I think I have a new favorite book by Brittainy C. Cherry. I’m a huge fan of her books but The Wreckage of Us is just special. This book is perfect! Brittainy’s words are magic. Ian and Hazel have chemistry from the start but what makes them so special is their friendship. You could literally feel it growing in stages and it was beautiful. While I loved Ian and Hazel. Big Paw and Holly have my heart. The love they share is so fulfilling. Brittainy always makes me feel lighter after one of her books. She gives me such joy with her words. Five “Until Forever” Stars!!!

The Wreckage of Us is a mix of a small town and rockstar romance that will give you so many feels. Brittainy Cherry's is able to tackle a topic like drug abuse in a tasteful way. This book is complicated, angsty, and flirty.

Hazel is eighteen years old and has a lot on her plate. Her stepdad is a drug abuser and has just kicked her out. She finds shelter in an abandoned shed that is located on a farm. She wants to lead a better life than what she has been and will do whatever she can to get there.

Ian is a musician looking to get his big break in the music world. He is living at his grandfather's farm while creating music and that is where me spots Hazel.  They don't get along but I loved their witty banter. Hazel is fiery and sassy and Ian is more closed off. They challenge each other and can't help but feel more attracted to each other after spending time together. They both want their dream lives but something always gets in the way. Will they be able to have their own HEA?

I give The Wreckage of Us 4 stars. This was my first time reading Brittainy and I was really impressed. The story flowed well and the characters were complex. I will definitely be reading more of her work.

5 Angsty Stars!! I loved absolutely everything about The Wreckage of Us. The backstories of Hazel and Ian were of a sensitive subject matter that I feel was handled perfectly. For two broken people to have such determination in life and still be willing to open themselves to love... just beautiful. I fell in love with Hazel and Ian! Highly recommended!

Brittainy Cherry has always held a special place in my heart because I find myself irrevocably changed with each of her books I read. Not only are here tales extremely relatable to her readers, but we experience every single emotion and are able to walk every single step with them. Immersing yourself into her novels isn’t a hard feat and I think this is one of the main reasons I always come back for more. Packed with emotion and heart, The Wreckage of Us is bound wreak havoc on every readers hearts. While the journey isn’t an easy one, it’s one that cannot be missed. I adored this book. I adore the author and I simply cannot wait for more. Ian and Hazel have left a deep impression in my heart and I’m sure going to miss these two. I highly recommend it. Actually, I highly recommend every SINGLE book she writes!

Well, what can I say....this book had me hooked from beginning to end.

Hazel and Ian's relationship did not start on a good foot. She went to the ranch in search of a job. She wanted to prove that she could work hard and she was willing to prove that to Big Paw, the owner of the ranch. She was seeking to help her mother who was living a life of hell with her drug lord husband. Hazel didn't trust easily. She didn't have any friends and she tried to just mind her own business until Ian came along and started making her life a living hell.

Ian had a bone to pick with Hazel. He was taking it out on her for what he went through with Charlie, Hazel's stepfather. He thought she was just like Charlie and wanted nothing to do with her. He was actually trying to get her to quit as soon as she started working at the farm and he was in charge of training her. But Big Paw saw something in Hazel and he knew the girl was in need of help and he knew that the right person for it would be his grand son, Ian.

But little by little, what started off as hate towards one another turned into a friendship, slowly but surely. Both Hazel and Ian were damaged souls and little by little they were learning on how to understand each other and confiding in one another.

This book certainly gave me the goosies, I loved how the characters developed.

Brittainy C. Cherry has once again charmed her way into my heart with this heartwarming story.

5 “Again” stars!

I am always wowed by the way Brittainy C. Cherry brings her stories to life with unforgettable characters, resounding emotion, and great originality. She can take a popular book theme and make it completely her own through her imagination, intellect, and heart. With The Wreckage of Us, she gives us all the feels and creates a beautiful love story that is unputdownable, and I loved it!

“The most important things in life, are worth fighting for. No matter what fear says.”

This book is extraordinary. From the intriguing storyline to the amazing characters, I was invested from the start. Ian and hazel are two wonderfully complex characters who have found a special place in my heart. Both have experienced heartbreaking situations but where one had the support of family and friends, the other was left to grow up surrounded in loneliness and fear.

My heart went out to both of them, but it broke more for Hazel. Everything she endures is awful. Her fear, heartbreak, and abandonment is real, and I wanted nothing more than to stop the hurt. I never questioned her strength and loved watching her go after what she wants. Ian’s situation is heartbreaking, too, but I loved that he had support through the rough times. I understood the walls he placed around this heart and I wanted to break them down because I knew that his true self would shine through and show just how wonderful he really is.

Ian and Hazel are so good together. They begin their story as enemies and end up being each other’s forevers. They are there for each other and help heal the scars they wear. I love the beautiful friendship that forms and I believed in their bond.

