Hidden Waters - Catherine Cowles

  Hidden Waters, an all-new touching and heartfelt friends to lovers, small-town romance from bestselling author Catherine Cowles, is now available!

My family tried to break me. But, somehow, I made it out alive, even though the wounds from that survival are forever carved into my bones. Now, my only wish is for…normal. To know what it’s like to have friends, a job, a home.

 

The last thing I want is for my new roommate to see the scars I’m so desperate to keep hidden, especially not the ruggedly handsome man who steals my breath and sends my heart into overdrive.

 

But something tells me that Beckett has demons, too. I see it in the shadows haunting his gorgeous eyes and the way he looks at me with gentle understanding.

 

As our unlikely friendship becomes so much more, forces from my life slink out of the shadows. And we could both lose everything we’ve fought so hard for—down to our very last breaths…

 

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Keep reading for a look inside Hidden Waters!

 

“You deserved so much better.”

 

“I’m getting it. I’m making that beautiful life now. And I’ll appreciate it so much more because of what I’ve been through.”

 

It wasn’t enough for me. It never would be. But I admired how Addie could view her past. I struggled not to hold her too tightly. The urge to burn the world down around me was too strong. I wasn’t good the way Addie was. I still wanted to start with Allen.

 

“Beckett,” she whispered against my ear. “I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt. The skin is ugly but—”

 

I reared back. “Nothing about you is ugly.”

 

Her cheeks flamed. “It is. It’s just facts. I don’t care. There are so many more important things.”

 

“Show me.” I was already climbing to my feet.

 

“W-what?”

 

“Show me.”

 

Addie stood shakily. “I don’t want you to see it.”

 

My gaze locked with hers. I poured everything I was feeling into that one look. “Please.”

 

She didn’t say anything for a moment, searching my face for something. Then she nodded and turned around. Slowly, so painfully slowly, she unbuttoned her blouse. When she was done, she simply stood there, not lowering the shirt. Her ribs expanded and contracted in ragged breaths. Then she let the fabric fall to the floor.

 

Angry slashes crisscrossed her back. They were varying tones, shapes, and depths. In that moment, I knew Allen had done this to her over and over. My hands fisted so tightly I was in danger of breaking a knuckle.

 

I moved closer and then sank to my knees again. “It’s just me.” My hands went to Addie’s hips. She gave a slight jolt. I stilled. “You okay?” She nodded, the movement jerky, her breaths ragged. I slowly swept my thumb across a patch of raised skin. Then I bent forward, my lips going to the worst of the scars. I ghosted them over the flesh that had been torn apart but had come back together stronger than it had been before.

 

“Beauty in the strength that carried you through. Beauty in how you refused to be broken. Beauty that you never let yourself become cruel like him. Addie, there isn’t a thing about you that isn’t beautiful.”

 

 

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Hidden Waters is the third title in the Tattered and Torn Series and features Addie and Beckett.  I’ve been eagerly awaiting Addie’s story as she’s been a side character in the previous books. 

Addie is a survivor, who is both physically and emotionally scarred.  She’s shy and reserved and learning to live in a world full of unfamiliar experiences that were forbidden in the world she was raised.  She’s resilient, strong, and courageous and despite the trauma of her past continues to be kind, caring, compassionate and empathetic to others.  She struggles with trust, and lets few people get close enough to know all her secrets.

Beckett is a doctor and harbors guilt and regrets for actions in his past and is determined to make amends.  He’s a protective, kind, caring and compassionate alpha and the perfect partner for Addie.

Addie and Beckett’s story is a small town, romantic suspense, but what I really loved was how this pair complemented each other perfectly.  Their connection, chemistry and friendship are beautiful, but the way in which Beckett aids Addie to not only build her confidence but her independence is heart-warming.

Overall Hidden Waters is a beautiful story of healing and hope, and a wonderful addition to the Tattered and Torn series, and I look forward to reading Shattered Sea.