I am a huge Brittainy C. Cherry fan and I will read anything she writes. I was so lucky to get an ARC as part of Brittainy's ARC team and I dove right into The Wreckage of Us. This might not be my favorite Brittainy C. Cherry novel but the she still packs an emotional toll, writes a gorgeous story, and will wrench out your heart.

After getting kicked out of her Mom's house by her drug dealer stepfather, Hazel moves in with Ian Parker and his family, even though Ian and Hazel do not get along. But forced proximity on Ian's families ranch builds a grudging friendship and then a strong relationship between Hazel and Ian. But as Ian's band, The Wreckage, is taking off, Hazel gets custody of her baby sister which means she is stuck in Eres, Nebraska.

I loved the beginning of this book - I was immediately sucked in by Hazel, her strength and walls and vulnerabilities. I also love a good enemies to friends to lovers which this SO IS. The build up Ian and Hazel's relationship was really beautiful to experience because they both have such strong walls that only the other person could break down. I didn't realize that this whole book would be more NA (Hazel is 18 for most of the book and Ian is 23) - I was fully expecting the story to go forward in time and was actually looking forward to it, which made me a bit disappointed when it didn't. The do think the first half was much stronger than the second: once Hazel and Ian become closer and The Wreckage starts to take off, it felt like roadblocks after roadblock showed up and became a bit unrealistic. BUT, I think the heart of this book is the first half, and primarily Hazel and Ian opening up to each other.

If you're a fan of Brittainy C. Cherry, this is a to read for sure. If you are new to Brittainy C. Cherry, get ready to read books that hit your emotions because she is really really good at that!

In the small town of Eres, Nebraska, Eres Ranch is one of the biggest employers, featuring both a successful ranch and a Farmhouse restaurant. The ranch has been run by Big Paw and Holly Parker for over sixty years, a couple now in their eighties and still in love like teenagers. Eighteen year old Hazel Stone surprises grumpy Big Paw when she asks for a job at the ranch, knowing fully that ranch workers make double the money as the restaurant workers. Hazel needs money fast if she has any hope of getting her drug-addicted mother away from her abusive, dangerous drug dealing step-father, Charlie Riley. To make matters worse, her mother is pregnant, causing Hazel to feel even more responsible for taking care of her and keeping her safe, even when she treats Hazel with contempt, encouraged by Charlie to do so.
Hazel is thankful for a job and the ability to focus on working hard, in hopes that the sadness and loneliness she feels does not overtake her. What she didn't expect, however, was to have to learn the job from Big Paw's grandson, Ian Parker, who is as handsome as he is cocky. Hazel remembers Ian from school, changing girls as fast as he did his socks, and who never gave her the time of day. The real Hazel was always hiding behind layers of black clothing and heavy makeup. Though Ian is brash and treats her like the enemy, Hazel intends to prove him wrong and make it through the grueling hours of grunt work he assigns to her. Ian and his three best friends have a successful band called Wreckage, and Hazel enjoys hearing them practice at the ranch, even if she wants to scream at him. Ian is ridiculously hot and with a voice that makes all the ladies swoon, so why is he so closed off and unhappy. Though Hazel assumes Ian has had an easy life, he struggles with some of the same things she does. Will she be able to break through his tough exterior before he pushes her away for good?
I would highly recommend this steamy, small town enemies-to-lovers romance. It's set on a beautiful ranch in Nebraska featuring a gorgeous, broody lead vocals singer in an internet-famous rock band and a headstrong, beautiful girl bursting with love and kindness. When they are in forced proximity, both tension and sparks will fly, and you won't want to miss it!
Thank you to Montlake Romance for providing me with a review copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book is beyond amazing, it is an emotional, sweet and addictive romance that captivated me from start to finish.

Ian and Hazel are everything, Ian is a boy who has built walls around him to not let people get close, but when Hazel comes determined, beautiful and so brave, little by little begins to tear down the walls that he built, I loved them so much, all their interactions and their dialogues, they made me sigh, laugh and cry, their connection is so intense and I loved seeing how their relationship progresses and how they support each other to overcome obstacles. And the story has some secondary characters that were unforgettable, Ian's friends and grandparents definitely own a piece of my heart.