"She pushed me to open up, to dig deeper with my thoughts and my emotions, and it was working. Everything was pouring out of me in a way it never had before. The music felt realer with her help, it felt authentic. It felt as if Hazel Stone was the missing piece to my dream coming true. She was the muse I’d been praying for, and I hoped she’d keep helping me co-write the songs that would change my life."

I loved to see the growth they experience both together and individually. They are strong and resilient, and fight for what they want. They become each other's rock and are there for each other when they need it most.

"As I began to walk away, I froze as I felt two arms wrap around me from behind. I looked over my shoulder to see Hazel holding on for dear life, and I raised an eyebrow.
“Sorry,” she murmured, still holding on to me. “I just needed something to hold on to for a second.”
“Go ahead.” I turned to face her and pulled her in for a tight hug. “Hold on for two.”

I loved that they push each other to follow their dreams, and they don’t rush into a relationship. They allow it to slowly bloom into the forever kind of love and I got swept away in their romance.

"He was it for me. He was the hook, the bridge, and the melody."

There is definitely angst in this book but there’s not a lot of unnecessary drama. These characters burrow down into my heart and their pain is my pain, so the actions that lead up the the heartbreak need to be believable and it is. Ian and Hazel's decisions are real and they stayed true to their characters throughout the story. They are original and endearing, and Ioved them.

This story is about friendship and love, forgiveness and healing. It’s about strength and perseverance, and about fighting for what you want and never giving up so you can reach your dreams. It’s about the people who come into your lives and make a difference who support you and love you unconditionally, never giving up on you and believing in you wholeheartedly. There are so many other wonderful characters in this book who play such important roles in Ian and Hazel's lives. From the band mates and friends to Big Paw and Grams, they are well rounded essential characters who I’d love to get more of. I would love Big Paw and Grams's love story, and would love a book for each of the guys in the band. I need more of Wreckage, more of Hazel and Ian, and more of this wonderful world Brittainy created, including the good and the bad, all of which made The Wreckage of Us an unforgettable read.

Overall, The Wreckage of Us is a fantastic love story that easily joins my list of 2020 top fave reads! Ian and Hazel are two of my favorite Cherry characters and I know their story is one I will relive over and over again. I loved it!

I love Brittainy Cherry and this was another amazing romance she's written. The characters were very relatable and had a lot of depth and things they needed to work through. The chemistry and attraction between Ian and Hazel and I really loved their relationship. This was full of angst and had all the feels. I will say that a lot of this author's books have the same very tragic backstories for main characters, and bad circumstances. But overall, I really enjoyed this book.

Wow! This book was so refreshing, so different. I do a lot of reading. I read a lot of really good books too, but every once in a while I will read a book the really moves me. The Wreckage of Us was one of those “moving” books. Hazel has had a really sad childhood living with her mother and step father. She wants much better for herself so she gets a job at a ranch in her small town. Big Paw and Holly Parker do a lot for the small town and willingly give her a job. Their grandson, Ian, is her boss. He is initially a big jerk to her, but after some time they become friends. Ian hasn’t had as bad of a childhood as Hazel because he had his grandparents to raise him. But his parents left when he was a young boy and it hurt him so bad that he’s put up walls to avoid getting hurt by anyone else. Ian and Hazels friendship and relationship felt very realistic to me. It was refreshing to read a book where a small town musician makes it big, but still stays true to his roots. This story made me laugh and cry. It just really made me feel. The Wreckage of Us was easily one of the best books I have read this year. I highly recommend it!

When it comes to this author, I feel as if reviews are no longer needed. At this point, anyone that has read a book by Brittainy C. Cherry, knows how good her writing is. All that really needs to be said is that it’s written by her and it should be a no brainer.

The Wreckage of Us is as always, a great love story. Ian and Hazel’s story is full of angst and passion. Of course, every love story has its struggles, but there’s nothing that Ian wasn’t willing to work through to be able to call Hazel his. There’s so many parts of this story that I highlighted! Brittainy always seems to melt my heart when it comes to her hero’s words...

“I’m fighting for you whether you like it or not, Hazel Stone. Our love song isn’t over. We’re just getting to the chorus, and I’m going to sing for you, for us, until forever.” 

Or..

“What does a promise from a boy like you mean to a girl like me, Ian Parker?”

“Everything”. I confessed. “It means everything.” 


So many good parts! I loved it all! But seriously? Who doesn’t? Just go ahead and one click now!!

~ Juls

While nothing has quite lived up to Eleanor & Grey (my first introduction to this author), I still enjoy her books and get excited each time I see a new release. Nobody does “real” and gritty like she does. One of the strengths of this author’s writing is building these characters who feel like they could literally walk off the page at any moment. This is the story of Ian and Hazel. I love the way this author tracks relationships. As with the past couple of books, however, there is a great build up but then the end seems rushed. And the resolutions for some characters were unsatisfactory. But I would still recommend and look forward to the next one. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. This review was based on a digital ARC of the book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “You’ve been my light, my muse, my inspiration. Haze…you are every star in the goddamn sky. You are my galaxy.”

