I know we’re only two books into this series, but is it too early to state this is my favorite contemporary romance series ever? Because it sure is feeling that way!

Two books in and every note is so perfectly in tune. Delicate Escape is a beautiful story, like Fragile Sanctuary, we have a love story at its heart, but also a story of healing and growth; a story filled with nail-biting suspense; and a story featuring a dynamic cast of characters who burst to life on every page.

Shep and Thea won me over instantly, like before they even fell in love with one another, I was in love with them!
I so greatly admire their perseverance amidst all the strife and hurdles set in their way. Thea especially had so many to jump over and I cried watching her bloom in strength and confidence so she could achieve just that. Her first step was letting Shep in, allowing herself to trust again. That step was so monumental for her, and you absolutely could feel that weight within the narrative. I felt so proud of every step forward she took, I felt proud as if she were a living person. That’s the amazing magic Catherine Cowles possesses— making her characters feel like real, true, breathing creatures. Making them feel human.

Witnessing Thea and Shep fall in love with each was so joyous, these are two characters so incredibly deserving of happily ever after and I love how once they are open to it, they are not willing to let it go so easily. They fight for it.

Also shout out to my girl Sutton! I loved her friendship with Thea and the set up for her book. Single mom trope is my absolute, absolute favorite so I am anticipating that book will dethrone this one as my favorite of the series so far. But, in the end, they’re all winners— because this is a thrilling and heartfelt series that will make you fall in love again and again. It will make you want to always try in every goal— it will make you want to grab at your chance for happiness.

Woooo, wait, before I go! Let’s vaguely discuss that twist at the end, because I was shook, y’all! I did not see it coming, but it made so much sense. This is another facet of Cowles writing I so enjoy: never feeling a twist is a subversion of expectations, but rather a wisely thought out plot point. If, like me, you didn’t see the twist coming, take a step back and you'll see the trail of breadcrumbs that was always there but merely overlooked. It’s subtly but smartly built up with great care and attention to detail.

Gosh, I have no notes except all my adoration for this book and this new series! Gimme, gimme mooore!

Thank you kindly to Catherine Cowles for this complimentary arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.