Book Review: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

I am in love with the Sparrow Falls series and was thrilled to start Chasing Shelter. Trace and Ellie had such a sweet and entertaining story with just a bit of suspense lurking on the periphery. I had a great time reading this, and as always, I loved the entire Colson crew!

Chasing Shelter (Sparrow Falls #5) by Catherine Cowles

I came here seeking sanctuary, I never meant to fall for the broody single dad next door.

I've spent my life hiding in plain sight, burying my past beneath layers of carefully constructed lies. Moving to Sparrow Falls was supposed to be a fresh start. A place to lay low. But when I end up living next door to the single dad who just happens to be one of my brother’s best friends, everything changes.

Trace Colson sees too much, asks too many questions, and his protectiveness is as infuriating as it is alluring.

And when danger comes calling, it’s Trace who stands between me and the darkness.

But being close to him is its own kind of risk. Because with every heated glance and every stolen touch, Trace tempts me to open my heart, to dream of a life I’d long since given up on. The only problem? Trace has his own demons, and when they collide with mine, the fallout could destroy us both.

Forever.

Deluxe Paperback Edition

4 out of 5 stars

Chasing Shelter was entertaining and fun with great characters and a nice bit of suspense. It was a light, easy read that had me smiling the entire time. I loved Trace and his big, complicated heart, and thought Ellie was a ray of sunshine. Add in the sweetness of Keely and this was a winner!

I felt for both Ellie and Trace as I learned about their pasts. My heart went out to Trace for all that he had endured, but I loved what he made of himself and how protective and caring he was. Ellie was a delight. With all she'd gone through, I loved that she’d persevered and had a wonderful, positive attitude. I liked the banter between them, their cute nicknames, his gruff to her light, and how she challenged him. I loved the building chemistry and sexual tension between them, there was a nice slow burn happening that I enjoyed.

Keely was adorable and I loved what she brought to the story. I loved the Colsons, they are an endearing group full of heart. Between the siblings’ text exchanges and Lolli’s crazy antics, they always had me laughing. I loved getting more Kye and seeing his personality, and I am excited for his story with Fallon. I also enjoyed the addition of Trace’s ex and what evolved there, it created a bit of tension with its own HEA.

There was a suspense element mixed in, but it felt low-key. Hints were sprinkled throughout the story that kept me on my toes but nothing too heavy. It wasn't super in-depth, but it added a good bit of drama and tension to the story. It gave me just enough details to keep me invested and turning the page. I found this to be more entertaining and sweet with a dash of light mystery building throughout, nothing too stressful, just exciting and inviting. Wonderful addition to the series!