I was telling a friend recently that I usually know which Catherine Cowles books worked well for me based on how quickly it takes me to get through them -- and I'd say that's certainly true for Hidden Waters, which I started and finished in the same day. I'd already had the inkling that I would like this book based on who the couple was, but I'm glad that it ended up being true when I finally did read it.

Addie & Beckett's story hooked me from the get go. You have these two people carrying the heavy weight of their past experiences on their shoulders, but still trying their best to move forward in their own lives, first of all -- and that sentiment, in and of itself, is relatable despite the fact that I've been lucky enough not to experience what either of them have been through. And then, you see them making a connection with each another - the instant chemistry, the playful sparks, the growing admiration, the instinctive protectiveness, the unquestionable care. Watching these two dance around each other, watching them fall for each other... it really warmed my heart to see.

Unlike other Cowles novels I've read, I didn't necessarily love the suspense element in this. It probably is because I didn't find it unpredictable, and it felt more straightforward than most of what I've seen from her in other books. Which is not to say that it didn't fit with the story - it did, of course, and it was still harrowing and heartbreaking at turns - but it just wasn't my favorite. I also didn't feel like we dove as deeply into the emotional baggage both our characters bring to the table, especially in terms of finding more solid resolution (on both ends) by the end.

At the end of the day though, Addie and Beckett's story was definitely one that kept me turning the pages. It's a solid addition to the Tattered and Torn series, and given I was quite invested in seeing these two fall in love and get their happy together ending, I can say that I overall enjoyed it.

I think this is my favorite book in this series thus far. I fell in love with Addie and Beckett from page one. The stuff popping up from Addie's past kept me turning the pages to see what happened next, and I loved the relationship progression between her and Beckett. 

I loved that Addie was a strong lead. Despite her past she made it a point to branch out on her own. Even though Beckett wanted to put her in a bubble, he didn't stunt her growth and understood when she needed to do things on her own. I think that was my favorite part of this story. That, and the communication the two main characters had with each other. They were always honest about their thoughts and feelings which really helped their relationship progress as quickly as it did. 

Catherine Cowles is absolutely becoming one of my favorite authors. 

⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ Open Door, Mild

🏔️ Romantic Suspense
🏔️ Friends to Lovers
🏔️ Forced Proximity (Roommates)
🏔️ Opposites Attract
🏔️ Cinnamon Roll Hero
🏔️ Dual POV (First Person)

I loved Addie and Beckett's story. Besides Shiloh's book, I think this was the story I was looking forward to the most. Beckett was a secretly tortured hero and Addie's past was definitely a struggle to overcome. Seeing these two become the other's safe space was so sweet. Catherine will always keep you on your toes with the twists in her book! 

Such a good book. I love this series. So much trauma and strength. They were definitely made for each other. I may have cried towards the end

addie and beckett’s story is sweet, all while dealing with her dark and haunted past. i’m so glad we finally get to read about the oldest easton brother! in this book we’ve got small town romance, family drama, no third act breakup, and a whole lot of cute adorable firsts.

"All these books have exactly the same plot—" and I eat it up every time! I'll take "heroine nearly dying in the third act" over a third-act-breakup any day 🤭

I was so excited to read about Addie and Beckett and those two are just perfect for eachother. This was one of those books I literally put everything else down for to read, it had me HOOKED. 

Addie's finally free of her family's clutches but she still carries a lot of mental and physical scars and Beckett is so considerate of her history with abuse, I know it's literally just basic human decency but it still made me tear up every time, okay.

I wish we could've touched a bit more on Beckett's time abroad and his own trauma, as Addie did get most of the trauma space allotted here but other than that, I really really loved this book ❤ 

Was hoping for a book on Officer Young but Laiken's gonna be fun, too!