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Starlight Grove #2
Into the Fading Twilight
Listening Length: 12 hours and 11 minutes
She's known nothing but darkness for 413 days…but he'll burn down the world to save her.
After a year in captivity, Nova Monroe is back in Starlight Grove—but she's not the same woman who vanished. She lives on the edge, chases adrenaline, and refuses to be caged again. Cliff diving. Mountain biking. Anything to feel alive and outrun the memories clawing at her.
But the single dad with shadows of his own won't let her face it alone. Especially when she finds herself needing a place to stay.
Kol Archer has made it his mission to protect her. As a Forest Service investigator, he's no stranger to rugged terrain or battling for control. But nothing prepared him for Nova—her fire, her fight, the way she makes him feel something he thought was lost.
The closer they get, the more dangerous things become. Someone doesn't want Nova to move on. And Kol is determined to stop them—no matter the cost.
Because for the first time in forever, Nova's not just surviving. She's learning how to live, how to trust, and reminding Kol he can, too. But as darkness looms, the truth could destroy them both…
Into the Fading Twilight is a single dad, roommates-to-lovers, small-town romance about a woman starting over and a man who will do anything to keep her safe. This book can be listened to as a stand-alone.
She's known nothing but darkness for 413 days…but he'll burn down the world to save her.
After a year in captivity, Nova Monroe is back in Starlight Grove—but she's not the same woman who vanished. She lives on the edge, chases adrenaline, and refuses to be caged again. Cliff diving. Mountain biking. Anything to feel alive and outrun the memories clawing at her.
But the single dad with shadows of his own won't let her face it alone. Especially when she finds herself needing a place to stay.
Kol Archer has made it his mission to protect her. As a Forest Service investigator, he's no stranger to rugged terrain or battling for control. But nothing prepared him for Nova—her fire, her fight, the way she makes him feel something he thought was lost.
The closer they get, the more dangerous things become. Someone doesn't want Nova to move on. And Kol is determined to stop them—no matter the cost.
Because for the first time in forever, Nova's not just surviving. She's learning how to live, how to trust, and reminding Kol he can, too. But as darkness looms, the truth could destroy them both…
Into the Fading Twilight is a single dad, roommates-to-lovers, small-town romance about a woman starting over and a man who will do anything to keep her safe. This book can be listened to as a stand-alone.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 7, 2026
About the author
Catherine Cowles
49 books30.8k followersWriter of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,557 reviews
July 9, 2026
This was exactly what I needed. Had such a fun time with it, and imo this outshines the first book. The romance, the suspense, the family dynamics, humor and the characters were perfectly balanced. Not one aspect overpowered the other and I ate it up.
Kol and Nova had my heart. I swear the banter between them, the chemistry and the tenderness had me clutching my pearls with how much they were making me swoon. The romance is achingly tender and spicy when it is needed. The way these two communicated was everything and it was clear from the start you can't break them up.
And oh, Kol... I loved his consistency. He shows up every single time for Nova. Such a fierce protector, such a sweet single dad to Skylar. The way he carries himself.. He's a giant marshmallow. And good lord, the mouth on that man 🥵🥵 Nova, on the other hand is sassy, sarcastic and so witty. She is however, also a little reckless. BUTTTT there's a valid reason and her seeing her gain her confidence back, to heal was something beautiful to me.
The found family and the brothers are so easy to like. I'm not a fan of Dex, he's there for me. But Wylder and Orion have me in a chokehold. I can't wait for their own books. The suspense aspect was so intriguing, not once did it bore me. I craved more of that tbh.
Now I do want to say.. HOLY SHIT WHAT A PLOT TWIST at the end. I was not expecting that. I was fully theorizing it to be someone else and the reality had me shook, jaw on the floor. I absolutely love when books catch me off guard so brilliantly.
Alsoooo, can we talk about the set up for book 3? I'm gonna eat up the love hate chemistry between Mav and Aster. Though I can't wait for Orion... I don't think I mention him enough... He's my pookie bear and I'll fight Ever for him🥺👉👈
~•~•~
IT'S HEREEEEE 🥺🥺 Single dad + small town romance? My hopes are high 😩😍
Kol and Nova had my heart. I swear the banter between them, the chemistry and the tenderness had me clutching my pearls with how much they were making me swoon. The romance is achingly tender and spicy when it is needed. The way these two communicated was everything and it was clear from the start you can't break them up.
And oh, Kol... I loved his consistency. He shows up every single time for Nova. Such a fierce protector, such a sweet single dad to Skylar. The way he carries himself.. He's a giant marshmallow. And good lord, the mouth on that man 🥵🥵 Nova, on the other hand is sassy, sarcastic and so witty. She is however, also a little reckless. BUTTTT there's a valid reason and her seeing her gain her confidence back, to heal was something beautiful to me.
The found family and the brothers are so easy to like. I'm not a fan of Dex, he's there for me. But Wylder and Orion have me in a chokehold. I can't wait for their own books. The suspense aspect was so intriguing, not once did it bore me. I craved more of that tbh.
Now I do want to say.. HOLY SHIT WHAT A PLOT TWIST at the end. I was not expecting that. I was fully theorizing it to be someone else and the reality had me shook, jaw on the floor. I absolutely love when books catch me off guard so brilliantly.
Alsoooo, can we talk about the set up for book 3? I'm gonna eat up the love hate chemistry between Mav and Aster. Though I can't wait for Orion... I don't think I mention him enough... He's my pookie bear and I'll fight Ever for him🥺👉👈
~•~•~
IT'S HEREEEEE 🥺🥺 Single dad + small town romance? My hopes are high 😩😍
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July 13, 2026
⤿ rating: 5 stars
⤿ age: 18+
⤿ spice: 2/5
₊· ͟͟͞͞➳ Review may contain spoilers.
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:
🩵💙 Romantic Suspense
💙🩵 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩵💙 Single Dad
💙🩵 Healing Journey
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Overview: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
⁀જ➣꒰ ⋮ ρℓσт.꒱
That book was so, so good—I had so much fun reading it. It didn’t help with my romance slump, and yet I loved this book so much. Is that even possible? As I’ve said before, Kol is one of my favourite brothers, and his book absolutely delivered. In fact, I think this book is even better than book one.
The plot twist was JAW-DROPPING for me. I didn’t see that plot twist coming at all. In fact, it made me a little sad because I really wanted that person with…someone. The suspense was a continuation of book one, so I was worried it would be predictable. The author definitely nailed the aspect of letting you suspect everyone—except the actual suspect.
As always, the found family aspect is heartwarming to see. The bond between the brothers and their uncle. Alongside, how much all the characters in their small town care for each other during rough times was done perfectly. I also loved the epilogue and how it acts as a build up for the third book.
⁀જ➣꒰⋮ 𝕽𝖔𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊.꒱
The romance in this book made me feel all sorts of emotions. It made me smile, swoon, and so much more. As much as I loved the romance in this book, and could talk about it for a long time, I’d rather discuss something else: the bond between them.
Their bond isn’t just based on love alone. It’s based on healing, trust, and control. Of course, trust is a must in all relationships to work—but in this book, it was sort of different. The characters went against their own rules to show their trust in one another. They confided in each other when they didn’t even do that with their friends or siblings.
Instead of being drowned by their own trauma and healing journey, they were building each other up and learning how to swim to the other side.
⁀જ➣꒰⋮ ᭙𝕣ⅈ𝕥ⅈꪀᧁ.꒱
I’m so happy the slang was dropped to a minimum in this book. However, the writing in that book was so raw and beautiful. The healing journey of both characters was done so well and described perfectly that some of the quotes can resonate with the reader. The trauma explored in this book wasn’t only done by the characters themselves, but also by the town due to the aftermath of what happened in the previous book. I think it was so considerate of the author to consider other characters when exploring the topic of trauma.
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Characters: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
જ⁀➴ Nova: Oh, how I adored her and broke for her. She deserves all the happiness in the world after enduring so much pain and trauma. I loved seeing her healing journey and jumping back from the darkness and walking towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Her strength is quite inspiring and worth looking up to. I was happy to see how her healing journey progressed as we moved into the book, and how there were always ups and downs along the way—it was a beautiful and realistic image to create. Despite the obstacles thrown in her way, she still managed to be resilient and…live instead of learning how to survive with the pain inside her.
જ⁀➴ Kol: He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and yet he never failed at being an absent or a bad dad to his daughter—quite the opposite, he was the best dad Skylar could ever ask for. He’s quite the grumpy man, but his love isn’t quiet. It roars inside him, waiting to be unleashed onto the ones he loves. The worries and responsibilities he holds are too much for one to bear, yet he’s capable of doing so much for others. He neglects himself but never fails to be there for everyone who needs him. As someone who's always bound on following the rules, he never hesitated to break them for Nova and to secure her safety.
જ⁀➴ Skylar: She is absolutely adorable, and I teared up for her. I adore the bond between her and her father. Nova managed to fill a piece of Skylar that was missing for a very long time.
⋮ ⌗ ┆ 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
જ⁀➴ The Archer Family: Orion, I’m still dying to read your book, and I love the heck out of you. This man doesn’t even speak a word, but he managed to capture most of my attention. Maverick, our golden retriever with the hidden pain—can’t wait to read his book next. Wylder, how my heart broke for him at the end. He’s so gentle and observant, and I feel so much for him. He has become a favorite of mine. Waldon is the dad they never had, and I adore him so much.
જ⁀➴ Brae: I loved her friendship with Nova, and it’s very admirable. Brae was trying so hard to help Nova to the point of suffocation. She’s the friend who worries too much about her friend, and I loved her for that. While I’m sure we all can be overbearing at times, it still irritated me, but I’m glad they cleared the air between them and strengthened their bond even more.
── .✦ 𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: Overall, this was so much better than book one for me. I would absolutely recommend this series. I can't wait for the rest of it to be released.
«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»
˖ ֹ੭୧ pre-read:⊹ ࣪ ⑅
Hoping this will get me out of my romance slump. Genre slumps are worse than usual slumps 😭. Kol and Orion are my favorite brothers in the series, so excited to meet Kol in this one 🤭
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ starlight grove
✦︎☆┇ Across the Vanishing Sky - 4.25 stars
⤿ age: 18+
⤿ spice: 2/5
₊· ͟͟͞͞➳ Review may contain spoilers.
𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:
🩵💙 Romantic Suspense
💙🩵 Grumpy x Sunshine
🩵💙 Single Dad
💙🩵 Healing Journey
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Overview: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
⁀જ➣꒰ ⋮ ρℓσт.꒱
That book was so, so good—I had so much fun reading it. It didn’t help with my romance slump, and yet I loved this book so much. Is that even possible? As I’ve said before, Kol is one of my favourite brothers, and his book absolutely delivered. In fact, I think this book is even better than book one.
The plot twist was JAW-DROPPING for me. I didn’t see that plot twist coming at all. In fact, it made me a little sad because I really wanted that person with…someone. The suspense was a continuation of book one, so I was worried it would be predictable. The author definitely nailed the aspect of letting you suspect everyone—except the actual suspect.
As always, the found family aspect is heartwarming to see. The bond between the brothers and their uncle. Alongside, how much all the characters in their small town care for each other during rough times was done perfectly. I also loved the epilogue and how it acts as a build up for the third book.
⁀જ➣꒰⋮ 𝕽𝖔𝖒𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊.꒱
The romance in this book made me feel all sorts of emotions. It made me smile, swoon, and so much more. As much as I loved the romance in this book, and could talk about it for a long time, I’d rather discuss something else: the bond between them.
Their bond isn’t just based on love alone. It’s based on healing, trust, and control. Of course, trust is a must in all relationships to work—but in this book, it was sort of different. The characters went against their own rules to show their trust in one another. They confided in each other when they didn’t even do that with their friends or siblings.
Instead of being drowned by their own trauma and healing journey, they were building each other up and learning how to swim to the other side.
⁀જ➣꒰⋮ ᭙𝕣ⅈ𝕥ⅈꪀᧁ.꒱
I’m so happy the slang was dropped to a minimum in this book. However, the writing in that book was so raw and beautiful. The healing journey of both characters was done so well and described perfectly that some of the quotes can resonate with the reader. The trauma explored in this book wasn’t only done by the characters themselves, but also by the town due to the aftermath of what happened in the previous book. I think it was so considerate of the author to consider other characters when exploring the topic of trauma.