What you’ll find:
✔️New Adult Romance
✔️Enemies to lovers
✔️Rockstar
✔️Slow Burn
✔️Dual POV

When Hazel is kicked out, she takes refuge on Big Paws farm, in an abandoned shed. When his grandson Ian finds her he insist she stay in his spare room. Despite being enemies there’s an undeniable spark between them and soon things are finally looking up for her. Until her call to the cops, lands her pregnant mom in jail and leaves her caring for her newborn sister. Ian career with his band is finally taking off... will all this mean the end of them?

I adore this authors writing. But I will say this one had a bit of a different feel to it. It was still filled with her well known heavier storyline, angsty feel and emotion. But it was also lighter at the same time. A younger feel. There was an undeniable chemistry from the start but it took its time to burn. Allowing them to develop a friendship, bond over music and heal from their pasts together. It definitely had all the feels and I enjoyed it. I did miss the usual grit we see from this author. But I would still definitely recommend this one to those who love new adult romance.

I was generously provided with an eARC for my honest review.

I was not sure this was going to be for me in the beginning. And admittedly, some of the dialogue was not my cup of tea. Still, this story was everything I love about Ms. Kent's writing style and a pleasure to disappear into for a few hours.
Salem is the kind of girl most of us can relate to and Arrow is the unattainable unicorn guy we all lust after. Forbidden. Sexy. Not at all like we've pictured.
This love story has its challenges, but the payoff is worth it!

Recommend!

4.5 stars!!!

4.5 stars!!!

The Wreckage of Us was so much more than a romance. It covered so many different tropes and relationships. This was a journey. After finishing, I feel honored to have met Ian and Hazel and experience everything with them. When all was said and done, I couldn't believe all the crap they went through and came out as incredible human beings. 

This book actually reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks book, but BETTER. So if your a fan of his work or want more than just a simple romance, than read The Wreckage of Us.

The Wreckage Of Us really proves what a talented writer Brittainy Cherry is. This emotional, small town, enemies to lovers romance is outstanding and flawlessly written. And as emotional as it is, there are some funny and entertaining moments. Ian and Hazel’s story is also realistic, raw and at times will break your heart. Neither one of them have an easy life, their past issues continue to make their presence known and they’re faced with a few obstacles. Ian and Hazel are tested quite a bit and what I love the most is, their strength, perseverance and the love they find in each other. Their character development is amazing, genuine and gave a lot to the story. I really championed these two and their beautiful, passionate and romantic story touched my soul so deep. The Wreckage Of Us is a definite must read. Just make sure you have wine and tissues handy.

Brittainy gives us yet another emotionally charged story that takes your breath away. 
It's sensitive like the guitar strings & lyrical like poems of the heart. There's a beautiful rhythm that you can hear throughout
Filled with hopelessness and loneliness, two unlikely souls find a way together in this cruel, heartless life.
“You can’t write the truth if you’re lying to yourself.” 
They complete each other's words. His soulful voice to her lyrics, their music becomes their salvation. It's a coming together of kindred spirits unt0der the gruff tutelage of Big Paw and Holly
Ian Parker proves to be a Brick Wall and the squatter Hazel Stone is nothing if not persistent in getting through to him. her puny fists keep beating at it till the wall moves!!
“We don’t have to face every battle alone. Sometimes, all of the time, we’re stronger together.” 
I fell in love with the adorable couple. There's too much goodness in Ian and his Big Paw, just covered under layers of grunts and gruff.
The side characters provide support and love, his band mates are his true brothers and then they embrace Hazel too.
Heartfelt, Heart touching and Heart melting.
4.5 stars for Pig Pen Confessions

4 WRECKED CROWNS

I did enjoy this newest release from Brittainy Cherry. Well written with a tale of overcoming tragedies, The Wrekcage of Us is story of love and friendship and chosen family.

Hazel and Ian both have had rough pasta, which results in a tumultuous beginning for them. Throughout the story, though, they overcome these hurdles through their love music. Their relationship seemed natural, but I didn’t ever really feel the chemistry between them. It was believable but not something I felt.

The story is filled with a host of secondary characters, and I loved the essence of family they bring to the story.

Additionally, the story is paced well and filled with a good story line. There wasn’t anything really unexpected in the plot, which maybe is why I didn’t feel affected by the story. It was good, solid writing, but it didn’t make me feel, which is unusual for me and a Cherry novel.

While this one didn’t knock my socks off, I did enjoy it and would recommend to readers who love a small dose of enemies to lovers, rock star romances, and characters with troubled pasts.

