Beautifully Broken Control (The Sutter Lake Series)

This book is an amazing way to end the Sutter Lake series. I absolutely adore this series and I never wanted it to end. This series makes my heart so happy. Catherine Cowles has a way of taking some of the most heartbreaking life situations and weaving them into something that ends in complete beauty. She is a master at slaying my darn heart and then putting the pieces back together. I simply love everything about the Sutter Lake series. I need more of all of my couples! They make my heart so happy. I think Cain and Kennedy are tied with Tuck and Jensen as my favorite couple of this series. I don’t think I can choose between them. Cain and Kennedy gave Tuck and Jensen a run for their money though. Whew! I need more!

Let’s start off by saying Cain is all sorts of alpha male, overprotective, swoon worthy, drool worthy, hotness overload. This man is one of my favorites. I loved absolutely every second of his story. He broke my heart and then put the pieces back together. Gosh. I don’t think I can adequately describe how much I love Cain. He is such a good man. He makes sure that those he cares about are safe and protected. There were times he went a bit overboard, but given his life circumstances it makes total sense to me. He lost one of the most important people in his life and he will do anything to not go through that pain again. I simply wanted to wrap this man in a bear hug and never ever let him go. He is so strong and compassionate. He fights for those he loves. He’s willing to do what it takes to try and grow and move past the tragedies that weigh him down. I admire Cain so much. I need more of him!

Kennedy is such an amazing female lead character. She is so strong and resilient. She keeps fighting even though she wants to give up and thinks she deserves whatever terrible things life throws at her. She is such a good person. When she was presented with an extremely hard life choice, she made the right decision. She went against her entire family to make ensure that the right thing was done and justice was served. Her strength is admirable. Kennedy is such a good, kind, and compassionate person at heart. That was one of the most refreshing things about her character. She came from money and fine things, but she didn’t want that to define her. She wanted to be more than that. She wanted to give more than that. She donated her time and energy to others because it gave her a purpose in life. It helped her fulfill something that was always lacking in her life. It made her feel useful and helpful. It eased some of her guilt for what her family did to hardworking people. I wish people hadn’t been so terrible to her. She is nothing like her parents and what they chose to do does not define who she is as a person. She truly is a remarkable character.

Cain and Kennedy together are fire! The chemistry between them was amazing to read. They knew from the beginning they were attracted to one another, but didn’t want to give into it. Their age difference and dark pasts made it hard for them to open up and be honest with one another. It made it all the more worth it though. These two are honestly perfect together. They help one another work through some of the darker parts of their pasts. They help one another realize that the past can’t be changed and you can only look forward to the future. That you can be better and do better than before. I love everything about these two. They had their bumps in the road, but it only made them stronger and closer. I will gladly read about these two forever. And that bonus scene Catherine! Holy moly! Just rip my heart out why don’t you! It is such a beautiful scene and really shows how much Cain and Kennedy love one another. That bonus scene is simply a must read! It’s a must!

I really love that I got to read about the other couples as well! I love the Sutter Lake gang and it made my heart so happy and full to see all of them so happy and content. Jensen was simply an amazing friend to Kennedy (#friendshipgoals right there). I love that I got to see more of Jensen and Tuck. I simply adore those two. I loved seeing the dynamic between Cain, Tuck, and Walker. Those three are brothers for life. They would do anything for one another. I really enjoyed getting more background information about their relationship and how it’s only grown stronger over time. It made me love those three even more.

Overall, if I could rate this story with more than 5 stars, I would! I love the conclusion to the Sutter Lake series. Cain and Kennedy were a perfect way to end of the series. I’m sad that the series is over, but I look forward to rereading it again! I felt all of the feels with this book. It slayed my heart and then put all the pieces back together again. I can’t wait to see where Catherine takes me next. She is definitely a new favorite author of mine!

⭐10/5 🌶️2.5/5 🚫Content warnings include, but are not limited to: -Grief/loss -Violence/death

I'm just going to go sit in a corner and cry now. Catherine! Your books make me happy and break my heart at the same time! I loved it😩🥹 

In this book we follow Kennedy and Cain. Kennedy is trying to start over on a clean slate and Cain is trying to just be happy with his success and his solitude. Unfortunately the past always has a way of being stirred up.

I loved this book so much, maybe even more. Ugh My heart can't take it, I just want to steal them away and let them live a happy life on an island somewhere or something lol!

The relationship between Cain and Kennedy was so good. Yeah both of them had a lot weighing down on their shoulders but I love how they broke down each other's walls. (Insert a lot of drama and heartache but we got there lol)

And again I was so shocked when the "past" part came into action and the bad guys got revealed. It's so good, very good.... and sad and beautiful but still good lol.

