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Chapel Falls #3
Shattered Dreams
He doesn’t like physical touch.
She learned to stop trusting people.
Can these two put aside past traumas and find love?
River
Everyone knows me as the quiet Bluff brother, the one who doesn’t like physical touch. But no one knows the horror I lived through. I learned at a young age that sometimes family doesn’t always have your best interest at heart.
I watched from the sidelines as my older brothers got their happily ever after. I found myself dreaming of more, but not knowing if I would find my person.
Until her.
Now that I know what true happiness feels like, I’m never letting her go.
Cora
I lost my trust in people years ago. Now, I keep my head down and do my best to survive. If losing my parents at fifteen wasn’t hard enough, living with my troubled brother was unbearable. I may be out of his home, but I’m not out of his clutches.
Having any sort of relationship seemed like a pipe dream to me; I lost all my friends years ago. The secrets I’ve had to hold in keep me up at night. But then a kind offer brings the Bluff family into my life.
And River.
Trouble hasn’t stopped following me. I just have something to fight for now.
She learned to stop trusting people.
Can these two put aside past traumas and find love?
River
Everyone knows me as the quiet Bluff brother, the one who doesn’t like physical touch. But no one knows the horror I lived through. I learned at a young age that sometimes family doesn’t always have your best interest at heart.
I watched from the sidelines as my older brothers got their happily ever after. I found myself dreaming of more, but not knowing if I would find my person.
Until her.
Now that I know what true happiness feels like, I’m never letting her go.
Cora
I lost my trust in people years ago. Now, I keep my head down and do my best to survive. If losing my parents at fifteen wasn’t hard enough, living with my troubled brother was unbearable. I may be out of his home, but I’m not out of his clutches.
Having any sort of relationship seemed like a pipe dream to me; I lost all my friends years ago. The secrets I’ve had to hold in keep me up at night. But then a kind offer brings the Bluff family into my life.
And River.
Trouble hasn’t stopped following me. I just have something to fight for now.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
35 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
N. Thompson
7 books34 followersN. Thompson is a contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. She writes about small towns that have captured her heart since childhood.
If she isn't writing, she can be found with a book in her hand and her Italian Mastiff at her side. In her spare time, she likes to drag her husband to antique stores.
If she isn't writing, she can be found with a book in her hand and her Italian Mastiff at her side. In her spare time, she likes to drag her husband to antique stores.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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December 22, 2025Shattered Dreams
Spoilers below.
It was alright, I guess? The story kind of reminded me of another author's work.
It’s got that small-town romance vibe, chosen family, and tight-knit relationships. Also, there’s insta-love, forced proximity, and suspense to keep things interesting. Then there are quite a few dark themes around the book.
This is my first book by this author since I've never read anything from her before. I get that this is meant to be a standalone, but tbh, the side characters were a bit overwhelming to follow. That's one of my problems when I jump into a series without reading them in order. I'll be confused about who's who.
But yeah, moving past that, story-wise, I think half of this was about the problem caused by the villain, and the other half was about the romance. Like I said, this has the insta-love going on for the MCs. Around the 40% mark, the MCs have already fallen in love, and it got me thinking about what’s next for the story.
The second half focused on their family activities, the MCs' romantic relationship, and the suspenseful elements of the book. Tbh, I skimmed some parts because I felt like they were written more as fillers, and it got a bit boring for me. 🤷♀️
The suspense kicked in during the last 10%, and it was alright, I guess. It didn't feel like it dragged on, but then again, this was pretty close to the end of the book, so maybe that's why.
Overall, it was pretty decent, I think. I'm still on the fence about whether I liked the writing style. It was pretty straightforward and nothing out of the ordinary, but it just didn't stir any feelings in me (or maybe that's just how I feel about it). I wouldn't really call this a good palate cleanser since it has some triggering content in the story.
Book info:
— Age gap (h21/H??)
— CSA (past, off page)
— Assault (Physical (off and on page), Sexual (past, off page))
— Kidnapping
— Extortion
— Murder
— Strangers to lovers
— Forced proximity
— Insta-love
— No cheating, OM/OW, separation
— No V
— HFN (1 mo later, engaged)
Notes:
— CSA. River and his brothers used to live with their POS mom when they were young. When his older brothers weren't around, his mom sold her to a pimp in exchange for some drugs. This info was just revealed and not actually done on the page.