The author definitely knows how to get your heart racing, The Wreckage of Us is unique, intense and angst, it's a story about love, bravery, dreams and hopes and it left me with a smile from ear to ear and with a heart overflowing with love, if you are a fan of Brittainy C. Cherry you definitely cannot miss this one, get ready!

GAH this book! The emotions! Everything that Hazel and Ian have endured their whole lives to come out as fighters. The way they class adds that much tension to the story. But their push and pull was so magnetic. When things open up and they start to understand each other more. How much they each have each other's backs and how they love. OMG! The whole concept of this story is heart wrenching and down right wow! I was blown away with the depth of the story with every bit involved between Ian and the band and how Hazel fit into it all. It was beautiful and honestly, I am at a loss for words for this one.
I have been a fan of Cherry and her work for a while and each time I read something of hers, I am blown away at the complexity and the concepts of her stories. They are unique and one of a kind and hits you right in the feels. With The Wreckage of Us, you are taken on a journey of love, loss and finding your voice. The connection that Hazel and Ian have is intense but all encompassing. I was so sad when I finished because I really wanted more with this world. It was poignant and beyond stunning! I highly recommend this one!

My heart! What a beautiful story! And such a wonderful cast of characters. I cried, I smiled, my heart is full.

Brittainy Cherry writes with so much heart. You feel everything in this story.

Ian and Hazel are just perfection together. I loved their interactions and watching the slow build of their beautiful friendship and seeing it blossom into so much more. Ian’s walls are thick and Hazel breaks through them in the most gorgeous way. The way they are there for each other is incredibly heartwarming. Ian and Hazel both have hardships and together they overcome so much.

And goodness, Holly and Big Paw will melt your heart. James, Eric, Marcus, and Leah will make you smile. This is story is filled with so much love and light. There is pain and heartache, there are struggles, but through it all love shines the brightest.

“I promise.”
“What does a promise from a boy like you mean to a girl like me, Ian Parker?”
“Everything.” “It means everything.”

---Tomorrow would be better, and the sun would rise again.-----

You know when there’s an author that you will 1-click no matter what, because you know what that author is capable of and how your emotions are usually put through the trenches? Brittainy Cherry is one of those authors for me. No matter the setting; No matter the characters, Ms Cherry takes you on a ride that leaves you feeling all the feels and makes you see the small town life and how everyone has some sort of connection.

Hazel has had a life that wasn’t what she had expected. She has graduated high school and is looking for better. The life she has at home is not pretty. Her step dad is not someone you want to mess with and he controls one aspect of their small country town of Eres. Then there is the ranch owned by the Parkers. They have their hands in many people’s lives by providing for them in one way or another. Hazel goes looking for work on the ranch and is hired on by Big Paw. But Ian Parker, the grandson of Big Paw and Holly (the couple that owns the ranch) isn’t sure why this young, goth looking young woman is given the chance to work there. SO he puts her through hell in hopes that she will leave. He does not want her there for a multitude of reasons. How will he get rid of her?? Or does he even want her to leave?

"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."

From then on, we get to see a friendship slowly form between Ian and Hazel. And it’s anything but easy. She’s there for one reason and he’s there for another. He’s a musician in a band with some pretty loyal friends looking to make it big and she’s there to make a better life for her and her mama. Will these two make a friendship work, or will their differences be too vast?

The Wreckage of Us is a story of friendship, growth, family, and loyalty. It had the perfect balance of fun, sweet, angst, and a bit of sadness that will stick with you while you are reading it. It's a great combo of all the things you want in a romance book. And Ian and Hazel? I just adored them. I loved seeing Ian grow from his first encounter with Hazel until the end. He definitely had a wall built around him for a good reason, but with a such a strong woman like Hazel pushing him toward his dreams, he couldn’t fail. And Hazel is loving and loyal to a fault. She is always thinking about others, but it was a blessing to see her realize when you have to take a step back sometimes to the detriment of your own feelings. It was hard reading her at times, but definitely one I understood. And the supporting characters?! How could you not fall in love with Big Paw and Holly and Ian's bandmates. Everyone was just perfect and showed what true love and friendship is. I loved the story and this world!! 4.5 small town love stars!!!

“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.”

4 best friend stars!!!

I swear, every single time I read a Brittainy book, I FEEL the characters. They become apart of me and get lodged in my heart.

This book is loaded with all the feels. Hazel and Ian are going to grab your heart and not let go.