══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══╡ Characters: ╞══⋆⋅☆⋅⋆══
જ⁀➴ Nova: Oh, how I adored her and broke for her. She deserves all the happiness in the world after enduring so much pain and trauma. I loved seeing her healing journey and jumping back from the darkness and walking towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Her strength is quite inspiring and worth looking up to. I was happy to see how her healing journey progressed as we moved into the book, and how there were always ups and downs along the way—it was a beautiful and realistic image to create. Despite the obstacles thrown in her way, she still managed to be resilient and…live instead of learning how to survive with the pain inside her.
જ⁀➴ Kol: He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and yet he never failed at being an absent or a bad dad to his daughter—quite the opposite, he was the best dad Skylar could ever ask for. He’s quite the grumpy man, but his love isn’t quiet. It roars inside him, waiting to be unleashed onto the ones he loves. The worries and responsibilities he holds are too much for one to bear, yet he’s capable of doing so much for others. He neglects himself but never fails to be there for everyone who needs him. As someone who's always bound on following the rules, he never hesitated to break them for Nova and to secure her safety.
જ⁀➴ Skylar: She is absolutely adorable, and I teared up for her. I adore the bond between her and her father. Nova managed to fill a piece of Skylar that was missing for a very long time.
⋮ ⌗ ┆ 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
જ⁀➴ The Archer Family: Orion, I’m still dying to read your book, and I love the heck out of you. This man doesn’t even speak a word, but he managed to capture most of my attention. Maverick, our golden retriever with the hidden pain—can’t wait to read his book next. Wylder, how my heart broke for him at the end. He’s so gentle and observant, and I feel so much for him. He has become a favorite of mine. Waldon is the dad they never had, and I adore him so much.
જ⁀➴ Brae: I loved her friendship with Nova, and it’s very admirable. Brae was trying so hard to help Nova to the point of suffocation. She’s the friend who worries too much about her friend, and I loved her for that. While I’m sure we all can be overbearing at times, it still irritated me, but I’m glad they cleared the air between them and strengthened their bond even more.
── .✦ 𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: Overall, this was so much better than book one for me. I would absolutely recommend this series. I can't wait for the rest of it to be released.
«────── « ⋅ʚ♡ɞ⋅ » ──────»
˖ ֹ੭୧ pre-read:⊹ ࣪ ⑅
Hoping this will get me out of my romance slump. Genre slumps are worse than usual slumps 😭. Kol and Orion are my favorite brothers in the series, so excited to meet Kol in this one 🤭
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ starlight grove
✦︎☆┇ Across the Vanishing Sky - 4.25 stars
Currently Reading
July 13, 2026|𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 ⸼ ۪۫ᴓ˟.
I'𝗆 𝖻𝖾𝗒𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗂𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝖿𝗂𝗇𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗀𝗈 𝖻𝖾𝗍𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝖪𝗈𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖭𝗈𝗏𝖺😛😛. Buddy reading with gorgeous CC!! 🤭
I'𝗆 𝖻𝖾𝗒𝗈𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗂𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝖿𝗂𝗇𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗒 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝖾𝖾 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝗀𝗈 𝖻𝖾𝗍𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝖪𝗈𝗅 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖭𝗈𝗏𝖺😛😛. Buddy reading with gorgeous CC!! 🤭
July 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up (reserving the right to change to a solid 5 ⭐️ if I’m still thinking about this book in a few days).
This may be my favorite Catherine Cowles book/characters/couple to date. Incredible!!!
I already can’t wait for book 3. Is it November yet???
This may be my favorite Catherine Cowles book/characters/couple to date. Incredible!!!
I already can’t wait for book 3. Is it November yet???
July 13, 2026
This was so emotional, a beautiful story of healing, of two imperfectly perfect people being each other's safe place. I loved it even more than book one, it was much more impactful!!
Nova was so brave, so strong and she was such a fighter!! Her trauma was unfathomable and seeing her do things to remind herself she's breathing and that she's alive, words that made her fight when all she wanted was to give up, it made me so emotional. She went through so much, she deserves nothing but happiness and seeing the way Kol understood her, how he helped her, how he made sure she always felt safe with him, it made my heart incredibly happy!!
Kol was truly an amazing man, a wonderful dad, so caring and always there for everyone else, but never himself.. The guilt he carried and the way he didn't think he deserved the good in his life broke my heart. Seeing him find that happiness with Nova, how they found their place together, how much comfort they brought each other, it was incredibly special!!
I knew I was going to love their story, but even my incredibly high expectations weren't high enough, I don't think I can put into words just how much I loved it!!
The understanding, the banter, the tree, the apartment, the comfort, the protection, the bookshelves, the hug, the little touches, the cliff jumping, the bar, the control, the woods, the comfort, the love, the twilight. Every single moment carried weight!! The trust they had, the way they could always talk to one another and the way the truth came easy when it was just two of them, even though it was hard with everyone else.. That connection is what made their story special, the way they loved and healed together!! The spice wasn't just good, it was integral for their healing, the tenderness and the surrender of control it carried beneath the heat was so important.
Skylar was an absolute ray of sunshine, I adore that little girl!! Her bond with Nova, the bracelets, the deep love, it was such a beautiful thing. She saw so much and the bond she had with Kol was one of my favourite things.
The Archer brothers have a special place in my heart, I love how strong their bond is, forged in darkness and unbreakable, and I honestly can't wait to get all of their stories, especially Orion's since he's my favourite.. I'm becoming very attached to Wylder too and I'm so worried about him.. And, Waylon, that man deserves all the praise!!
I loved the friendship between Nova and Brae and the way they slowly started to rebuild it through the worst of it.. So much has changed and their dynamic at the beginning wasn't the best, but they found their way back, even stronger than before.
Catherine, as always, knows how to deliver the suspense and the fear, but seeing Nova go through that terror again after everything she's been through was hard. I have to say, while I did suspect that person, I never let myself truly believe I was correct in my suspicion...
That glimpse into the next book has me counting the days until November for Maverick and Aster. I just love their banter and the love-hate chemistry!!
.·:*¨ ¨*:·.
After the way the last book I read left me, I'm putting all my hopes in this book to keep me from falling into a slump.. Catherine Cowles books are a special kind of drug for me, so I have no doubt this will deliver!!
Nova was so brave, so strong and she was such a fighter!! Her trauma was unfathomable and seeing her do things to remind herself she's breathing and that she's alive, words that made her fight when all she wanted was to give up, it made me so emotional. She went through so much, she deserves nothing but happiness and seeing the way Kol understood her, how he helped her, how he made sure she always felt safe with him, it made my heart incredibly happy!!
Kol was truly an amazing man, a wonderful dad, so caring and always there for everyone else, but never himself.. The guilt he carried and the way he didn't think he deserved the good in his life broke my heart. Seeing him find that happiness with Nova, how they found their place together, how much comfort they brought each other, it was incredibly special!!
I knew I was going to love their story, but even my incredibly high expectations weren't high enough, I don't think I can put into words just how much I loved it!!
The understanding, the banter, the tree, the apartment, the comfort, the protection, the bookshelves, the hug, the little touches, the cliff jumping, the bar, the control, the woods, the comfort, the love, the twilight. Every single moment carried weight!! The trust they had, the way they could always talk to one another and the way the truth came easy when it was just two of them, even though it was hard with everyone else.. That connection is what made their story special, the way they loved and healed together!! The spice wasn't just good, it was integral for their healing, the tenderness and the surrender of control it carried beneath the heat was so important.
Skylar was an absolute ray of sunshine, I adore that little girl!! Her bond with Nova, the bracelets, the deep love, it was such a beautiful thing. She saw so much and the bond she had with Kol was one of my favourite things.
The Archer brothers have a special place in my heart, I love how strong their bond is, forged in darkness and unbreakable, and I honestly can't wait to get all of their stories, especially Orion's since he's my favourite.. I'm becoming very attached to Wylder too and I'm so worried about him.. And, Waylon, that man deserves all the praise!!
I loved the friendship between Nova and Brae and the way they slowly started to rebuild it through the worst of it.. So much has changed and their dynamic at the beginning wasn't the best, but they found their way back, even stronger than before.
Catherine, as always, knows how to deliver the suspense and the fear, but seeing Nova go through that terror again after everything she's been through was hard. I have to say, while I did suspect that person, I never let myself truly believe I was correct in my suspicion...
That glimpse into the next book has me counting the days until November for Maverick and Aster. I just love their banter and the love-hate chemistry!!
.·:*¨ ¨*:·.
After the way the last book I read left me, I'm putting all my hopes in this book to keep me from falling into a slump.. Catherine Cowles books are a special kind of drug for me, so I have no doubt this will deliver!!
July 11, 2026
5 🌟 “𝚈𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝.”
this one tugged on my heart quite a bit i’m lowkey unwell 😭❤️🩹
i loved our main characters in this one. 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙖 has endured so much after the events of book 1 and watching her on this healing journey with the help of 𝙆𝙤𝙡 was everything. i loved the way their relationship unraveled. these two understand each other in a way most can’t and the way they help each other grow my heart 🥹💙
another thing i really loved was 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙖 and 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙚 navigating their friendship after everything. the sisterhood and love they have for each other is everything 💞
“𝙰𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎, 𝙸 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛. 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚠. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚠𝚊𝚢: 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎.”
also 𝙎𝙠𝙮𝙡𝙖𝙧 is the cutest and i just love this found family so much!! 🥰
the PNW vibes + the romantic suspense aspects are so good in these books. i’m addicted and need the rest of the series right this moment!!
THAT ENDING FUCKING GAGGED 😮 not me thinking that was going in a whole different direction………… what in the hell!!! i’m definitely not a genius but jaw on the floor. immediately bumped this up to 5 fucking stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙨 amazing 👏🏻 let me go read your whole backlog now!!
loved that epilogue 😋✨ but also??? hahaha what the 🤣🤣 you could say i’m so sat for the next book yes yes yes 😜
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 🌲🌄 🌊 🐦🔥🕵🏻 🗺️ 🚴🏻♀️🍒 ꒱ ˎˊ˗
this one tugged on my heart quite a bit i’m lowkey unwell 😭❤️🩹
i loved our main characters in this one. 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙖 has endured so much after the events of book 1 and watching her on this healing journey with the help of 𝙆𝙤𝙡 was everything. i loved the way their relationship unraveled. these two understand each other in a way most can’t and the way they help each other grow my heart 🥹💙
another thing i really loved was 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙖 and 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙚 navigating their friendship after everything. the sisterhood and love they have for each other is everything 💞
“𝙰𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎, 𝙸 𝚏𝚎𝚕𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚎𝚛. 𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚠. 𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚠𝚊𝚢: 𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎.”
also 𝙎𝙠𝙮𝙡𝙖𝙧 is the cutest and i just love this found family so much!! 🥰
the PNW vibes + the romantic suspense aspects are so good in these books. i’m addicted and need the rest of the series right this moment!!
THAT ENDING FUCKING GAGGED 😮 not me thinking that was going in a whole different direction………… what in the hell!!! i’m definitely not a genius but jaw on the floor. immediately bumped this up to 5 fucking stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙚𝙨 amazing 👏🏻 let me go read your whole backlog now!!
loved that epilogue 😋✨ but also??? hahaha what the 🤣🤣 you could say i’m so sat for the next book yes yes yes 😜
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 🌲🌄 🌊 🐦🔥🕵🏻 🗺️ 🚴🏻♀️🍒 ꒱ ˎˊ˗
Currently Reading
July 14, 2026pre-read:
yesss im so ready for Kol and Nova! 🤸♀️✨ Continuing this journey with bestiee Ss 🤭
yesss im so ready for Kol and Nova! 🤸♀️✨ Continuing this journey with bestiee Ss 🤭
July 13, 2026
[⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Review]
☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ INTO THE FADING TWILIGHT ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎Is the second full length small town romance book in the (Starlight Grove) series by author Catherine Cowles.
I've only encountered this author very recently, each book I have read gave me that 5 star read I always seek. She pulled me under her spell with the first book in this series and I was super excited to jump back into this world once it went live.
