Tattered Stars

The Tattered & Torn Series, Book 1

By: Catherine Cowles

Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber

Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Be brave. Just for sixty seconds. Twenty breaths.

One night changed them both forever.

Their lives shattered, beyond repair, with jagged edges and pieces askew.

Now, Everly has a chance to make things right. To bring healing to the place where everything fell apart. But it means facing the family her father almost destroyed, and the boy with the dark eyes - now grown - who still haunts her dreams.

Just one breath away from having your life ripped out from under you.

The last thing Hayes wants is another reminder of all the ways he failed 16 years ago. When Everly drives back into Wolf Gap, his only mission is to get her to leave. For his family’s sake, and for his own, those demons need to stay buried for good.

But everything about this woman is a surprise, from her spine of steel to the sanctuary she hopes to create with the land her mother left behind. And Hayes is powerless to stay away.

As a careful friendship sparks into something more, someone watches. And they’ll do anything to tear it all apart....

©2021 Catherine Cowles (P)2021 Catherine Cowles

Not closed-door

I read a review mentioning that the sex scenes were closed-door. They are not. Still fairly tame to what is out there, in my opinion, but it’s there. And the narrators are the kickers for this story. If not for them, I would have probably given up a few hours in.

Breathtaking

I was insanely lucky to get a very early copy of the audio book, narrated by none other than Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt. Every Catherine Cowles book I read or listen to is bound to be an instant hit. I love her brand of romance and suspense. Tattered Stars is another perfect blend of that. The story is compelling, and full of of rich and wonderful characters that are well developed. Everly is perfection with her compassion and bravery and all around goodness, the perfect fit for Hayes, who has the weight of his amazing family on his shoulders. You will fall in love with the Eastman family along with a few others along the way. This is the first of what has got to be of my most anticipated series this year and man is this one heck of a way to kick it off and I haven’t even gotten to talking about the audio book yet. I love both Zachary and Andi, they are two of my most favorite narrators, but they were absolutely incredible in Tattered Stars. I usually like to read a book before listening, get to know the characters on my own before I add someone’s voice to them, but Webber and Arndt brought life to them, and their story that even my brain wouldn’t have done justice. Seriously I was tearing up within the first few chapters.

This is the best book I’ve read this year, hand downs and the best audio book I’ve listened to in a long time. A must read, a must listen and I cannot wait for more from this series. Definitely add it to your to be read books of 2022.

☄️A great thriller - not a great romance!

Overall fun audio book but took 39 chapters for a glimpse of romance! OMG! The narrator's were sensational as usual! I didn't care for the led females personality- very negative and constantly withdrawing ...uhhh. Overall unique story - fun book! I would recommend it! - namaste!

Cozy comfort listen 😍

This was my first book by Catherine Cowles and I am now on book 3 in this series and I’ll be working my way through her backlist. Reading her books, or listening as the case may be, just has that vibe of cuddling up with a blanket and a cup of tea - it has this cozy comfort feeling of home. Don’t get me wrong though, you are in for a ride! A little suspense, a lot of swoon, and a pinch of spice makes for a page turner!

Now to focus on this book specifically. The setting is the small town of Wolf Gap, Oregon. Our MMC is protective, grumpy Hayes Easton. Our FMC is brave, strong Everly Kemper. An event 15 years ago connected their families in a way that profoundly effected them both. Everly moved away but is now back in town. Hayes’ initial reaction is poor, getting them off on the wrong foot. His reaction is due to his instinct to always protect his family, but once he gets he head on straight and sees things for what they are, his protective instincts encompass Everly as well.
Watching Hayes try to protect Everly and his sisters while they all snap at him for being strong independent women is my favorite! Though, he might not be wrong, this bunch seems like they can get themselves into trouble… especially with enemies lurking around what seems like every corner.

If you are a fan of Devney Perry’s small town romance, you’ll love Catherine Cowles too! I also highly recommend this on audio! This first book is narrated by Andi Arndt and Zachary Weber and I absolutely love them both! Andi is one of my fav female narrators, she absolutely brings Everly to life and has so much emotion in her voice. And Zachary fit perfectly as Hayes with his sexy voice!

Surprised me!

This one surprised me. I loved it, for the most part. This was my first Catherine Cowles. I was impressed by her writing, the imagery, the deep characters. It was a slow, slow burn and I would have appreciated a little more romance between Hayes and Everly as they became friends. Also some of the language was so repetitive. I kept rolling my eyes at the use of 'SUV'. Overall though I enjoyed the witty dialogue, the fast pace, and the small town feel. The Easton family was just perfection, too. I loved his mom and dad!

Catherine Cowles Knows Her Small Town Oregon!

I truly enjoyed this story! Especially the prologue!

