To Catch a Wolfe

New Castle #3

by Lydia Michaels

Every survivor is first a victim, but from the depths of weakness comes an awakening of strength that is empty and fearless.


After escaping her abusive husband Dr. Chloe Wolfe’s luck runs out and Trenton Cole steps in. Chloe reluctantly agrees to let this tall, dark, and devastatingly hot stranger help her find her children. What she doesn’t know is that Trent is the bounty hunter hired by her husband to catch her. Playing it safe, Chloe escapes his presence without a trace, but no secrets remain hidden forever. When worlds collide six years later, neither Chloe nor Trent have forgotten each other, but when her hero’s betrayal is exposed Chloe finds herself in love with another enemy.

An unforgettable love story of a woman who sacrifices everything to protect the ones she loves, and loses her self along the way—A heart wrenching tale of survival, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Lydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.

Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.

Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).

She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).

You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels

Reviews

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I told myself that this time I wouldn’t let Lydia Michaels consume me. I’d just read a few chapters and then I’d do all the things I need to get done. 24 hours later, my house is still a wreck, the laundry is still piled up, and my family is ordering take out. Again. Oh Lydia Michaels, why do you do this to me?
Chloe Hunt was running for her life. After years of abuse by her husband Marcus, a merciless and evil man, she took what little money she’d stashed away and fled with her two young sons. Trenton Cole made his living doing various security jobs. His latest and most lucrative was tracking Chloe Hunt, a woman her husband claimed was unbalanced and fleeing with his children. Upon finding her, Trenton realized something wasn’t adding up. Befriending her and giving her a ride to her destination, Trenton thought she seemed more driven and scared than unstable. He hated the idea of stealing away her hope of happiness and returning her to misery so he dropped her off, gave up the job and money, and threw her husband off her trail.
Six years later, Chloe and Trenton meet again at the wedding reception of mutual friends. Chloe had thought of Trenton often over the last 6 years. She’d never forgotten the tall, handsome, and kind stranger who’d rescued her. While Chloe was thrilled to finally have the chance to thank her hero, she was filled with a strange sort of awareness around him. Trenton felt it too. He’d felt it for the last 6 years every time he thought of her, which was frequently. So without thinking, he did what he’d thought of doing since he met her. He kissed her. Chloe was instantly bombarded with desire and a myriad of perplexing thoughts. Trenton was someone she’d fantasized about for years. Now that he was here and no longer just a memory, everything became more disconcerting. Her mind was flooded with the insults and taunts her husband used to make. A man like Trenton would never want her. Keeping her life uncomplicated was how she’d gotten by so far. Trusting a man seemed too daunting a task to take on. She wanted his touch but her scarred heart left her feeling confused and afraid.
Trenton was more than intrigued by Chloe but he noticed her nervousness and inability to look at him. He hated her lack of trust. If he wanted a chance with her, he’d have to move more slowly. And that’s what he did. Over the next several weeks they got to know each other. He slowly introduced little touches, holding hands, kisses. For Chloe, she realized what she’d been missing in her life. Trenton was so different from what she’d known before. She liked how he made her feel. With him, she was able to let go of her worries and give in to desire. Never in her life had she experienced something so all-encompassing as being with Trenton. Thanks to him, she was building her confidence and opening up more. Life was starting to feel normal again.
But they were both hiding secrets. Trenton still hadn’t come clean about how they’d first met and the longer he waited, the more he felt unworthy of the trust he’d worked so hard to earn. Chloe had her secrets too. Trenton still didn’t know all the facts about her escape from Marcus and the danger she and her sons could still be in. And when Marcus tracks her down, what had taken her years to find could be destroyed and Chloe could be left more damaged than ever.
I was barely into the prologue before I was hooked on this book. I was rooting for Chloe from the moment I saw the horrors she endured to protect her children. Rather than waiting for Marcus to eventually turn his ire on his sons, she left everything to get them somewhere safe. I knew I loved Trenton when he realized helping Chloe was more important than any amount of money. Not only did he deliver her to safety but he did what he could to make sure Marcus wouldn’t find her.
I loved watching their relationship evolve. Chloe still had lots of issues. Not just triggers from the physical abuse but confidence issues from the verbal abuse she’d endured. She didn’t think she was good enough for Trenton. Trenton was so patient with her. He showed her the affection she’d never had. He complimented her. He took interest in her life and in her children. Intimacy with him was tender and fun, not a form of control or punishment.
After Marcus’s return, it looked like Chloe would never be the woman she was before. She evolved the most in this part of the story. After years of counseling others, she had to realize that she was the broken one now and needed help to get herself back together. I don’t know that she would have made it without Trenton patiently being there for her and helping her move at the pace she needed to start to heal.
The secondary characters added so much to this story as well. Chloe’s sons were precious. Their reactions to what was going on in their lives made me feel for Chloe even more. This new chance at life wasn’t just for her. Their lives were at stake too. I loved the support of her friends. Especially Adam and Tommy. They had some great zingers that really gave some relief to the intensity of the story. I think Adam missed his calling as a therapist.
I’ve said before in other reviews of Ms. Michaels’ books that she doesn’t sugar coat or avoid tough topics. She treats these issues with the gravity and depth they deserve. In Something Borrowed she doesn’t minimize the impact of abuse nor the complexity of recovery from it. What she does do is represent these issues in a pro-survivor way. In short, she often tackles tough and painful topics in her books, and often those topics are heartrending, but I always walk away from her stories feeling hopeful. While I experienced fear, anger, and heartache in this story, I was left with the hope that finally Chloe and Trenton would have the happiness they were entitled to. Lydia Michaels beautifully portrays the healing of fair and respectable love. I was captivated by this compelling story of Chloe’s battle to move forward into trust and love, triumph over her abusive past, and live the life she so courageously fought for.

