Member Reviews
The way Catherine never misses! Literally did not see it coming! She always does this to me and I love it! Such a good book. First time reading about a true crime podcaster. Absolutely loved this book. Definitely a must read. Definitely loved the grumpy sunshine aspect of this book and the banter between Ridley and Colt. Tatter the cat was hilarious.
If you have not read a Catherine Cowles book, I do not know what you are waiting for!!! Go pick this book up!
4.25 stars
in this romantic suspense book we follow ridley and colt. 5 years prior, ridley tragically lost her twin sister and the culprit was never caught. as a result, ridley takes on cold cases in her true crime podcast in hopes of bringing more awareness. her podcast brings her to shady cove where she meets colt, the local sherriff. colt doesn’t want her sniffing around his town and bringing up bad memories of the past.
i enjoyed this one! the suspense part was my favorite and i loved watching everything unravel. i’ve never read a book where an mc is a podcast host which is cool!
ridley and colt def had their rough start but ended up being so good for each other and understanding each other, especially when it mattered most.
there’s also fun pets in this one!! especially love princess tater and her tooth hugs 🫶🫶
def pick this up if you’re looking for a good romantic suspense- or any catherine cowles book for that matter, she never misses!!!
Catherine has done it again!!! Another incredible romantic suspense where I am 100% convinced I know the suspect andddd I still get it wrong😆 The way she writes suspense is incredible as it keeps you guessing until the very end while changing your suspect many times! She is my go to author for romantic suspense but add in the true crime element of this one and it just made it even better!
Ridley runs a true crime podcast covering cold cases after her own loss of her twin sister who was never found. She goes from place to place in her van and her next stop is the small town of Shady Cove. For this case, the woman got away but the person responsible was never found. However, the sheriff in town, Colt is not pleased to have her in town looking around.
Small Town
Suspense
Sheriff MMC
True Crime Podcaster
Grumpy/Sunshine
Enemies to Lovers
AUDIO REVIEW:
WOW!!! What an incredible casting for this book that perfectly captures the demeanor and personalities of these characters while keeping you on the edge of your seat with their performance!!! It’s a dual narration by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt that completely elevates this mysterious and emotional story!!
Andi is one of my all time favorites for Catherine’s stories!!! In this book she makes you FEEL the suspense while brining out such intense emotion in her voice that was so stripped down and raw at times making you feel everything Ridley is going through! At the same time, the tone she uses captures the feeling of the suspense as it builds up which keeps you hooked right into the story!
Sebastian as a grumpy cop…perfection!!! This man also couldn’t have been better for this role! His deep, gruff tone showcased the grouchy demeanor of Colt and his fierce protectiveness of Emerson. Then as the story goes on and the relationship develops you can hear how his voice softens with Ridley as well. It just gave so much life to Colt and made him feel like a real character!
Overall, this is one I highly recommend listening to as it will give you an even more immerse experience of this story!!!
I love everything Catherine writes, and this was no exception!
The way that Catherine writes romantic suspense makes me so excited for every new release she has, and being a true crime junkie, this was the perfect premise for me.
We follow Ridley, a true crime podcaster with a traumatic event in her past, and the local Sheriff, Colt, work to investigate an unsolved abduction of a local resident who happens to be Colt's sister. Through their investigation, they get closer, but can they catch the unsub and can Colt keep Ridley save?
A great small town, romantic suspense to add to your TBR!
Thank you Catherine Cowles and Sourcebooks for the ARC in exchange for my review!
I LOVED this book! If you love listening to true crime podcasts and romance books, then you’ll LOVE this one!
I always love being introduced to new small towns written by Catherine Cowles as they always feel like home to me straight away even though I’ve never actually lived in a town like the ones she has created.
We’re introduced to Ridley who is a true crime podcaster visiting Shady Cove as she thinks this is where a serial killer had his first victim, however she meets Colt, the town sheriff who doesn’t want her sniffing around and bringing up the past again. Ridley is determined though so she doesn’t let Colt stop her and suddenly finds him helping her look into the case.
I loved the tension between Ridley and Colt and was obsessed with his nickname for her, Chaos. They both have a stake in the mystery they’re trying to solve and are broken by the thing they have a shared experience of which pushes them together and makes them more determined to get to the bottom of what is happening. Colt is super protective and commanding but it’s all from a place of love, while Ridley is such a free spirit who draws people in.
