Audio Book Review-Ashes of You by Catherine Cowles

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

About The Book

Five years ago, I nearly lost everything. But there was a glimmer of hope on that darkest night. There was him—a stranger I could never forget.

Now, I’m finally getting the fresh start I’ve longed for. But when I show up to interview for a nanny position in the small mountain town, the single dad has startlingly familiar blue eyes.

Eyes that have haunted my dreams for the past five years.

Lawson Hartley is everything I know I can’t have. Older, handsome, and my boss. Not to mention the shadows in his eyes that tell me he has demons, too.

Still, he seems to understand me better than anyone I’ve ever met. So gentle and careful of my scars, yet somehow making me believe I’m stronger than I ever thought possible.

And when his lips touch mine, I’m lost.

We find what we’ve been missing in each other. But the terrors of my past aren’t done with me yet, and this time, Lawson might not be able to save me…

“It’s you, Blue. You’re the one who brought me out of the ashes. It’s always been you.”

My Review

First Impressions

Ashes of You is the last book of the “Lost & Found” series with characters hinted at for the next upcoming series. I was feeling so melancholy knowing that this would be the last of the series but also terrified that Lawson’s book wouldn’t live up to expectation because I have been madly in love with his character and his adorable boys since book one. So going into this one I was so nervous for, because its also the last book but also because Lawson and his boys are characters that deserve the best happiness after the struggles they have had. Ashes of You is the most poignant beautiful masterpieces that this author has ever created. Ashes of You is a breathtaking book that blew my mind. I didn’t know what to expect because lately single dad/nanny books just haven’t worked for me. But I can tell you this book knocked my socks off. It was tender and sweet and packed with so much deep emotion that I can guarantee that you won’t get enough of it.

“Can’t imagine doing life without you. Not now. Hallie, you’ve ruined me. But I’d burn myself to ash over and over if it meant getting you in the end.”

Summary

Lawson and his brothers found Hallie lost in the woods with apparent trauma, and now its been five years. Hallie and Lawson have never forgotten each other. But Hallie is back in town, learning to cope with the trauma of being kidnapped and tortured and being the only survivor of a serial killer. When there is an opening to be the nanny for Lawson’s three sons, Lawson and Hallie find a way to make it work for all parties involved. Hallie is still struggling with anxiety and learning to accept the changes that are part of her life, while at the same time dealing with the complex family dynamics with Lawson and his sons. There is some powerful chemistry that is building between Lawson and Hallie, and their story resonates deeply. But Hallie is also discovering the strength in each of his sons and learning to connect with them and bringing them out of the shadows and into the light. As they learn to connect with each other, they become a family where they least expect it….but there is a danger unforseen that could tear their foundation apart…

I wrapped my arms around his waist, my fingers fisting in his uniform shirt. But I didn’t say anything. Whispers of apologies didn’t come close to being enough. “Need to know you’re safe. Feel you breathing.” My heart broke for this strong, beautiful man with the best heart. “I’m right here, Blue. I’m right here.”

What I Loved

Ashes Of You is a book that BLEW my heart and soul out of the water! Honestly, I am speechless in how I am going to be able to adequately convey this story and how well its written. This story resonated with me so deeply and FINALLY a nanny heroine I can actually love. (lately a lot of nanny romances, the heroine has been sarcastic and sassy and just very unlikeable) so it was so refreshing to have a nanny heroine that was softer and feminine and has such a kind heart. But she is so strong, and what I really was drawn to the most was the inner strength Hallie has, and it reflects so strongly in other aspects of the story. The connection that she builds with each of the sons is so captivating. They each have different journeys and distinct personalities and she responds to them in such a way that is so precious. Her patience with them is well captured and I just admired Hallie so much. Definitely one of the BEST heroines I have read in a long while. Then we have Lawson, who is a working dad but trying to get balance with his sons and building something special with Hallie. Lawson is having to learn to trust in himself again so he can trust Hallie. Its not easy for him because he was treated so poorly in the past and once everything comes to light, you have such understanding for the struggle that the hero is having to face with his feelings growing for Hallie and the connection she is building with his sons. There is such a level of respect between Lawson and Hallie that is so healthy in their relationship. In fact, it was one of my favorite aspects to this story. Respect is so vital in a relationship and loved seeing it being represented. The emotion in this book is very heartfelt. You will feel the struggle that these characters go through, but more than that you see their growth and journey together and finding different ways to heal and become more empowered in such a precious way that felt so relatable.

“We all have scars. Things that we think might make us weak. But, in reality, they’re usually the source of our strength.”

What I Struggled With

Nothing. LOL This book worked for me in every way.

The Narration

These two CAPTURED this book perfectly! Honestly, if you love audiobooks, please do this one in Audio. You won’t regret it. They really reflected the emotion just right and built the dynamics of the relationships involved in a way that resonates on a deep level.

“Hallie, you’re the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. Your kindness and empathy only make you more beautiful. But your bravery? It steals my breath.”

Overall View

Ashes Of You is a romance that will resonate deeply. Its a story of seeing the power of healing and love in a manner that will sing deeply to the heart and soul of the reader. A TRULY MAGNETIC TALE TO MELT YOU FROM HEAD TO TOE!

“Your eyes. I thought I could drown in all that blue, but it would be okay because there was only goodness there. Safety. Peace.”

Book Details

Title: Ashes Of You

Author: Catherine Cowles

Genre: Contemporary Romance w/Suspsense Elements

Format: Audiobook

Source: Self Purchased-Audible

Length: 9 Hours & 12 Minutes

About the Narrators

Ava Erickson

After sailing around the world and watching nearly a thousand sunsets from the bow of her boat like a true Viking, Ava Erickson settled down and started telling stories. Those stories can be anything from the sweetest romances to ones with a more erotic twist. When she found out she was nominated for an Audie in the Erotica category, she called all her girlfriends together and went to Provence, France, where they drank rosé and ate lots of bread and butter.

Sebastian York

Born in Tunbridge Wells, U.K., Sebastian York spent much of his youth as a military brat throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S., which spurred a very adventurous sense for travel and faraway places. He has a pilot’s license and operates small flying tours over New York City in between his narration work.

Book Links

Amazon| Barnes & Noble| Goodreads| LibraryThing| Storygraph| Literal Club| Audible

About The Author

Writer 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.