin girls as a single dad. But he has no idea how hard it was to see him move on without me.
How much I still burn for him.
A twist of fate changes everything. When my life is on the line, it’s Calder who saves me–who comes charging back into my heart with a vengeance. And makes it clear he’s determined to stay.
But as long-buried embers light anew, there are those who lurk in the shadows. And they’ll do whatever it takes to extinguish that flame for good…
The only who understood me. My safest place. My person.
Until one night changed it all and we became strangers in a single breath.
Now, years later, I see him every day at the fire station. I watch him raise adorable twin girls as a single dad. But he has no idea how hard it was to see him move on without me.
How much I still burn for him.
A twist of fate changes everything. When my life is on the line, it’s Calder who saves me–who comes charging back into my heart with a vengeance. And makes it clear he’s determined to stay.
But as long-buried embers light anew, there are those who lurk in the shadows. And they’ll do whatever it takes to extinguish that flame for good…
318 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2022
About the author
Catherine Cowles
39 books22.4k 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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April 4, 2022
Falling Embers is book two in the Tattered & Torn series by Catherine Cowles. I was so in love with the first book in this series, Tattered Stars which was Hayes and Everly’s book. Now it’s Hayes younger sister, Hadley’s turn.
Hadley Easton is perhaps the one sibling of the Easton’s family that has suffered the most from her sister’s kidnapping years ago. Her three other siblings somehow manage to live their own lives but her mother has fought Hadley tooth and nail her entire life to keep her in a protective bubble. It’s her brother Hayes’s best friend, Calder, that finally showed her what freedom could feel like. He is the first one that took her down a mountain trail on her bicycle and showed her how to fly. Now it’s what she lives for. Hadley is an EMT but also fills her off hours with hair raising stunts that most of us could never be brave or talented enough to try. For Hadley, it’s what allows her to breathe.
Calder Cruz is thirty years old and is the single father to two adorable nine year old twin girls. Calder is a firefighter. He might have enjoyed some pretty crazy stunts of his own in his day but then he almost lost his girls, the most important thing in his life. The Easton family is like a family to him and his girls. He and Hadley had always been close and as she grew older, he could admit that his brotherly feelings towards her might have grown to more. But he couldn’t let himself go there ever again so they grew distant. Until once again he was reminded that if you don’t go for what you want in life, for what will make you happy, then you aren’t living. He let Hadley slip through his fingers once but it’s time to right that wrong.
Hadley has always been a little bit in love with Calder and never understood why he pulled away from her years ago. Now he wants to be close again but can her heart take that risk? The truth is that she doesn’t really have a choice because her heart has only ever really yearned for him. But no one knows about her risky side business. It’s something she kept just for herself. What will happen when he finds out? Is she ready to share that part of her life with him?
Watching these two finally give in to their feelings for each other was such a beautiful thing and I loved that once they finally gave in, they were both all in. Not everyone, though, is happy that they are together. There are some who will do just about anything to break them apart.
This was both a sweetly romantic, steamy and beautiful story. Heartbreaking as well with all that is on Hadley’s shoulders. But at the same time, there are several villains in this story and I was kept hanging until the very end before it was revealed who the culprit is. So many surprises, twists and turns. Once again, Catherine has written a masterpiece that kept me turning the pages from the beginning to the final page. Now, I’m anxious for the next book, Hidden Waters, which will be sweet Addie’s book. I can’t wait.
“This was always meant to be.”
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...
Hadley Easton is perhaps the one sibling of the Easton’s family that has suffered the most from her sister’s kidnapping years ago. Her three other siblings somehow manage to live their own lives but her mother has fought Hadley tooth and nail her entire life to keep her in a protective bubble. It’s her brother Hayes’s best friend, Calder, that finally showed her what freedom could feel like. He is the first one that took her down a mountain trail on her bicycle and showed her how to fly. Now it’s what she lives for. Hadley is an EMT but also fills her off hours with hair raising stunts that most of us could never be brave or talented enough to try. For Hadley, it’s what allows her to breathe.
Calder Cruz is thirty years old and is the single father to two adorable nine year old twin girls. Calder is a firefighter. He might have enjoyed some pretty crazy stunts of his own in his day but then he almost lost his girls, the most important thing in his life. The Easton family is like a family to him and his girls. He and Hadley had always been close and as she grew older, he could admit that his brotherly feelings towards her might have grown to more. But he couldn’t let himself go there ever again so they grew distant. Until once again he was reminded that if you don’t go for what you want in life, for what will make you happy, then you aren’t living. He let Hadley slip through his fingers once but it’s time to right that wrong.
Hadley has always been a little bit in love with Calder and never understood why he pulled away from her years ago. Now he wants to be close again but can her heart take that risk? The truth is that she doesn’t really have a choice because her heart has only ever really yearned for him. But no one knows about her risky side business. It’s something she kept just for herself. What will happen when he finds out? Is she ready to share that part of her life with him?
Watching these two finally give in to their feelings for each other was such a beautiful thing and I loved that once they finally gave in, they were both all in. Not everyone, though, is happy that they are together. There are some who will do just about anything to break them apart.
This was both a sweetly romantic, steamy and beautiful story. Heartbreaking as well with all that is on Hadley’s shoulders. But at the same time, there are several villains in this story and I was kept hanging until the very end before it was revealed who the culprit is. So many surprises, twists and turns. Once again, Catherine has written a masterpiece that kept me turning the pages from the beginning to the final page. Now, I’m anxious for the next book, Hidden Waters, which will be sweet Addie’s book. I can’t wait.
“This was always meant to be.”
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...
November 11, 2022
4.25 ⭐️ this was so mf cute help.
hadley was amazing, she reminded me a lot of daisy calloway in her adventurous and caring ways. and calder w the single dad x protective asf vibes. yes pls. i adored their story!!!!
brothers best friend, friends to lovers, single dad, a dash of mystery + small town? all iconic things. i can’t help but obsess.
i didn’t love the lil mess of the plot at the end but it didn’t effect my opinion of the book all that much!
lemme keep binging this series immediately.