I loved the way their romance unfolded and couldn’t stop reading. This was such a good story of overcoming your trauma and grief and finding someone who loves you no matter what you’ve been through. It’s the perfect grumpy x sunshine romance filled with so much emotion.
And as always, Catherine continues to keep me guessing whenever I think I know who the bad guy is!
I really loved this book and the audiobook was amazing. I highly recommend.
Ridley’s twin disappeared when they were in college and she thinks she's figured things out. She's turned into a podcaster who has made it her mission to help other families who have a loved one at the center of a cold case. To get to the bottom of her sister's case, she finds herself in Shady Cove wanting to cover a cold case where the victim survived. Word gets around fast in a small town because Sheriff Colter Brooks isn't exactly welcoming Ridley in with open arms. Especially when his sister is the victim in this cold case.
This book was in a way quite different from the typical romances I read, even though I do pick up romantic suspense a bit. This book definitely has some suspense, but I think it was just the whole solving a crime, podcaster fmc, adorable animals, quirky small town, but still romcom vibes but a little mystery that made it so different. And different is good! One of my favorite parts was all the pets involved, especially Tater. I also loved all the small town people. They were all so loving, crazy and funny! I will definitely be on the lookout for book two!
Andi Arndt and Sebastian York are perfection as always. SebYo makes the best grumpy guys and Andi is always a favorite when it comes to the sunshine. Can't go wrong with these two.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an advanced copy of this audiobook. Opinions are my own.
✨ ARC Review✨
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, I am shook. I devoured this book in one sitting, and let me tell you—I could NOT stop!! The suspense? It had me on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, glued to the pages like my life depended on it. And the romance? OH. MY. GOD. Perfection doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’m still reeling!
Ridley is a true crime podcaster on a mission to not only find her missing twin sister but also help other families get closure. Despite everything she’s been through, she remains a ray of sunshine, full of positivity and strength. She was such an inspiring character and quickly became one of my all-time favorites.
And then… Colt. The grumpy, brooding sheriff with a mile-wide protective instinct. At first, I was like, "Ugh, he’s such a jerk." But WOW, once he started opening up? I was completely hooked. His chemistry with Ridley? Explosive. Their enemies-to-lovers vibe had me grinning like a fool, and the banter between them? Chef’s kiss. I couldn’t get enough of them!
But hold up, I cannot forget Tater. YES, Ridley’s cat is a star in this book! She’s sassy, and hilarious, and literally had me laughing out loud with her tooth hugs and hilarious antics. I never thought a cat could steal my heart like Tater did, but here we are. She was the PERFECT addition to this already amazing book.
Now, let’s talk about that SUSPENSE. My jaw is STILL on the floor. I thought I had it all figured out—I did not. The villain? I literally did NOT see that coming. It was a twist so wild that I was left sitting there like, “Wait, WHAT?!” The whole investigation kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next.
On top of all that, the emotional depth was just next level. We’re talking grief, trauma, and all the raw, real stuff that just hits you in the gut. And in the midst of it all, there’s this heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, but always beautiful romance that completely stole my heart.
“Haven’t you figured it out yet Chaos. You’ve had me breaking all the rules since the day I met you.”
This story follows Ridley, a cold case podcaster with a highly popular community that contributes through online forums. Now, Ridley is chasing leads on a case that hits very close to home, leading her to Shady Cove, where it all may have begun. Little did she know that her investigation would stir up the community—and catch the attention of the grumpy yet handsome local sheriff. Can she get to the bottom of this case?
I absolutely loved this one! As a true crime fan who often listens to podcasts, this was great. I felt for Ridley—she wants to make a difference while also seeking answers and closure for herself and others. She approached everything with good intentions and a fiery spirit, yet tread carefully. I especially enjoyed how she gave Colt a run for his money, helping him confront his feelings and manage his guilt. Loved Colt and Ridley together. I will say though this is the first time I managed to guess who was responsible.
The characters are fantastic, the scenic imagery is brilliant, and the story is easy to follow. The spice is just right, and I need a book on Emerson and Trey—they radiate chemistry as side characters. Also, I highly recommend the audiobook if you’re thinking of picking this up!
Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC / Audiobook ALC
Pages: 427
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 50mins
Narrators: Andi Arndt and Sebastian York - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Shady Cove Series
Tropes or Themes: Small Town, Enemies To Lovers, Grumpy Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Suspense, Mutual Agreement, Tension, Chemistry, Protective MMC, Who Did That To You, Taken Care Of, Medical Content, Alcohol, Violence, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Eyes On Me, Dining Table Scene and Water Scene
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All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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Right from the start I knew this book was going to break my heart!
Ridley is trying to find her missing sister. She starts a podcast, delving into unsolved cases just like her sisters in hope to help some other families and hopefully shed some more light on her sisters case. She lives a nomad lifestyle in her camper van, experiencing all the things in life that her sister wasn't able to.
Colt has experienced a similar heartache when his baby sister was abducted. Although she was found alive, she has never been the same since and he has never forgiven himself for not being there for her that night.
Chaos and Law man, well these two were adorable. The emotions through out this book were so intense. Colt and Ridley don't start off on the right foot, but they soon start to bond after realising they share the same trauma.
The slow burn between the two had me gripped. The book flawlessly incorporated Emerson and Averly’s backstory alongside the building overall romance. The side characters were perfect and I especially loved Trey, hoping he shines in his own book.
Thank you so much to Catherine Cowles for this ARC, 4.5 stars
This may be my new favourite Catherine Cowles’ book and she blew me away with this true crime podcast/small town romantic suspense, that just captivates you from start to finish.
After Ridley's twin sister disappears one night without a trace, Ridley decides to start a true crime podcast to try to find out what happen to her, and along the way she helps solve disappearances for other families. But there's something that leads her to Shady Cove, a potential clue to her sister's disappearance. Unfortunately, the this town isn't so keen to Ridley's investigation, especially a particularly grumpy sheriff and now danger is lurking closer than she ever imagined.
Catherine just knows how to write intriguing stories that hit you with so many emotions, has you suspecting everyone and ultimately makes you fall in love. I LOVED the build up for this one, the mystery and suspense so well down as you went on this journey to find out what and who was responsible. I tried my best to figure out who did it, but as always, this one had me guessing right up to end. This read like its own true crime podcast and just a great concept and so well. I absolutely adored Ridley and Colt, the banter, the sass, the protectiveness, it was just everything and they just made my heart swoon and my pulse race (hello mr headboard).
Andi Arndt and Sebastian York always deliver an amazing narration and this one was packed with so much emotion, allowing you to really connect with characters. If you have the chance to pick up the audio, highly recommend, it really added to the podcast element of this book!
Catherine Cowles has done it again. I loved this book. Definitely one of my top reads of the year (2024). All the Missing Pieces is a small town, grumpy/sunshine romantic suspense that follows Ridley, a true crime podcaster who goes to Shady Cove for a story and Colt, the town’s gruff sheriff. I loved these two so so much. I couldn’t get enough of how they initially butted heads only to grow in to a great partnership and a passionate romance. Their chemistry was felt from the very first interaction.
Ridley was such a star. She may be my favorite Cowles heroine to date. After her sister disappeared years prior, she set out to shine light on cold disappearance cases with her podcast even helping to solve them. She’s so strong and intelligent and resilient.
The suspense was second to none. The way this author build the mystery is masterful. This time, more than any other book by Catherine, I was thrown for a complete loop over who the villain was. The way I was kept glued to my kindle and suspecting everyone…kudos Catherine.
Whether you’re new to Catherine Cowles or an avid reader, this book is a must read.
This was an absolute SMASH!
WOW.
Catherine never misses to be honest and I I’ll read anything she puts out at this point.
The true crime podcast element was a great addition to this romantic suspense book.
Again, I was hooked. The romance, the spice and all things (not so) nice, wrapped up into a neat little bow that will keep you begging for more.
All The Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles
Narrated by Andi Arndt and Sebastian York
Standalone (for now) Romantic Suspense
4.5 Stars
If you’ve looked at my “Best of the Year” lists since 2021, you already know—Catherine Cowles dominates them. I haven’t met a Catherine Cowles book I didn’t love.
