Due to her family Hazel has had to mature before she should have had to. Her stepfather provides the town with any drugs they want and that includes her pregnant mother. She wants to be able to support her mother and the sibling who hasn’t arrived yet and the best way to do that is manual labor on a ranch.

Ian is working towards his goal of becoming a musician but until that happens, he manages his Grandparent’s ranch. His Grandparents were there for him where his parents weren’t but he doesn’t want Hazel on the ranch as he blames her for the sins of her father and he is a man on a mission to make her quit.

Hazel and Ian were more adversaries than friends until he gets to know her and understand her circumstances. As the feelings between them deepen they become each other’s inspirations but with their lives headed in different directions is there any way for this to end other than in heartbreak?

The storyline takes us on quite the emotional ride as Hazel and Ian face the obstacles that life keeps throwing at them, their chemistry is intense and the characters draw you in and have you invested in their happy ever after.

I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher.


This is the first book of Brittainy Cherry's I've read. I enjoyed reading this book. It's a story of loss and love.


If you're as old as me it's been drilled in your head that drugs are bad and they destroy everything it touches, right? Well in Ian's case that's certainly true. So much so that anything that has a remotely to do with the town dealer.


Poor Hazel is guilty by association and thus her initial interactions with Ian are full of hatred from his side. You just feel sorry for the girl even though she's the strongest person she could possibly be.


Tempered - that's the best word to describe the relationship between Ian and Hazel. Can you imagine the sparks? Spark they do too. It's just eventually they both must make some choices that will effect their relationship.


It's never easy to let you love one go but you don't want to hold them back either. It's like darn if you do darn if you don't, right? I wouldn't want to be in Hazel's shoes in this story for sure.


Though maybe, just maybe she can have her cake and eat it too!

***4 "Until forever!!!" stars***

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

This is not my first rodeo with Brittaine C. Cherry and everytime, she is managing to steal my heart in a way or another...
This was a lovely and heartwhelming story, full of beautiful and not only moments...
Hazel and Ian were so wonderful characters and they could easily steal your heart!!!
The storyline was amazing and the connection between these two were inevitable, even if they were having a very rocky beginning...

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

Hazel was a young girl who was a true fighter.
She was full of life, even when her life was dripping in darkness.
The only thing that is keeping her in Eres, is her mother and her unborn little sister and she wants to fight for them, even though she wishes to let this place behind once for all...
To do it, she needs money and in order to have them, she is asking for a job on Big Paw's ranch...
She is determined to literally go into pig shits in order to make something of her life...
The only complication on her plans is Ian Parker, Big Paw's grandson who will be the responsible one for her...

"Oh, darling," he said. "You don't know what you just signed up for. Welcome to Hell."

Ian is working at his grandfather's ranch, but he and his best friends are having a band "The Wreckage" and they are making their own music.
Their dreams are very big, but they are stucked on Eres and on this ranch...
From the first moment, Ian is trying to make Hazel's life miserable, but she is a tough nut to crack...
Of course, he has his reasons why he is feeling that way, but steadily and slowly, Hazel is finding her way inside his life and heart, and not only in Ian's.

"Why did I get the feeling that girl was going to be a pain in my ass?"

A weird connection and an unexpected friendship is starting between Hazel and Ian and as the time is passing by, their innocent and pure feelings are becoming something much more...
But there are difficult times for both of them, and will this new love handle all these obstacles that are standing between them???
Hazel is taking a big responsibily on her life and Ian is about to spread his wings and fly...
Can their feelings handle the distance??? Are they meant to be???

"Why did I get the feeling that there was nothing black about her soul? It felt more like her soul was simply battered and bruised-something else we had in common."

Well, I loved both Hazel and Ian very much...
Hazel seemed unapproachable but she had a unique and amazing personality. She had such a big heart and i admired her courage and that she wasn't afraid to take responsibility, even for others's actions!!!
Ian seemed cocky and arrogant, but he had scars that were still chasing him and was leaving him to guard his heart, no matter what. He even had issues with his music because of this emotional distance that he was putting around him.
But Hazel came to tear down his walls and which would be the result???