Hazels story broke my heart. What she goes through in her life happens all too often in the real word so it broke my heart for her. Her strength to overcome the struggles thrown at her is empowering. She doesn't let anythibg defeat her.

Ian is a rising star with his heart on lockdown. He won't let anyone in and is a jerk to Hazel when they officially meet. My girl Hazel doesn't take his nonsense and challenges his every move. She beats down his barriers and open his heart. She finally knows why he is the way he is..which is totally understandable.

There will be a sever characters you will absolutely despise and want to smack. Ugh, they made me so angry. But on the flip side of the disgusting characters, we got Big Paw and Grams. LOVE THEM both. They remind me so much of my grandparents.

I highly recommend getting this book! Besides the gorgeous cover, you are going to get an awesome story that will fill your heart with happiness.

4.5/ 5 stars

The Wreckage of Us is a standalone New Adult contemporary romance.

I am a big fan of this author's work. She writes compelling and captivating stories. And The Wreckage of Us is another strong story.

The book alternates between the male and female POV. The narrators are Hazel and Ian (1st person POVs). The story mostly takes place in Eres, Nebraska.

I went into this book blind. And I'm really glad that I did. Because IMO the book blurb gives away way too much of the story.

Hazel is 18 years old. And she has had such a difficult life. Her mom is not there for her. And her stepdad is a monster. But she is such a hard worker. And I fell in love with her right from the first page.

Ian (21) works on his grandfather's ranch. And honestly I could not have hated Ian more at the beginning of this book. He was so mean and his personality turned me off big time. I really was not sure if there was any way that the author was going to be able to make me like Ian. Or if she was going to be able to make me want to root for him in any type of relationship.

Ian and some of his friends are part of a band called The Wreckage. And I really enjoyed everything in this book to do with their music.

The book took a huge turn for me at around 13% and from that point on I was extremely invested in the story.

My favorite characters were Ian's grandparents, Big Paw and his wife. Big Paw owns Eres Ranch. And honestly this couple was everything. I loved them so much.

This book was really good. It was a quick read. And it was a moving and emotional story. The end and the epilogue were maybe a bit too sappy for me. But overall I really enjoyed this book.

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


I'm wrecked in the best possible way. Brittainy C. Cherry always hits me right in the center of my heart with her unique and emotional stories. The Wreckage of Us is a beautiful read, incredibly moving and authentic. This book is filled with both heartbreaking and uplifting situations. Ms. Cherry shows real life with its ups and downs, but she does it in such a spectacular and beautiful way that you end this emotional journey with a smile on your face. I couldn’t put this story down!


Ian stole my heart. At first he seemed coldhearted, grumpy and downright mean, but as we get to know him, we learn that his callous exterior is a shield that protects him from getting hurt. He has serious issues that made him closed-off, but as soon as his walls are down, he's totally swoon-worthy. I adore how caring and loving he was, how he showed patience and understanding in difficult times. And his determination to prove to Hazel that they belong together brought me to my knees.

Hazel is a real sweetheart. Even though she didn't have an easy life, this girl is kindhearted and nice. She's also smart, hardworking and so caring. I admired how helpful she was to everyone around and how they all instantly fell in love with her. She's also a protector. She will go through hell before she let her loved ones get hurt.

These two gave me all the feels. Even though their beginning was far from perfect, Hazel and Ian created a great, genuine relantionship. Their love was unconditional and sincere. I loved how they supported one another and how they fought for each other. They had a lot to overcome, fate kept throwing them curveballs, yet their feelings were unbreakable. Their love story was truly breathtaking.

I need to mention the secondary characters of this story, who were just as amazing as Hazel and Ian! Ian’s bandmates and his grandparents were simply wonderful. These are the people you want to surround yourself with in real life. I really hope that someday we’ll get the stories of the rest of the band!

The Wreckage of Us is magical. Yes, at times it’s heartbreaking, but beautiful nonetheless. Brittainy C. Cherry has created an exceptional, completely unputdownable story that fills the heart to the brim. It's skillfully delivered and every word was like music to my ears. And this is the reason why I constantly let this author play with my heart- no matter how much it suffers along the way, it’s always full of emotions in the end.

The best book I've read by Miss Cherry! what a roller coaster of emotions, I couldn't put it down! the story and the characters were breathtaking!