“little daredevil” <3
hadley was amazing, she reminded me a lot of daisy calloway in her adventurous and caring ways. and calder w the single dad x protective asf vibes. yes pls. i adored their story!!!!
brothers best friend, friends to lovers, single dad, a dash of mystery + small town? all iconic things. i can’t help but obsess.
i didn’t love the lil mess of the plot at the end but it didn’t effect my opinion of the book all that much!
lemme keep binging this series immediately.
“little daredevil” <3
May 2, 2022
I see all this 5 stars and i keep wondering did i read the same book as everyone else?🥲
I kept putting it off for weeks and barely forced myself to finish even tho i wanted to dnf at least 5 times.😭
this was painfully boring.
both mc's were bland, uninteresting and had zero chemistry. like seriously the drama took over the plot and their romantic connection was non existent. I want to read about their relationship not about the H's psychotic baby mama or the h's toxic relationship with her mom. her mother was the worst and i couldn't see how their relationship could ever be repaired.
I notice this pattern in CC's newest releases that she focuses so much on the side "suspense" plot and the family drama instead of focusing on the main couple, they barely have any scenes together ALONE.
if i wanted to read a mystery i'll pick up just mystery.🙄
The villain is always predictable so you can guess it from the very beginning.
i think i need break from CC's books and she needs to change her writting pattern bc every book she writes starts to look exactly the same!
I kept putting it off for weeks and barely forced myself to finish even tho i wanted to dnf at least 5 times.😭
this was painfully boring.
both mc's were bland, uninteresting and had zero chemistry. like seriously the drama took over the plot and their romantic connection was non existent. I want to read about their relationship not about the H's psychotic baby mama or the h's toxic relationship with her mom. her mother was the worst and i couldn't see how their relationship could ever be repaired.
I notice this pattern in CC's newest releases that she focuses so much on the side "suspense" plot and the family drama instead of focusing on the main couple, they barely have any scenes together ALONE.
if i wanted to read a mystery i'll pick up just mystery.🙄
The villain is always predictable so you can guess it from the very beginning.
i think i need break from CC's books and she needs to change her writting pattern bc every book she writes starts to look exactly the same!
March 29, 2022
One of my favorite Catherine Cowles books ever and a top must read for 2022! Emotional, angsty, so romantic, and edge of your seat suspenseful! ALL THE STARS!!
June 21, 2022
4.5 stars
Another solid small town romance from Catherine Cowles! And this one was sooooo angsty. I think this one focused on the romance much more than book one and I enjoyed it so much. Hadley has been sheltered her whole life, but the moment her brother's best friend, Calder, teaches her how to feel alive, she's been head over heels for him. But Calder refuses to see her that way. Years pass, Calder has twin daughters, gets married, and gets divorced. Calder promises to never do anything to risk his daughters again. Hadley has always been there for Calder and his girls, and she's ignored the part that loves him unconditionally. But things start to take a turn when Hadley's life is in danger and she starts getting threatening messages as her online social media blow up from her dangerous stunts she loves to perform. Calder is protective of Hadley and doesn't want anything to happen to her. I loved how Calder had this past that made him want to push away Hadley even more, but he couldn't stop the emotions and attraction he felt for her. Hadley is also dealing with always disappointing her mother and trying to get her mom to see her as a responsible adult and support her the way she should. I just really enjoyed this one! Of course, we get a bit of suspense at the end to keep us on our toes. I highly recommend checking out this series!
Another solid small town romance from Catherine Cowles! And this one was sooooo angsty. I think this one focused on the romance much more than book one and I enjoyed it so much. Hadley has been sheltered her whole life, but the moment her brother's best friend, Calder, teaches her how to feel alive, she's been head over heels for him. But Calder refuses to see her that way. Years pass, Calder has twin daughters, gets married, and gets divorced. Calder promises to never do anything to risk his daughters again. Hadley has always been there for Calder and his girls, and she's ignored the part that loves him unconditionally. But things start to take a turn when Hadley's life is in danger and she starts getting threatening messages as her online social media blow up from her dangerous stunts she loves to perform. Calder is protective of Hadley and doesn't want anything to happen to her. I loved how Calder had this past that made him want to push away Hadley even more, but he couldn't stop the emotions and attraction he felt for her. Hadley is also dealing with always disappointing her mother and trying to get her mom to see her as a responsible adult and support her the way she should. I just really enjoyed this one! Of course, we get a bit of suspense at the end to keep us on our toes. I highly recommend checking out this series!
October 29, 2024
3.5 stars
I liked this book. The heroine was great, I loved the kids in the book and the single dad troupe is always a win. But dang… I can only handle so much conflict/drama and I feel like this one had it coming from all sides and it was a bit too ott for me.
I liked this book. The heroine was great, I loved the kids in the book and the single dad troupe is always a win. But dang… I can only handle so much conflict/drama and I feel like this one had it coming from all sides and it was a bit too ott for me.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Vanessa Edwin & Joe Arden
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 8h 30m
July 24, 2023
Falling Embers is not as dramatic as it should be. To be honest I am bit let down. The writing is good. But the chemistry between Hadley and Calden seems stiff after confessing each other feeling.
The suspense is also dull. Some strings are left unanswered. Miss Cowles seems in hurry to get to the HEA moment. The plot have so much potential. The chemistry between characters should be developed more.
3 stars
The suspense is also dull. Some strings are left unanswered. Miss Cowles seems in hurry to get to the HEA moment. The plot have so much potential. The chemistry between characters should be developed more.