"Never in a million years did I think it would be Ian Parker who saved me during of the hardest days of my life."

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

********************************************

"She came from a world of toxicity."

"You're kind of my compass. I don't want to lose myself in this world. You're my roadmap home." {Ian}

Also, I loved many of the secondary characters in here...
Yep, there were some villains, but there were also people in here that everyone would like to have in their lives as Big Paw and Hollie, or the rest of the Wreckage's crew and Jame's sister!!!
I would totally recommend this book!!!
Brittainy C. Cherry knows how to sing in your soul!!!

"You couldn't save people who didn't want to be rescued. All you could do was leave the porch light on in hopes that they'd save themselves and find their way home."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**

Une vraie belle histoire avec deux personnages attachants. L'auteure nous offre une romance émouvante au rythme tranquille . L'émotion prend possession du lecteur mais ne dépasse jamais les bornes. On est touché par Hazel et son courage et Ian et sa passion. Les mots sont juste et cela va droit au coeur .
A real beautiful story with two endearing characters. The author offers us a moving romance at a leisurely pace. The emotion takes possession of the reader but never crosses the limits. We are touched by Hazel and her courage and Ian and her passion. The words are right and it goes straight to the heart.

>>> SWIPE RIGHT FOR 5 STARS <<<

Prepare yourself... Ian is about to claim the title for King Book Boyfriends. Good Lord ladies, he is something so very special. You'll see one of the BEST jerkface redemptions E-V-E-R!! Like no joke, EVER! I'm not sure I have ever felt my heart stutter or yearn for a first kiss to happen and this achingly slow burn made me yearn!! Hazel is the best and deserves better than the best. She's caring and so thoughtful. Hazel's been kicked on and pushed around her entire life... well her life is about to change and Ian is just the tip of it!

Brittainy C. Cherry's words are so sweet, like lyrics forming the most beautiful love song. Hold on, y'all are gonna need something to ground you while you read or listen to this story. One thing that always bugs me about romance books are the fact that people are always lying. They're always hiding some great secrets and they never talk to each other. Brittainy Cherry gives us a real look of people. Ian and Hazel talk. They might try to keep secrets but, like real people do, they eventually talk to each other. This right here is one reason that I love this book so much! It actually FEELS REAL! I can't imagine it's an easy feat considering there's a need to bring more, to do more. Thank you for keeping it real Brittainy C. Cherry! It might not have Ms. Cherry's usual rip your heart out feel but I totally recommend this charming story. It'll have your heart all wrapped up in happy feelings.

The narration for The Wreckage of Us by Rock Engle and Stella Bloom was just what is needed for this story... emotion. Bloom and Engle added so heart... it gave the story a pulse. Engle was able to play Ian the cocky, jerk just so. When he went over to the dark side and found his heart, it was flawless. Same with Bloom, she could have tried to pull out the pity card but she pulled on my heart with her caring and sweet voice. Narration was perfection!!

There are times when I read and get lost in the story, the people, the places, their thoughts, their pains, their happiness and their truths. You will find all those facets in The Wreckage of Us. But Brittainy C. Cherry always finds a way to make each step down the road so much more vivid, so much more alive.

Hazel Stone is young with strengths unseen. Independent and smart, she is the uncut diamond people don’t know about. Her skillset is too large to count and she holds all cards close to the vest. But Hazel has demons in her life that constantly torture her spirit, mind and soul. And while she battles those elements, the human factors around her are no less tasking. Destined for great things, her path is clear, but her ability to get there is blurred.

Ian Parker is that driven alpha you hear about. As so many small town young men do, his goal is to get the hell out of town, no matter what it takes. If he can just get that break he is looking for his wishes could come true. But behind that hard yet sexy persona lies pain that is so much deeper, and so much more damaging. Ian may look the part and play the part but maintaining the illusion when reality strikes could destroy him.

Two young people from opposite sides of town can make a very powerful force. What one may see in the other can be a positive strengthening thing, and vice-versa. Reading this story I could feel their struggles as if they were my own yet I have never been exposed to their hardships. Watching those that loved them, support and encourage them to grow individually and together was heartwarming. Watching them discover what so many others around them already knew was special.