Tropes:
- Roommates to Lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Single Dad
- Forbidden
- Tortured Hero
- Slow Burn
Like the previous book this also pulled me in straight away, the quantiness of the small town setting, with the mountain and forest at its doorstep, the unease that a serial killer could be walking amongst them, or a copycat killer taking unsuspecting hikers. This definitely had those thrilling twists and turns.
And amongst it all Nova was trying to find her way back into the light, forever changed from the person she used to be before captivity and all that she had endured. To feel alive and to have an ounce of control she throws herself into hairraising adrenaline pumping activities. Grounding her is the very person who found her, Kol, painstakingly slowly him and his Skylar daughter slowly breathe life back into her soul.
These brothers easily capture your hearts, each of them carry the scars and sins of their father deep in their souls, irrevocably changed that fateful day when when their whole worlds came crashing down. Years later those scars are still ever present and we get a front row seat as each brother over comes the unthinkable and finds love, peace and happiness.
☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ INTO THE FADING TWILIGHT ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎Is the second full length small town romance book in the (Starlight Grove) series by author Catherine Cowles.
I've only encountered this author very recently, each book I have read gave me that 5 star read I always seek. She pulled me under her spell with the first book in this series and I was super excited to jump back into this world once it went live.
Tropes:
- Roommates to Lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Single Dad
- Forbidden
- Tortured Hero
- Slow Burn
Like the previous book this also pulled me in straight away, the quantiness of the small town setting, with the mountain and forest at its doorstep, the unease that a serial killer could be walking amongst them, or a copycat killer taking unsuspecting hikers. This definitely had those thrilling twists and turns.
And amongst it all Nova was trying to find her way back into the light, forever changed from the person she used to be before captivity and all that she had endured. To feel alive and to have an ounce of control she throws herself into hairraising adrenaline pumping activities. Grounding her is the very person who found her, Kol, painstakingly slowly him and his Skylar daughter slowly breathe life back into her soul.
These brothers easily capture your hearts, each of them carry the scars and sins of their father deep in their souls, irrevocably changed that fateful day when when their whole worlds came crashing down. Years later those scars are still ever present and we get a front row seat as each brother over comes the unthinkable and finds love, peace and happiness.
July 2, 2026
♾️ ⭐️
I knew Kol & Nova were something special since the epilogue and CC did not disappoint with their love story.
I’m always a fan of mental health journeys in a romance and I love the way this was approached. Nova has an uphill battle after being kidnapped and kept in captivity and everyone is on overprotective kid glove detail except for Kol.
Kol sees her. The real her. And he meets her right where she needs at every step of her journey out of the dark.
And in turn Nova sees the real him and helps him on his own journey.
These two have a beautiful love that develops in the darkest of the places, but with each other they learn to live in the light holding one another’s hands.
Bravo Catherine and eternal gratitude for the e-arc. This was spectacular and unseated Shadows of You as my favorite book of yours.
🩵
Are you kidding me with the tension between these two already? I got 2 pages with them and I’m already desperate.
The way I know Kol is gonna be alpha protective to her is sending me into orbit.
I knew Kol & Nova were something special since the epilogue and CC did not disappoint with their love story.
I’m always a fan of mental health journeys in a romance and I love the way this was approached. Nova has an uphill battle after being kidnapped and kept in captivity and everyone is on overprotective kid glove detail except for Kol.
Kol sees her. The real her. And he meets her right where she needs at every step of her journey out of the dark.
And in turn Nova sees the real him and helps him on his own journey.
These two have a beautiful love that develops in the darkest of the places, but with each other they learn to live in the light holding one another’s hands.
Bravo Catherine and eternal gratitude for the e-arc. This was spectacular and unseated Shadows of You as my favorite book of yours.
🩵
Are you kidding me with the tension between these two already? I got 2 pages with them and I’m already desperate.
The way I know Kol is gonna be alpha protective to her is sending me into orbit.
May 10, 2026
I was so excited for Nova and Kol's story. Kol was my favourite brother alongside Orion, and I was desperate to finally get Nova's story too. Catherine Cowles absolutely nailed it for me. She didn't shy away from either Nova or Kol's trauma, and the way she brought them together was beautifully done.
I flew through this book in just a couple of hours because I genuinely couldn't put it down. The relationship development was a solid 10/10 for me and the pacing, plot and writing had me hooked. I definitely need to go back and read more of Catherine Cowles' books now.
I'm also two for two when it comes to guessing the 'villain', although I did doubt myself for a moment there - excellent plot twist! My only small gripe is that once Nova and Kol finally got together everything felt very full speed ahead from that point on.
Can't wait for Mav and Aster's book although sad we won't be getting Orion's book yet! But absolutely love the Archer family and how they all had a part in supporting Nova.
I received an advanced reading copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I flew through this book in just a couple of hours because I genuinely couldn't put it down. The relationship development was a solid 10/10 for me and the pacing, plot and writing had me hooked. I definitely need to go back and read more of Catherine Cowles' books now.
I'm also two for two when it comes to guessing the 'villain', although I did doubt myself for a moment there - excellent plot twist! My only small gripe is that once Nova and Kol finally got together everything felt very full speed ahead from that point on.
Can't wait for Mav and Aster's book although sad we won't be getting Orion's book yet! But absolutely love the Archer family and how they all had a part in supporting Nova.
I received an advanced reading copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2026
this was so sososoosossoo good
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
YESSSS the audiobook is AMAZING!!!!! soso grateful for the opportunity to listen to it early 🥹 single dad & trauma ugh !!!! literally one of my most anticipated titles of the year like this is insane!!
✧˖°💙 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
⤷ single dad
⤷ roommates
⤷ trauma
⤷ small town
⤷ found family
⤷ forbidden
out july 7!!
thank you must love audio for the ALC!
𐙚⋆°｡⋆♡ ── pre-read
YESSSS the audiobook is AMAZING!!!!! soso grateful for the opportunity to listen to it early 🥹 single dad & trauma ugh !!!! literally one of my most anticipated titles of the year like this is insane!!
✧˖°💙 ⋆｡˚꩜ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭
⤷ single dad
⤷ roommates
⤷ trauma
⤷ small town
⤷ found family
⤷ forbidden
out july 7!!
thank you must love audio for the ALC!
Currently Reading
July 14, 202614/07/2026 — i need a really really good book considering i've been reading back to back 1-2 stars read.. and i know for sure this is going to deliver so i'm locking in and reading it! maybeee i'll have the mystery solved this time
29/06/2026 — okay i lied, who's surprised?? not me. anyways just took a little peek at the prologue, WHY AM I ALREADY BAWLING MY EYES OUT????
26/06/2026 — i literally mightve forgot i had the arc but anyways i'm downloading and reading it rn!!
23/06/2026 — afsgdhdjakal- I HAVE THE ARC IN MY HANDS!!! literally can't wait to be back in starlight grove. also single dad, mhmm. and nova deserves the entire fucking world.
29/06/2026 — okay i lied, who's surprised?? not me. anyways just took a little peek at the prologue, WHY AM I ALREADY BAWLING MY EYES OUT????
26/06/2026 — i literally mightve forgot i had the arc but anyways i'm downloading and reading it rn!!
23/06/2026 — afsgdhdjakal- I HAVE THE ARC IN MY HANDS!!! literally can't wait to be back in starlight grove. also single dad, mhmm. and nova deserves the entire fucking world.
July 9, 2026
3.5 ⭐
This was actually good, and I did enjoy it. Ngl, I couldn't care less about the suspense. I was more invested in the romance, which took quite a while before it actually developed into something meaningful. The chemistry was there, although it wasn't palpable at first, but it gradually built throughout the story.
As per the previous book, it was Kol who found Nova and rescued her. And because of this, I feel like they trauma bond and grow closer as they navigate their shared experiences. Then the attraction came into play, but like I said, they didn't act on it, and it took some time for the MCs to do something about it.
I just liked Nova's healing journey and how she got back from the ordeal she went through, and I liked that Kal was there helping her navigate the aftermath.
I really loved how his family and daughter welcomed Nova with open arms and were always there to support her. It was good to see that she didn't turn them down and was just thankful for all the support they offered. I liked how the MCs are always communicating with each other. There were a few times when they held back their thoughts, but I'm glad they don’t bottle up their feelings for too long.
Overall, I had a good time with it, even if it felt a bit lengthy, imo. Some parts seemed a bit like filler, which made the story feel a bit dragged out at times. But aside from that, I really enjoyed this book. And how the found family played a big role in the story.
Book info:
— Small town romance
— Single dad
— Age gap (???)
— Suspense
— Panic attacks
— Recollection of events during captivity
— No cheating, OM/OW, separation
— No Vs
— HEA (4 mos later, pregnant with twins, married I think??)
Notes:
— OM. Not really. When Nova was out with a friend, the OM came up to her. But Kol showed up just in time to chase him away.
— The egg donor was someone Kol was in a situationship with. She just left without saying anything and came back after having the baby to give up all her rights.
— No, V. Nova has never been with anyone since the incident, and Kol has been celibate since he took Skylar, so roughly 8 yrs??
— Separation. Not really. Kol got scared about the feelings he was developing for Nova, so he decided to shut her out. She picked up on the hint immediately and didn’t talk to him for two weeks. This was before they finally got together.
— Smexual stuff. Kol was into bondage, and it was a part of the story in the book. It seems like that's his way of having control. And Nova was more than happy to partake in it. She didn't do it right away, but eventually she came around.
This was actually good, and I did enjoy it. Ngl, I couldn't care less about the suspense. I was more invested in the romance, which took quite a while before it actually developed into something meaningful. The chemistry was there, although it wasn't palpable at first, but it gradually built throughout the story.
As per the previous book, it was Kol who found Nova and rescued her. And because of this, I feel like they trauma bond and grow closer as they navigate their shared experiences. Then the attraction came into play, but like I said, they didn't act on it, and it took some time for the MCs to do something about it.
I just liked Nova's healing journey and how she got back from the ordeal she went through, and I liked that Kal was there helping her navigate the aftermath.
I really loved how his family and daughter welcomed Nova with open arms and were always there to support her. It was good to see that she didn't turn them down and was just thankful for all the support they offered. I liked how the MCs are always communicating with each other. There were a few times when they held back their thoughts, but I'm glad they don’t bottle up their feelings for too long.
Overall, I had a good time with it, even if it felt a bit lengthy, imo. Some parts seemed a bit like filler, which made the story feel a bit dragged out at times. But aside from that, I really enjoyed this book. And how the found family played a big role in the story.
Book info:
— Small town romance
— Single dad
— Age gap (???)
— Suspense
— Panic attacks
— Recollection of events during captivity
— No cheating, OM/OW, separation
— No Vs
— HEA (4 mos later, pregnant with twins, married I think??)
Notes:
— OM. Not really. When Nova was out with a friend, the OM came up to her. But Kol showed up just in time to chase him away.
— The egg donor was someone Kol was in a situationship with. She just left without saying anything and came back after having the baby to give up all her rights.
— No, V. Nova has never been with anyone since the incident, and Kol has been celibate since he took Skylar, so roughly 8 yrs??
— Separation. Not really. Kol got scared about the feelings he was developing for Nova, so he decided to shut her out. She picked up on the hint immediately and didn’t talk to him for two weeks. This was before they finally got together.
— Smexual stuff. Kol was into bondage, and it was a part of the story in the book. It seems like that's his way of having control. And Nova was more than happy to partake in it. She didn't do it right away, but eventually she came around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
Gah, I wanted to love this one but it just didn't work exactly in the way I would've liked.
One of the things I loved about Across the Vanishing Sky was how well it balanced the suspense with Brae's search for her best friend while naturally developing the romance between her and Dex. Their relationship felt like it grew organically, and by the time they fell in love, it felt completely earned.
Unfortunately, I didn't get that same feeling with Nova and Kol.
For a large portion of the book, the story felt repetitive. It seemed to follow the same cycle over and over: Nova would spiral or experience a PTSD episode, Kol would come to her rescue and reassure her that she was safe, she'd throw herself into another adrenaline-fuelled activity like mountain biking or cliff jumping, something else would inevitably happen, and then the cycle would repeat. I completely understand why Nova's trauma is such a central part of her character, I sort of wish she approached therapy earlier and we watched her build herself back up from there? If that makes sense.
