Reviews

Ashes of You by Catherine Cowles

javalenciaph's review against another edition

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5.0

I can't believe we've come to the end of the Lost & Found series! Talk about having major bittersweet feels, people. Seeing each Hartley sibling fall in love and find their respective happily-ever-afters has been such an awesome experience because I couldn't help but become so emotionally invested in every single one of them. And now, we've reached the last one standing, and he's the eldest among them--Lawson Hartley. The thirty-eight-year-old father of three--Luke, Drew, and Charlie--gets his HEA in Ashes of You, and his story is a doozy, one that gave full-circle-moment vibes. He's paired with Halston Astor, a twenty-five-year-old who prefers to go by Hallie and comes from a wealthy family in Chicago, Illinois. She comes in to interview for the position of nanny to Law's three boys, and when he opens the door and she sees those blue eyes of his, the realization that they know each other is a shock to both their systems. In close quarters and spending a lot of time together stirs up feelings and emotions cannot be pushed aside. But the return of someone else from their past battles for attention, and they refuse to be ignored.

The whole nanny storyline has been done more times than I can count, but Catherine Cowles has taken it and elevated it in such a way that made this a story that I won't soon forget. There was the romance and the suspense--both of which I come to expect from Cowles--but this author never fails to impress, especially since she has to be able to make each book a standalone while still having those tendrils that tie everything in a series. Law and Hallie were two people who were tied together as well, and their shared history almost made you feel like they were destined to find their way back to one another. Hallie's relationships with each of Law's sons was one of my favorite things about the book, but I confess that Luke was such a standout side character, and finally getting answers as to why his relationship with Law was struggling as much as it was was gratifying. And can I just say that the villain in this fifth and final Lost & Found series threw me for a loop?! Gah! I did NOT see that coming. Nicely done, Catherine Cowles. Nicely done. What a way to end the series. Five-plus stars go to Ashes of You. Now...what's next?!

abenss's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

aracelyrp40's review against another edition

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4.0

If you love:
Small Town Romance
Forced Proximity
Age Gap
Protective Hero

You are going to love the last book of the Cedar Ridge series.

Lawson Hartley is a single Dad with 3 boys. As the chief of police he is running on fumes. He needs backup so he places an ad for a nanny.

Hallie has tried to put the horrific event of her past. Ready for face her fears she is in Cedar ridge to interview for a nanny position. But she was not ready to come face to face with the man whose blue eyes saved her.

Lawson still feels responsible for having his kids grow up without their mother. He is attracted to Hallie, but all the what ifs hold him back.

This was the perfect ending to this series. I enjoyed every minute of it.

bheustis's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

bookselle's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.25

aweber317's review against another edition

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5.0

Roan is still my favorite brother but the Hartley family holds my heart (no competition)

The boys!!!!….Are way to cute, good and compassionate for their own good——-can we please please please have a second generation…….um Charlie(duh him and Cady) Drew(him and his babes) and of course Luke most likely a second chance romance I mean come on lol but still Law Hallie and of course Thor



this book just did it all!!!!!

kizsia's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars!!! Loved them

paigesopenbook's review against another edition

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5.0

6⭐️

seyaghi's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

teriann81's review against another edition

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5.0

The Lost and Found series has ended, and I can't help but feel emotional. From the very first page, I was captivated by Hallie and Lawson's story, and the ups and downs of their relationship kept me hooked until the very end. This age gap, nanny/single dad romance was filled with so much emotional depth and character development, and I was completely invested in every aspect of it.

Lawson's character was so well-crafted, and I found myself constantly rooting for him. Despite the baggage he carried, he was an amazing father and human being, and the love he had for those around him was inspiring. I also adored the unique and lovable characters in his family, especially Luke, whose growth because of Hallie left me in tears.

The romance between Hallie and Lawson was pure perfection. The tension between them was palpable, and I couldn't wait for them to finally give in to their feelings. I appreciated how Hallie slowly opened up to Lawson and his boys, and how she fell in love with Lawson despite his guarded demeanor.

The suspense in this book was masterful. Catherine Cowles is a pro at keeping readers on the edge of their seats, and I had no idea who to trust or what was going to happen next. The build-up of suspense throughout the story was expertly done, leading up to a climax that had me holding my breath until the very end.

Overall, this book was everything I could have asked for and more. The conclusion to the Lost and Found series was satisfying, and I loved seeing the other Hartley siblings and their significant others make appearances throughout the book. Lawson has easily become one of my favorite Catherine Cowles heroes, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional, heartwarming read.

Sebatian York and Ava Erickson portrayed these characters perfectly through audio.

✔️ Single Dad x Nanny
✔️ Age Gap
✔️ Missed Connections
✔️ Touch Her and D!e Vibes
✔️ Serial Unaliver
✔️ Slow Burn
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Found Family