Once started, this story was hard to put down. Brittainy C. Cherry pushed buttons on subjects that not many are aware of… or refuse to acknowledge exist. But I can say WOW what a way to bring it together and give them that happily ever after I was cheering for. There are not enough stars to begin to attach to this story to express my appreciation and enjoy in reading it. I will end by saying so very well done and I look forward to your next endeavor.

I loved this book, its depth, its heart, the pacing, the relationship between the main and the secondary characters... Brittainy C Cherry's words hurt you, make you cry, make you love and heal you.

Ian first seems like a grumpy, arrogant and mean guy, he's not kind with Hazel because he's angry with the two people she lives with. But he quickly grows on you and shows his best side. He becomes her best friend, her support, her first and only love. I loved his relationship with his amazing grandparents and his friends who are more like brothers. I loved his passion for music, his need to play and sing but always by staying true to himself. With his band, they play because they love music and making people happy, and because they have things to say and to feel. Absolutely not to be famous and rich, losing their souls on the way. I loved how Hazel becomes his muse, how she helps the band again and again.
Hazel is so mature for her young age, she's a true fighter, she's caring and protective. With her drug addict mother she was the one responsible, the one who took care and she does this with everyone. Even if her childhood was really tough she never built walls around her, she feels, she loves, she hopes.
I loved watching them get to know each other, fight together and become this sweet and strong couple. Despite their young age they both know what's really important in life and they are not afraid to work very hard. They want what's best for the other and they love each other with their whole heart.
"It's possible this is forever ours. It's possible we'll reach the stars. We'll fight for this, we'll make it real. "
The secondary characters will steal your heart! Especially Ian's grandfather.

The Wreckage of Us is the emotional story of two young enemies who become lovers. A story of passion, dreams, family, friendship, hope and love. The funny parts balanced perfectly with the sad ones. It's raw, it's painful, it's beautiful.

My advice though : don't read the blurb, it reveals too much of the story. ;-)

All her life Hazel Stone never knew the security and comfort of a safe home. Determined to change her life, she worked hard on the farm owned by the town’s rockstar Ian Parker’s family. But he didn’t make it easy for her life or her heart.

This book was definitely different from the author’s usual works. It was younger, lighter, and funnier. I loved the first haft if the book but as I feared it reached the point where it was stereotypically cliche and somewhat cheesy later in the book.

I loved Hazel’s sassy goth personality. There were several hilarious situations throughout the book between her and Ian. Even though I didn’t like some of the decisions they made, I liked how their lives were connected.

The Wreckage of Us is a story of life-changing decisions. It would appeal to readers who enjoy small-town N/A Romance.

Note: If you plan to read this book I suggest don't read the blurb. I'm glad I didn't because it gave away major plots in the story.

5 confession-I-want-you stars!

Beautiful, funny, emotional and heart-melting. Loved this story so much!

"The hard shell that she wore on the daily was to protect her from getting hurt, and in that split second, I saw her truths slip out through her eyes."

Hazel Stone is eighteen and lives in nowhere town of Eres, Nebraska. The jobs are few and far between but she's desperate and willing to do anything to earn a wage. When she lands a job at the local ranch, she's horrified to be trained by Ian Parker, the "Playboy Rockstar of Eres". He thinks he's God's gift and she seriously can't stand his arrogant ass, especially when they get off to a very inauspicious start.

"Never in a million years did I think it would be Ian Parker who saved me during some of the hardest days of my life."

Ian can't wait to hit the big time and leave the small town where he grew up. Sure, he loves his grandparents but he knows his future is far from Eres. He's angry when he has to train up Hazel Stone. Not just because a girl like her can't possibly cope with the labour required on the ranch, but also because of her connections and how they affected his life. He plans to make her life miserable so she'll quit. However, the snarky, sarcastic young woman surprises him over and over again with her determination and work ethic. When circumstance force them to co-habitat, he uncovers more sides to Hazel - sides that he is undeniably attracted to.

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

Gaaah!! The writing in this story really grabbed me. Hazel has such an indomitable spirit. She's so focused on doing what's right. She's unafraid to step up and courageous in speaking her truths. She had such a rough time of it with her family background but her kindness and light shone through, and I loved how she found her niche and her tribe at the ranch. Her budding friendship with Ian was delightful, tender and heart-melting. I loved the comfort she found in his presence and his care of her.