Because so much of their time together revolved around Kol comforting or protecting Nova, I never really felt like I got to know them as a couple. Outside of him reassuring her, there weren't many conversations that built emotional intimacy or romantic chemistry. It's just them sitting on the porch at night with Kol telling her how strong and incredible and amazing she is and her doing the same for him. Instead of watching a relationship develop, it felt more like two people bonding through trauma. When the "I love yous" arrived, it felt far too soon and leaned into insta-love for me.
I also found myself far more invested in the mystery than the romance. The suspense elements were genuinely compelling, and I was constantly trying to figure out who the stalker was. That storyline kept me turning the pages more than the relationship itself. The plot twist I didn't see coming though and that was a strong suspense bit.
Some of the dialogue also bordered on cringey. There were quite a few confession-style conversations that didn't always feel natural. Kol calling Nova "Phoenix" almost immediately never really worked for me, and Nova calling him "Boss" was a little confusing considering he wasn't actually her boss. I know she meant it in a teasing, "bossy" way, but it still felt a little awkward.
I also missed Brae's presence. Since this series began with her relentless determination to find Nova, I expected their friendship to remain a significant part of the story once they were reunited. I understood that they had a lot to work through, but she felt surprisingly absent for someone who had been so central to the overarching plot.
One aspect that really took me out of the story was an intimate scene involving ropes and restraint. Considering Nova had spent over a year imprisoned in chains and was still living with both the emotional and physical aftermath of that experience, introducing that dynamic into their relationship felt out of sync with her healing journey. I also struggle a bit with the need to include so much talking and commands in the bedroom now in romance writing. Not everybody has to be this sex king/queen, regular, quiet intimacy is allowed too.
I'll absolutely continue with the series because I'm already excited for the next book, which I'm pretty sure is going to involve fake dating... and if that's the case, I'm all in.
One of the things I loved about Across the Vanishing Sky was how well it balanced the suspense with Brae's search for her best friend while naturally developing the romance between her and Dex. Their relationship felt like it grew organically, and by the time they fell in love, it felt completely earned.
Unfortunately, I didn't get that same feeling with Nova and Kol.
For a large portion of the book, the story felt repetitive. It seemed to follow the same cycle over and over: Nova would spiral or experience a PTSD episode, Kol would come to her rescue and reassure her that she was safe, she'd throw herself into another adrenaline-fuelled activity like mountain biking or cliff jumping, something else would inevitably happen, and then the cycle would repeat. I completely understand why Nova's trauma is such a central part of her character, I sort of wish she approached therapy earlier and we watched her build herself back up from there? If that makes sense.
Because so much of their time together revolved around Kol comforting or protecting Nova, I never really felt like I got to know them as a couple. Outside of him reassuring her, there weren't many conversations that built emotional intimacy or romantic chemistry. It's just them sitting on the porch at night with Kol telling her how strong and incredible and amazing she is and her doing the same for him. Instead of watching a relationship develop, it felt more like two people bonding through trauma. When the "I love yous" arrived, it felt far too soon and leaned into insta-love for me.
I also found myself far more invested in the mystery than the romance. The suspense elements were genuinely compelling, and I was constantly trying to figure out who the stalker was. That storyline kept me turning the pages more than the relationship itself. The plot twist I didn't see coming though and that was a strong suspense bit.
Some of the dialogue also bordered on cringey. There were quite a few confession-style conversations that didn't always feel natural. Kol calling Nova "Phoenix" almost immediately never really worked for me, and Nova calling him "Boss" was a little confusing considering he wasn't actually her boss. I know she meant it in a teasing, "bossy" way, but it still felt a little awkward.
I also missed Brae's presence. Since this series began with her relentless determination to find Nova, I expected their friendship to remain a significant part of the story once they were reunited. I understood that they had a lot to work through, but she felt surprisingly absent for someone who had been so central to the overarching plot.
One aspect that really took me out of the story was an intimate scene involving ropes and restraint. Considering Nova had spent over a year imprisoned in chains and was still living with both the emotional and physical aftermath of that experience, introducing that dynamic into their relationship felt out of sync with her healing journey. I also struggle a bit with the need to include so much talking and commands in the bedroom now in romance writing. Not everybody has to be this sex king/queen, regular, quiet intimacy is allowed too.
I'll absolutely continue with the series because I'm already excited for the next book, which I'm pretty sure is going to involve fake dating... and if that's the case, I'm all in.
July 12, 2026
4.5 stars
Thank you to Evermore for sending me an ARC of Into the Fading Twilight.
I've been intrigued by Nova's story since book 1 and I really liked this. Exploring her recovery in every different way it's explored was so good and I think Catherine did a fantastic job. The atmosphere was so good and the tension that built between Nova and Kol as well as with the suspense of the mystery really brought the whole thing together. I also loved seeing more of Orion in this one (he's my favourite Archer brother so far). I'm really excited for the next book as well who I'm assuming is Maverick's story.
Thank you to Evermore for sending me an ARC of Into the Fading Twilight.
I've been intrigued by Nova's story since book 1 and I really liked this. Exploring her recovery in every different way it's explored was so good and I think Catherine did a fantastic job. The atmosphere was so good and the tension that built between Nova and Kol as well as with the suspense of the mystery really brought the whole thing together. I also loved seeing more of Orion in this one (he's my favourite Archer brother so far). I'm really excited for the next book as well who I'm assuming is Maverick's story.
July 9, 2026
— Love you
— In this twilight and every one after
🌌🌌🌌🌌
Spicy chapters - 33, 42, 51🌶
Історія зцілення Нови❤️🩹❤️🩹 я навіть не буду описувати що і як, просто знайте вона пробувала все, щоб знову відчути себе живою. Обережність Брейден, друг по адреналіну Маверік, Вайлдер з роботою, Оріон з шоколадними кексами. В Нови тепер є велика любляча сім'я.
Але проблеми продовжуються. Якщо ви думали, що легко вгадаєте, хто далі паскудить їй життя, прошу. Який це був класний поворот, просто одна насолода🤤
Кол теж розкрився. Як він ніс свою провину, що його не було поруч з братами, а тепер ще й переживання за Нову❤️🩹 як вони вдвох зцілювали себе та втрачали контроль
Епічний епілог на наступне книгу😁 але історія Оріона 💔💔
— In this twilight and every one after
🌌🌌🌌🌌
Spicy chapters - 33, 42, 51🌶
Історія зцілення Нови❤️🩹❤️🩹 я навіть не буду описувати що і як, просто знайте вона пробувала все, щоб знову відчути себе живою. Обережність Брейден, друг по адреналіну Маверік, Вайлдер з роботою, Оріон з шоколадними кексами. В Нови тепер є велика любляча сім'я.
Але проблеми продовжуються. Якщо ви думали, що легко вгадаєте, хто далі паскудить їй життя, прошу. Який це був класний поворот, просто одна насолода🤤
Кол теж розкрився. Як він ніс свою провину, що його не було поруч з братами, а тепер ще й переживання за Нову❤️🩹 як вони вдвох зцілювали себе та втрачали контроль
Епічний епілог на наступне книгу😁 але історія Оріона 💔💔
July 13, 2026
“It’s like I knew you before we ever met. Some part of your soul called out to mine.”
“you’re alive. you’re breathing” These words are a mantra Nova repeats to herself many times throughout this book, a reminder that she made it out of the dark and her life isn’t over. And there’s something about this book that feels so alive, like a heartbeat you can hear, getting louder and louder, as you flip the pages and get further into the story.
The writing is inviting, intimate and atmospheric. Starlight Grove comes to live in the most beautiful way, and despite all the crime happening in this small town, it feels so cosy and I want to move there.
Nova’s journey felt incredibly real. It was raw and honest and a reminder that healing isn’t linear. It can be messy and heartbreaking, and sometimes one step forward makes you take three steps back, but it’s all part of the process. I loved how Nova approached her healing journey and, no matter how hard it was, she never gave up. She allowed herself to be vulnerable and that, to me, is a huge act of bravery. Seeing her regain control of her life and gain back her freedom was such a joy.
And don’t get me started on Kol!! This man is the greenest flag I’ve seen. He wasn’t overbearing. He was so patient and protective, and he saw Nova the way she deserved to be seen. Not as someone who needed saving, but as someone who had all the tools to save herself, and just needed somebody by her side to help light up the darkness.
The romance is tender and gentle, built on trust, honesty and mutual support and understanding. The way Nova and Kol yearned for each other, how every single moment between them was so heavy with want and desire, made my heart melt.
The found family in this series is amazing and, once again, the Archer brothers showed why they’re the best. Their bond is strong and unbreakable and they’ll do anything for each other. And Sky, the cutest kid ever, added something magical to this story.
The plot twist had my jaw dropping. I thought of every single suspect except the actual suspect lol but I truly wasn’t expecting that reveal. As much as I love being right, it’s a great feeling to be surprised by a story, there’s something so exciting about it.
Into the Fading Twilight has a perfect blend of romance, mystery and family. It's more than a romance, it’s about resilience, survival and finding a way out of the darkness. This series has quickly become a favourite of mine and I’m so excited to read the next books. Aster and Mav’s book can’t come soon enough, especially after that trope reveal at the end. I can’t wait!!!
🌌🌌🌌
He was a balance of both—the light and the dark. Kol Archer. His name had that same balance: the light and the dark. Everything about him was a blend. Brains and brawn. Gentleness and power. Stillness and movement.
“I don’t bend that way, Phoenix.” Her eyes sparked at the nickname—one I’d never uttered aloud before. But a phoenix was exactly what I’d started to think of Nova as. She’d risen from the ashes, and she was more powerful than ever. People might not think of her that way. They might see her as damaged or broken. But I knew the truth. She was a survivor. She’d crawled back from death itself. And she was still here.
Skylar was quiet again, mulling that over. Then her face brightened. “We’re like her night-light!” A foreign feeling invaded my chest—a unique blend of love, pride, and awe. “That is the perfect way to think of it.”
Because I’d made a study of Nova Monroe. All her smiles and frowns. Her tells and covers. Every mask she donned to face the day. But the most beautiful sight I ever saw was when Nova was real. I lived for those moments.
For the first time in what felt like forever, I wanted. It both terrified and relieved me in the same breath.
“But I can’t stop myself from wanting you. Can’t stop myself from dreaming about you. You haunt me. Awake. Asleep. No matter what I do.”
“Most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. You’re like the moon starting to rise in twilight. You fucking glow, Phoenix. Maybe because you’re made of embers.” And I felt it. That beauty. Even as my finger traced one of the scars along my ribs. Kol didn’t miss the movement. “Warrior marks. You made it through the battle to the other side.”
Release came from ceding control. And Kol and I gave that to each other—give and take in equal measure.
“you’re alive. you’re breathing” These words are a mantra Nova repeats to herself many times throughout this book, a reminder that she made it out of the dark and her life isn’t over. And there’s something about this book that feels so alive, like a heartbeat you can hear, getting louder and louder, as you flip the pages and get further into the story.
The writing is inviting, intimate and atmospheric. Starlight Grove comes to live in the most beautiful way, and despite all the crime happening in this small town, it feels so cosy and I want to move there.
Nova’s journey felt incredibly real. It was raw and honest and a reminder that healing isn’t linear. It can be messy and heartbreaking, and sometimes one step forward makes you take three steps back, but it’s all part of the process. I loved how Nova approached her healing journey and, no matter how hard it was, she never gave up. She allowed herself to be vulnerable and that, to me, is a huge act of bravery. Seeing her regain control of her life and gain back her freedom was such a joy.
And don’t get me started on Kol!! This man is the greenest flag I’ve seen. He wasn’t overbearing. He was so patient and protective, and he saw Nova the way she deserved to be seen. Not as someone who needed saving, but as someone who had all the tools to save herself, and just needed somebody by her side to help light up the darkness.
The romance is tender and gentle, built on trust, honesty and mutual support and understanding. The way Nova and Kol yearned for each other, how every single moment between them was so heavy with want and desire, made my heart melt.
