Fragile Sanctuary

By: Catherine Cowles

Narrated by: Zachary Webber, Andi Arndt

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

My First Catherine Cowles!

This is my first time/read trying out Catherine Cowles. I’ve never read/listened to any of her previous books before. Therefore, I really had no point of reference as to how her books usually are/go. And while I liked it (hence, the 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I gave it in the end), I didn’t LOVE it. The “steamy” scenes I was promised (this was recommended to me after reading/listening to another Romance author on Amazon/Kindle) weren’t all that “steamy”; believe me, I’ve read “steamier” scenes . . . 😉 However, like I said, I liked the story; it was sweet. The characters were good; well thought out & develop. And the twist at the end was also good. It was mainly also a little bit too long . . . Like, at times, the story felt a little dragged out to meet the page requirement (if you get my meaning 😉). Nevertheless, I will be continuing with Shep & Thea’s story (the next book in the series) to give Catherine Cowles another chance to “hook me” since I DID like the story. 😉

Amazing new series

All of the stars!!!! Every single one!
I just swooned over Anson HARD. He is broody and dreamy and closed off but when he opens to Rhodes it is pure perfection and just everything.
These two both have so much trauma and have such a connection. And are each other’s person in the times needed the most. They find healing in each other. Rhodes is so incredibly pure and kind and genuine and just this person that needs her heart and kindness protected and to have this person after her just tears you up. To see all the love and support surrounding her is incredible.

This book and especially the audio just made my heart scream in joy. Catherine’s books always are so fulfilling to read/listen to. They always come for me at a time when I need them most. I’ve told her she is kismet to me.

The narrators were perfection. Zachary Webber as Anson I couldn’t imagine any other way. And with Andi Arndt as Rhodes too, they are always a phenomenal duo. Just an ear treat!

Absolutely incredible start to the series

Catherine continues to prove she is the QUEEN of romantic suspense!! I swear her books are so addictive and so fun to read. She’ll have me swooning over the romance while also trying to figure out the mystery bad guy is 🤣

If you haven’t read any of Catherine’s books, then Fragile Sanctuary is the perfect place to start! It’s the first of a 6 book series. When you finish, I guarantee you’ll want to dive into her backlist (I recommend the Lost & Found series next!!)

I recommend going into this book blind but here’s a glimpse of what to expect ⬇️
☀️ sunshine girl with a broken past
🪪 ex-FBI profiler grump
✌🏼 dual POV
💕 brothers best friend
🫂 found family
🔥 serial unaliver mystery
🏡 small town setting
❤️‍🩹 grief + healing after loss

Loved this book and cannot wait to continue the rest of the series!!! The audio was incredible and I loved both of the narrators!

A great start to a new series

Fragile Sanctuary is a great start to a new series
Rhodes has lost her family when she was young and it’s time to rebuild what was lost even though she keeps things temporary in her life.
Anson’s past job is the reason he lost his sister so now he keeps to himself until he starts a project to rebuild Rhodes home.
Though there’s someone who still wants to harm them both.
As always a page turner and a favorite trope of mine, well you can pick one…Grumpy and Sunshine, brother’s best friend and even enemies to lovers…Anson is very grumpy with definite reasons and Rhodes is sunshine with clouds in the background definitely complex characters.
I switched between the book and the audio which the narrators did a fantastic job.
A must read and like me you’ll be counting down until the next one!

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!

WOW!!!!

My mind was blown….. Just when I thought I knew who it was. I love the way this author does Romance & Suspense. Can’t wait for the next book!!!!

As for the narration it was PERFECTION! These two are my favorite, Andi A & Zackary W can read a phone book & I’ll buy it!!!!
Great start to the series

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

Heartfelt and deeply touching

Love all of Catherine Cowles books and the narrators are two of my top favs. This was a beautiful love story and can’t wait for the next book

Couldn’t quite connect story lines

Good. Narrators are always favorites for me. I really couldn’t make the story lines connect. Didn’t make any sense to me. But, the first 3/4 of the book was really good.

SOOOOO Good

Rhodes and Anson were EVERYTHING! Both of their standoffish personalities came together so incredibly, and they are so perfect and beautiful. Andi and Zachary were the best choices for the audio, and they made my first Catherine Cowles book so incredible. Love this so much!