Things that made me laugh ("It was official. I was losing it. Talking to a chipmunk as if he could understand every word that came out of my mouth."),
things that made me swoon ("It turned out Hayes could be a charmer when he needed to be. Which meant it was my turn to scowl. “Oh, turn that grin off. I’m not gonna fall at your feet because you flashed those pearly whites at me.”),
and things that made me have all the feels ("My eyes burned as I pressed my cheek against his chest. “Thanks for coming back for me.” “I’ll come back for you anytime you ask, Ev. Or even if you don’t.”)
So basically, I now get the hype... The banter between all the characters was perfection, and the pacing and length of each chapter worked so well. This new to me author was able to paint a story that had me curious and wanting more details about all the characters... I'm really looking forward to reading the next book!

WOW!

This is one of my favorite books of 2022 and now my favorite audio book EVER. Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber bring Everly and Hayes to life in this beautifully narrated story. Catherine Cowles is a master at weaving the perfect suspenseful romance. Tattered Stars is the first book in the Tattered & Torn series and brings us the story of Everly and Hayes. Everly has returned to the town she left 15 years ago to start an animal sanctuary on the property that still holds the memories of a horrible past. Not everyone is happy that she’s back and that includes the sexy sheriff, Hayes, but as they spend time together their romance is undeniable. This book introduces us to many wonderful characters and I can’t wait for their stories to unfold.

5 Star Read!!!

Omg!! If this book is any clue of what books coming in 2022 will be like then we are in for an epic reading year.
I swear I could not read this book fast enough. I started it this morning and It had me so engrossed from the first page to the last. I loved every second of Hayes and Everly's book. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Catherine story if it didn’t come with some exciting twists and surprises. Some I have to say I didn't see coming.
Everly is just the very definition of brave. I mean s wow the courage she showed. This woman is amazing her past was so interesting. I thought that storyline was great and not something that you rad often. Then we have Hayes. I mean who doesn’t love the small-town sheriff.? Only one thing could make it hotter, and that was to have Zachary Webber narrate. He was amazing at bringing Hayes to life.
Tattered Stars was the beginning of a new series for Catherine and it’s shaping up to be my favorite.

Captivating Romantic Suspense!

Tattered Stars is the latest release by Catherine Cowles and her best work yet! Catherine Cowles is synonymous with romantic suspense perfection! She creates captivating suspense with twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Tattered Stars is a gripping, emotionally charged read. Cowles has a masterful gift with a heart-wrenching plot, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and soul-soothing heart. You won't want to hit pause!

“You came in like a flash flood with no warning, and now I can’t imagine my life without you.”

I loved Tattered Stars! It is twisted, beautiful, and tragically real. This story is a gritty, raw emotional journey. Catherine’s writing is so effortlessly fluid. She weaves deliciously haunting, heartbreaking storylines, and powerful characters. This slow-burn, small-town romance is the perfect balance of heart-wrenching, chilling, sweet and funny. Tattered Stars is a marvelous beginning to a new series of books. Catherine built her new world of Wolf Gap with bewitching imagery, haunting history, and a wonderful variety of quirky characters. The Easton Family, though not without drama, is utterly charming. Hayes’ mom, Julia, is the best! Even the furry, 4-legged creatures will steal your heart!

Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber are 1-click narrators for me. They are mesmerizing in their narrations of Everly and Hayes. They balance each other beautifully. This is their best work yet! They brought the characters and story to life with passion and fascinating intensity. They are simply beguiling. If you enjoy growly Zach, you'll love his narration of Hayes. He's bound to be your new favorite alpha roll. Andi is pure magic in her narration of Everly. She embodies the tormented, fierce heroine with a passion that will ensnare you from page one.

Perfect beginning of a new series

Catherine Cowles sucked me in and kept me reeling while listening this book. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next while never wanting the story to end. Everything about this story was unexpected. I was blown away with everything from Everly’s background and connection to Hayes until the very end. Everly’s past has made her such a strong woman. Between how strong and her kind heart you will adore her. And Hayes oh man who doesn’t love a protective sheriff? He will steal your heart while he falls for Everly. The journey between Everly and Hayes consumed me and had me holding my breath to see what would happen next. And these narrators. Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt were the perfect Hayes and Everly.

What a fantastic story! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book has you hooked right from the Prologue.
Such fantastic writing, and the story keeps you gripped all the way through.
Hayes & Everly are such fantastic characters, brought to life by the always incredible narration of Andi Ardnt & Zachary Webber. They are always a dream team, and, combined with amazing writing by Catherine Cowles this book really taps into all your emotions as you listen.
Can't wait to work my way through the rest of the series.

Hooked from Prologue!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ narration

Book One in Catherine’s Tattered and Torn series. Another amazing prologue which was unexpected. Great story, good characters and plenty of suspense.

Again perfect narration from the dream team that is Andi and Zachary, I couldn’t fault them.