The found family in this series is amazing and, once again, the Archer brothers showed why they’re the best. Their bond is strong and unbreakable and they’ll do anything for each other. And Sky, the cutest kid ever, added something magical to this story.
The plot twist had my jaw dropping. I thought of every single suspect except the actual suspect lol but I truly wasn’t expecting that reveal. As much as I love being right, it’s a great feeling to be surprised by a story, there’s something so exciting about it.
Into the Fading Twilight has a perfect blend of romance, mystery and family. It's more than a romance, it’s about resilience, survival and finding a way out of the darkness. This series has quickly become a favourite of mine and I’m so excited to read the next books. Aster and Mav’s book can’t come soon enough, especially after that trope reveal at the end. I can’t wait!!!
🌌🌌🌌
He was a balance of both—the light and the dark. Kol Archer. His name had that same balance: the light and the dark. Everything about him was a blend. Brains and brawn. Gentleness and power. Stillness and movement.
“I don’t bend that way, Phoenix.” Her eyes sparked at the nickname—one I’d never uttered aloud before. But a phoenix was exactly what I’d started to think of Nova as. She’d risen from the ashes, and she was more powerful than ever. People might not think of her that way. They might see her as damaged or broken. But I knew the truth. She was a survivor. She’d crawled back from death itself. And she was still here.
Skylar was quiet again, mulling that over. Then her face brightened. “We’re like her night-light!” A foreign feeling invaded my chest—a unique blend of love, pride, and awe. “That is the perfect way to think of it.”
Because I’d made a study of Nova Monroe. All her smiles and frowns. Her tells and covers. Every mask she donned to face the day. But the most beautiful sight I ever saw was when Nova was real. I lived for those moments.
For the first time in what felt like forever, I wanted. It both terrified and relieved me in the same breath.
“But I can’t stop myself from wanting you. Can’t stop myself from dreaming about you. You haunt me. Awake. Asleep. No matter what I do.”
“Most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. You’re like the moon starting to rise in twilight. You fucking glow, Phoenix. Maybe because you’re made of embers.” And I felt it. That beauty. Even as my finger traced one of the scars along my ribs. Kol didn’t miss the movement. “Warrior marks. You made it through the battle to the other side.”
Release came from ceding control. And Kol and I gave that to each other—give and take in equal measure.
July 11, 2026
3⭐️: Ugh, you had potential.
I read various reviews on this book and decided to give it a try since I’m a sucker for mysteries w/ romance. It honestly wasn’t a bad novel, however, just fell short for me. There’s a LOT of fillers which in a way is a good thing…just not my cup of tea. The spicy scenes seemed alright as well. The amount of tension that was built up was there!!! Then it just gave nothing for me, idk.
I read various reviews on this book and decided to give it a try since I’m a sucker for mysteries w/ romance. It honestly wasn’t a bad novel, however, just fell short for me. There’s a LOT of fillers which in a way is a good thing…just not my cup of tea. The spicy scenes seemed alright as well. The amount of tension that was built up was there!!! Then it just gave nothing for me, idk.
July 9, 2026
I was deep in the grips of Starlight Grove after reading Across the Vanishing Sky earlier this year. I was eager to read what was to become of these characters and to see Nova and Kol find love after the horrors of their pasts. Along with more glimpse into the lives of the other brother's and Uncle Waylon.
I loved how Kol and his daughter were able to provide a safe space for Nova. I know that term can be over used, but it was something she truly needed. Brae may have been like a sister to Nova, but she had started her own life and is almost sophocating Nova with care. She needs some independence while still having a place to find comfort and support. That's exactly what Kol and Sky can offer her. It was just beautiful to see.
There is a lot to work through, and Nova isn't going to be fixed overnight. The conflict of her wanting touch but being afraid to ask for it because she's worried she'll scream or have a panic attacks just broke my heart. Add in that other women start going missing again and it was almost impossible for her to fully forget her trauma of months of captivity.
Kol is more determined than ever to make sure Nova's demons stay buried. However, the closer he gets to her, the less he can be involved in her case. So, it's a Catch 22 for them both. But that won't stop the connection that's forming between them. They have a rope tying them together tighter than any knot.
As for the suspense, I did start to smell something fishy about our culprit this time around. But that's part of the thrill when you start shouting at the characters to watch their backs. All in all it was really well done.
This was narrated in the duet style by Brittany Pressley & Sebastian York with back up from Jason Clarke, Adam Gold, Teddy Hamilton, and Connor Crais. Such a great production.
4.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Stalking, PTSD, panic attacks, blood, kidnapping, violence
*Thank you to the author for an ALC and ARC of this title!*
I loved how Kol and his daughter were able to provide a safe space for Nova. I know that term can be over used, but it was something she truly needed. Brae may have been like a sister to Nova, but she had started her own life and is almost sophocating Nova with care. She needs some independence while still having a place to find comfort and support. That's exactly what Kol and Sky can offer her. It was just beautiful to see.
There is a lot to work through, and Nova isn't going to be fixed overnight. The conflict of her wanting touch but being afraid to ask for it because she's worried she'll scream or have a panic attacks just broke my heart. Add in that other women start going missing again and it was almost impossible for her to fully forget her trauma of months of captivity.
Kol is more determined than ever to make sure Nova's demons stay buried. However, the closer he gets to her, the less he can be involved in her case. So, it's a Catch 22 for them both. But that won't stop the connection that's forming between them. They have a rope tying them together tighter than any knot.
As for the suspense, I did start to smell something fishy about our culprit this time around. But that's part of the thrill when you start shouting at the characters to watch their backs. All in all it was really well done.
This was narrated in the duet style by Brittany Pressley & Sebastian York with back up from Jason Clarke, Adam Gold, Teddy Hamilton, and Connor Crais. Such a great production.
4.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Stalking, PTSD, panic attacks, blood, kidnapping, violence
*Thank you to the author for an ALC and ARC of this title!*
June 25, 2026
I swear this is one of Catherine Cowles’ best books yet! I was hooked from the very beginning and completely obsessed with Kol and Nova. Honestly, I’m obsessed with this entire found family. Mav has moved way up my favorites list, and I am still yearning for Orion’s story.
Skylar was also one of the best child characters I’ve experienced in an audiobook. I adored her and everything she brought to the story. This whole family has been through so much trauma, and the connection, support, and openness between them was beautiful to witness.
And Kol. His quiet, unwavering love absolutely melted me. I thought I had the mystery figured out, but Catherine proved me completely wrong.
I’m simply obsessed with this book, and the audiobook was absolute perfection!
Skylar was also one of the best child characters I’ve experienced in an audiobook. I adored her and everything she brought to the story. This whole family has been through so much trauma, and the connection, support, and openness between them was beautiful to witness.
And Kol. His quiet, unwavering love absolutely melted me. I thought I had the mystery figured out, but Catherine proved me completely wrong.
I’m simply obsessed with this book, and the audiobook was absolute perfection!
July 6, 2026
☆ 4.5 stars
📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 406 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Catherine Cowles
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Evermore
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 7 July 2026
What you can expect:
— Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
— First Person X Dual POV
— Grumpy X Sunshine
— Single Dad
— Roommates-To-Lovers
— Forbidden Romance
— ‘Touch Her And Die’
— Trauma & Healing
— Found Family
Into the Fading Twilight is the second instalment in the Starlight Grove series by author Catherine Cowles. As somebody that has read and loved her entire backlog (all 30+ books) I don’t mean it lightly when I say that this is not only my current favourite book of this series… but also my favourite Catherine Cowles book to-date. This story ticked every single checkbox and expectation that I had from the moment that I realised who the featured couple of the book would be during my read of Across the Vanishing Sky. The writing was immersive, the pacing was perfectly balanced between the romance and suspense elements, and the development of the characters felt flawlessly executed with great emotional impact. The exploration of trauma, PTSD and survivor’s guilt was written to perfection in the way that Cowles refused to undermine the severity of these circumstances for not only on the victim, but also on the community of people that love them. The family bonds, both by blood and by choice, are one of this series’ greatest strengths and I adore the way that the Archer family all stick together in love and protection of one another. Into the Fading Twilight felt unputdownable from the very first page and I dreaded the moment I was forced to come up for air in-lieu of my adult responsibilities. This is a must-read for both new and returning fans of the romantic suspense genre that love a single dad, grumpy/sunshine and forbidden romance dynamic.
Nova Monroe… oh how my heart has been breaking for you since before the very first page in the prologue. My heart first shattered at the end of book one when she was believed to be dead… only for the tattered pieces to be hastily stitched back together with the revelation that she was in-fact alive and holding onto life. However those threads have since continued to unravel throughout her story progression as I have found myself on the precipice of tears on multiple occasions as a result of her trauma and the way this has shaped her as a person. My absolute favourite aspect to Nova’s story is the way that her healing journey isn't rushed nor is it linear. It's messy, vulnerable and at times uncomfortable to read about in the way that she struggles to recognise who she is after her ordeal. It’s about taking two steps forward just to suddenly find yourself taking four steps back. I adore that her story is a direct continuation of the events throughout Across the Vanishing Sky as I feel like I’ve truly been given the opportunity to fully grasp and understand Nova’s journey from beginning-to-end. I will forever be in awe of the strength that she manages to pull from within herself in her refusal to lay down and give up. Nova is a woman that has looked darkness in the eye and has fought to see its beauty no matter how isolated she became. The way she strives to live as much of a normal life in her discovery to figure out who she is as a person after everything was commendable. Nova’s resilience and determination to not just survive, but live, is awe-inspiring and makes for a compelling journey to follow her on. It was everything to me in getting to see Nova work through her trauma within her own way and on her own terms. Most of all… I loved that her journey wasn’t ’over’ by the end of her story. Nova progressed immensely in her path towards healing throughout the book, however it becomes clear in the end that she still has ways to go which felt honest and realistic. Nova is a beautifully complex and established character that I have loved every moment getting to know on a much deeper level, and I am looking forward to any cameos she will have throughout the duration of this series.
Kol Archer is the grumpy single dad of all of our dreams (don’t even try to deny it) and I loved getting the opportunity to understand his character and trauma on a much deeper, more intimate level. He really surprised me with just how soft and tender he is and the way that he’s unafraid to love his people loudly. Kol is still gruff and broody at times, and yet still his devotion for his loved ones is unmatched. I loved getting to explore those individual connections through his own POV and to see how he interacts differently with each person. However it also became clear to me very quickly just how much weight Kol carries on his shoulders. The misplaced guilt and responsibility for the events of his past broke my heart in the way that he holds himself back from living a full life in some twisted form of atonement that not his to pay. He lives for others rather than himself so I was thrilled to see Kol learn how to reach for what he wanted without factoring in the needs of others. Kol is a kind, emphatic and gentle man that is capable of so much love and light to the people that matter. I understood why he was afraid to let outsiders into the Archer family dynamic after all they endured, but still in this he has managed to secure a trusted circle that he can rely on for help. Kol was a wonderful character to explore and I couldn’t be happier with the beautiful family that he finds himself with by the end of his story.
The relationships explored throughout Into the Fading Twilight, both romantic and non-romantic, are such an essential and beautifully executed attribute to the story that helped to support the developing of both main characters. The bonds that Kol shares with his brothers and uncle Waylon continues to be an absolute highlight of the series as they prove time and again how deep their emotional ties run. The way that Waylon acts not only as an uncle but as the father-figure that the Archer men deserve had me close to tears on several occasions. Kol’s relationship with his deeply empathetic, funny and chaotic daughter Skylar plays a pivotal role in softening his tough demeanour in the way that it leaves a crack in an otherwise impenetrable doorway into connection. The way he dotes on his child and strives to be the best version of himself for her benefit was beautiful to witness. The small circle of people that Kol trusts and considers friends feels all the more impactful as this enables the readers to further explore his intricacies as a character.