3 stars
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💛 A Single Dad Firefighter Hero
💛 An EMT Heroine in Love with Her Brother's Best Friend
💛 An Emotional, Steamy, and Suspenseful Romance
Read Now ->
Amazon: https://geni.us/FllngEmbrsAmzn
Apple Books: https://geni.us/FllngEmbrsAppl
Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/FllngEmbrsNook
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Google Play: https://geni.us/FllngEmbrsGglPly
Audible: https://geni.us/FllngEmbrsAudible
March 9, 2023
was thinking and realized I have literally read this same exact book 473662727 times just in different fonts and characters 🧍♀️
May 27, 2023
#0.5 Snowbound — 2 stars
#1 Tattered Stars — 2.75 stars
note: i binge read this series in January. considering its been four months and the fact that basically every single book has the same formula, my memories were all tattered & torn. 🥴 however, i’d say that in general all the books have similar character backgrounds & trauma; the romance is a slow burn angst that somehow feels instalove and lacks depth/chemistry; the steam is mostly nonexistent/closed door; and the mystery/suspense plotline is wholly predictable. 🙃 i dont recommend this author UNLESS youre reading her books on audio while doing something else more productive. these books are good enough to pass the time and dont require much brain power, but theyre not interesting enough to leave lasting impression. 🙌
as for Falling Embers specifically, i can confidently say i didnt like this book. you have two bestfriends falling for each other. one is decades too late to realise his feelings, and the other is too much of a slave to her love for him that she forgets she has any self respect to move on. 🙄 the two of them stay friends through the Hs marriage. she even occasionally babysits his twins. something happens that causes his divorce, and he also freezes the h out. 💀 four years passed with them barely talking & interacting before he suddenly barges into the h’s life again because he finds out shes being bullied online. she loves him through it all. 🚶♀️🔫 i liked the single dad aspect, but everything else was a NO. i hated the H for pushing the h away. i hated the h for letting people walk all over her. her parents were the literal worst. i hated the ex-wife drama.
(read as an audiobook)
#1 Tattered Stars — 2.75 stars
note: i binge read this series in January. considering its been four months and the fact that basically every single book has the same formula, my memories were all tattered & torn. 🥴 however, i’d say that in general all the books have similar character backgrounds & trauma; the romance is a slow burn angst that somehow feels instalove and lacks depth/chemistry; the steam is mostly nonexistent/closed door; and the mystery/suspense plotline is wholly predictable. 🙃 i dont recommend this author UNLESS youre reading her books on audio while doing something else more productive. these books are good enough to pass the time and dont require much brain power, but theyre not interesting enough to leave lasting impression. 🙌
as for Falling Embers specifically, i can confidently say i didnt like this book. you have two bestfriends falling for each other. one is decades too late to realise his feelings, and the other is too much of a slave to her love for him that she forgets she has any self respect to move on. 🙄 the two of them stay friends through the Hs marriage. she even occasionally babysits his twins. something happens that causes his divorce, and he also freezes the h out. 💀 four years passed with them barely talking & interacting before he suddenly barges into the h’s life again because he finds out shes being bullied online. she loves him through it all. 🚶♀️🔫 i liked the single dad aspect, but everything else was a NO. i hated the H for pushing the h away. i hated the h for letting people walk all over her. her parents were the literal worst. i hated the ex-wife drama.
(read as an audiobook)
May 23, 2022
This is book 2 in the Tattered & Torn series, which I've been enjoying, and it’s another small town romantic suspense! Hadley is the second sibling to get her romance. She’s the sibling who was smothered by her mother’s overprotectiveness after her sister’s kidnapping, and now works as an EMT and has a side job doing stunts for millions of viewers. Calder is a single father to adorable twin girls and he’s a firefighter. He and Hadley actually used to be close growing up – they were childhood best friends, though Hadley has been in love with Calder practically her whole life. They're no longer as close because of Calder pulling away, but thankfully he wakes up and realizes he made such a mistake with pushing Hadley away. There’s some great suspense thrown in that blended really well with the romance. It's a little bit angsty, a little bit emotional, and a very very sweet read.
July 22, 2022
5 Big Stars
This captivating little diddy couldn’t have come at a better time for my book slumping self. There’s just enough angst, steam and even a little suspense that it kept me interested for the duration. For the first time in months, I didn’t want to skip to the “good/steamy/angsty” parts. I wanted to take my time and savor the heck out of this story.
I read this one without reading the first book of the series and had absolutely no issues. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to circle back around and start from the beginning, but to each his own and all that jazz.
This captivating little diddy couldn’t have come at a better time for my book slumping self. There’s just enough angst, steam and even a little suspense that it kept me interested for the duration. For the first time in months, I didn’t want to skip to the “good/steamy/angsty” parts. I wanted to take my time and savor the heck out of this story.
I read this one without reading the first book of the series and had absolutely no issues. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to circle back around and start from the beginning, but to each his own and all that jazz.
November 18, 2022
2.5⭐️
Spoke too soon about liking this 💀
This gave me so much anxiety. H's ex-wife and h's mom were abhorrent (check trigger warnings!).
↣ Tattered & Torn series ↢
Spoke too soon about liking this 💀
This gave me so much anxiety. H's ex-wife and h's mom were abhorrent (check trigger warnings!).
↣ Tattered & Torn series ↢
#1 Tattered Stars – 3.75 ⭐️
#2 Falling Embers – 2.5 ⭐️
#3 Hidden Waters – 4 ⭐️
#4 Shattered Sea – 2 ⭐️
~
April 12, 2022
4.25 stars ⭐️
I’ve been excited for this book ever since I got to know which couple this book featured and there’s just something about a single dad with twins, a firefighter H which made me anticipate this book so bad and as always, Catherine delivered. If there’s one thing I know about Catherine is sometimes the mystery solving or the culprit might be obvious but her world-building, the characters and their trauma steal the spotlight for me. I’ve been a huge fan of hers ever since I read wrecked palace and I’m glad that I discovered her cause her books feel like it was specially written for me cause her writing style just fits so well with me.