"You're kind of my compass. I don't want to lose myself in this world. You're my roadmap home."

Ian was such a jerk towards her initially although he was actually a pretty decent guy. I enjoyed that he was willing to get to know her once he'd seen a glimpse of the real Hazel beneath her Goth armour. I thrilled at his desire for her and charmed by the "Confession" game he loved to play with her, just so he could delve deeper into what made her tick. I loved that she changed him, brought down his walls, and made him see the good and wonderful in what life and love had to offer.

This was a beautiful, humorous and passionate love song of a story. Ian and Hazel were a match made in heaven.

The first part of this book, I had a knot in my throat, I was so immensely moved and saddened. This author took her heroine to the worst possible situation, touch rock bottom, and instead of bowing down in defeat, she straightened those shoulders and literally crawled out of that deep hole. I loved the heroine, and admired her strong spirit, so courageous!

The story happens in Eres, Nebraska, a nowhere town. “Eres, Nebraska was a place unknown to most of the world. We walked on dirt roads and most of our pockets were dirt poor. If you had a job in Eres, you were a lucky one, though still, it probably didn’t pay you much of anything. You worked paycheck-to-paycheck if you were fortunate. If you weren’t lucky, you’d probably take a loan out with Big Paw.”

Hazel wants to work in Big Paw’s ranch, although Big Paw expected her to work in the restaurant. Hazel wants to work in the ranch because the wages are higher and she needs money to prepare for her mother’s pregnancy. They live with her mother’s husband who is the town’s drug lord. He’s abusive, dangerous and evil. He has her mother under his control, drugging her to make her compliant. When he throws her out of the house, and her mother agrees, Hazel is devastated. Suddenly homeless and with nowhere to go, she shelters in a rundown shed in Big Paw’s ranch.

She’s assigned to train under Ian Parker, Big Paw’s grandson. Hazel wasn’t happy about the assignment but had no choice. He works her hard, giving her the worst tasks with no consideration. Instead of running scared, Hazel works endlessly and hard and comes on top.

“The idea of being trained by Ian Parker made me want to gag. He was known as the playboy Rockstar of Eres. Ian graduated three years before me, and I was the lucky girl to have my locker right beside his during my freshman year. Which meant I had a front row and center viewing of him swapping spit with whatever small town groupie was wrapped around his pinky at the time.”

Initially, I disliked Ian, thought he was a spoiled pretty boy who had it easy. Living rent-free in his grandfather’s house, singing in a rock band and writing songs. He scorned Hazel because she represented to him the scourge of drugs that took his parents away. He was forced to offer her a room in his house, but kept the attitude until eventually her character and disposition started to change his mind.

I loved Hazel. Even when she was rock bottom, she kept loving her mother and trying to help her. When things went down in the worst way, she kept looking for ways to help her mother and insisted on taking care of her baby sister. In the midst of chaos and disaster, she keeps on loving and giving. She’s the definition of true grit.

Ian started as a spoiled guy but he grew up. I loved that even though he achieved fame, he stayed devoted to his girl. Even with their rocky relation, with all the events coming up against them, they were true to each other.

This story was so emotional and satisfying. Many times I was brought to tears with Hazel’s trials, then made happy again with all the help she got from unexpected sources. There’s a lot of love and family feelings in this intense story! Loved it!

Am I all that surprised of all the feelings that were unleashed while reading this book? No, not one bit. When it comes to Brittainy C. Cherry it’s expected for her writing to bring all the emotions and leave you a teary-eyed mess. And one thing is abundantly clear, once you finish reading a Ms. Cherry novel a piece of your heart will be left scattered in those pages.

Ian Parker was something else. He had me feeling so many things and I honestly didn’t know how to feel about him after some of the things he did, but in the end I more than warmed up to him. He burrowed so deep in my heart—I loved him so much. There’s so much more to Ian than what he lets people see. He’s built walls in order not to get hurt. But one bright side in his life is music. More than anything he wants to make music and for his band and him to get their big break.