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Domestic violence isn't the easiest subject matter to tackle but I think the author did a pretty good job of it in Something Borrowed. She not only portrayed what the heroine, Chloe suffered but also the strength and courage it took for her to not give into despair but fight back in her own way, be her own hero. I loved that aspect of it. This book may be hard for some to read but it is worth it. It's worth the emotional punch. I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.


ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review

[Hanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Borrowed tackles a very important serious issue.
Domestic abuse is felt by all,the rich,the poor,the highly educated and the dropouts.
It doesn’t differentiate between color or religion.
This book was very emotional for me.
It was gut wrenching and heartbreaking.
Especially because children were involved. Even if children are not physically abused doesn’t mean they don’t suffer emotional abuse. They absolutely do! Being witnesses to a parents beating is abuse.
I loved Chloe!
She was physically abused,mentally abused and her body broken.
But not enough to never lose hope and faith in herself that eventually,no matter how long it takes,she would take her children and escape.
She is such a strong willed woman with an unbreakable spirit.
She embodies heroism,courage and bravery. Even knowing the outcome of any and all failed attempts at rescuing herself and children. She is someone I not only admire but someone I would emulate.
She is someone I’d encourage my daughters to be like.
Trenton was one fantastic man.
No matter his financial situation,no matter his gains,he is a noble righteous man.
Who knows right from wrong,even knowing if he chose the wrong his circumstances would change his life for the better.
He is a real man who knows that his happiness and convenience doesn’t trump others physical well being.
Ms. Michaels wrote one very profound intense book that had me thinking so much about the story and characters long after I finished the book. When a story leaves a lasting impression that’s a book that has impacted me greatly and that’s what talented authors and excellent books should do!
While this book is about violence it’s also about not giving up or giving in.
It’s about not letting anyone totally break you.
It’s about finding your inner spirit and knowing I don’t deserve this.
It’s about finding hope,strength and trust in others. Even when the one person in the world that you put your trust in,broke it and deceived you.
What I love about Something Borrowed and the rest of the books I’ve read by this very gifted author is that her stories are real life. Not only are they beautiful heartwarming romances and love stories. But they are relatable,believable and happened everyday.
They are real issues and real consequences that someone in your life or someone you know has faced and dealt with.
Something Borrowed is a beautiful book even though it deals with a very ugly topic.
It’s a powerful book,it’s impactful and truly unforgettable!

[Nancy Freedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is gut wrenching and makes you feel the pain. This book is about domestic abuse not just the physical but the mental and emotional aspects as well. As someone who has been in that situation this book brought back some memories but it also reminded me how strong I am. This is a MUST read and ONE-CLICK series. This book is a book that can help those in domestic abuse situations and hopefully they realize that they can get away.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding book!!!!
I’ve read some romance novels where everything is all tidy and wrapped up in happy ever after and although those books were nice, they just aren’t a Lydia Michaels novel.
This author always delivers a powerful REAL story that just grabs your attention and won’t let go. Life is messy and sometimes really difficult. But hopefully in the end it just makes you stronger and that’s something that definitely came across in Something borrowed.
Something borrowed is about Trenton and Chloe. They meet under the most difficult circumstances. Chloe has finally been able to leave her abusive husband and Trenton is the man hired to bring her back. I will admit when I started this book I was really afraid I was going to hate Trenton. But he most definitely redeemed himself!!
This was a deep emotional book that I absolutely loved!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is not told, but shown.
What you whisper in my ears, you breathe into my heart and soul.