— Abuse. Cora's parents died when she was fifteen, and after that, her abusive brother became her guardian. He used to lock her in the basement and punish her when she wouldn't follow his commands. She got out from his care when she turned 18, but only if she's going to pay him every week, like a payment for her freedom of sorts. And her brother's goons will always visit her and roughen her up if she misses any payment.
— No, V. Cora's brothers sold her virginity to the highest bidder (not sure what age), and this client took it away in front of an audience. That was the only time she ever had sex, and it left her feeling scared of the whole act altogether. River's childhood abuse caused him to dislike being touched by others. But he also mentioned that hooking up with someone only works for him if the woman's hands are tied. We didn't get any info on when his last time was. They used protection at first, but then they stopped. But they never had a conversation about clean bill status.
Spoilers below.
It was alright, I guess? The story kind of reminded me of another author's work.
It’s got that small-town romance vibe, chosen family, and tight-knit relationships. Also, there’s insta-love, forced proximity, and suspense to keep things interesting. Then there are quite a few dark themes around the book.
This is my first book by this author since I've never read anything from her before. I get that this is meant to be a standalone, but tbh, the side characters were a bit overwhelming to follow. That's one of my problems when I jump into a series without reading them in order. I'll be confused about who's who.
But yeah, moving past that, story-wise, I think half of this was about the problem caused by the villain, and the other half was about the romance. Like I said, this has the insta-love going on for the MCs. Around the 40% mark, the MCs have already fallen in love, and it got me thinking about what’s next for the story.
The second half focused on their family activities, the MCs' romantic relationship, and the suspenseful elements of the book. Tbh, I skimmed some parts because I felt like they were written more as fillers, and it got a bit boring for me. 🤷♀️
The suspense kicked in during the last 10%, and it was alright, I guess. It didn't feel like it dragged on, but then again, this was pretty close to the end of the book, so maybe that's why.
Overall, it was pretty decent, I think. I'm still on the fence about whether I liked the writing style. It was pretty straightforward and nothing out of the ordinary, but it just didn't stir any feelings in me (or maybe that's just how I feel about it). I wouldn't really call this a good palate cleanser since it has some triggering content in the story.
Book info:
— Age gap (h21/H??)
— CSA (past, off page)
— Assault (Physical (off and on page), Sexual (past, off page))
— Kidnapping
— Extortion
— Murder
— Strangers to lovers
— Forced proximity
— Insta-love
— No cheating, OM/OW, separation
— No V
— HFN (1 mo later, engaged)
Notes:
— CSA. River and his brothers used to live with their POS mom when they were young. When his older brothers weren't around, his mom sold her to a pimp in exchange for some drugs. This info was just revealed and not actually done on the page.
— Abuse. Cora's parents died when she was fifteen, and after that, her abusive brother became her guardian. He used to lock her in the basement and punish her when she wouldn't follow his commands. She got out from his care when she turned 18, but only if she's going to pay him every week, like a payment for her freedom of sorts. And her brother's goons will always visit her and roughen her up if she misses any payment.
— No, V. Cora's brothers sold her virginity to the highest bidder (not sure what age), and this client took it away in front of an audience. That was the only time she ever had sex, and it left her feeling scared of the whole act altogether. River's childhood abuse caused him to dislike being touched by others. But he also mentioned that hooking up with someone only works for him if the woman's hands are tied. We didn't get any info on when his last time was. They used protection at first, but then they stopped. But they never had a conversation about clean bill status.
October 31, 2025
I have loved the entire chapel falls series SO much! I think River has been my favorite brother since book 1 and I loved so much that he got his own story! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
November 2, 2025
This was my favorite out of the series! Any man with a man bun and tattoos does it for me! Also he is literally the sweetest man. Cora is tough as nails even though she didn’t think so. They both went through a lot of trauma and it was messy but they came out of it together and stronger! Loved their happy ending and this is probably the best found family I’ve read!
