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The Cornerstone

Book 4 in the series:The Walshes

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'The Cornerstone' in the series 'The Walshes' by Kate Canterbary is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the complex lives of the Walsh family members. The story primarily focuses on Shannon Walsh, a strong-willed attorney who juggles managing the family business and her brothers' lives. When she crosses paths with Will Halsted, a Navy SEAL commander, their initial animosity turns into a passionate and tumultuous relationship filled with sharp banter and undeniable chemistry. The book skillfully weaves together themes of trauma, intimacy issues, and family dynamics, creating a compelling narrative that explores love, vulnerability, and personal growth.

The plot unfolds through overlapping sequences of time and events, providing multiple perspectives that enrich the storytelling. The writing style blends humor, wit, and heartfelt moments, capturing the essence of contemporary erotic romance with well-developed characters and steamy encounters. Despite some critiques about the handling of sensitive topics and character dynamics, 'The Cornerstone' is praised for its engaging narrative, strong character development, and sizzling chemistry between Shannon and Will.

Characters:

Characters exhibit strong personalities, with the female lead being a determined and capable individual, while the male lead is protective and understanding, creating a dynamic and engaging relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by witty humor, emotional depth, and engaging descriptions, enhancing the romantic and dramatic aspects of the story.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a strong female lead facing the complexities of a relationship with a caring yet dominant partner, intertwined with themes of personal growth and family struggles.

Setting:

The setting reflects contemporary life, focusing on family dynamics and professional challenges relevant to the characters.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, blending emotional depth with lighter moments to maintain reader interest.
When the plane descended below the clouds and I caught my first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean in almost three years, I damn near cried. The only body of water I’d seen in months was the Kabul River, a...

Notes:

The protagonist, Shannon Walsh, is portrayed as a strong female lead who handles her family's architecture business and takes care of her brothers.
Will Halsted, the male lead, is a Navy SEAL who challenges Shannon's controlling nature and offers a protective presence.
The book features a blend of humor, steamy romance, and character depth, particularly in exploring the past traumas of the characters.
Shannon is described as a 'pint-sized powerhouse' and 'the glue' that keeps her chaotic family together while dealing with her own struggles.
The character dynamics revolve around a push-pull relationship where both characters are strong-willed and often insult each other, turning tension into attraction.
The Cornerstone has been praised for its witty dialogue and character development, making it a standout in contemporary romance.
The story explores themes of family loyalty, personal sacrifice, and the struggle to balance one's needs with those of loved ones.
Readers highlight the authentic portrayal of complex family dynamics and the impact of a traumatic childhood on the characters' relationships.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include references to past sexual abuse and emotional trauma, which may be distressing for some readers.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a strong presence of romance throughout the book, characterized by passionate interactions and emotional connections.

From The Publisher:

A tough-as-nails businesswoman. An arrogant Navy SEAL. A power struggle with no end in sight.

She's driven and demanding...I wasn't always this way. There's a dirty little trick to succeeding in business: the sweet and innocent rarely survive. I fought my way up from nothing and I don't bend for anyone.

Until Will Halsted makes me his...for now.

One wild night turns into another, and then...we can't stop. Each time we're together is more addictive than the last, but it's nothing more than an escape from reality.

He's never walked away from a challenge...I wasn't always a warrior but now it's in my bones and blood. That's what years spent in the Special Forces does to a man. My entire life is classified: where I've been, what I've seen, what I've done, and there's no mission too dangerous.

Until I realize that falling for Shannon Walsh is like trying to swim against a riptide. She's going to tear me up and toss me to the shore, and I'll love every minute of it.

Every time I'm down range, I want her counting the hours until I'm back. Waiting for me. She's done it before; she'll do it again.

Ratings (2)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (10):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (5)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (2)

About the Author:

USA Today Bestseller Kate Canterbary writes smart, steamy contemporary romances loaded with heat, heart, and happy ever afters. Kate lives on the New England coast with her husband and daughter.

 
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