Rating: 4.5 Stars Catherine Cowles delivers another gripping, emotional romance with Beautiful Exile, blending suspense, heartfelt connections, and an unexpected plot twist that kept me guessing—well, almost. I absolutely loved Arden as a character. Her passion for painting, especially while blasting heavy metal, was such a unique and fun detail. Add in her love for horses, and she became such a well-rounded, layered heroine. And then there’s Linc—he could have easily been a typical spoiled billionaire, but his deep concern for the people he loves really set him apart. He was protective without being overbearing, and I appreciated how his character unfolded beyond just his wealth. Let’s not forget the major theme of the story which is Linc & Arden’s love story. Their relationship was built on mutual understanding and a deep emotional connection rather than just physical attraction. Arden, who has always struggled with trust, finds herself drawn to Linc in a way she never expected. And Linc, despite his privileged upbringing, sees Arden for who she truly is—not just someone to protect, but someone to stand beside. Their chemistry was undeniable, filled with tension, tenderness, and moments that made my heart ache in the best way. The suspense element was handled so well. I had a tiny “what if” moment about the villain midway through, but I second-guessed myself—only to find out I was right all along! The way the reveal played out was incredibly satisfying, making me appreciate how well the twists were woven into the story. The only reason this wasn’t a full five-star read for me was Arden’s choices in trust. For someone who insists she doesn’t let people in easily, the two people she did choose to trust turned out to be completely wrong. It made me question her instincts a little, but it wasn’t enough to take away from how much I enjoyed the book overall. If you love a romance with depth, suspense, and characters that truly grow throughout the story, Beautiful Exile is definitely worth the read