Hadley, just like other Catherine h’s makes me want to hug her and protect her from the world and all the ugliness in it. After kidnapping of her sister, Hadley has had to bear with her mom’s paranoia about her being kidnapped and hence she’s had to live with either thinking of her mom or doin what she loves the most. There was a point where I could understand her mom’s overprotectiveness but I also saw Hadley’s side cause we can’t spend our life being anxious about stuff which might not even happen instead of living life to the fullest.
There were so many times where I felt like I could relate to Hadley which made this reading experience even better for me. I loved how kind she was with kids, how sweet and thoughtful her nature was.
Calder Cruz has had a tough time. I really appreciate his strength to parent two kids all on his own and specially seeing him with his daughters and how much he loved and cared about them had me in near tears. Though i hated him in the starting for how he left Hadley when she needed him, knowing his reasons for the same did help me find a middle ground. Also seeing their reunion and his love for her was another step towards making me love and adore him.
Overall, I loved this book! i loved the daughters and their relationship with Hadley and loved the writing in this one specially. I can’t wait for the next book!
Here are some other quotes which I loved:
“Love is pain. One can’t exist without the other. The more you expand your heart, the more you have the possibility of being hurt. The deeper you let someone into that space, the more it will kill if anything ever happens to them. That’s life. I shut it off for years after the accident, but I don’t want to anymore. You will always be worth the risk to me.”
I’ve been excited for this book ever since I got to know which couple this book featured and there’s just something about a single dad with twins, a firefighter H which made me anticipate this book so bad and as always, Catherine delivered. If there’s one thing I know about Catherine is sometimes the mystery solving or the culprit might be obvious but her world-building, the characters and their trauma steal the spotlight for me. I’ve been a huge fan of hers ever since I read wrecked palace and I’m glad that I discovered her cause her books feel like it was specially written for me cause her writing style just fits so well with me.
”She had a beauty burned into her, and it manifested in the most surprising ways. In how she connected with others. In the fact that she could make the most ordinary of experiences extraordinary. In how she lived every moment to the fullest.”
Hadley, just like other Catherine h’s makes me want to hug her and protect her from the world and all the ugliness in it. After kidnapping of her sister, Hadley has had to bear with her mom’s paranoia about her being kidnapped and hence she’s had to live with either thinking of her mom or doin what she loves the most. There was a point where I could understand her mom’s overprotectiveness but I also saw Hadley’s side cause we can’t spend our life being anxious about stuff which might not even happen instead of living life to the fullest.
”Sometimes, I feel like I’m going to crawl out of my skin. Like I’m drowning and burning up all at the same time. Just once, I want it to be okay for me to be whoever I want.”
There were so many times where I felt like I could relate to Hadley which made this reading experience even better for me. I loved how kind she was with kids, how sweet and thoughtful her nature was.
“I couldn’t breathe. My lungs refused to cooperate. It had been so long since I’d felt this kind of warmth from Calder. I wanted to sink into it and never come out. But I knew that would be a mistake. Because it could break my heart all over again.”
Calder Cruz has had a tough time. I really appreciate his strength to parent two kids all on his own and specially seeing him with his daughters and how much he loved and cared about them had me in near tears. Though i hated him in the starting for how he left Hadley when she needed him, knowing his reasons for the same did help me find a middle ground. Also seeing their reunion and his love for her was another step towards making me love and adore him.
“You’re this explosion of light in a world that’s mostly gray. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Overall, I loved this book! i loved the daughters and their relationship with Hadley and loved the writing in this one specially. I can’t wait for the next book!
Here are some other quotes which I loved:
“Sometimes, things need to break to be put back together right.”
“If you wanted to soar, you had to let go of every what-if that held you back. It was the thing I loved the most. There was no space in your brain for all of the weight life threw at you—it forced you to be fully present and alive.”“I don’t know why the idea of being alone is so scary. I feel alone every day of my life. My family loves me, but they don’t get me.”SO RELATABLE!!
“But how people act often has nothing to do with us. It doesn’t mean we’re unlovable. It means they have something broken in them. So many people love you. Your dad, me, every single Easton, but what’s most important is that you love yourself. Think about all of the things that make you amazing. Your kind heart. That beautiful brain. How you see the world. All of that makes you the most worth loving.”
December 31, 2022
4.75⭐️ I adored this book so much. It had the best tropes like friends to lovers, single dad, and brothers best friend.
Hadley has always had a thing for Calder but one night changed everything for them and their friendship was ruined. Years later they work together and are around each other so often, he finally realizes he’s been pushing her away for the wrong reasons.
The dynamic between Calder and Hadley was something I was intrigued with when they were first mentioned in Tattered Stars. I was so excited to read their book and it lived up to my expectations.
Overall this book was amazing and the plot twist really got me there. I love a good romance with some mystery. I also really adored the way Hadley loved Calders kids like her own. It made my heart so happy seeing their bond.
Catherine’s writing is like being wrapped in a cozy blanket next to the fire, it is just so comforting and this small town feels like home. Please do yourself a favor and read this series asap.
“You’re this explosion of light in a world that’s mostly gray. I’ve never seen anything like it.” 💛
Hadley has always had a thing for Calder but one night changed everything for them and their friendship was ruined. Years later they work together and are around each other so often, he finally realizes he’s been pushing her away for the wrong reasons.
The dynamic between Calder and Hadley was something I was intrigued with when they were first mentioned in Tattered Stars. I was so excited to read their book and it lived up to my expectations.
Overall this book was amazing and the plot twist really got me there. I love a good romance with some mystery. I also really adored the way Hadley loved Calders kids like her own. It made my heart so happy seeing their bond.