Hazel Stone is a fighter. She hasn’t had the best childhood and is determined to make something of her life. She’s caring and selfless and will do anything in her power for the people she loves. I loved her kind heart and wanted her to find that happiness she more than deserved.

Ian and Hazel were so perfect for each other. They might have not started off that way, but once they got to know each other there was no mistaking their connection. I loved how Hazel was real with Ian and didn’t sugarcoat things. She was there for him and helped him dig deep and find the emotional side to his music. And Ian was just as an amazing friend and was there for Hazel no matter what. I loved Ian and Hazel’s friendship so much and when they gave in to their feelings it was just another reason why they fit perfectly.

The Wreckage of Us was an absolute treasure. A beautiful story about two people trying to find their way and ultimately leading them to each other. Ian and Hazel’s love story is everything heartfelt and exceptional. I loved Ian and Hazel and also loved the secondary characters, especially Big Paw and Holly. Ms. Cherry once again delivered with the emotional aspect and also with a beautiful story—I loved this book.

Every melody chases her heartbeat...

What. How does Brittainy do this every time?! She writes such amazing stories that always touch my heart. The Wreckage of Us is no exception I loved this story! It’s such a sweet small town story with great lives all around. I love how magical Brittainy makes it all feel, and of course all the good angst! This is such a perfect love story, it doesn’t get better than this...until Brittainy’s next release!!

Brittainy Cherry is one of my favorite authors. She has been since I read her first book years ago and she always will be. It pains me to give any of her books below a 4 star, but alas, here we are. This is not to say in any way, shape, or form that this book is bad, because it's not. It's good. It's entertaining and you're not entirely sure what to expect. The reason for the 3 stars is simply because it's missing the Brittainy Cherry "pizazz." I feel like the emotion and depth that we usually get from her books is just not there. There were moments where the interactions between Ian and Hazel came off as a little cookie cutter and cheesy, which doesn't jive with her usual writing style.

However, there are a lot of good points. The storyline was well developed and very much thought all the way through. There aren't any loose ends and we definitely get a HEA. I did really like both characters and I thought they brought out the best in each other. Their never ending support and unconditional love for each other was perfect and I loved how they went from enemies to lovers.

Overall, you'll more than likely like this book, but if you're an avid BC reader, just don't expect the usual water works and grittiness we're used to getting from her stories.

My Review:
Another good book from Brittainy C. Cherry. It was good to read, but it wasn't my favorite book from the author.
The story is about a guy, named Ian who is an amazing musician, the lead singer of a band which is so popular in his hometown. He is a ladies man, every girl wants him and he has a lot of affairs. But it seems that he is more than a womanizer, he helps his grandparents and works on their farm, Ian has some problems because of his childhood. Of course he just needed a extravagant girl who changed him. It was predictable but I didn't care.
Hazel (I love her name) is in a really difficult situation. Her mother is pregnant and a drug addict, her stepfather a drug dealer. Because of this she is alone, doesn't have friends, she has to take care of herself. As I said, she is extravagant- she always wears black and her makeup is too much- but everything is for a reason, and of course she slowly changed because of Ian.
Despite the fact that the story was predictable I liked it. But I was missing something. I loved the book's second half more, it became more exciting. I think the characters were too good. Ian became a perfect boyfriend, and a too perfect guy, and Hazel was too self-sacrificing in my opinion.
So I liked the story, especially the second half of it. The plot was good, but I think there could have been more complications in it. The dual point of view was good for the story, but the characters could have been more complex, not so perfect. But these aside I liked the book and the author's style (as always). It was a beautifully written story. 4*

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Brittainy has become one of my must read authors. Every book that she writes is different than the last one and every one is exceptional. I don't know how she does it but there is something about her writing that never fails to pull me in. I loved the way Ian and Hazel's relationship develops. The prickly way they are with each other, the way they try and dodge their feelings it all felt so natural. I adored Hazel she was such a selfless young woman. Ian was not someone I liked from the start but as the story progressed you realise it is all a defense mechanism. Grams and Big Paw Paw were the glue that bound all of them together their kindness and support made be love them so much. Another amazing book from one of my favourite storytellers.