And then the last chapter is two years into the future and my heart couldn't handle that at all, I smiled so hard.

Remember to read the bonus scene.

Tropes:

• Billionaire
• Small Town
• Dual POV
• Romantic Suspense
• Heroine on the run
• Overprotective MMC
• Age Gap

Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I fell in love with Catherine Cowles with her last book, Beautifully Broken Spirit. In that review, I noted her voice in its parallels to another favorite author of mine, Devney Perry. There is a gentle tone to Cowles’s writing voice underscored by plots that carry emotional gravity in their writing. No one is safe from harm in Cowles’s Sutter Lake series, and her newest book, Beautifully Broken Control, gives us more of her gifted storytelling.

In Beautifully Broken Control, Cowles writes of Kennedy, the mysterious new woman in town from Beautifully Broken Spirit. In that book, Kennedy is shrouded in mystery, but the heroine of that book, Jensen, sees something in Kennedy and hires her as an employee for her tea room. Beautifully Broken Control finds Kennedy happily and contentedly settled in Sutter Lake. What we find in this story is Kennedy’s back story and her reasons for her altruism. She’s complicated and the depths of her character are greater than the sins of her father. Cowles also introduces us to Cain, Tuck and Walker’s adept, yet mysterious friend. Like Kennedy, Cain holds a secret that has broken his life and made him who he is. Together, Kennedy and Cain’s broken pieces fit, yet both struggle against the path to a potential future together. It’s these struggles that make Cowles’s book moving. In the simplicity of her story are nestled these tender moments of empathy and compassion in the midst of the struggle for control, hence the name for this book. At its core, this story shows us that letting go and giving up control in the name of love can only bring immense satisfaction and completeness.

What I love about Cowles’s writing in this book (and the other Sutter Lake series books) is the gentleness of her storytelling. That seems at odds with the nature of the story which can be violent. Beautifully Broken Control is a lot of things: contemporary romance and romantic suspense to name two. With those monikers, it seems odd to discuss her writing as gentle, but there’s an ease to her storytelling that renders a fluidity of words over the page. When I started this book, my intention was to read a few chapters here and there until its end, wanting to savor the story. I had looked forward to the mysteries of Kennedy and Cain. Yet, the fluidity of Cowles’s storytelling held me to her story. I couldn’t put it down because it lulls you into its rhythm. Beautifully Broken Spirit did the same thing, and I think this is why I compare her to Devney Perry, as her writing does the same for me. It’s why I love their writing. As a reader, I feel full of the story as I’m reading it, and to leave it before its end, makes me feel insatiable. I need the completeness of the story; it simply isn’t fulfilling as a snack.

Additionally, the characters of Kennedy and Cain are enigmatic. They hold secrets. Cowles provides us Kennedy’s story early. We understand the motivations of her life. Her revelation of her secrets to Jensen and the other characters is the reason you feel pulled further into her character development. Even more, the tension and worry over their acceptance of her compel you forward. Now, Cain is a different story. Cowles uses him as the impetus for the tension with him and Kennedy. Together, these two are magic. There are so many moments between the two of them that melt the reader’s heart. I found myself highlighting so many of these moments because they are the gold of this story. Yet, as Cowles holds Cain’s secret from the reader (and Kennedy) for much of the story, we feel the challenge between Cain and Kennedy until almost the end of the story. While Kennedy’s relationships find resolution early, Cain’s withholding of his big secret is the thread that keeps you further engaged in the story. Even in its revelation, Cain and Kennedy are not okay. In fact, when you think they have found their happy ending, the reader realizes they have only tentative closure. Everything explodes when you least expect it, and this continues to drive the story forward. The way in which Cowles crafts Cain’s character inherently underscores the message of Beautifully Broken Control. When he finally accepts truths about his past, only then does Cowles allow Cain and Kennedy find their happy ending. This is the genius behind the story of this book and Cowles’s construction of it. Each part of the story, plot and character development, build to a message of forgiveness and acceptance.

When I see that Catherine Cowles is preparing for another book, I become excited. As a storyteller, I trust her. I trust her craft. I trust the place for her stories. Given I am a newer reader to her booklist, I think this shows her talent. I try to stay focused on the aspects of story in my reviews for readers to understand the tangible reasons for reading Cowles’s Beautifully Broken Control. Yes, the chemistry is here. Yes, the love unfolding on the page is beautiful. And yes, we are treated to more stories from the other characters in Sutter Lake, making it a bit of a homecoming. Yet, it’s Cowles’s careful crafting of story and character that is the true treasure of Beautifully Broken Control. In reading her book, you elevate yourself as a romance reader, and you can trust that Cowles’s adeptness at storytelling will win over your heart. Kennedy and Cain’s story definitely does not disappoint.