The progression of Nova’s relationships, both pre—established and new, feel very significant to her healing journey as we get to understand what has changed for Nova in the present compared to the past. Her friendship with Brae was equal parts devastating and fulfilling as we, the reader, are forced to endure the stumbling of two people that love one other endlessly suddenly having to re-learn how they can express that love after all they have endured. I really appreciated the moment that Nova realised that she has to sometimes hurt the feelings of the people that she loves in order to prioritise herself and find her own way past her trauma. It was difficult to read at times knowing just how badly Brae wanted to be a supporting voice for her best friend whilst being unsure on how to do so. Nova’s close bond with the adorable children of the series, Owen and Skylar, felt fulfilling as they acted like the perfect safety net for her to simply exist as she is. To be around two small humans that don’t try to push her towards a point of her recovery that she’s not ready to be in just yet, nor communicate the words that aren’t ready to be expressed. There’s a gentle innocence in being around people without existing pressure and responsibility, and I was beyond thrilled that Nova had a space like that to feel more settled in.
The romantic relationship between Kol and Nova was everything I could’ve hoped for in the way that their slow-burn progression enabled them to establish a foundation of friendship to build their feelings upon. The tension and yearning left me (metaphorically) biting my fist whilst simultaneously fighting against tears at the tenderness of their emotional connection. I was thrilled to see an on-page discussion surrounding the concerns of toxic codependency and trauma bonds as this opens a positive gateway to healthy conversation. It was beautiful to witness Nova find a safe space within Kol in the way that he supported her through her recovery within her own terms. He never once rushes her into something that she isn’t ready for and fully trusts that she will progress as she needs. The trust and vulnerability that they express is everything that I had hoped to see as both characters work to unpack their own individual trauma, and I think the slow-burn approach to their romantic relationship was well planned in this regard. My one and only note is I did find the love declarations to happen quite quickly once they progress forward past friendship, but ultimately I understand that these feelings were most likely present and just not verbalised until then. Kol and Nova are such a wonderful couple that made their complex connection feel effortless despite the apparent work and care they both characters have put in.
Into the Fading Twilight was such an incredible follow-up to Across the Vanishing Sky and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. The revelations in this one had me feeling so shocked that I felt like I lost my jaw on the floor… and I’m genuinely still reeling as I write this review. I quite literally squealed with excitement at the end of the story where we get an insight into which couple Beneath a Midnight Moon will be centred around… and the sneaky trope reveal that we can expect to look forward to. I’m so grateful that author Catherine Cowles is spoiling us with three book releases this year as this means we should expect the third book in our hands by the end of 2026… so don’t mind me eagerly counting down the days in my excitement.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
The 'Starlight Grove' series:
1. Across the Vanishing Sky - 4 stars
2. Into the Fading Twilight - 4.5 stars
📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 406 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Catherine Cowles
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Evermore
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 7 July 2026
What you can expect:
— Adult Contemporary Romantic Suspense
— First Person X Dual POV
— Grumpy X Sunshine
— Single Dad
— Roommates-To-Lovers
— Forbidden Romance
— ‘Touch Her And Die’
— Trauma & Healing
— Found Family
Into the Fading Twilight is the second instalment in the Starlight Grove series by author Catherine Cowles. As somebody that has read and loved her entire backlog (all 30+ books) I don’t mean it lightly when I say that this is not only my current favourite book of this series… but also my favourite Catherine Cowles book to-date. This story ticked every single checkbox and expectation that I had from the moment that I realised who the featured couple of the book would be during my read of Across the Vanishing Sky. The writing was immersive, the pacing was perfectly balanced between the romance and suspense elements, and the development of the characters felt flawlessly executed with great emotional impact. The exploration of trauma, PTSD and survivor’s guilt was written to perfection in the way that Cowles refused to undermine the severity of these circumstances for not only on the victim, but also on the community of people that love them. The family bonds, both by blood and by choice, are one of this series’ greatest strengths and I adore the way that the Archer family all stick together in love and protection of one another. Into the Fading Twilight felt unputdownable from the very first page and I dreaded the moment I was forced to come up for air in-lieu of my adult responsibilities. This is a must-read for both new and returning fans of the romantic suspense genre that love a single dad, grumpy/sunshine and forbidden romance dynamic.
Nova Monroe… oh how my heart has been breaking for you since before the very first page in the prologue. My heart first shattered at the end of book one when she was believed to be dead… only for the tattered pieces to be hastily stitched back together with the revelation that she was in-fact alive and holding onto life. However those threads have since continued to unravel throughout her story progression as I have found myself on the precipice of tears on multiple occasions as a result of her trauma and the way this has shaped her as a person. My absolute favourite aspect to Nova’s story is the way that her healing journey isn't rushed nor is it linear. It's messy, vulnerable and at times uncomfortable to read about in the way that she struggles to recognise who she is after her ordeal. It’s about taking two steps forward just to suddenly find yourself taking four steps back. I adore that her story is a direct continuation of the events throughout Across the Vanishing Sky as I feel like I’ve truly been given the opportunity to fully grasp and understand Nova’s journey from beginning-to-end. I will forever be in awe of the strength that she manages to pull from within herself in her refusal to lay down and give up. Nova is a woman that has looked darkness in the eye and has fought to see its beauty no matter how isolated she became. The way she strives to live as much of a normal life in her discovery to figure out who she is as a person after everything was commendable. Nova’s resilience and determination to not just survive, but live, is awe-inspiring and makes for a compelling journey to follow her on. It was everything to me in getting to see Nova work through her trauma within her own way and on her own terms. Most of all… I loved that her journey wasn’t ’over’ by the end of her story. Nova progressed immensely in her path towards healing throughout the book, however it becomes clear in the end that she still has ways to go which felt honest and realistic. Nova is a beautifully complex and established character that I have loved every moment getting to know on a much deeper level, and I am looking forward to any cameos she will have throughout the duration of this series.
Kol Archer is the grumpy single dad of all of our dreams (don’t even try to deny it) and I loved getting the opportunity to understand his character and trauma on a much deeper, more intimate level. He really surprised me with just how soft and tender he is and the way that he’s unafraid to love his people loudly. Kol is still gruff and broody at times, and yet still his devotion for his loved ones is unmatched. I loved getting to explore those individual connections through his own POV and to see how he interacts differently with each person. However it also became clear to me very quickly just how much weight Kol carries on his shoulders. The misplaced guilt and responsibility for the events of his past broke my heart in the way that he holds himself back from living a full life in some twisted form of atonement that not his to pay. He lives for others rather than himself so I was thrilled to see Kol learn how to reach for what he wanted without factoring in the needs of others. Kol is a kind, emphatic and gentle man that is capable of so much love and light to the people that matter. I understood why he was afraid to let outsiders into the Archer family dynamic after all they endured, but still in this he has managed to secure a trusted circle that he can rely on for help. Kol was a wonderful character to explore and I couldn’t be happier with the beautiful family that he finds himself with by the end of his story.
The relationships explored throughout Into the Fading Twilight, both romantic and non-romantic, are such an essential and beautifully executed attribute to the story that helped to support the developing of both main characters. The bonds that Kol shares with his brothers and uncle Waylon continues to be an absolute highlight of the series as they prove time and again how deep their emotional ties run. The way that Waylon acts not only as an uncle but as the father-figure that the Archer men deserve had me close to tears on several occasions. Kol’s relationship with his deeply empathetic, funny and chaotic daughter Skylar plays a pivotal role in softening his tough demeanour in the way that it leaves a crack in an otherwise impenetrable doorway into connection. The way he dotes on his child and strives to be the best version of himself for her benefit was beautiful to witness. The small circle of people that Kol trusts and considers friends feels all the more impactful as this enables the readers to further explore his intricacies as a character.
The progression of Nova’s relationships, both pre—established and new, feel very significant to her healing journey as we get to understand what has changed for Nova in the present compared to the past. Her friendship with Brae was equal parts devastating and fulfilling as we, the reader, are forced to endure the stumbling of two people that love one other endlessly suddenly having to re-learn how they can express that love after all they have endured. I really appreciated the moment that Nova realised that she has to sometimes hurt the feelings of the people that she loves in order to prioritise herself and find her own way past her trauma. It was difficult to read at times knowing just how badly Brae wanted to be a supporting voice for her best friend whilst being unsure on how to do so. Nova’s close bond with the adorable children of the series, Owen and Skylar, felt fulfilling as they acted like the perfect safety net for her to simply exist as she is. To be around two small humans that don’t try to push her towards a point of her recovery that she’s not ready to be in just yet, nor communicate the words that aren’t ready to be expressed. There’s a gentle innocence in being around people without existing pressure and responsibility, and I was beyond thrilled that Nova had a space like that to feel more settled in.
The romantic relationship between Kol and Nova was everything I could’ve hoped for in the way that their slow-burn progression enabled them to establish a foundation of friendship to build their feelings upon. The tension and yearning left me (metaphorically) biting my fist whilst simultaneously fighting against tears at the tenderness of their emotional connection. I was thrilled to see an on-page discussion surrounding the concerns of toxic codependency and trauma bonds as this opens a positive gateway to healthy conversation. It was beautiful to witness Nova find a safe space within Kol in the way that he supported her through her recovery within her own terms. He never once rushes her into something that she isn’t ready for and fully trusts that she will progress as she needs. The trust and vulnerability that they express is everything that I had hoped to see as both characters work to unpack their own individual trauma, and I think the slow-burn approach to their romantic relationship was well planned in this regard. My one and only note is I did find the love declarations to happen quite quickly once they progress forward past friendship, but ultimately I understand that these feelings were most likely present and just not verbalised until then. Kol and Nova are such a wonderful couple that made their complex connection feel effortless despite the apparent work and care they both characters have put in.
Into the Fading Twilight was such an incredible follow-up to Across the Vanishing Sky and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book. The revelations in this one had me feeling so shocked that I felt like I lost my jaw on the floor… and I’m genuinely still reeling as I write this review. I quite literally squealed with excitement at the end of the story where we get an insight into which couple Beneath a Midnight Moon will be centred around… and the sneaky trope reveal that we can expect to look forward to. I’m so grateful that author Catherine Cowles is spoiling us with three book releases this year as this means we should expect the third book in our hands by the end of 2026… so don’t mind me eagerly counting down the days in my excitement.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
The 'Starlight Grove' series:
1. Across the Vanishing Sky - 4 stars
2. Into the Fading Twilight - 4.5 stars
July 2, 2026
probably my favourite book in the series so far!
when i thought the first book was going to be my favourite, ohhh no this one might change that (though i have an inkling feeling it might change again with maverick’s story 🤷♀️)
the tension this book had oh my gawdddd, i loved it all: the eye contact, the yearning to touch, the banter, the emotional moments literally everything was chefs kiss 🤌.
i indeed shed a few tears throughout the book because the way catherine wrote it, made me feel the characters emotions whilst reading.
i am so proud of nova for being so brave and being the supernova she is, after what she has been through. and the way kol took care of her by being there for her but also not suffocating her with protectiveness 🤌🤌🤌. he knows how to take care of his girl! also his daughter skylar, literally
such an adorable little girl and such a fun character. (my shaylasss 🥹🥹)
i love how this series not only has its romantic roots but also have that thrilling plot and let me just say the plot was plotting! i am beginning to realise that in catherine’s book, the plot twist will always be what/who you least expect it to be.
i am so invested in this series and cannot wait for maverick & aster’s story, especially after the information that was revealed near the end of this book!
tysm to her team for sending me an e-arc of this book!
when i thought the first book was going to be my favourite, ohhh no this one might change that (though i have an inkling feeling it might change again with maverick’s story 🤷♀️)
the tension this book had oh my gawdddd, i loved it all: the eye contact, the yearning to touch, the banter, the emotional moments literally everything was chefs kiss 🤌.
i indeed shed a few tears throughout the book because the way catherine wrote it, made me feel the characters emotions whilst reading.
i am so proud of nova for being so brave and being the supernova she is, after what she has been through. and the way kol took care of her by being there for her but also not suffocating her with protectiveness 🤌🤌🤌. he knows how to take care of his girl! also his daughter skylar, literally
such an adorable little girl and such a fun character. (my shaylasss 🥹🥹)
i love how this series not only has its romantic roots but also have that thrilling plot and let me just say the plot was plotting! i am beginning to realise that in catherine’s book, the plot twist will always be what/who you least expect it to be.
i am so invested in this series and cannot wait for maverick & aster’s story, especially after the information that was revealed near the end of this book!
tysm to her team for sending me an e-arc of this book!