If there’s a guaranteed way to get me to wrap my heart completely around a book? Brittainy Cherry seems to have dialed right into it. These books – richly layered, filled with complicated emotions, walking the line between heartbreak and joy – man, I will fall for these books every single time. And, indeed, I have. Because The Wreckage of Us was just fantastic!

This is a rockstar romance, but not in the way you’ve ever experienced before. It’s a small town romance, but tinged with darkness. It doesn’t fit neatly into any particular trope, and yet every trope it touches, it masters. It was compulsively readable and filled with the sort of desperate love that seems to be my catnip. It was everything and I am so in love!

There was something so pure about this romance – in the way Ian and Hazel were so steadfast in their feelings. In the way their relationship went from enemies, to true friends - best friends - to so much more. The moments that took my breath away were the moments where their friendship rose above everything else, where they fought for each other, where they showed up for each other – because at the root of everything there was this unbreakable friendship and y’all – that might be one of the most beautiful things I’ve read in a long long time.

There were so many layers to this story – it’s one of those books where the love story is not contained to the romance, and each story tugged on my heartstrings in its own unique way. I loved this unlikely group of people who made themselves into family. These stories were every bit as rewarding as the romance, they made me laugh, cry, and filled my heart to overflowing.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the magic of Brittainy Cherry’s storytelling, this is the perfect opportunity to jump right in. It’s smart, and emotional, and relatable. It’s this perfect blend of heartache and angst, and flirty banter and witty exchanges. It’s the best of humanity and the worst of humanity all wrapped into this package that looks like life but feels like…well, book magic. I adored this story. Ian and Hazel (and Big Paw and Holly and Rosie, and all the guys…) will forever own a piece of my heart.

Disclaimer time: I ADORE Brittainy C. Cherry’s books so much and my summer would not be summer without one of her books! This summer, Brittainy made my August by delivering The Wreckage of Us to my Kindle (thank you @Netgalley). The Wreckage of Us is the story Hazel Stone and Ian Parker. Hazel and Ian are united through their struggles to escape the drug ravaged and poor town of Eres, Nebraska. Hazel and Ian’s relationship starts with mutual disdain, but as they peel back their layers of hurt and pain, a beautiful friendship emerges. While The Wreckage of Us didn’t bring the tears and heartache that previous Brittainy C. Cherry works have, I would still recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming and meaningful read. Review by @50ShadesOfGreyMatter @bcherryauthor #50shadesofgreymatter #bookstagram

4.5+ stars

Hazel Stone has never had what anyone would consider an easy life, but when she has nowhere else to go, she finds herself living in a shed on the grounds of her employer. She has limited options, so when her boss’s grandson offers to let her stay in the ranch house with him, she accepts with the intention of figuring out a way to get on her own feet.

Ian Parker wants out of Eres, Nebraska and his band is his means of leaving. He has a chip on his shoulder about Hazel and though he doesn’t have a choice but to offer her his spare room, he wouldn’t be sad to see her leave the ranch entirely. His anger and frustration comes out in so many aspects of his life that it didn’t take long for him to start alienating the people around him, and the bright lights of stardom became an even stronger temptation.

There are both strong willed characters. Hazel is determined to do things her way, and when she finds herself responsible for her sister as well, she figures out a way to get it done. Her one stipulation is she wants to do it on her own and without falling into the same situation her mother did. Ian has his own reasons for being hard headed and stubborn, but his reasons also stem back to his parents and their connection to Hazel’s stepfather. As they get to know each other, they find that the walls they put up were only keeping out someone who could actually understand what the other was going through, and a friendship began to form between 2 people who weren’t used to letting others close.

I loved the emotions of this story. There were moments of deep, huge emotions, but also so much strong and steady for these two. As the connection between their stories became clear, I couldn’t help but think they were meant to be working together in their present. I loved the way their pasts were linked, and was surprised when the final truths about their pasts came out. But I also loved the way those connections played into the resolution of the final conflicts that kept them apart.

I loved the influence of Big Paw and Holly throughout the story. Everyone needs a pair like this in their lives, especially people like Ian and Hazel. The backstories and challenges of these two were heartbreaking, but also a testament to the strength of their characters. I loved Hazel because of her determination to be more than she came from. Ian’s drive to succeed may have caused him to take the more difficult road at times, but also stemmed from his need to leave Eres behind him. But his ties to Hazel and his grandparents were stronger than he anticipated.

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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.