Catherine’s writing is like being wrapped in a cozy blanket next to the fire, it is just so comforting and this small town feels like home. Please do yourself a favor and read this series asap.
“You’re this explosion of light in a world that’s mostly gray. I’ve never seen anything like it.” 💛
January 21, 2023
kinda disappointed 😭
September 18, 2022
I might roll my eyes a million times while reading this series but that doesn’t stop me from checking out all the books. I think I need help lol.
I was anticipating this book so badly because Hadley and Calder were my favorite characters from the first moment I've read about them in book 1. In fact, I stand by my opinion because these two are perfect together. They have the firefighter + EMT romance I didn't know I needed yesterday. And their personalities are such a great match I can't. I love that Hadley doesn't take shit from anybody and will absolutely let you know what she thinks without blinking twice. Calder is kind of an idiot in this book compared to book 1, but I still found endearing the way he always worries about Hadley and fails to keep away from her. The highlight of this novel are the sparks that generate from these two just being in the same room together—and let's be real, Hayes trying to ignore his sister and his best friend flirting left and right lmao. Also, the bathroom scene? 10/10. Better than any of the smut in here, which honestly read exactly like the one in Tattered & Torn (that was a weird experience if you ask me...)
While this second book did the romance better than the first one (it was the actual main plot), I still think the rest is a bit too ridiculous for me. I didn't care for the mom drama, the ex-wife drama or the online harassment as they were too over the top and didn't feel realistic in the slightest. They had that soap opera feel I personally don't enjoy. I mean, if you want me to care a little bit just choose one thing and work on how to make me deeply interested in how it's going to evolve.
In general, the second half of this book was all over the place. Hadley and Calder got together too soon, so there was more space for the drama. I'm glad CC has such an addictive writing style and that the audiobook is super high quality because I would have totally skimmed the rest.
I think I adore Beckett already. Not gonna lie, I'm still going to read book 3 when the right mood hits. My overcritical brain and my eyerolling are going to have to deal with it. I just can't stop myself. Wolf Gap has won me over in ways I still don't understand.
I was anticipating this book so badly because Hadley and Calder were my favorite characters from the first moment I've read about them in book 1. In fact, I stand by my opinion because these two are perfect together. They have the firefighter + EMT romance I didn't know I needed yesterday. And their personalities are such a great match I can't. I love that Hadley doesn't take shit from anybody and will absolutely let you know what she thinks without blinking twice. Calder is kind of an idiot in this book compared to book 1, but I still found endearing the way he always worries about Hadley and fails to keep away from her. The highlight of this novel are the sparks that generate from these two just being in the same room together—and let's be real, Hayes trying to ignore his sister and his best friend flirting left and right lmao. Also, the bathroom scene? 10/10. Better than any of the smut in here, which honestly read exactly like the one in Tattered & Torn (that was a weird experience if you ask me...)
While this second book did the romance better than the first one (it was the actual main plot), I still think the rest is a bit too ridiculous for me. I didn't care for the mom drama, the ex-wife drama or the online harassment as they were too over the top and didn't feel realistic in the slightest. They had that soap opera feel I personally don't enjoy. I mean, if you want me to care a little bit just choose one thing and work on how to make me deeply interested in how it's going to evolve.
In general, the second half of this book was all over the place. Hadley and Calder got together too soon, so there was more space for the drama. I'm glad CC has such an addictive writing style and that the audiobook is super high quality because I would have totally skimmed the rest.
I think I adore Beckett already. Not gonna lie, I'm still going to read book 3 when the right mood hits. My overcritical brain and my eyerolling are going to have to deal with it. I just can't stop myself. Wolf Gap has won me over in ways I still don't understand.
March 27, 2022
4.5 Stars
‘Calder had been the one to give me the gift of finding my freedom, but he had also been the one who tried to take it away.’
Falling Embers is the second standalone novel in Catherine Cowles, Tattered and Torn series which we have fallen in utter love with. This Author has managed to combine the perfect mix of romance, suspense, drama, and passion. We love the small-town feel, the family dynamics, the complex relationships, and the intensity of emotions. What another fabulously written addition Falling Embers is to a great series we just can’t get enough of.
“Sometimes, things need to break to be put together right.”
Hadley’s inner turmoil and struggles truly made our hearts break. Her childhood and teenage years were stifled as a consequence of the tragedy that befell her family unit. Her need to experience life -no- her right to live life to its full potential, forming relationships, experiencing milestones, all taken away from her by family regrets and irrational fear. What she had to go through mentally was both frustrating and so bloody sad. Hadley was brave in the face of adversity, bearing the weight of something which was completely out of her control, unable to be who she truly is and live her life to its fullest potential without repercussions. The only person who actually saw Hadley was Calder, her brother’s best mate. He showed her a way to live, to forget about the harsh words so callously thrown at her by those who forgot how to love without restrictions. Until he too abandoned her.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Hurting you. You’re the last person I’d ever want to hurt.” He was quiet for a moment, his eyes falling closed. “You were my air.”
Calder Cruz stole our hearts from the get-go. A single dad to beautiful, funny, and adorable twin girls, a firefighter, a hero, and a best friend. We defy anyone not to swoon and fall in love with this wonderful man. He may have made mistakes, but he loves with his whole being once that self-inflicted fog lifts. The only one to fully understand what Hadley has been and is still going through, Calder, despite his own scarred soul and self-harboring guilt, sees the broken spirit needing to fly. Love sneaks up on you when you least expect it, or it was always there, demanding to be seen, heard, and acknowledged. It’s a beautiful thing, it’s a cruel thing, but ultimately, it’s a healing thing!
‘I’d been half in love with Calder Cruz from the moment he’d taught me to chase the stars.’
Catherine Cowles has quickly become one of our favourite Authors. She’s such a wonderful storyteller; creating intriguing characters, intense relationships, and compelling storylines. We simply cannot wait now for this automatic #oneclick Author to release the next instalment in the Tattered and Torn series, we have a feeling it’s going to be an intense and emotional journey! Bring it on!!!