June 17, 2026
♾️⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️♾️
Catherine Cowles just ROCKED. MY. WORLD. 👏🏼
I honestly can’t put into words how incredible this book was. First and foremost, I cried. A lot. More than any book I’ve read by her! We all knew this story was destined to be emotional, but my goodness… my heart felt every single moment Catherine gave us.😭🥹
One thing Catherine does so beautifully is write trauma with both delicacy and honesty. Healing isn’t pretty… it’s hard, brutal, dark, and messy. But it’s also possible. The way she portrayed the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the healing journey was nothing short of magical and so authentic.
And Kol? The perfect man. 🥹 I fell for him just as hard as Nova did!👏🏼
He has demons of his own, but he would burn the world down for Nova over and over without hesitation. Time and time again, he proved exactly why he’s destined to become another unforgettable Catherine Cowles book boyfriend.
Kol and Nova’s connection was immediate, and it was everything. Nova needed someone who could love and support her in exactly the right way, and Kol instinctively knew how to be that person. Cue the endless swooning. 🥹❤️
Now can we talk about THAT PLOT TWIST?! My goodnesssss!!
My jaw was on the floor. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such a gasp inducing, screaming at the book kind of twist. Catherine knows her readers come prepared with notebooks and suspect lists because let’s be honest, everyone is always a suspect. 😂 But she absolutely sat back with that cute evil giggle and delivered a mastermind level reveal. Taylor Swift’s Mastermind really should be her anthem. Just saying!👏🏼😂
And the Archer brothers? They’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. Every character in this book was unforgettable. And sweet Skylar… 😭 The cutest, sweetest, sassiest little girl. I absolutely adored her.
All you really need to know is this:
This series is something special. I will forever recommend this series to anyone who listens! (And I’ll probably hound you until you do 🤪😂)
Catherine Cowles has once again given us a story filled with heart, healing, suspense, unforgettable characters, and a romance that will stay with me for as long as I’m alive and breathing.😭🥹
Infinite stars! ♾️⭐️
Catherine Cowles just ROCKED. MY. WORLD. 👏🏼
I honestly can’t put into words how incredible this book was. First and foremost, I cried. A lot. More than any book I’ve read by her! We all knew this story was destined to be emotional, but my goodness… my heart felt every single moment Catherine gave us.😭🥹
One thing Catherine does so beautifully is write trauma with both delicacy and honesty. Healing isn’t pretty… it’s hard, brutal, dark, and messy. But it’s also possible. The way she portrayed the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the healing journey was nothing short of magical and so authentic.
And Kol? The perfect man. 🥹 I fell for him just as hard as Nova did!👏🏼
He has demons of his own, but he would burn the world down for Nova over and over without hesitation. Time and time again, he proved exactly why he’s destined to become another unforgettable Catherine Cowles book boyfriend.
Kol and Nova’s connection was immediate, and it was everything. Nova needed someone who could love and support her in exactly the right way, and Kol instinctively knew how to be that person. Cue the endless swooning. 🥹❤️
Now can we talk about THAT PLOT TWIST?! My goodnesssss!!
My jaw was on the floor. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such a gasp inducing, screaming at the book kind of twist. Catherine knows her readers come prepared with notebooks and suspect lists because let’s be honest, everyone is always a suspect. 😂 But she absolutely sat back with that cute evil giggle and delivered a mastermind level reveal. Taylor Swift’s Mastermind really should be her anthem. Just saying!👏🏼😂
And the Archer brothers? They’ll forever hold a special place in my heart. Every character in this book was unforgettable. And sweet Skylar… 😭 The cutest, sweetest, sassiest little girl. I absolutely adored her.
All you really need to know is this:
This series is something special. I will forever recommend this series to anyone who listens! (And I’ll probably hound you until you do 🤪😂)
Catherine Cowles has once again given us a story filled with heart, healing, suspense, unforgettable characters, and a romance that will stay with me for as long as I’m alive and breathing.😭🥹
Infinite stars! ♾️⭐️
July 12, 2026
This review is really hard to write because I adore Catherine Cowles books. She’s one of my go-to authors. But her newest series set is Starling Grove… I feel like I am the only one struggling with it.
I was keen to get Nova’s story. The whole of Across The Vanishing Sky how much Brae talked about her and the prologue when we got to see and know Nova before she vanished and then her rescue… I was highly anticipating her road to recovery and finding love with Kol who found her.
But I felt this story had so much potential but was wasted on over explaining and over describing moments, feelings… so much so that I thought the story suffered.
There was not enough Skyler. The coolest kid in the world and the most we really got of her is the author continually just talking about her Princess/camo wearing outfits and playing with Tink/Pepper. I wanted more family moments. I wanted to see her really bond with Nova but that barely happened which was a huge disappointment for me. The scenes we did have… I didn’t necessarily buy because it didn’t feel earned to me.
Same with Kol. His daughter is supposed to be his everything and we barely get time with them together. All it ever really was is him telling her to never listen to Uncle Mav all the time or not eat too much sugar. Skyler being abandoned by her mother and Kol’s relationship with his ex was just sorta breezed over.
I feel like Owen and Skyler are just on the periphery while in the past Catherine really included children in her stories but now they have a few short scenes but that’s it.
Nova and Brae’s friendship was lacking here and I missed it. I understood why though. They had trouble meeting in the middle since they had both changed so much over the year Nova was missing and were holding onto the way things used to be but I still would have liked to see more of an effort with their friendship since it was more than that. Family. Sisterhood. They raised Owen together but of course barely any scenes with him and Nova either. Brae just felt so absent here and it was weird because Nova was a huge aspect of Brae’s story but Brae is barely involved in Nova’s. She spent more time with Aster and Cora than her own best friend.
Nova working at the Boot and Nova receiving letters and items to scare her was just too similar to Brae’s journey. It just felt trodding over the same ground.
Nova doing equine therapy feels like it has been used so much in the past in other series. I would have liked to see some different avenues for help and support.
Usually the romance is the main draw for me with the suspense just upping the stakes but here I was more interested in the mystery because my biggest issue with Into the Fading Twilight was I felt completely disconnected from Nova and Kol’s relationship. It was so repetitive. Living/breathing. Light/Dark. Adrenaline/trauma. Rinse repeat. I wasn’t a huge fan of their nicknames Boss and Phoenix either. Their bond did feel deeply rooted in trauma and I wanted more than that.
Their rope/bondage sex scenes just took me out too. I don’t know if it was the timing when they took place, always felt like the wrong moment or I know it was about control, about trusting your partner at your most vulnerable but I miss when the romance was more important than sex in Catherine’s books.
The epilogue for their relationship was warp speed. Pregnancy with twins. Nova back to doing yoga completely over her adrenaline junkie phase. Huh?
Too much Pete drama for him to just be demoted and gone in the end. Same with Reece. I think Catherine needs to stop making journalists the greedy, creepy guys. It’s been done ad nauseam over many series now. Give it a rest.
Cora being the villain was a great choice. I was worried she would be Wylder’s love interest and I didn’t love the thought of that so I’m very glad she’s gone now. I hope he finds love with crime scene investigator Livie.
Orion being so separated except for bringing over cakes is making it hard for me to remember he exists as a brother and character. He was in this less than Vanishing Sky and that’s saying something. I hope he gets incorporated more. I know he’s a recluse. I know he’s got trauma but for him to never show up when his brothers are in trouble feels weird and wrong.
I am super excited for Aster & Maverick’s story. Their history as best friends and why they dislike each other now. Their fake engagement. Her abusive family. It already feels like it’s gonna be different from the first two books and I think that is very much needed.
I was keen to get Nova’s story. The whole of Across The Vanishing Sky how much Brae talked about her and the prologue when we got to see and know Nova before she vanished and then her rescue… I was highly anticipating her road to recovery and finding love with Kol who found her.
But I felt this story had so much potential but was wasted on over explaining and over describing moments, feelings… so much so that I thought the story suffered.
There was not enough Skyler. The coolest kid in the world and the most we really got of her is the author continually just talking about her Princess/camo wearing outfits and playing with Tink/Pepper. I wanted more family moments. I wanted to see her really bond with Nova but that barely happened which was a huge disappointment for me. The scenes we did have… I didn’t necessarily buy because it didn’t feel earned to me.
Same with Kol. His daughter is supposed to be his everything and we barely get time with them together. All it ever really was is him telling her to never listen to Uncle Mav all the time or not eat too much sugar. Skyler being abandoned by her mother and Kol’s relationship with his ex was just sorta breezed over.
I feel like Owen and Skyler are just on the periphery while in the past Catherine really included children in her stories but now they have a few short scenes but that’s it.
Nova and Brae’s friendship was lacking here and I missed it. I understood why though. They had trouble meeting in the middle since they had both changed so much over the year Nova was missing and were holding onto the way things used to be but I still would have liked to see more of an effort with their friendship since it was more than that. Family. Sisterhood. They raised Owen together but of course barely any scenes with him and Nova either. Brae just felt so absent here and it was weird because Nova was a huge aspect of Brae’s story but Brae is barely involved in Nova’s. She spent more time with Aster and Cora than her own best friend.
Nova working at the Boot and Nova receiving letters and items to scare her was just too similar to Brae’s journey. It just felt trodding over the same ground.
Nova doing equine therapy feels like it has been used so much in the past in other series. I would have liked to see some different avenues for help and support.
Usually the romance is the main draw for me with the suspense just upping the stakes but here I was more interested in the mystery because my biggest issue with Into the Fading Twilight was I felt completely disconnected from Nova and Kol’s relationship. It was so repetitive. Living/breathing. Light/Dark. Adrenaline/trauma. Rinse repeat. I wasn’t a huge fan of their nicknames Boss and Phoenix either. Their bond did feel deeply rooted in trauma and I wanted more than that.
Their rope/bondage sex scenes just took me out too. I don’t know if it was the timing when they took place, always felt like the wrong moment or I know it was about control, about trusting your partner at your most vulnerable but I miss when the romance was more important than sex in Catherine’s books.
The epilogue for their relationship was warp speed. Pregnancy with twins. Nova back to doing yoga completely over her adrenaline junkie phase. Huh?
Too much Pete drama for him to just be demoted and gone in the end. Same with Reece. I think Catherine needs to stop making journalists the greedy, creepy guys. It’s been done ad nauseam over many series now. Give it a rest.
Cora being the villain was a great choice. I was worried she would be Wylder’s love interest and I didn’t love the thought of that so I’m very glad she’s gone now. I hope he finds love with crime scene investigator Livie.
Orion being so separated except for bringing over cakes is making it hard for me to remember he exists as a brother and character. He was in this less than Vanishing Sky and that’s saying something. I hope he gets incorporated more. I know he’s a recluse. I know he’s got trauma but for him to never show up when his brothers are in trouble feels weird and wrong.
I am super excited for Aster & Maverick’s story. Their history as best friends and why they dislike each other now. Their fake engagement. Her abusive family. It already feels like it’s gonna be different from the first two books and I think that is very much needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly, every book Catherine Cowles writes is somehow better than the last, and Into the Fading Twilight is no exception.
This story was packed with trauma, grief, healing, and learning how to grow through it all together, which is something I absolutely gobble up in my romances. The emotional depth of this book had me completely invested from beginning to end.
Kol is the absolute epitome of down bad. This man would do anything to make Nova feel safe, not only in her home and in their town, but also in her own skin. The way he loved her so fiercely and patiently had me swooning.
And Nova? She is an absolute badass. After everything she’s been through, her strength and resilience were incredible to witness. I wanted nothing but happiness for her.
As for the suspense, I was convinced I had figured out who was behind it all… and, dammit, I was completely wrong. At this point, if I ever correctly guess the culprit in one of Catherine Cowles’s books, I honestly feel like I deserve a gold trophy.
This book gave me all the feels, kept me on the edge of my seat, and reminded me exactly why Catherine Cowles remains one of my auto-buy authors.
Honestly, every book Catherine Cowles writes is somehow better than the last, and Into the Fading Twilight is no exception.
This story was packed with trauma, grief, healing, and learning how to grow through it all together, which is something I absolutely gobble up in my romances. The emotional depth of this book had me completely invested from beginning to end.
Kol is the absolute epitome of down bad. This man would do anything to make Nova feel safe, not only in her home and in their town, but also in her own skin. The way he loved her so fiercely and patiently had me swooning.
