Catherine Cowles nailed yet another one!!

Addie and Beckett quickly became my favorite couple of this series, so far. And while I loved the hell out of our hero, it was Addie who stole the show. Our girl's a badass. A fighter. A warrior. She has the sweetest, most generous soul. A heart of gold, especially for someone who has suffered at the hands of hateful, vengeful maniacs. She wrapped herself around my soul and made herself right at home. I felt her pain, her love, her fear, and her happiness bone deep. I cried for her. I smiled for her. And I rooted so damn hard for her. I wanted Beckett to hand her the entire world on a gold platter.

Just a forewarning: Addie's family/community were a full house of cray cray and then some. Just when you think it can't get any worse...brace yourself. There is a lot of descriptive physical, verbal, and mental abuse suffered at their hands. The beginning of this book, and throughout, can get pretty heavy handed as we navigate Addie's past and present.

My second favorite thing about Hidden Waters was the transformation of Beckett and Addie's friendship into love. Their connection and chemistry was absolutely breathtaking and all consuming. So poignant and complex, yet also cathartic. Hidden Waters, or should I say Beckett and Addie, tore my heart to pieces. It was beyond satisfying watching them become each other's salvation. I loved how much they loved and cherished each other.

I'm not usually one for slow burns, In fact, I normally avoid them like the plague, but Catherine's storytelling has me inhaling her books, especially her Torn and Tattered world. I love that there isn't anything insta about her couples, and I don't even mind that the romantic stuff doesn't usually enter until about 55-60% or so.

The last thing I loved was all of the secondary characters, who always feel just as important to the growth and movement of the story as the main do. While I adore Hayes, Ev, Hads, and Caldor, it was Laiken who caught my attention this round. I was intrigued by her character. Oh! And I actually liked Julia this go round. Beckett and Hadley's mom is growing on me.

Finally, if you're looking for charming, small town romances, with heroes who treasure the hell out of their heroines, mixed with a bit of action, look no further. This series has all of that and more.

P.S. Make sure you sign up for that bonus epilogue!! *swoon* It left me with butterflies! :)

P.P.S. That sneak peek into Laiken's story, Shattered Sea, had me wishing it was September. Lord that prologue just about broke me.