Because All the Missing Pieces isn’t self-published, I expected it to feel a little different from her other books. But honestly? This is absolutely a Catherine Cowles book. If you hadn’t told me the author, I still would’ve guessed it, probably by the prologue. And that’s not a bad thing. I love the comfort of knowing exactly what I’m getting because Catherine delivers every single time.
Even though I know her writing style, she still manages to surprise me. I’m suspicious of everyone in her books, but I never guess who the bad guy is.
“Haven’t you figured it out yet, Chaos? You’ve had me breaking all the rules since the day I met you.”
Ridley is a true crime podcaster with a talent for cracking cases wide open, but her obsession is personal. Her twin sister disappeared years ago, and Ridley hasn’t stopped searching for answers. Her latest case takes her to Shady Cove, where she suspects a local woman was the first victim of the same man who took her sister.
Colt, the town’s sheriff, is immediately suspicious of Ridley’s arrival. He’s spent ten years trying to protect his sister and solve the case, and the last thing he wants is an outsider stirring up trouble. But when Ridley becomes a target, Colt has no choice but to step in.
“Law Man,” she started cautiously. “You okay?”
“Who. The. Hell. Did. This. To. You?”
The romance builds as they’re forced to work together, and while Colt is all gruff protector, Ridley brings lightness and chaos to his carefully controlled world. Throw in some adorable dogs, a three-legged cat named Tater, and a small town full of secrets, and I was hooked from start to finish.
“Colt, you helped me find all the missing pieces. Even the ones I didn’t realize I needed.”
Likes
•No relationship angst.
•I loved the town and all the characters.
•Enemies-to-lovers banter.
•As always, the prologue grabbed me and never let go.
•While it crossed my mind (because let’s be real, it could have been anyone), I never guessed the bad guy/girl.
•There seems to be a setup for another story.
•A crazy three-legged cat named Tater who hugs with her teeth.
•Perfect amount of sex to story.
•No crazy exes.
•The nicknames “Chaos” and “Lawman.”
•Loved the epilogue.
Dislikes
•It was missing humor. The pets had funny moments, but all the characters had such tragic backstories that it felt a little heavy.
•I expected it to feel a little more different than her other books.
•I would have liked more time with them as a couple, falling in love instead of just jumping straight to being in love.
The Narration
Sebastian York and Catherine Cowles? Yes, please. These two amazing narrators were perfect for the characters and absolutely brought the story to life.
The Down & Dirty
All the Missing Pieces is classic Catherine Cowles. If you’ve loved her romantic suspense before, you’ll love this too. The true crime podcast angle was a fun twist, and I liked how the heroine was chasing the bad guy instead of running from him.
It has everything I expect from Catherine Cowles—romance, suspense, small-town charm, and lovable characters. It’s familiar in the best way and still managed to keep me guessing right up until the end.
Rating: 4.5 Stars, 2.5 Heat, 5 Narration
Catherine Cowles is a must-read author for me, so it isn't a surprise that I enjoyed this book. What's surprising is how this book just seemed to be a little bit extra than her others. It was like it was on a different level--romance, suspense, theme, emotions--just everything felt a little heightened, like she leveled up to Catherine Cowles 2.0! I'm really hoping that this will be a series, because I am here for it. The audio was perfection, as well. And the cover? Chef's kiss.
4.5 stars
3.5 stars
I loved the small town vibes of this book along with the podcast element. I expected a thriller and got a romantic suspense which wasn’t a bad surprise. I enjoyed the read once I was able to get into it.
Fun on audio!
My thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Ridley, a true crime podcast host, arrives in a small town determined to find out what happened with a cold case kidnapping as it may be linked to what happened to her sister. Of course, she has run ins with the police and ends up falling for the sheriff of the town, Colt Brooks. The characters were wonderful, including the eclectic side characters. Some of the twists were great and caught me off track. I enjoyed the suspense of the mystery mixed in with the grumpy / sunshine relationship. I listened to the audiobook and the dual narration was spot on! This was a fun one to read that I would recommend!
Our queen of romantic suspense does it yet again.
Some things that I absolutely loved:
This is one of Catherine's strongest and most determined FMC's. I loved that she was so different from the female on the run we get so often.