“Love is pain. One cannot exist without the other.”
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April 11, 2022
Calder and Hadley have known each other for most of their lives. Calder is best friends with her brother Hayes and they have spent many years having fun together. When Hadley’s family goes through an awful time Calder is there for her when she needs him the most.
He introduces her to the thrill of adventure, igniting a daredevil side to her that she leans on when things get too hard and she needs to get away from her overbearing mother. Enjoying the fresh air on her mountain bike is the escapism that she love to indulge in, it’s almost like flying - dancing with danger at times too.
This all changes when Calder’s life gets turned upside down. Now he is a single dad to his two girls. The only risk he wants in his life are the ones that come with his job as a Lieutenant firefighter. Despite not going on outdoor adventures anymore, Hadley is still an important part of his life, having been around his girls since they were born. Once Calder gained full custody of them Hadley has always been willing to help him out and spend as much time as she can with them.
Hadley is struggling with a fractured relationship with her mother, she feels like she can never live up to the expectations set by her. She has a lot of things to be proud of but her mother just cannot see all the good she does, she holds her to a much higher level of expectations than her siblings and it drives a huge wedge between them.
Hadley and Calder often spend time working together as she is an EMT so they work out of the same base. There is a deep connection between them that has never gone anything further than friendship but when someone appears to be targeting Hadley, Calder’s protective instinct begins to change their friendship. Calder realises that he feels way more than he cares to admit towards Hadley and her safety is what eventually has him seeing how much she means to him..
‘You’re like a fire that lives inside me. Even when I thought it was all burned out, there were still embers that lived in my bones. They’ll always be there, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.’
I love how Catherine weaves a suspense element through this story. I get all caught up in the unfolding love story and then get jabbed in the side by the other stuff happening as I try to work out who is behind it all. This was a great addition to this series, small town romance, single dad, cute kids and a bit of danger pull this into a page turning read!
He introduces her to the thrill of adventure, igniting a daredevil side to her that she leans on when things get too hard and she needs to get away from her overbearing mother. Enjoying the fresh air on her mountain bike is the escapism that she love to indulge in, it’s almost like flying - dancing with danger at times too.
This all changes when Calder’s life gets turned upside down. Now he is a single dad to his two girls. The only risk he wants in his life are the ones that come with his job as a Lieutenant firefighter. Despite not going on outdoor adventures anymore, Hadley is still an important part of his life, having been around his girls since they were born. Once Calder gained full custody of them Hadley has always been willing to help him out and spend as much time as she can with them.
Hadley is struggling with a fractured relationship with her mother, she feels like she can never live up to the expectations set by her. She has a lot of things to be proud of but her mother just cannot see all the good she does, she holds her to a much higher level of expectations than her siblings and it drives a huge wedge between them.
Hadley and Calder often spend time working together as she is an EMT so they work out of the same base. There is a deep connection between them that has never gone anything further than friendship but when someone appears to be targeting Hadley, Calder’s protective instinct begins to change their friendship. Calder realises that he feels way more than he cares to admit towards Hadley and her safety is what eventually has him seeing how much she means to him..
‘You’re like a fire that lives inside me. Even when I thought it was all burned out, there were still embers that lived in my bones. They’ll always be there, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.’
I love how Catherine weaves a suspense element through this story. I get all caught up in the unfolding love story and then get jabbed in the side by the other stuff happening as I try to work out who is behind it all. This was a great addition to this series, small town romance, single dad, cute kids and a bit of danger pull this into a page turning read!
November 5, 2022
Review on IG: @xojazzle
Brothers best friend, single dad, adrenaline junkie FMC, firefighter MMC? SIGN ME UP! I really enjoyed this book & I’m so glad I picked it up! After reading the first book in the series, I was ready to hop back into this universe! I think Catherine did a great job of building the town and introducing us to all the characters in the small town. It feels like home 🥰 I was so happy to learn the second book was about Calder and Hadley. Hadley is an adrenaline junkie who works as an EMT but also has a little bit of a secret life that she hides from everyone. I feel like I can definitely relate to her in the way she feels like she’s not good enough & her vulnerability. She’s always had a thing for Calder and loves his daughters like they’re her own & her relationship w them is so precious 🫶 I can totally see why she had a thing for Calder. Her older brother’s super cute, super nice best friend? I think YES! I enjoyed getting to know his character more and understanding more of what he went through with his first marriage and how that affected him now. I love the way his relationship with Hadley progressed and you just know they’re soulmates! The big plot twist at the end had me go HUH haha it seemed like a total 180 I couldn’t believe it happened 🤣 but overall, I enjoyed the book! I loved seeing more of the little town and just getting to know more of the characters. SO EXCITED for the couple in book 3 🤭 CANT WAIT!
Brothers best friend, single dad, adrenaline junkie FMC, firefighter MMC? SIGN ME UP! I really enjoyed this book & I’m so glad I picked it up! After reading the first book in the series, I was ready to hop back into this universe! I think Catherine did a great job of building the town and introducing us to all the characters in the small town. It feels like home 🥰 I was so happy to learn the second book was about Calder and Hadley. Hadley is an adrenaline junkie who works as an EMT but also has a little bit of a secret life that she hides from everyone. I feel like I can definitely relate to her in the way she feels like she’s not good enough & her vulnerability. She’s always had a thing for Calder and loves his daughters like they’re her own & her relationship w them is so precious 🫶 I can totally see why she had a thing for Calder. Her older brother’s super cute, super nice best friend? I think YES! I enjoyed getting to know his character more and understanding more of what he went through with his first marriage and how that affected him now. I love the way his relationship with Hadley progressed and you just know they’re soulmates! The big plot twist at the end had me go HUH haha it seemed like a total 180 I couldn’t believe it happened 🤣 but overall, I enjoyed the book! I loved seeing more of the little town and just getting to know more of the characters. SO EXCITED for the couple in book 3 🤭 CANT WAIT!