November 25, 2025
What a beautiful story for the last Bluff brother. To learn River and Cora’s life stories shows how far the family has come. Now River and Cora have found “their person” in each other and can help each other heal. As the overarching family has grown we also get to see the beautiful world they have created despite the pain they have all lived through. This gives a great weaving of River’s story while also showing the growth everyone has made as they have all continued to build their lives in Chapel Falls. River (like his brothers) has his own passions, pain, and deep love that develops for Cora. As always N. Thompson adds in a little spice to heat things up which is a nice touch. She also does a brilliant job weaving together the pasts and present lives of these characters and giving a wonderful ending that left me sad this series is finished. A beautiful end to the stories of the Bluff brothers that I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 3, 2025
TW: past mentioned death of parents, past abuse (physical and se*ual).
This book is so good! I really loved Cora and River, especially the moments he got protective. Definitely will go back and read the other books in this series.
When I started reading, I wasn't expecting to fall in love with this small town of Chapel Falls and the Bluff family.
Please do yourself a favor and pick up this series. This story will draw you in. If I didn't have to sleep, I would've finished reading in one night.
This book is so good! I really loved Cora and River, especially the moments he got protective. Definitely will go back and read the other books in this series.
When I started reading, I wasn't expecting to fall in love with this small town of Chapel Falls and the Bluff family.
Please do yourself a favor and pick up this series. This story will draw you in. If I didn't have to sleep, I would've finished reading in one night.
November 12, 2025
another stellar book
What can I say that I haven’t already about this amazing author and this amazing series?!
I knew River’s story was going to be bad and involve his mum but I never would have thought she would do what she did just for drugs! Cora is so incredibly beautiful just like Sparrow and Dahlia and so bloody strong!
These stories really know how to bring out the pain and heartache that really hit a reader full force but it is worth it in every way! I have adored this series and flew through these books so fast.
I cannot wait to read Jacks book next!!!
What can I say that I haven’t already about this amazing author and this amazing series?!
I knew River’s story was going to be bad and involve his mum but I never would have thought she would do what she did just for drugs! Cora is so incredibly beautiful just like Sparrow and Dahlia and so bloody strong!
These stories really know how to bring out the pain and heartache that really hit a reader full force but it is worth it in every way! I have adored this series and flew through these books so fast.
I cannot wait to read Jacks book next!!!
January 13, 2026
Holy freaking romantic suspense!
I could go on and on forever about this series but I won’t. I will just simply tell you that River and Cora’s story is my absolute favorite out of the series.
The storyline! The tension! The suspense! The romance! The found family! The friendships! The dreams! The love! Did I mention the storyline? Pure Perfection!
The whole story just had me hooked from page 1 to page 313. It will keep you on the edge the entire time wondering what will happen next. Don’t live in regret? Read it today!
I could go on and on forever about this series but I won’t. I will just simply tell you that River and Cora’s story is my absolute favorite out of the series.
The storyline! The tension! The suspense! The romance! The found family! The friendships! The dreams! The love! Did I mention the storyline? Pure Perfection!
The whole story just had me hooked from page 1 to page 313. It will keep you on the edge the entire time wondering what will happen next. Don’t live in regret? Read it today!
November 5, 2025
I had been patiently waiting for River’s story and it was nothing short of amazing! Everything I could have hoped for and more. The take no shit Bluff family makes this series even better! Cora was such a broken soul and I’m so happy with the outcome with not only her story but between her and River.
Shattered Dreams is Book 3 in the Chapel Falls series
[Book 1: Broken Promises // Book 2: Fractured Pieces]
Shattered Dreams is Book 3 in the Chapel Falls series
[Book 1: Broken Promises // Book 2: Fractured Pieces]
November 22, 2025
This is my favorite book of the series! I absolutely loved River and Cora.
Despite both of them having traumatic pasts, these two find ways to help heal each other, and I loved every minute of it! If you want found family this series is 100% that and for you. The Bluff family would do anything for each other and those they love.
Despite both of them having traumatic pasts, these two find ways to help heal each other, and I loved every minute of it! If you want found family this series is 100% that and for you. The Bluff family would do anything for each other and those they love.
November 7, 2025
Just a lovely story, although heartbreaking at times. Anyone would be in the Bluff family. I love the found family and how they embraced Cora. Loved the chemistry between Cora and River. I hope the author continues to write in this series! Well done!
November 7, 2025
I didn’t realize I liked river as much as I do. I love this entire series so much! It makes you feel a certain way & reminds me that our person is out there.
November 9, 2025
So good! I just love this series! I cannot wait for Jack’s book coming out next week!
I just love these characters!
I just love these characters!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews