This gem was full of the heart that I expect from Brittainy and she never fails to deliver. Ian and Hazel were amazing characters and I loved the growing love between them so much. Big Paw and Holly were amazing secondary characters that showcased a long term love that was beautiful. The storyline was engaging, the characters were likable people that I'd want to know and the love and heart of the book shone through. Another hit.

I'll never tire of reading Brittainy's stories.

Confession: Brittainy Cherry is an amazing storytelling and author.

Confession: I binge read this book in one day

Confession: This may be a "rock star" book but it's unlike any other rock star book I have ever read.

Confession: Ian and Hazel may be broken but their friendship is the balm needed to soothe these two and to put them back together.

Confession: My stomach was in my throat for most of the time I was reading wondering how Ms. Cherry would make this all work out and come to a conclusion that would leave me happy.  Oh, the angst. 

Confession: I have a girl crush on Hazel.  This character is strong and even despite her upbringing, she's a strong, smart, determined character. 

Confession: Enemies to Lovers books are one of my favorites - these two are so much more than just lovers. 

Confession: The Wreckage of Us will be on my top 10 read for 2020.

The Wreckage of Us is a story bursting at the seams with love and hope. Hazel and Ian have faced their own struggles early in their lives. Both heartbreaking and infuriating, especially with Hazel. I was beside myself with anger and disbelief about how she was being treated by her mother and stepfather. I was so relieved and happy when she found a new home with Big Paw and Holly. Ian was a big jerk to Hazel at first, but he slowly turned things around. I really enjoyed their friendship and connection through music. Ian’s journey to find success with the band was fun to read. I enjoyed all of the highs and lows that they went through. Things were not easy for these two, as usual, but I loved the way they fought for what they wanted most. Love and happiness and peace.

❝If darkness was a person, it would be Hazel Stone.❞

Let’s be honest, the romance world is oversaturated, and new authors are pumping out books every second. It’s impossible to read them all. It’s even impossible (for me) to read all the books from authors that I like and even love. With that said, I hate to admit it’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Brittainy C. Cherry. I’m beating myself up for that right now. And even though I’ve loved all of her books that I’ve read, The Wreckage of Us is one of my favorites. It had so much heart and held so much wisdom within its pages that I thought about the story and these characters both day and night. I eagerly anticipated getting to read it when I got home from work. Two nights was all it took to finish (with work and family life, it can take 5 days for me to finish a book), and now I want to start it again.

❝Music understood parts of me that humans never got close enough to discover.❞

Both Ian and Hazel came from parents who didn’t have the mental wherewithal to take care of them. Drug abuse was prevalent, and neglect and physical abuse was part of their daily lives. But where Ian had his grandparents to take over his care when his parents left, Hazel didn’t have anyone. They both fought and worked hard for what they wanted. They fought each other fiercely, too.

❝Sorry. My instant reaction is sarcasm.❞

❝It’s fine. My instant reaction is a**hole.❞

I love the humor that Cherry wrote in this book. It tempers the angst perfectly. And believe me, this book isn’t just funny, it’s hysterical!

Watching Hazel and Ian get to know each other and find their way together as a couple, was tender, emotional, and beautiful. Cherry took her time with these characters; they were allowed to grow, flourish, and be.

As a couple, these two got off to a rocky start and endured some obstacles along the way, but eventually, this Rockstar cowboy turned the town goth into his cowgirl.

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

The Wreckage of Us is an angsty, enemies to lovers story full of passion, love, and heart.

"You've been my light, my muse, my inspiration. Haze...you are every star in the sky. You are my galaxy."

The Wreckage of Us is a fast-paced new adult romance. The main characters are Ian and Hazel. Ian Parker is known as the playboy rockstar of Eres. He is the lead singer of the Wreckage, a band he created with his closest friends. However, he does have a fear of abandonment after what he went through with his parents. But he keeps this side of him pretty well hidden. Hazel like Ian comes from a broken home, but doesn't have any friends or family to depend on. When she turns eighteen she is thrown out of the house by her drug-dealing stepdad. Thankfully, there are great people in the town of Eres, and she is offered work and a safe place to lay her head at night. Ian has to train her to work on the ranch but because of her family ties he is being very rude and hopes to run her off as soon as possible. From the outside it looks like they have very little in common, however when they get to know each other better they realize that is not the case. The more they spend time the stronger their bond and attraction get.

"To the outside world, the of us probably seemed like polar opposites, but to me? To me, we made perfect sense."

Even though Hazel has a rough life, she is still very dependent and loyal. Her mother is pregnant and she will do anything in her power to take care of her new sibling. I was very proud of her decisions and the new amazing people around her that supported her. Especially Ian's grandparents Big Paw and Holly were absolutely wonderful. I loved seeing Ian and Hazel fall in love and being able to hold on to that even if they were apart. There was no unnecessary drama or breakup due to miscommunication. It was a very straight-forward romance that I enjoyed a lot. It had its fun, romantic, sexy, heartbreaking, and emotional moments. I felt a strong connection with all the characters, and especially the side-characters really helped in elevating the story. I wish this book was part of a series because I wouldn't mind the rest of the band getting their story told.

"You see what you do to me, Haze? You make my hart go wild."

She did it again. With the WOU, published by Montlake, B.C. Cherry delivered a story that had me in knots, gave me a sleepless night, stays with me and doesn't leave my mind. And I loved every minute.I read the book a few days ago, slept over it a few times, and still the characters stubbornly stay in my mind. They refuse to go on their own way.
Hazel is a 18 year old girl from the wrong side of the tracks. All on her own, she's looking for a job. What she's about to find is so much more.
Ian is an aspiring rock star, a 21 year old who still has a lot of growing up to do. Both spend time together and Ian learns a lot about life and taking a second look at things.
Their story pulled on my heart-strings. This book has everything I love in a great read. This author writes heartbreak and broken characters like no other. To with Mr. Gump, it's like a box of pralinés, you never know what's under the first layer . Lets just say, she nailed it for me, one of my new favorites in 20. I recommend TWOU.

Listen. 
You could never give me a Brittainy Cherry book that I would not just DEVOUR!! If I ever want to be heartbroken-- she is one of my go to authors. 

Her characters are always so complex and NEVER the same. And that's a compliment considering how many extraordinary novels she has put out. Each time I meet a new set of her characters I am instantly IN LOVE with them. She has a gift. And she knows how to use it.

Brittainy C. Cherry never fails to have me reaching for the tissues when reading her work. I do love a book that brings out all the emotions in me and The Wreckage of Us had me feeling everything throughout. This story is beautifully written. This fabulous enemies-to best friends-to lovers romance has a storyline that will have you gripped from the very first chapter and unable to put the book down until the very end.

The Wreckage of Us is Ian and Hazel’s story and I have to say that my heart broke many times whilst reading it. To know that what they have both been through is someone’s reality is tragic. However, for all the hurt and heartache that they have both suffered, this story gives me hope that people’s dreams of a better future can come true.

I absolutely adore Hazel. She is such an inspiration to us all. Kind, caring, hard-working, forgiving, loving and determined are just some of the attributes that I can award this young lady. I admire Hazel immensely, and I cannot wait for you to meet her.

Never judge a book by its cover. Not literally in this instance… the cover of this book is rather good! I’m referring to Ian Parker, who I may have had some unkind thoughts about in the early parts of the book, but when you learn his story I’m certain that like me, you’ll forgive him and fall in love with him just like Hazel does. Isn’t this the best kind of character? You know, the one that has you doing a 180 on how you originally perceived them to be!

The Wreckage of Us is a must read. Brittainy consistently writes the most incredible stories that can have you crying one minute and smiling the next. This story, like so many others of hers, is packed full of emotion but is thought provoking too. I adored reading Ian and Hazel’s journey. They are perfect for each other and I was rooting for them from the moment I realised that they have a very special connection. The storyline was wonderful; the secondary characters added to the story perfectly - Big Paw and Holly need a special mention here; I now want to visit the ranch in Eres, and I didn’t want this story to end.

I award this book 5 ‘Until Forever’ stars, and I recommend that you waste no time reading this fabulous story.

I would say that the blurb (which I just read) is deceiving. When Ian Parker and Hazel meet, sparks are NOT flying. Or maybe they are but mostly in anger.

Hazel is trying to plan for a future. Her mother is a drug addict and her husband, Charley, is the dealer. A big-time dealer who can be quite abusive too. Hazel's plan is to start working and to earn enough money to move her mom, who is expecting a child, and herself to a new place to live together. She applies for work at Ian's grandparents' farm and Ian is going to be monitoring her work.

Ian is lucky to have great grandparents. His parents, no to so much. Both of them walked away from him years ago. They both were addicts and Ian blames Charley for losing them. Any keen of Charley has to be a bad one. Making Hazel's life miserable at the farm is something he's going to enjoy.

This is my first book by Brittainy C. Cherry. I thought it was well-written. Both Hazel and Ian were interesting to me. I wanted them to accomplish their dreams. Hazel to obtain the stability she was seeking and Ian, a successful musical career. I also wanted their romance to "make it".

Wreckage of Us was written in a dual POV which made it easier to understand the decisions they were taking. What drove them. What made them tick. 

The supportive character like Big Paw, Grams, the band were all likable and realistic. I was rooting for Ian and Hazel to find the way to each other and to their dreams.

I'll Keep Brittainy C. Cherry's work in mind. 

A complimentary copy was provided by Montlake via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brittainy Cherry returns with a new novel, a story that promises a roller coaster ride.

Hazel lives in a troubled family, her pregnant mother, she has nothing left out of life and lives with a junkie man. A violent and vulgar man, a man who has no problem hurting people, whether physically or psychologically. 
Ian is a closed boy, after being abandoned by his parents, he decided not to open up anymore and not to get attached to people with the risk of being left alone again.
Everything changes when Hazel, his new roommate, becomes part of his life.

“Thanks, Haze.”
“For what?”
“Teaching me how to feel again.”

The story between Hazel and Ian begins slowly, the two start off with a healthy friendship based on sincerity and trust. The two tend to tell each other many things about their past lives, to allow themselves small moments of "confession", moments in which you can not lie.

“Confession—you are my sun, my moon, and my stars. Confession, whatever’s hurting you, we can fix together. Confession—I’m never going to give up on this.”

These moments become more and more intimate, so that the two become something more. 

Ian considers Hazel his muse, it is thanks to her that he gains success with his songs so that he is known all over the world and appreciated.
Hazel sees only the good in him, a wonderful person who is easy to love.

Both protagonists are strong characters. As I told you at the beginning, life has not been lenient with them, but in all this they always try to see the positive side of things. And that's something I really appreciated.

The Wreckage of Us is a novel full of feeling, love, passion and pain.
Pleasant pain and not.
Cherry is undoubtedly one of the few authors who conveys unique emotions through her words. When she writes, she puts her soul into it and this transpires page after page.

That got me to sit up a bit more. A sleepy, goofy smile probably appeared on my lips. 
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. What about you?”
“Haze… I’ve been wanting to kiss you for weeks now. With alcohol, without alcohol, shit… I just want to—”

The novel is told in alternate chapters, we would have the point of view of Ian and Hazel.
I have to say that Ian's point of view was very intense and moving, I felt his emotions on my skin. Strong and free.
There's no doubt that Hazel's point of view is a good character, well defined. A girl with a gold heart who sees only the good in things, but especially in people. Especially towards her mother.

I recommend Brittainy with my eyes closed, always.
In life, at least read one of her books and you won't regret it.

How do you even review a book like this? I honestly have no clue. I’m going to preface this review by saying it had so much heart. These characters evolve but at the same time stay true to who they were. They were bad oriole, just people who had a tough upbringing. 

Hazel and Ian had that spark right from their first meeting. Hazel was so strong willed and hard working that I couldn’t help but love her. Ian started off rude but as the story went I understood who he was as a character and totally got him. The romance was amazing. I was hooked on it. It wasn’t fast but a slow progression where we as readers got to learn about these characters l, while the characters learn and fall for each other too. 