March 26, 2022
I am so utterly obsessed with the Tattered & Torn series. Catherine undoubtedly knows how to reel me in. The first book completely hooked me and it was no surprise the second book did just the same. I mean a firefighter single dad of twin girls, yes please! This book just added to my single dad trope’s ferocious appetite.
I loved getting to know Hadley even more than what I already knew of her in the first book. My heart hurt for her at the loneliness she felt. All Hadley wants is to live her life without feeling like she’s doing anything wrong. There’s a part that Hadley hides because she feels like that’s the only way that she could be herself. She has a wildness to her that brings her freedom with every spontaneous thing she does. And even though it may be reckless she’d never willingly put herself in danger.
Calder was amazing. He’s such a great dad and puts his daughters first above everything, He’s protective to a fault and would do anything and everything for the people he loves and cares about especially his daughters.
There was always a seed of attraction between Hadley and Calder but it never grew to anything more than friendship. Though as time went by they both couldn’t deny what they were feeling for one another. They had incredible chemistry and just made each other better. I loved their friendship so much and when it became more it only added to their already amazing bond. I also loved the relationship between Hadley and Calder’s daughters, it was sweet and adorable. I just loved these four so much and they made such a beautiful family.
Falling Embers was a great addition to the Tattered & Torn series. I just love these characters and can’t get enough of them. I’m so excited for the next book and the rest of the series. I need June to hurry up because I need Hidden Waters asap!
***AUDIOBOOK ARC***
I loved getting to know Hadley even more than what I already knew of her in the first book. My heart hurt for her at the loneliness she felt. All Hadley wants is to live her life without feeling like she’s doing anything wrong. There’s a part that Hadley hides because she feels like that’s the only way that she could be herself. She has a wildness to her that brings her freedom with every spontaneous thing she does. And even though it may be reckless she’d never willingly put herself in danger.
Calder was amazing. He’s such a great dad and puts his daughters first above everything, He’s protective to a fault and would do anything and everything for the people he loves and cares about especially his daughters.
There was always a seed of attraction between Hadley and Calder but it never grew to anything more than friendship. Though as time went by they both couldn’t deny what they were feeling for one another. They had incredible chemistry and just made each other better. I loved their friendship so much and when it became more it only added to their already amazing bond. I also loved the relationship between Hadley and Calder’s daughters, it was sweet and adorable. I just loved these four so much and they made such a beautiful family.
Falling Embers was a great addition to the Tattered & Torn series. I just love these characters and can’t get enough of them. I’m so excited for the next book and the rest of the series. I need June to hurry up because I need Hidden Waters asap!
***AUDIOBOOK ARC***
October 23, 2024
❄️Single Dad / Firefighter
❄️Second chance
❄️Friend to lovers
❄️Brothers Best friend
❄️Small Town
❄️Angst
✨Always have, always will✨
Bayıldımmmm.. zaten konu olarak ne arasam vardı. İlk kitabı okurken karakterleri çok merak etmiştim. Ve ilk kitaptan daha çok sevdim. Hadley ve ikizler o kadar tatlıydı ki.💞 Her sahnelerini yüzümde bir gülümseme ile okudum. Ayrıca Hadley ve annesinin bazı sahnelerinde ağladım. Bunu hiç beklemiyordum yani kırılacağımızı bekliyordum ama bu kadar değil. Hadley kardeşinin kaçırılma olayından sonra annesi tarafından özellikle yaşadıkları ve kendini bulmaya, kendi olmaya çalışmasını okumak biraz kırıcıydı. Annesinin onu sevdigini biliyoruz evet ama o kadar kırdı ki bizi. Neyse ki hallettik.
Calder sen ne güzel bir babasın ya 🤤 İkizler ve ilişkisi>>>
İkinci şans gibi olup aynı zamanda her zaman Hadley"i sevmen..
Hadley ve Calder'in tekrar aralarında ki bağı kurmaları, Calder'in Hadley'in güvenini tekrar kazanamaya çalıştığı ve her zaman yanında olduğu sahneleri okurken ben de Hadley gibi eridim hdhdjd
Bu aileye cidden çok bağlandım. Hemen 3 ile devam ediyorum çünkü onu da çok merak ediyorum. Ve kitaplar çok akıcı.💞
Aşırı farklı ya da mükemmel değiller ama sıcacık hissettiren ve tam olarak o small town havasını veren kitaplar.💙
❄️Second chance
❄️Friend to lovers
❄️Brothers Best friend
❄️Small Town
❄️Angst
✨Always have, always will✨
Bayıldımmmm.. zaten konu olarak ne arasam vardı. İlk kitabı okurken karakterleri çok merak etmiştim. Ve ilk kitaptan daha çok sevdim. Hadley ve ikizler o kadar tatlıydı ki.💞 Her sahnelerini yüzümde bir gülümseme ile okudum. Ayrıca Hadley ve annesinin bazı sahnelerinde ağladım. Bunu hiç beklemiyordum yani kırılacağımızı bekliyordum ama bu kadar değil. Hadley kardeşinin kaçırılma olayından sonra annesi tarafından özellikle yaşadıkları ve kendini bulmaya, kendi olmaya çalışmasını okumak biraz kırıcıydı. Annesinin onu sevdigini biliyoruz evet ama o kadar kırdı ki bizi. Neyse ki hallettik.
Calder sen ne güzel bir babasın ya 🤤 İkizler ve ilişkisi>>>
İkinci şans gibi olup aynı zamanda her zaman Hadley"i sevmen..