My only issue is that I found the actual romance between Everly and Hayes took a tad bit too long, it was way past the second half of the book, so it was quite a slow burn, but I will definitely continue on with the series as I want to know what happens to all the other characters.

Great book

🎧 AUDIO REVIEW 🎧

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I never read or listened to this author before and kept seeing them so thought I give them a go. A book friend of mine recommended this series in particular and I was not disappointed.

I loved the small town, the drama, the history of the families. It was not what I was expecting and how some of the residents acted and the twists.

I did figure out the twist in this one but I know some won’t. Definitely recommend.

Grippingly Captivating!

This is the first book in The Tattered and Torn series, a Small Town Romantic Suspense. OMG! This story is well written, and grippingly heart-wrenching. Hayes and Everly are fantastic characters. Everly is such a strong and smart character. Hayes is very handsome, protective, and supportive. Their past is heartbreaking. They are perfect together. The supporting characters are great and intriguing. The characters are well developed, and the plot is well crafted, and captivating. The storyline is emotional, and enthralling, filled with family drama, danger, suspense, romance, and unpredictable twists and turns. I liked the family bond and the friendship in the story, and I can’t wait to know more about Hayes's siblings, and his friend Calder. Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber did an outstanding job on the narration. The audio production is perfect. This is an excellent team author/narrators. If you like Romantic Suspense, this one is for you! I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. Looking forward to listening to Falling Embers, the next book in the series.

I loved it!

There’s danger lurking everywhere for Hayes and Everly in this fast paced thrilling storyline that I couldn’t put down. Tattered Stars (Tattered And Torn #1) is a slow burn, tame, romantic suspense with fantastic characters and great narrators. I highly recommend it!

Wonder Read

I was so excited for the new series by Catherine.
The narration of this book blew me away. It is emotional, gritty and compelling. This story pulls you In, I did not want it to end.

Fabulous book

Wow what an amazing start to a new series. I was hooked from the first page to the last. The emotional and heartbreaking but also heartwarming story was beautifully written and narrated by these two amazing people. Ms Cowles knows how to weave a tale of beauty. I can’t wait to read and listen to the next book now.

Beautiful and heart wrenching

What a beautiful heart wrenching story. Everly Kemper returns to her mountain home with hopes of chasing away the demons of her past but not everyone is ready to let her forget, including Sheriff Hayes Easton.

“That was what had always been at the heart of this journey. Melding the old with the new and forming it into something good.”

Hayes wants to hold a grudge against Everly but it’s not long before he sees her strength hidden under her bravado.

“I tried to hold on to the good bits. To remind myself that no one was all good or all bad. But, sometimes, the good pieces held more pain than the bad ones, as if the stars themselves became tattered remnants of what they once were.”

A string of attempted abductions brings back memories of the past and together Hayes and Everly have to fight back and find a way to build a better future.
I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook of this one. It had wonderful narration and I definitely plan to add it to my 'to be re-read" pile!
I absolutely love this first standalone book in the Tattered and Torn series!
-5 Stars!-

Just Twenty Breaths

Tattered Stars was such a beautiful and touching love story of forgiveness and new beginnings that swept me away from the opening chapter. Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber did a wonderful job on the narration especially Andi who imbued such emotion in voicing Everly that my heart hurt for her.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s a fantastically atmospheric small town romantic suspense novel with such amazing chemistry between the hero and heroine. Their relationship builds up gradually as they go from being enemies to becoming friends before taking the next step to lovers. All while the ominous danger stalking Everly grows in the background before coming to a fantastic conclusion. I can’t wait to listen to more from the Tattered & Torn series especially if the same narrators are used

What a start to this wonderful series!

Can you ever go back? Everly has decided to make her way back to her hometown. Her mother has left her the family ranch, and she would love to turn it into an animal sanctuary. But going home means facing so many things. After saving a girl after being kidnapped, she knows her family doesn’t want to see her. They feel betrayed by her. The people of the community associate her with her siblings, and they are sure not to welcome her. Hayes, Shiloh’s brother is the local sheriff now, and he is not making her feel any better about returning. Until he realizes there is more to her than her family. Feelings change, but is it enough to keep her in town? Danger is still lurking, and they just don’t know when or where it will strike next. Catherine Cowles has given us a wonderful new romantic suspense, and not only has our hearts captivated, but racing with thrills all at the same time. I love this beginning to her new series and am excited to see what she has in store for us next.

And what can be better than the narrating team of Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber? These two bring it all to life. Arndt creates the strong and vulnerable Everly. She is an amazing woman, and Arndt captures her perfectly. Webber is Hayes, attitude and all. I love how he can meld his characters and lets us feel the changes with his voice. He also gives Everly’s brothers the dangerous, edgy feel. These two can build the suspense and the passion, giving us exactly what we want with an amazing listen.