And Nova? She is an absolute badass. After everything she’s been through, her strength and resilience were incredible to witness. I wanted nothing but happiness for her.
As for the suspense, I was convinced I had figured out who was behind it all… and, dammit, I was completely wrong. At this point, if I ever correctly guess the culprit in one of Catherine Cowles’s books, I honestly feel like I deserve a gold trophy.
This book gave me all the feels, kept me on the edge of my seat, and reminded me exactly why Catherine Cowles remains one of my auto-buy authors.
June 26, 2026
Advanced review copy provided by Author
Let me start by saying my expectations going into this book were sky high since I loved Across the vanishing sky so much, and let me tell you it did not disappoint, this is now my favorite book in the series! This book was beautifully written and the narrators did an amazing job at bringing the characters to life, this story had so much emotional depth that I was sobbing while listening & reading the prologue, it was packed with grief, trauma and so much character growth and healing, that I instantly fell in love with it. I loved Nova from the very start, she was such a strong FMC and was determined to be resilient and strong and not to let what happened to her define her future or her as a person, that had me rooting for her from the very start, loved watching her start to trust Kol and slowly lower her walls and begin to heal and reclaim her life, all while he did the same.
Don’t even get me started on Kol, the way that man loves and loves fiercely left me absolutely speechless, loved how he was so protective of Nova but still tried to give her the room she needed to heal in her own way, he would literally do anything it took to make her feel loved and safe. The way he loved her so selflessly and wholeheartedly had me swooning and kicking my feet the entire book. Which brings me to Skylar (Kol’s daughter) she is one of the best child characters I’ve ever read in a book, she added so much to the story, loved her from the very start, she was so smart, sensitive, perceptive and strong at the same time, I literally want to be like her when I grow up!
Last but not least the suspense and tension on this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, I thought I knew who was responsible for all of it but BOY WAS I WRONG, if you love small town thriller romances, plot twists, new beginnings, found family, touch her and d*e, single dads with a heart of gold & unbelievably strong FMC’s then this is the book for you!
The way this book ended had me wanting to reach for book 3 immediately, I can’t wait to read Mav and Aster’s story! Catherine Cowles has now officially become one of my auto-buy authors and I can’t wait to continue this series! Thank you so much to Catherine Cowles & her Team for the eARC and ALC this was such a beautiful story & will forever have a piece of my heart! I can’t wait to continue this series!
Let me start by saying my expectations going into this book were sky high since I loved Across the vanishing sky so much, and let me tell you it did not disappoint, this is now my favorite book in the series! This book was beautifully written and the narrators did an amazing job at bringing the characters to life, this story had so much emotional depth that I was sobbing while listening & reading the prologue, it was packed with grief, trauma and so much character growth and healing, that I instantly fell in love with it. I loved Nova from the very start, she was such a strong FMC and was determined to be resilient and strong and not to let what happened to her define her future or her as a person, that had me rooting for her from the very start, loved watching her start to trust Kol and slowly lower her walls and begin to heal and reclaim her life, all while he did the same.
Don’t even get me started on Kol, the way that man loves and loves fiercely left me absolutely speechless, loved how he was so protective of Nova but still tried to give her the room she needed to heal in her own way, he would literally do anything it took to make her feel loved and safe. The way he loved her so selflessly and wholeheartedly had me swooning and kicking my feet the entire book. Which brings me to Skylar (Kol’s daughter) she is one of the best child characters I’ve ever read in a book, she added so much to the story, loved her from the very start, she was so smart, sensitive, perceptive and strong at the same time, I literally want to be like her when I grow up!
Last but not least the suspense and tension on this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, I thought I knew who was responsible for all of it but BOY WAS I WRONG, if you love small town thriller romances, plot twists, new beginnings, found family, touch her and d*e, single dads with a heart of gold & unbelievably strong FMC’s then this is the book for you!
The way this book ended had me wanting to reach for book 3 immediately, I can’t wait to read Mav and Aster’s story! Catherine Cowles has now officially become one of my auto-buy authors and I can’t wait to continue this series! Thank you so much to Catherine Cowles & her Team for the eARC and ALC this was such a beautiful story & will forever have a piece of my heart! I can’t wait to continue this series!
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July 12, 2026Thank you to Catherine Cowles and her team for the ALC of Into the Fading Twilight!
If you haven't read book one, there are spoilers ahead!
Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely loved book two, and the audiobook was incredible. The full cast of narrators brought every character to life, and I genuinely couldn't stop listening.
This story follows Nova as she tries to rebuild her life after surviving the trauma of being kidnapped and held captive. As she searches for a sense of normalcy, she's also navigating how much has changed around her. Her best friend, Brea, has settled into a new town and a new relationship, leaving Nova wondering where she fits. The one constant throughout her recovery has been Kol, the man who found her on the day she thought her life was over. His steady presence becomes an anchor, and their connection slowly grows into an unexpected romance.
Just as Nova begins to heal, a nosy reporter arrives in town and another young woman goes missing under circumstances eerily similar to Nova's kidnapping. Is there a new predator lurking in the shadows, or has the nightmare she escaped returned?
If you're looking for a romantic suspense with heart, this one delivers. It's a beautiful story about healing, grief, and learning how to rebuild your life after unimaginable trauma. Add in a fiercely protective grumpy single dad, an unexpected slow-burn romance, found family, and a FMC who rises from the ashes…this is a series I can't recommend enough!!
If you haven't read book one, there are spoilers ahead!
Wow, wow, wow! I absolutely loved book two, and the audiobook was incredible. The full cast of narrators brought every character to life, and I genuinely couldn't stop listening.
This story follows Nova as she tries to rebuild her life after surviving the trauma of being kidnapped and held captive. As she searches for a sense of normalcy, she's also navigating how much has changed around her. Her best friend, Brea, has settled into a new town and a new relationship, leaving Nova wondering where she fits. The one constant throughout her recovery has been Kol, the man who found her on the day she thought her life was over. His steady presence becomes an anchor, and their connection slowly grows into an unexpected romance.
Just as Nova begins to heal, a nosy reporter arrives in town and another young woman goes missing under circumstances eerily similar to Nova's kidnapping. Is there a new predator lurking in the shadows, or has the nightmare she escaped returned?
If you're looking for a romantic suspense with heart, this one delivers. It's a beautiful story about healing, grief, and learning how to rebuild your life after unimaginable trauma. Add in a fiercely protective grumpy single dad, an unexpected slow-burn romance, found family, and a FMC who rises from the ashes…this is a series I can't recommend enough!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2026
thank you Sourcebooks Bloom Books & Must Love Audio for the ARC & ALC, all opinions are my own.
** first off, please don’t read this review/the blurb if you haven’t read book 1 (Across the Vanishing Sky), since it has major spoilers!
I KNEW from the first book in this series that I would devour this one, I was so drawn to these two already 😍
Kol finding Nova has them form an undeniable bond, but their connection is SO much more than that.
Both have been through deep traumas in their lives, & are exactly who the other needs to pull them into the light.
I LOVE how Kol treats Nova, with so much care but not like she’s fragile, even though he wants to protect her 🥹 this truly helps her heal.
Kol, my goodness this man 🥹 I’m all about acts of service, and he certainly DELIVERS.
The way he yearns & tries to fight how badly he wants Nova had me in more suspense than a k!ller on the loose 🙃
Nova’s relationship with Skylar (Kol’s daughter) is one of my fav things in a single parent romance, and I love how no matter what happened between them, she’d still be there for her.
🎧 Brittany Presley & Sebastian York were absolutely perfect in DUET as Nova & Kol!
I LOVE having the full cast - each seems to fit their characters so well, & they’re a bunch of my favorite narrators 😍 seriously makes me even more excited for the rest of the series, already hearing each of the Archer brothers.
I’m so hooked, I can’t wait for the next one!
✦ tropes & more:
❤️🩹 healing from trauma
💙 single dad
🚫 forbidden
🏠 roommates
💙 protective mmc
🌳 small town
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
🎧 audio + ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: open door |
📖 Into the Fading Twilight by Catherine Cowles
📚 book 2 • Starlight Grove series
🖤: romantic suspense
🎙 narrated by: Brittany Presley & Sebastian York + full cast - Connor Crais, Jason Clarke, Adam Gold & Teddy Hamilton
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
** first off, please don’t read this review/the blurb if you haven’t read book 1 (Across the Vanishing Sky), since it has major spoilers!
I KNEW from the first book in this series that I would devour this one, I was so drawn to these two already 😍
Kol finding Nova has them form an undeniable bond, but their connection is SO much more than that.
Both have been through deep traumas in their lives, & are exactly who the other needs to pull them into the light.
I LOVE how Kol treats Nova, with so much care but not like she’s fragile, even though he wants to protect her 🥹 this truly helps her heal.
Kol, my goodness this man 🥹 I’m all about acts of service, and he certainly DELIVERS.
The way he yearns & tries to fight how badly he wants Nova had me in more suspense than a k!ller on the loose 🙃
Nova’s relationship with Skylar (Kol’s daughter) is one of my fav things in a single parent romance, and I love how no matter what happened between them, she’d still be there for her.
🎧 Brittany Presley & Sebastian York were absolutely perfect in DUET as Nova & Kol!
I LOVE having the full cast - each seems to fit their characters so well, & they’re a bunch of my favorite narrators 😍 seriously makes me even more excited for the rest of the series, already hearing each of the Archer brothers.
I’m so hooked, I can’t wait for the next one!
✦ tropes & more:
❤️🩹 healing from trauma
💙 single dad
🚫 forbidden
🏠 roommates
💙 protective mmc
🌳 small town
🫶🏼 found family
💞 dual 1st person pov
🎧 audio + ebook | ⭐️: 5 | 🌶️: open door |
📖 Into the Fading Twilight by Catherine Cowles
📚 book 2 • Starlight Grove series
🖤: romantic suspense
🎙 narrated by: Brittany Presley & Sebastian York + full cast - Connor Crais, Jason Clarke, Adam Gold & Teddy Hamilton
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
July 8, 2026
Catherine, what did you put into this book!!!!!
This is now my number one book from Catherine. This was darker than her usual books, and it will have you hooked from page one. It still has the found family, the twist, then romance and suspense we all love in Catherine’s book. The best characters, (including the cutest little girl named, Skylar). This story kept me trying to guess who the killer was the whole time.
I highly recommend immersive reading this one. The audio was done so well.
Thank you so much Catherine and your team for sending me my first ARC as well as the ALC. For a honest review
This is now my number one book from Catherine. This was darker than her usual books, and it will have you hooked from page one. It still has the found family, the twist, then romance and suspense we all love in Catherine’s book. The best characters, (including the cutest little girl named, Skylar). This story kept me trying to guess who the killer was the whole time.
I highly recommend immersive reading this one. The audio was done so well.
Thank you so much Catherine and your team for sending me my first ARC as well as the ALC. For a honest review
July 14, 2026
Another amazing romantic suspense by, Catherine Cowles! And another plot twist I didn’t see coming!!!
In this book we see Nova and Kol, Nova spent a year in captivity and is slowly learning how to live again, Kol is the man who saved her and is battling his own past.
These two clicked so well. They seemed meant to be from the start. Although we get some of the tension that I love in a Catherine Cowles book I feel like these two were so meant to be there was less of the “will they or won’t they”. It felt so inevitable that these two ended up together. Kol was Nova’s rock and they both leaned on each other.
In true Catherine Cowles fashion I did not see the plot twist coming at all! It completely took me by surprise but somehow clicked so well and made such sense.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! These brothers absolutely have me hooked.
In this book we see Nova and Kol, Nova spent a year in captivity and is slowly learning how to live again, Kol is the man who saved her and is battling his own past.
These two clicked so well. They seemed meant to be from the start. Although we get some of the tension that I love in a Catherine Cowles book I feel like these two were so meant to be there was less of the “will they or won’t they”. It felt so inevitable that these two ended up together. Kol was Nova’s rock and they both leaned on each other.
In true Catherine Cowles fashion I did not see the plot twist coming at all! It completely took me by surprise but somehow clicked so well and made such sense.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series! These brothers absolutely have me hooked.
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