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

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.

"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 songs that would change my life."

"I'd give you every lyric that was inside of me to make your dreams come true, Ian."

"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 chours, and I'm going to sing for you, for us, until forever."

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

4.5, You are my melody, Stars!!

Brittainy C. Cherry has done it again!! She's brought beauty and passion to another unforgettable romance! There is seriously nothing this author can't write that I won't pick up. The Wreckage of Us takes you on an unforgettable journey of love and sacrifice. It's a story that will be staying with readers long after it ends....

The Wreckage of Us captivates you from the very first page. From the moment I met Hazel, my heart broke for this poor misunderstood girl. Life has been anything but kind to her and she's doing all she can to keep her head above water. She just needs one person to take a chance, even if that means she has to work with her enemy. On the outside, Ian's life looks perfect. He's got a great job, the perfect setup and he's part of a band. But, when Hazel shows up to work on his family's farm, he's not having it. Hazel represents all the bad in his life that he tries to keep at bay. He's tough on Hazel but quickly realizes that everything isn't as it seems and that maybe, just maybe he's misjudged, Hazel. Life has a funny way of putting people together when they need them the most. Hazel and Ian have a lot more in common than either one of them could have imagined. Will Hazel and Ian's friendship turn into more? When life throws more curveballs at them than anyone should have to handle, will they make it out on the other side? Or will their lives be turned into wreckage? There's only one way to find out....

The Wreckage of Us is a fantastic read from beginning to end. As I previously stated, I was sucked into Hazel and Ian's story instantly. These two characters were so alike. Life had dealt both of them some pretty crappy cards and it was up to them to make the most of it. One of the things I loved was the slow-burning connection between Ian and Hazel. I am not gonna lie, I was not a fan of Ian in the beginning. He was such a jerk, and even knowing that he had his reasons for his actions. I'm happy to say, he did win me over in the end. And Hazel...How could you not fall in love with Hazel? She had the biggest, most beautiful heart. There isn't anything she wouldn't do or sacrifice for the ones she loved. Together, Hazel and Ian were the absolute perfect match. She was the missing piece he was searching for. His muse. His everything. They were made for each other. Two lost and kindred souls that had finally found their way home and would stop at nothing to find their happily ever after.

The road to happily ever after wasn't an easy one for Hazel and Ian, but it was so worth the journey. I loved every bump in the road. Every sacrifice. Every moment that ripped out my heart and each moment that left me begging for more. Brittainy C. Cherry has a way with words unlike any other author I've come across in all the years I've been reading. Her words are everything and The Wreckage of Us is just the latest example of just how amazing her words are.

The Wreckage of Us was the wreckage of me….in the BEST possible way. This story took me on such an emotional ride.

I absolutely LOVE Brittany’s written words. She has the best ability to capture the readers heart and she gets the reader invested in these characters lives. I fell so hard for both Ian and Hazel. There was so much depth to these characters!!! But not only were Ian and Hazel great the secondary characters were pretty amazing as well…except for a couple of them. These secondary characters were such an intricate part of this story.

I have said this before, but I think it bears repeating…. No one writes like Brittainy C. Cherry. Her stories are full of heart, emotion and thought provoking storylines. I find her writing to be effortless and truly one of a kind. I know that when I pick up one of her books, my heart and soul is going to be taken on a ride that I won’t want to get off. Every time I finish a book by her, I always hope for more!!! I never want her stories to end.

The Wreckage of Us is her latest standalone novel and I think it might be my favorite of hers….but then again I love all her books so it’s hard to pick a favorite. This is the journey of Hazel and Ian, both looking to make a better life for themselves. It is told in Dual POV. I thought the flow and pace of this story was perfect and well executed.

Hazel and Ian are two different type people. Ian had kind of a rough start in his childhood, but was lucky to have his grandparents who stepped up and raised when his parents didn’t. So he has come from some privilege . Hazel on the other hand was not so lucky. Her mom was a junkie and is married to a not so nice man. Forcing Hazel to grow up way to soon. What Hazel and Ian don’t know is truly how much they have in common. They both want to make something of themselves and get out of Eres, Nebraska. Their journey has a rocky beginning, but it is the rest of the journey that sucked me in. I devoured every word of their story. I truly didn’t want it to end. I loved watching them grow as individuals and together as a couple. They had some serious ups and downs to overcome, but it’s how they did it together that stuck with me.

If you have read any book by Brittainy C Cherry, then you know you are in for a treat. You also have to know that things aren’t always what they seem when reading her stories. I love that even when you think you know what is going to happen, she is able to shock us and shake things up a bit. But if you haven’t read any of her books, then I say get started NOW….trust me you will love her books. This book is the perfect place to start!!!

All I can add to this review is READ THIS BOOK!!! You won’t be sorry.

Thank you Montlake Books (Amazon Publishing) For gifting me a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book is out Sept. 8th

This is my first read by Brittainy C. Cherry and it most certainly will not be my last. To say I was addicted to this book is an understatement. Once I started it, I fell in some serious love with Ian and Hazel. I related to Hazel, I related to the terrible childhood aspect of her character. I related to her having to raise herself. This was a personal thing for me.

I absolutely adored the journey to Hazel and Ian’s relationship. I appreciated that they fought for each other, they supported each other, and neither of them held each other back. Such a sweet and genuine love. I also appreciated that Brittainy didn’t drag out the building of their relationship, so that left a lot of time for story building. A lot happens in this book, but it flows so freely. And that epilogue, was utter perfection!

Let’s also talk about secondary characters. Some Authors choose not to put a lot of depth into them, they turn out to be word fillers. Cherry did the opposite. I feel like I love her secondary characters as much as I love her MC’s. Especially Big Paw and Grams! If you guys cannot tell. I loved this book. Last but not least, my star rating.