Hazel and Ian were amazing. They both come from troubled backgrounds that made them strong people. Hazel is a person who would do anything for the people that she loves. She has grown up not really being shown a lot of love. She finds herself homeless and in need of work. She begins working on Ian’s family ranch. Ian does not like her from the start. He really has no idea what kind of person she is until he eventually gives her a chance. This was a sweet love story.

If the summer is not hot enough for you then pick up The Wreckage of Us by Brittainy Cherry. This enemies to lover’s romance is a slow burn that will set your summer on fire. I just couldn’t put this book down. I loved the characters and the small-town country scenes; Brittainy Cherry did a wonderful job telling Ian and Hazel’s story, there is nothing you can do but fall in love with these characters. If only there were real men out there like Ian who can shovel pig-poop and sing you to sleep and tell you everything’s going to be ok, and if it’s not…well it’s not the end of the story. 5-stars for The Wreckage of Us by Brittainy Cherry.
Hazel Stone needed a job and the only place to get that in her small Nebraska town was at Eres Ranch. The Ranch is a hard job and Hazel almost gets discouraged when she finds out that her immediate supervisor and trainer will be none other than Ian Parker. Ian was the lead singer of The Wreckage and the band was going to make it big one day. Hazel is determined to make enough money to get her mom away from her drug dealing stepfather, but Hazel’s plan goes sideways. With Ian now gone, Hazel is taking on the Ranch, trying to go to school and raise her infant sister while her mom is in prison. Ian and Hazel almost had a shot but outside force seem to control their lives and push them apart. Only a miracle can fix the relationship between Ian and Hazel, but maybe with the stars twinkling down on them they can repair The Wreckage that they have become.

When we meet Hazel, it is clear that she is in dire straits. Her only saving grace is getting a job at the local ranch, but that also means working alongside Ian. At the beginning of this book, Ian is a big jerk. He has a giant chip on his shoulder that distorts how he sees Hazel. He blames her for things that are beyond her control and while he doesn't want to give her a chance, he doesn't have a choice. And Hazel's perception of Ian is not great either. Let's just say their first interaction pretty much sums up why she is not a fan of Ian's. They don't get off to a great start, but Hazel is determined to prove her worth to those around her.

It doesn't take long for either of them to realize their mistake. Ian and Hazel form a unlikely friendship that slowly turns into one hell of love story. It's one that will definitely take you on an emotional journey, but it it is well worth it!

Brittainy's books always feel different from everything else that I read. The stories shes tells feel rooted in the real world and I appreciate that. She stays away from the stereotypical billionaire characters and the women who love them. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I've read plenty of those books, but it's nice to read something different every now and then.

I always look forward to Brittainy's books and I can't wait to see what she brings us next.

”Sometimes it just takes time to get to the happy lyrics.”

Brittainy Cherry gives us another beautiful standalone with The Wreckage of Us.

This is the story of Hazel Stone and Ian Parker. I wouldn’t say they’re enemies, but Ian sure makes Hazel’s life pretty hellish for the first few chapters. They’re both still reeling from their poor home lives and learning to cope. Their commonalities and connection are electric.

Hazel becomes Ian’s muse for his band, The Wreckage. After they make it big, the story unfolds. Without giving it away, Ian and Hazel are soulmates if I’ve ever read them. Small town live with big time dreams.

Another ace in the hole. Brittainy Cherry brings us tears and laughter on each page. This one is a book to be savored.

This was super cute. It’s no secret I love Brittany Cherry’s books, she definitely has a way with words and her stories are some of my favorites. This was definitely a solid story and I enjoyed it so much more than the last book of hers I read, Southern Storms. I went into this story completely blind and was definitely surprised by the story and the plot, which I wasn’t expecting at all. Not sure why I thought this would be a second chance romance, but instead it was more of a friends to lovers/small town/rockstar romance. Ian and Hazel were both super cute and super likable and extremely romantic, once their romance bloomed, they were both completely all in and it was just beautiful to read. I gave this one 4 stars because I feel it’s missing some of the feels and magic that some previous B. Cherry books have had, but it was a great read nonetheless. Absolutely recommend!