REVIEW: Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles

In Chasing Shelter by Catherine Cowles, Leaving Manhattan behind was just the first step in Ellie Pierce’s new life. Out with the bad memories, away from controlling men, and in with the majestic beauty of Sparrow Falls, Oregon. Seeing her brother Linc so happy with Arden while they settled into their home gave Ellie a glimpse of what she wants in her future. Peace. Love. Happiness. It might sound cliche to some people, but it sounds like heaven to her. But just as she’s settling into her rental home in town, she realizes her next-door neighbor is none other than Sheriff Trace Colson. Rugged, handsome, and grumpy as hell, Ellie knows she’s in danger of falling even more for the guy who makes protecting her his full-time job. She’s even falling for his cute as a button six-year-old daughter Keely who calls her bestie and brightens Ellie’s life. And all of it combined, well, it might be enough to have her rethinking her stand on avoiding emotional entanglements.

“It’s not like that,” I argued. “We’re just…frenemies.”
Thea made a choked sound. “Frenemies?”
I shrugged. “I love giving him shit and trying to force him to have a little fun. He loves trying to give me demerits and lecturing me for almost setting my house on fire.”

As soon as Trace found out that Ellie would be renting the house next to him, he knew he was in deep trouble. And not just because he realizes–when the smoke alarm in her rental is shrieking–that Ellie can’t cook. Nope. Trace has avoided being around her as much as possible because he can’t think straight or look anywhere else when she’s in his vicinity. And as a cop who needs to be clear headed as well as a dad who wants to keep his daughter safe with routines and schedules, free-spirit Ellie isn’t the right choice. But day by day, as Trace watches out for his neighbor as troublesome things start happening, he has to admit that she’s more down to earth than he expected. She also fits into his family like she’s meant to be there. And while that should please him to no end, it honestly scares him, worried she’ll eventually break his–and Keely’s–heart should she ever leave Sparrow Falls.

“Trace,” Lolli said softly. “Love isn’t something you can play safe. It doesn’t work that way. You want the good stuff, you gotta take risks.”
“I’ve got a daughter to consider.”
“Yes, you do. And I like to think you want to teach her to reach for the stars.”

CHASING SHELTER took my breath away with the sheer power of the love between not only the amazing hero and heroine but also the hero’s blended family who stood strong, kept the laughs flowing, and protected each other fiercely.

“I’ve been searching for something for as long as I can remember. Looking for belonging, safety. I’ve been chasing shelter, and you’re the one who finally gave it to me.”

Each time I think Catherine Cowles has written the best couple so far, I dig into her newest novel, CHASING SHELTER in this case, and I’m head over heels all over again. Ellie and Trace were so much fun together. While there was past trauma to deal with for both of them and some suspense that kept me glued to my seat, theirs was a sexy, entertaining relationship filled with the best banter and tons of respect. I could not have loved them more.

And talk about relatable characters. I was a bit worried that Ellie would come across as a spoiled socialite, but I should have known better after getting to know her brother Linc in Beautiful Exile. The Pierces had good heads on their shoulders even after all they had endured. Ellie had an inner strength that was amazing to watch bloom and grow as she stood on her own two feet, moving to Sparrow Falls and deciding it was time to be *herself* instead of what others chose for her. She was a badass who made me laugh when she got sassy with Trace. But she was also sweet and kindhearted with Trace’s adorable daughter Keely–and with a couple of animals she rescued.

Trace was every bit as protective, grumpy, loving, broody, and good to the core as I expected. And he was *such* a good dad! Keely lucked out in that and even at six-years-old, she knew how much she was adored, how much he and his family, the Colsons, would do to keep her safe. I loved the moments we got to see them all together. Between the dinners at the ranch, the text threads, and when everyone came running when something bad happened, the Colsons were everything. It was so satisfying to see Trace realize by the finale that he deserved all that affection from those who loved him. Absolutely sigh-worthy.

QOTD: Trace’s outrageous grandmother Lolli kept everyone in stitches at family gatherings. Do you have a family member or friend who is the life of the party?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: July 22nd, 2025 | by The PageSmith LLC | Sparrow Falls #5

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

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

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

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

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

Forever.