Fragile Sanctuary

By: Catherine Cowles

Narrated by: Zachary Webber, Andi Arndt

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The scowl should’ve been my first clue to stay far away from Anson Hunt. The sexy smirk and the fact that he’s my brother’s best friend? Reasons two and three. Not to mention, he’s the new contractor working on my house.

He’s everything I’m not: grumpy, rude, and more than a little attached to his solitude. It doesn’t matter how many times I try to kill him with kindness; the man simply won’t crack. Until he sees me shatter. Because when my world comes crashing down around me, Anson is the one catching me as I fall. And as so-called accidents start plaguing every part of my life, it’s Anson who steps in to keep me safe.

As he does, I can’t help but feel a flicker of heat. And it only takes a single moment for that spark to ignite into flames, engulfing us both. But Anson’s a man with secrets, and they have a price. When they’re revealed, neither of us will make it out unscathed…

©2024 Catherine Cowles (P)2024 Catherine Cowles

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 CONTAINS SPOILERS

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧 CONTAINS SPOILERS

This book contains a lot of tragedy. You must be prepared for some pretty heavy stuff, but I will say the author does a fantastic job of not making it all too heavy.

I am going to hide the rest of my review here on Goodreads. If you're reading this on Audible and don't like spoilers, skip my review.

I have a HUGE fear of fire. It's so bad I don't even like candles to burn anywhere around me. So, listening to this story really had me in it.

Rho, at just 13 years old, loses her mother, father, and little sister in a horrific fire that would have taken her life, too, if she hadn't had the forethought to go down the drainpipe. I am glad, not glad that it happened, just that we kind of skip forward from here to the present. She grew up with her best friend but also a mismatch of foster siblings who all come from not-so-great homes or tragedy.

Rho is restoring the family home, and this is where Anson comes in. He is part of the crew who is restoring the home. Shep, who is Rho's brother, owns the construction company. Who also happens to be best friends with Anson, who has a past he struggles with.

Just when things are starting to look good in terms of the house coming together someone comes along and is trying to sabotage the work that is being done. It keeps happening, and now Rho doesn't feel safe, and her family is concerned, but Anson steps in and says hey, I will stay with you in case…

Fantastic story of love and hope in the darkest of times. And how you become who you are despite all the struggles you have overcome.

Great narration as well I really enjoyed it and I am not a big fan of the male narrator but I think he did a wonderful job.

Great story

I honestly didn't see that guy being the killer. usually I can call it from early on but nope. I want to listen to this one again and see if I can tell. so good. the performances had me feeling all the feels at times. these narrators are amazing. always have been. I highly recommend.

I love this new series

I really enjoy Catherine Cowles writing. Her books have such depth and the stories are never one dimensional. this story had a little bit of it all- mystery, romance, suspense, and a feel-good quality. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Exceptional

Wow…another amazing story. So excited for Thea/Shep story. I hope we get a story for every sibling! You really feel for every one of them, wanting to know more. This story had so much feeling. I loved every emotion that came from their story. 2 of the best narrators bring the story to life. AMAZING!!!!

Danger, lust & love

An amazing and captivating book. With every chapter it held more and more excitement making it impossible to put the book down.

Simply Phenomenal!!

This is a stunning story! Rhodes lost her family in a fire at age thirteen. She bears the scars of her near escape. Years later, she is ready to refurbish the home and face her memories. Taken in by her best friend's parents, she has multiple “chosen siblings”. Her brother Shep heads the construction on the house. Anson, his best friend from college, is assisting. Anson is broody and withdrawn. He has his own past issues.

Foster pups and kittens, simple kindness, splashes of color, and a breaking down of walls. When sabotage and attacks occur, real feelings become impossible to deny. Edge-of-your-seat-action, danger, intrigue and being there for your person. An absolute stunner of a story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio - the narration added greatly to my enjoyment.

This story blew me away

Catherine seriously outdid herself.  She is the Queen of Romantic Suspense for a reason! Did I totally have a suspect list going while reading…why yes I did.
 
Anson and Rhodes are such complex characters that I was instantly drawn to, and then you throw in all the other characters….this series is going to be EPIC. The way that this story emotionally grabbed ahold of me and refused to let go…I am OBSESSED and I will never be over it.
 
What to expect:
•Small Town Romance
•Brother’s Best Friend
•Grumpy/Sunshine
•Age-Gap
•Found Family
 
Anson and Rohdes are two people who have had to endure things that no one should have to, and you will feel their trauma and struggles all the way down to your core. Their chemistry and draw to one another is so powerful, so beautiful, and will give you all the feels. Not to sound cheesy, but these two are like peanut butter and jelly. They are truly meant to be, and I love them together.
 
I was not expecting Anson’s mouth though!! I mean holy heat wave people….umm yes please. Whew!
 
Also, can we give a shout out to Grandma Lolli!!! She is hilarious and I wish I could have her in real life!

Captivating and Enthralling

Catherine Cowles strikes gold again! This captivating start to a new series introduces exquisitely crafted, damaged characters that are both relatable and authentic.

This enemies to lovers expertly weaves suspense and close proximity, and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I was so sure I had the villain, but I'm still picking up my jaw!

The characters in this book are phenomenal, the setting is vividly rendered, and the journey to the happily ever after is both poignant and satisfying.

This one left my heart fluttery, and it's even more enhanced when experiencing the story via Audiobook, as the cast did a phenomenal job!

The voice actor truly brought the characters to life with amazing and heartfelt renditions!

I'm eagerly awaiting the rest of this already fantastic series!!

Loved it

Narration is awesome 👏🏻
Story and characters are amazing. Love Super Granny 😂 All the siblings are great, leaving me intrigued to learn their stories.
Eager for the next installment!

Amazing Book

I enjoyed this book! The narration was on point. If I was to have a negative remark, it would only be that I wish they would’ve brought Lawson into the story and not just a tiny mention of him. However, the story, the emotions, the narration were amazing! Can’t wait for book 2