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation: Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️ World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 Cover:📔📔📔📔 Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻 Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️ Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒 Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞 Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂 Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖 Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧 Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5

First Impressions Beautifully Broken Control is about two characters that are new in some ways to the town of Sutter Lake but we have seen connections to them in previous books in the series. I was really curious to see how this one would be handled though. And I shouldn't have doubted Catherine Cowles because I had a blast with this book, even though its not a favorite of the series, it was a delightful take on moving the series moving forward and I really enjoyed seeing their type of dynamic together. And I really enjoyed seeing how they each connect to the characters in the previous books of the series.

First Line A single bead of sweat rolled down my sternum, and my hand shook as I tried to wipe it away.

Summary Kennedy was caught up in a conflict not of her own making. When its revealed that her father has cheated out many out of their savings and retirement for his own financial gain, she works with the FBI to get justice for those wronged but in the process of it, she is blamed by the rest of her family and the world. Everyone she knows turns her back on her and so she goes to Sutter Lake to escape the torment and abuse to have a fresh start but she still bears so much guilt for the past. Then she meets Cain, who comes to town who is best friends with Walker and Tuck. Cain, is escaping the city to find some peace in Sutter Lake and doesn't plan on falling hard for Kennedy, who is a woman of mystery and shadows in her eyes. But Cain has his own demons that could threaten everything he and Kennedy build together.

What I Loved Catherine Cowles delivers such a wonderful story and I highly recommend this one if you are a fan of the series or even just this author. First, the story is super engaging and really draws you into it immediately and you just feel for the road that the heroine is on and what she was willing to do in order to do the right thing. I really respected the heroine for what she does here. Cain on the other end, is such a man of integrity and heart but he has his own pain and is such a tortured soul. I love how they come together in this one, but the heroine is a bit stubborn when it comes to going into anything with Cain and has so much pride. So much pride it did ruin the enjoyment of the story at times. But the hero is far from perfect, and is a bit stubborn when it comes to allowing the heroine fully into his heart when she opens up to him. They both make mistakes in different ways as they have such a hard time trusting. I really enjoyed the element in which this developed. And that whole end conflict with the danger that enters the story totally surprised me. I wasn't expecting to see how it evolved. I did NOT see the danger elements that enter the story happening haha The author completely shocked me. What really impresses me about this author is even when there are elements that I am not necessarily a big fan of, her writing is so compelling that you are willing to stay invested in the characters and its such a poignant experience overall.

Overall View Beautifully Broken Control is a captivating read that will entrench your emotions all the way into the story. It delivers on stunningly capture characters and a setting that breathes life into the reader.

Book Details (also in my shelves) Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance Character Types: Billionaire, Self Made Hero, MC on the Run Themes: Small Town, Danger Tropes: Protector

Book Perspective Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict A bit of both

Song This Book Inspires Love Me Back by Bebe Stockwell

Recommendation For Reading Order Yes I would say read this in order if possible

4.5 Stars

I loved this book. The characters were fantastic, the mystery/suspense was perfect, the writing is amazing, and the story was unforgettable.

Cain is a tech genius with lots of money who has buried his past and refuses to give up control. But things are slipping and he just needs a break, to regroup, and what better place than with his best friend's who know him so well, Sutter Lake.

Kennedy is running from her past and all she wants is peace, a simple life, and to give back to those in need. Sutter Lake is the perfect landing spot. But Cain changes things for her, and she changes things for him. But they both got pasts haunting them, and hers might just be their end.

I loved that these characters seemed to just understand each other. They had a lot in common and yet they were different. I love that they both learned from each other. I loved how much Cain just want to be there for and keep Kennedy safe, and I love that she let him. The character development was on point. And of course, it was great getting to see the characters from previous books.

✔️ Age Gap ✔️ New in Town ✔️ Small Town ✔️ He Takes Care of Her ✔️ Mystery/Suspense ✔️ First Person Dual POV ❕️ Check TW/CW

The near end. There were a few things that didn't work for me. First, Kennedy was too young for the character role she was given. I'm sorry, but very few 20 -22 year olds would have that level of life experience needed to make her character more plausible. Don't get me wrong, I love that she helped the FBI put her father in jail for his Condo scheme but I'm not sure it comes across as possible. Also, unfortunately, people go away for long times when a crime involves money. Committing murder will actually get you less, which says a lot about our culture. Cain, too, was a little tricky to believe as a character in this role.