ARC review

"Again?"

Yes, again and again! This story of Ian and Hazel, I wanted it to never end. From the way that their history was connected, to the friendship that became a love unconditional.  This is another amazing story from the mind of Ms. Cherry.

Ms. Cherry has the rare writing talent of bringing readers into the story, whether it's laying and watching the stars, to embracing the music that the Wreckage makes.  The muse that Hazel becomes to not only Ian but the whole band.

For characters that were young in age but life has made them mature faster, but there's still the dreams that young hearts and minds want and nothing will stop them.

I fell in love with the whole cast of characters in this book. And I was invested in each one.  Music, family and home are the main focus of this story and the talent that Ms. Cherry has with her words will move you, like it moved me.  The bravery of Hazel, to the talent and determination of Ian, you are going to fall hard for this story!

THE WRECKAGE OF US had me turning the pages when I should have been doing other things so I could see what would happen next! The characters had a depth to them, as did the story line, which has multiple stories woven nicely together.

The story is set mostly in the small town of Eres, Nebraska, but also Los Angeles. There is a lot of darkness offset by periods of light. The story is told in alternating chapters by Ian or Hazel’s perspective. While they make an unlikely couple, they connect on many levels.  Hazel has had a rough life, and her family life is often held against her. She always tries to stay positive and help others, even when others are doing their best to change her outlook. It’s also hard for her to accept help.

Ian is part of a band with members who are both related by blood and by friendship. His grandparents have a love beyond words, and I loved their interactions with each other especially.

THE WRECKAGE OF US is a rich contemporary romance filled with family and friends, dreams fulfilled, and emotions swirling in a small town setting. I love how the title connects to the story—with the band’s name, Wreckage, in it. The happily ever after was portrayed nicely in the epilogue. There is a nice sense of closure, but I would love to revisit Eres, Nebraska to see what everyone is up to. (hint, hint)

Ms. Cherry is a new to me author.  If this is her caliber of writing, I will be reading more of her books.

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars on this site and others.

GAH, I felt so much while reading this book!  Not only did I feel for Hazel and her story, I felt for Ian and his and I really felt for the love and support of Ian’s grandparents.  The bond of family could not be stronger throughout this book, this is so much more than a love story!
Hazel lives in a broken home with an addict mother who really cares most about her dealer boyfriend and her next fix.  Said boyfriend decides it’s time for Hazel to leave the next now that she’s 18 even though she has no job, no money and no place to go.  She finds herself at the local ranch where she begs BigPaw to give her a chance as a ranch hand.  He gives her the opportunity she needs and sets her up with his grandson, Ian to mentor her.
Ian immediately doesn’t like Hazel; he lost his parents to addiction at a young age and therefore hates everything he believes Hazel stands for.  He pushes her to her limits and she doesn’t break.  BigPaw steps in and sets Ian straight on some very important details.  As Ian and Hazel get to know each other better, Ian realizes pretty quickly he judged her unjustly and that she doesn’t have a bone in her body that resembles her addict mother, her mother’s dealer boyfriend or his addict parents.
The two are tested to the limits while Ian chases his dream and Hazel stays behind to deal with the mess that his her mother and all the drama that goes with it.  As Hazel battles alone, she tries to set Ian free to allow him to keep following his dreams and not be dragged behind.  But love knows no boundaries and fate was on their side, not to mention the grandparents of the century!  
I loved this book not only because of Ian and Hazel’s epic journey and love story, but because the love of family could not be more eminent in this book.  It was so refreshing and healing!  I could not be more in love with Brittainy’s words.  This is Brittainy at her very best!

Brittainy Cherry brings her signature angst to her readers for a heart wrenching story in The Wreckage of Us.

Ian and Hazel were two children who carried the burden of their parent's mistakes past and present. Ian was angry and bitter not fully recognizing how fortunate he was in how his misfortunes played out. Hazel looked for any opportunity as fortunate even when she had to make the opportunities for herself. Out of resentment then mutual grudging admiration grew respect and ultimately love for a tender and true romance between this couple. Finding a way for two people whose sources of pain were so entwined to find happiness in each other can be tricky but Ms. Cherry tapped into their common backbone of goodness and found a way to bring them not only happiness but love. Ian and Hazel's was a true and pure love in a scenario filled with polluted and toxic parents but with the guidance of Ian's grandparent's Big Paw and Holly they flourished and moved past their parents failures to find success and a grounded sense of belonging in each other. The responsibilities this couple took on were a testament to the strength of their characters especially given their parents examples. Appreciating the little things, the simple things became paramount to them overcoming the hurdles thrown their way. 

Poignant the hardships of this story found a way to be inspirational. Ms. Cherry's sensitive writing guided this story and proved in the end there is no place like home and home in the end was where the heart was. The Wreckage of Us was a beautiful story of finding the best within oneself and others.