Review: Strung Along by Hannah Cowan
“Slow Burn but great tension.”
Strung Along by Hannah Cowan is a delightful journey into the heart of Cherry Peak, a small town in Alberta, Canada, where love, healing, and unexpected connections unfold. This first installment in the Cherry Peak Series is a charming blend of small-town charm and rockstar allure, featuring a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroine.
The story centers on Anna, who arrives in Cherry Peak hoping for a fresh start after a painful breakup. Her path crosses with Brody Steele, a rising country star seeking respite in his hometown. From their first encounter, sparks fly, but not the romantic kind—Brody comes off as an arrogant celebrity, while Anna isn’t afraid to put him in his place. Despite their rocky start, Anna finds herself inexplicably drawn to Brody, and his surprising acts of kindness begin to melt the ice between them.
Cowan excels at creating a vivid and engaging setting. Cherry Peak, with its tight-knit community and picturesque landscapes, serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. The friendships Anna forms in this small town add warmth and depth to the narrative, making readers feel like they are part of this welcoming community.
The chemistry between Anna and Brody is palpable, building slowly and naturally. Cowan skillfully peels back Brody’s layers, revealing a complex character who is much more than his initial brooding exterior. Anna’s journey is equally compelling as she navigates her own emotional scars while opening herself up to the possibility of new love.
One of the strengths of Strung Along is Cowan’s ability to balance romance with character development. Both Anna and Brody undergo significant growth, making their eventual connection feel earned and satisfying. The story also tackles themes of trust, forgiveness, and finding oneself, adding emotional depth to the romance.
However, the book is not without its flaws. The absence of a third-act breakup, a common trope in romance novels, leaves the climax feeling somewhat unresolved. It seems as though the author struggled with how to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion, resulting in an ending that feels a bit abrupt.
Despite this minor issue, Strung Along is a heartwarming and enjoyable read. Cowan’s writing is engaging, her characters are relatable, and the slow-burn romance is sure to captivate fans of the genre. This book is a promising start to the Cherry Peak Series, and readers will likely find themselves eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Overall, Strung Along is a charming small-town rockstar romance with all the western cowboy feels. If you enjoy slow-burn romances with well-developed characters and a strong sense of community, this book is definitely worth a read.