The secondary characters made this book shine. They all had their roles from Ian’s band mates, all the way down to the heroines mother. You want to hate some of them but at the same time I was able to understand them. I loved the banter between all the characters and the overall story just broke my heart, made me laugh, had tears roll down my face and made me root for these two to get their happy ending. This author never fails to write a story that has everything I need. I won’t give spoilers but this book is so worth the read. 5 stars #2OCCJD

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Anytime there is a new book coming out from this author I want it even before I know what it is about. Her stories are the best, they pull at your heartstrings and sometimes make you think. You will hate a character, be sad, want to throw things, and fall in love. But in the end, you will be happy you read the story because you fell in love!
Hazel has lived a rough life, now 18, and looking for a job so she can save some money and move away from her Mom and step-father. She demands a job at a ranch. Big Paw tells her she is at the wrong place to apply for a job at the restaurant. But Hazel fires right back that she needs to make some money and she can't do that unless she works at the ranch. And she will work harder than most of the workers he has now. So Big Paw gives her a chance to prove she can do it.
Ian Parker is Bi Paw's grandson and he has to train Hazel. They both hate each other from the beginning. On her first day, Ian is a no-show, when Hazel goes looking for him, she finds him in the office with a girl in an inappropriate position.
Needless to say, neither of them wants to be around the other, but there are forces working that will bring them together in a way that will last forever. They will ground reach other. As they grow closer, Hazel helps Ian write music for his band and Ian lets her (with the push of Big Paw) move into the cabin with him.
I am not going to tell you anymore, just to read this one. If you are a Brittainy C. Cherry fan, then you know. And if you haven't read her before, you should. She is an awesome author that will automatically become one of your favorites. So sit back and enjoy this one. I loved it!
**Wicked Reads Review Team**

It's no secret that I love every book Brittainy Cherry writes. They're all special to me, but The Wreckage of Us is one of my favorites by her. It was incredibly emotional, had the perfect amount of angst, and so much heart. Honestly, this book was perfect for me and I don't think I could have loved it more.

When Hazel comes to the ranch in her small town for a job, she's not sure if she'll be hired. She's had a hard life and is determined to work hard and get out of the situation she's in. Ian Parker helps his grandpa run the ranch. He's not sure why his grandpa hired this girl that looks like Wednesday Adams to do this hard labor, but he's going to make her work just as hard, if not harder than his other guys. Hazel more than proves herself.

Ian and Hazel don't get along at first, but with time, they become friends. It's very opposites attract and all kinds of sweet. Ian is a musician and when Hazel needs a place to stay and takes his spare room, she starts to help him with his music. She becomes his muse and he sees her in an entirely different light.

I loved both of these characters so much. Ian was a bit of a grouch at first, but those kinds of characters are my favorite. Hazel's story broke my heart but she's so strong and a fantastic heroine. I loved their friendship, their romance, and everything about them both. I also truly adored Ian's grandparents. Big Paw and Holly were one of a kind.

This story definitely had some hard to read moments. There were parts of it that hurt, but by the end you'll feel healed. Brittainy always manages to fully heal anything she breaks along the way and that's one of the many reasons I love her books so much. This book was so well written and it captured my heart.

The Wreckage of Us is one of the best books I've read in 2020 and I can't recommend it enough. If you're looking for a read that will give you all the feels, that's passionate, emotional, and a truly exceptional read, pick this up! You won't be disappointed.

4.5+ stars
Hazel Stone has lived a rough life and now at eighteen, she is desperate to get a job to make money and escape. One man seems to run her small town so she begs him to work on his ranch and is not afraid of hard work. Big Paw gives her the job on the condition she works under his grandson, Ian.

Ian Parker is entitled, closed-off, broody, and rude. He uses women and delegates the hard work. He is only interested in making music with his band The Wreckage, but even that is feeling hollow lately. He has abandonment issues and huge walls up. And he hates her on sight and is set on pushing her out...until he realizes he cannot.

She is equally as strong-willed and determined to prove herself. She is a loner and awkward, but also proud, strong, and caring. They appear to be opposites, but the more they get to know each other, the more similar they become. And eventually, she becomes his muse and he wants to be her protector.

But both of their lives are changing. There are complications, challenges, and obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. They have to fight for what they want and need. But these two also want what is best for those they care about, no matter the sacrifice.

This is an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story about acceptance, trust, faith, family, and home. It is told in dual points of view. Hazel impressed me from the beginning. She is tough, smart, hard-working, and has a good sense of humor despite her circumstances. Ian took a bit longer to warm up to, but under his cold facade is a lost little boy looking for an anchor. I loved how they gradually came together and how they both had opportunities for growth and change. Things progressed fairly quickly at times, but there was also a lot of story to cover.

I adored the side characters of Big Paw, Holly, Leah, and his bandmates James, Eric, and Marcus. They are there for support and tough love when needed, but also provide some laughter.

My heart hurt a few times, but I knew eventually the author would put it back together. There are some surprises and twists. It is truly a journey for these two to find their place in the world. But I left the epilogues with a big smile on my face and true love for these characters and their story.

I don’t know how she does it but I just couldn’t stop reading this book. 
There are great writers in this world and there are truly talented ones that stick with you for a long time. That’s the case for me with Brittainy C Cherry. 
I love her words and angsty feels like real-life stories and this book has ticked off all the boxes for me. From the world build that’s very unexpected to be honest, to the characters development that’s highly executed and the dialogue and banter, everything was perfectly written for me. 
There are past mistakes, there are lots of secrets to be unveiled and there’s also friendship and what that friendship really means. 
A well deserved happily ever after with many ups and downs moments,chemistry and life learning lessons , just like in real life. 
Read it and hopefully, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did

"I don't know you enough to hate you. I just don't like what you stand for-the memory of what happened to my parents."

LORD. Brittainy Cherry knows how to pack a punch; she brings the heat and emotions like no one else, and The Wreckage of Us is her best love story to date. This coming-of-age/missed connections style tale worked so well for me, not only due to the perfect build up between Ian and Hazel, but the inclusion of realistic hardships that the characters face, both as a couple and separately. I absolutely adore reading novels where the characters have to heal themselves before being able to hold up a partner, and the author found a way to make each step of this couple's relationship feel relatable, yet enticing. While there are quite a few heavy, thematic elements to this story (domestic abuse, substance abuse, etc), there is still an overall hopeful and dreamy vibe to this book, which is a true hats off to B Cherry for managing to balance such opposite experiences in perfect harmony. If you haven't read one of her books before (and honestly, why haven't you?) then this one is a fantastic one to begin with! Highly recommended to readers looking for the whole package in their romance novel.

"You can't write the truth if you're lying to yourself."

"That night I promised myself that whenever I received the chance to help someone, I'd pay it forward in a heartbeat."

4.5 Stars!!!

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Brittainy C. Cherry has a way with words. There’s a beauty and magical quality to the words she strings together and the stories she creates. I get excited each time she releases a new book because I know whatever story is coming my way is going to move me. The Wreckage of Us did just that.

Hazel Stone broke me heart. Her childhood was not easy. Her drug lord step-father made her someone everyone avoided, and she made herself invisible behind black, baggy clothes and heavy make up. Despite everything that knocked her down, Hazel was determined to do and be better. She was determined to succeed. Her heart was so big and her character so strong.

I feel bad saying this, but I WAS NOT an Ian Parker fan to start out with. The dude made me mad with how he initially treated Hazel. I got his reasoning, but I didn’t care. He should have been better. I’m glad that he was better after working through some crap because he and Hazel fit so well together. I loved the way music brought them together. Their chemistry was as undeniable as their emotional connection. The things they went through because of music and fame were things I could imagine happening to a band and their loved ones in real life. So, yeah, thank goodness Ian wised up.

One of my favorite things about this book was the setting. Eres, Nebraska was a special place. I loved the descriptions and feel of it, especially Big Paw’s ranch. There were so many great characters in that community: the band, Big Paw and Holly, Leah just to name a few. The warmth of the community made it somewhere I wouldn’t mind living myself.

My least favorite thing was probably one crazy twist that I won’t say much about. It involved the darker side of the small town community, and just felt a little far fetched. That being said, I did appreciate where it took the story and how it shaped Hazel and Ian’s relationship.

Once again, Brittainy C. Cherry wrote a book that I couldn’t put down. It was filled with characters and a romance that I can’t stop thinking about. I’m truly hoping The Wreckage of Us is going to be the first in a series because I would LOVE each of Ian’s friends/band mates to get a book of their own. I don’t want to be done with The Wreckage or Eres, Nebraska.

I am going to start charging authors fore boxes of kleenex. I knew from reading previous books from this author that it was going to pull at my heart strings, and I might get misty eyed. Nope, copious amounts of tears and snot...thanks. This book is beautifully written, beautifully crafted, and each loving piece falls into place to make this book amazing.
The level of angst in this book is pretty off the charts. The love, hate, lust, that all plays in too. I don't think there is another author that could write this story, if that makes sense. The Ms. Cherry grabs your attention and heart from the moment you start reading, and doesn't let go even through the end. This book will give you a massive book hangover, and trust me, she ain't sorry. Don't be sorry for loving this book, I'm not. The book is told in dual pov, which always gets me going. Be sure to pick this book up when it comes out because let me tell you, this will be a book everyone is talking about.

4.5 STARS

I have been a fan of this authors work for some time now because Cherry's writing is absolutely sensational. She has always been the author that takes me out of my element, and casts me into a whole new life - like reality. If I am being honest, the majority of her books has me all over the place emotionally. The angst that this author conjures is on a whole new level, BUT she did something different with The Wreckage Of Us. It wasn't as heavy as her usual books are, and again If I am being honest, I like this versatile side of her writing skill. Now don't get me wrong, it's not all sunshine and roses, but again I didn't feel the heaviness that I usually do that usually comes with her words.

The Wreckage Of Us was a truly telling book, and the main characters were some of my favorite characters this author has ever wrote. Cherry did an outstanding job with the development of Hazel and Ian's story. The pace and flow had me flipping the pages faster than I imagined, because I could not get enough. The depth was done with so much knowledge, it felt true to the storyline. The Wreckage Of Us was an original, but no surprise there because this author has this whole world that no one knows about. The banter was hilarious, and the dialogue was seriously something else. The chemistry and connection? In a sense, a slow burn, but a timely slow burn. The buildup to more was PERFECT!

Ian and Hazel. My goodness, I love love love them, They were perfect. I adored the growth these characters made throughout this whole entire story. They never one time used their pasts as an excuse, they rather used it as stepping stones to be better, to do better. They were both unique in their own ways, but so different in many ways as well.

Overall The Wreckage Of Us was a great story, and I look forward to more from this author.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

A river of angst, a mountain of hateful actions, a young woman struggling not to drown in the sewer that is her life and a young man who unknowingly keeps pushing her head under water. Brittainy C. Cherry’s New Adult dark romance, THE WRECKAGE OF US is a story of strength and perseverance against all odds, a selfish and blind sheep holding on to the “guilt by association” grudge and learning the difference between lies and the truth.

No one knew what Hazel’s life was like, she held it in, took the town’s disdain and vowed to rise above it all, because she had dreams and a good heart. Ian had faced some horrible losses, but he had family to use as his parachute. When forced to give Hazel a chance or lose his cushy life, Ian began to realize how wrong he was about the girl who hid under all of that makeup.

A gritty and gut-wrenching tale, this one follows the “rules” of New Adult books and rides the edge of “over-the-top,” for me. I absolutely felt 100% for Hazel, but her keeping to herself all that was happening in her life was a bit much. Ian began as a spoiled young man who used his past to color his view on Hazel. For me, a good read, but just a little too much detail in some areas and far too much drama.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Montlake! This is my honest and voluntary review.