Hadley ve Calder'in tekrar aralarında ki bağı kurmaları, Calder'in Hadley'in güvenini tekrar kazanamaya çalıştığı ve her zaman yanında olduğu sahneleri okurken ben de Hadley gibi eridim hdhdjd
Bu aileye cidden çok bağlandım. Hemen 3 ile devam ediyorum çünkü onu da çok merak ediyorum. Ve kitaplar çok akıcı.💞
Aşırı farklı ya da mükemmel değiller ama sıcacık hissettiren ve tam olarak o small town havasını veren kitaplar.💙
![Profile Image for Corinne [semi-hiatus].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1603449181i/94376563._UY200_CR13,0,200,200_.jpg)
April 29, 2022
3.5 suspenseful stars
✔ small town romantic suspense
✔ brother's best friend
✔ childhood friends to lovers
✔ first responders
✔ angsty
✔ single dad
This is the second book in the Tattered & Torn romantic suspense series and follows Hadley and Calder. Best friends since they were small, they had a falling out a few years back when Calder pushed Hadley out of his life and broke her heart. But now he realizes his mistake and wants her back.
Yet again, we get a rather original storyline and I confess to liking Hadley and Calder more than Hayes and Everly.
As with the first book in this series, the author uses the occasion to further explore how trauma affects people, how fear can damage relationships and how toxic social media can really be. A big part of this book is about Hadley's toxic relationship with her mother.
Even dealing with such hard hitting topics, the book is still full of romantic moments, fun banter and it features two amazing 9 year old twin girls.
The suspense was also more developed than in the first book and it was executed better.
All in all, a solid read!
Safety: no cheating, 3-4 fade to black scenes
TWs: toxic relationships, mental health issues, attempted murder, near death experiences
✔ small town romantic suspense
✔ brother's best friend
✔ childhood friends to lovers
✔ first responders
✔ angsty
✔ single dad
This is the second book in the Tattered & Torn romantic suspense series and follows Hadley and Calder. Best friends since they were small, they had a falling out a few years back when Calder pushed Hadley out of his life and broke her heart. But now he realizes his mistake and wants her back.
Yet again, we get a rather original storyline and I confess to liking Hadley and Calder more than Hayes and Everly.
As with the first book in this series, the author uses the occasion to further explore how trauma affects people, how fear can damage relationships and how toxic social media can really be. A big part of this book is about Hadley's toxic relationship with her mother.
Even dealing with such hard hitting topics, the book is still full of romantic moments, fun banter and it features two amazing 9 year old twin girls.
The suspense was also more developed than in the first book and it was executed better.
All in all, a solid read!
Safety: no cheating, 3-4 fade to black scenes
TWs: toxic relationships, mental health issues, attempted murder, near death experiences
March 18, 2022
Calder and Hadley are everything!
I feel like I’ve been begging Catherine to give me a single dad firefighter with twins for agessss! And it’s here and I could not be happier!
Romance + Suspense + Firefighter + Single dad + Catherine Cowles = Perfection.
I feel like I’ve been begging Catherine to give me a single dad firefighter with twins for agessss! And it’s here and I could not be happier!
Romance + Suspense + Firefighter + Single dad + Catherine Cowles = Perfection.
December 13, 2022
review to come. but for now: I am soft for these two. this series is just a hit. and I want her mom to get punched in the face.
August 31, 2022
everything omg. perfection. i have no word for how much i love this. i literally am so excited to read addie’s and beckets story.
March 9, 2024
It’s giving Devney Perry.. but better because there’s real character redemption!
December 20, 2021
This series is shaping up to be my absolute favorite!! This couple was so perfect, and the suspense plot line…I loved it so much.
Full review to come, but this is a MUST READ!!
AUDIOBOOK ARC
Full review to come, but this is a MUST READ!!
AUDIOBOOK ARC
November 17, 2022
This book is a NOPE book. A Nope book is what has all the Nope traits in a single plot.
Nope number one- The reason I abhor small town romances when both of them have known eachother from childhood.
You keep seeing your past, present and future all in one place.
Nope number two- So the H rejects the h and goes on to marry and have kids with OW while she keeps pining for him from afar. Hell Nah!
Nope number three- The biggest peeves where the "second chance" happens after the ex drops out for some reason. When the chances of the MCs coming together happens AFTER the other person doesn't live up to the picture.
The H has no qualms over TAKING VOWS and making babies with another woman. We are talking about lifetime commitments here. But when that doesn't work out he suddenly realises he has always loved the h. She is his soulmate.
I mean, what if your marriage had worked out? How would have realised who you're supposed to end with? And what about the doormat h? When a guy marries, you MOVE ON. Pining after a married man is disgusting. Did you wait for your chance in case their marriage doesn't work out? That's sick.
Nope. Nope. Nope.
Nope number one- The reason I abhor small town romances when both of them have known eachother from childhood.
You keep seeing your past, present and future all in one place.
Nope number two- So the H rejects the h and goes on to marry and have kids with OW while she keeps pining for him from afar. Hell Nah!
Nope number three- The biggest peeves where the "second chance" happens after the ex drops out for some reason. When the chances of the MCs coming together happens AFTER the other person doesn't live up to the picture.
The H has no qualms over TAKING VOWS and making babies with another woman. We are talking about lifetime commitments here. But when that doesn't work out he suddenly realises he has always loved the h. She is his soulmate.
I mean, what if your marriage had worked out? How would have realised who you're supposed to end with? And what about the doormat h? When a guy marries, you MOVE ON. Pining after a married man is disgusting. Did you wait for your chance in case their marriage doesn't work out? That's sick.
Nope. Nope. Nope.
November 12, 2022
Listen I swear I didn’t just give this 5⭐️ cause it’s age gap/ single dad 😂 I adored this! I found this story so unique, Hadley was such a badass. I loved how they both worked together and had a fierce protectiveness over one another. This is such a memorable story for me and I’d totally re-read it again.
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