I loved the True Crime Podcast aspect of it. It pulled so many aspects of the story together so nicely.
I love that this is a standalone.
It had a definite different vibe about it than the other series we have gotten from Catherine while not straying to far away from what we know and love from her.
Definitely one of my favorite books from her.
What do you get when you mix a fiery true crime podcaster, a broody small-town sheriff, and a cold case that’s suddenly heating up? Sparks, secrets, and maybe a little danger!
Ridley Sawyer knows loss all too well—her twin sister vanished years ago, and since then, she’s been chasing justice through her hit podcast. But when her latest case lands her in Sheriff Colter Brooks' town, she finds herself face-to-face with one very tall, very grumpy roadblock. Colt isn’t thrilled about a reporter digging up trouble, but something about Ridley’s determined blue eyes (and maybe her whiskey-drinking habits) has him second-guessing his first impression.
When the case turns dangerous, Colt steps up to protect Ridley, and suddenly, she's living under his roof, stealing his dog’s love, and proving she’s not just trouble—she’s unforgettable. As they race to uncover the truth, they’ll have to decide if they’re playing with fire... or finding something worth fighting for.
Thoughts:
From the start, I was hooked on the mystery of Ridley’s sister’s disappearance and her work as a true crime podcaster. Ridley is such a great character—despite her heartbreak, she’s driven to help other families find closure. The slow-burn romance between Ridley and Colt was everything I wanted: angsty, steamy, and full of amazing grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers vibes. Their banter and chemistry were perfect, and their bond over shared trauma made their growth so satisfying to watch. The mystery itself kept me on edge (that twist—wow!), and the quirky, nosy residents of Shady Cove brought so much charm. Oh, and did I mention there’s a lovable three-legged cat? *All the Missing Pieces* is a must-read for anyone who loves small-town drama, suspense, sizzling romance, and all the feels.
🎧🎧🎧
Andi Arndt and Sebastian York absolutely crushed it! Their narration was packed with so much emotion, it felt like the characters were jumping right off the page. I’ve loved their work before, so I wasn’t surprised, but wow—they brought their A-game! This audiobook is a total winner, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know!
Thank you to @dreamscape_media, @catherinecowlesauthor and @netgalley for this gifted audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.
🐈⬛Enemies-to-Lovers
🐈⬛Grumpy/Sunshine
🐈⬛Forced Proximity
🐈⬛Romantic Suspense
🐈⬛Small-Town
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“Haven’t you figured it out yet, Chaos? You’ve had me breaking all the rules since the day I met you.”
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Review: I have heard little bits and pieces about this book, and I couldn't wait to dive in!
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Ridley is a True Crime Podcaster who goes around trying to find new information and leads to help solve unsolved crimes. She ends up in Shady Cove, where she hopes to unearth new information. In walks Colt, the town Sheriff, who immediately wants nothing to do with this con woman. Or so he thinks...😏 These two had their lives turned upside down and are doing their best to move forward with their lives. The connection these two shared was so genuine, and I loved how their relationship evolved. It was so natural and real. I loved how they came together and began helping each other. Law Man and Chaos...Catherine has the best nicknames!
Then there was Tater. Tater definitely stole the show when she entered the scene! Oh my gosh, this cat cracked me up! I loved how Ridley was with her!😹 And Emmerson! She stole my heart and I just love her to pieces! I need her to get her HEA and to get her life back.🥹 I really enjoyed the mix of mystery, romance, and banter that Catherine always delivers. She is so good at putting in twists you didn't see coming. I truly felt like I was watching and kind of helping find the killer in one of my hubby's beloved crime shows. I had so much fun with Ridley as an investigating podcaster. I got to listen to the audiobook by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt. They both did a fantastic job of bringing these two to life. I felt like I was immersed in the story. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Emmerson and 🤐 with get their story🤞🤞🤞😝
Chaos & Lawman were everything we needed and more! Loved this story and the characters Catherine Cowles created with All The Missing Pieces! Ridley the FMC was so strong and brave, who used her voice to give victims a voice with her Podcast!! Colter Brooks the Sheriff who took the job of protecting the people of his town very seriously. They banter was top their and set the mood for amazing connection! They help each other to solve the mystery and in the end their love won over and was beautiful!