Something Borrowed book #3 in the New Castle series. It was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. I felt like this story was cut into three’s. The beginning, middle and end. I’m sure you will all say, well of course, it’s a story! What I mean is that for me, the beginning was like walking on twigs. I was treading carefully. I was nervous. Would the twigs hold up or would they break? The middle was delicious. Like the middle of a cream puff. Sweet and yummy. And sexy! Lydia can certainly write steam! And the last third felt like the twigs couldn’t hold up and I came crashing down. It was scary and painful.

The first part of the story tells us of a desperate woman. Chloe Hunt is planning to leave her abusive husband, taking her two small children with her. She must protect them. Failure is not an option this time! The scene is set, almost too well. I found myself uncomfortable and on the edge of my seat. Could she get away this time?

“Good fathers are a gift. Unfortunately, they are rare.”

Like a spoiled child, her husband wanted her focus to solely revolve around his needs alone and there was no masking his resentment that intensified every time the boys’ needs took precedence over his.

We first met Trenton Cole in If I Fall (New Castle #2). He is the friend of Jeremy. They served in the military and now work together doing security. Trenton also takes jobs as a bounty hunter. Trenton Cole is hot on Chloe’s trail. This was supposed to be a lucrative job for him, but something isn’t adding up. Will Chloe escape him?

Fast forward six years. The aunt of her husband had taken her and her boys in. Coincidentally, she too had been abused until her husband died. Chloe and her boys are living a quiet but happy life. Chloe even changed her name which gave her a lot of peace. Her boys are happy. That was all that she wanted, to protect them so that they too did not become a victim of abuse. All is well and then she crosses paths with Trenton Cole. Jeremy’s wife, Jade, is Chloe’s patient. Emotions are high as they come face to face. Neither had forgotten one another. He was her hero who took her to her boys. She was the one who got away.

So the middle was delicious! As I said above, Lydia can write some hot stuff! I love how the characters are everyday regular peeps. But, toss in some sensuality and the love of all body types and BOOM! Hot stuff! Trent gains Chloe’s trust and they build a relationship. Things are looking good……

He liked motorcycles, boobs, the NHL, porn, red meat, and rock and roll. He was – refreshingly – basic.

Some things are too good to be true. Circumstances can flip like a coin! And boy do they! So my twigs didn’t hold up and I came crashing down! A chain of events is set in motion. It may have been less painful to have a Brazilian wax! I was torn up. Definite break time. Just when you think things can’t get any worse – they do!

What will happen? You must read the book to find out! Something Borrowed is definitely the heavier story in the series. Lydia will pull your heart out of your chest! And she leaves us with the crumbs of another story in the series. Who will it be???? A little bird told me it will be titled Remember Me!

4 stars

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the NEW CASTLE series and I must admit I think it is the best of the three . I promised myself that I would read and not let this book wreck my heart . I sat down with a warm cup of tea and the book . Well lets just say I had cold tea and tear streaked cheeks when I was finished with this book .
The characters are so well written and so complex . Chloe has been through hell and back . She has been repeatedly been abused by her husband . Until the day she escaped with her boys. On the run and scared out of her mind she runs into a tall dark stranger who is the help she needed . But he isn't all that he seems . When we first meet Chloe we see her as a beaten broken woman who just was surviving . Your heart broke for her you just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe . She is a survivor and was stronger then she even thought she was . We see her grow and thrive and even becoming a doctor who helps others that have been abused and have gone through tragedies. But she still has unresolved feelings and fears of her past . When her past comes back to haunt her, you see how much she has grown and how much she wants to survive .
Trenton Cole is the kind stranger that helped Chloe six years ago . But there was a side to him that was hidden when he first saw Chloe . You know that he would do the right thing when he helped Chloe . He is such a strong man who can take sexy up a notch or two. There is also a side of him that is so caring and loving . He will do anything to keep Chloe and her boys safe from all the bad out there . You want Trenton in your corner when you are going up against the evil that is in your life . He is the man you want and want to love . The rest of the cast of characters are also there and love Chloe through it all .
This book will rip out your heart, drag it through the mud then mend it back together . The author takes us on a journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat . The story is so realistic in so many ways . There is domestic abuse that will break your heart . You will want to wrap up the characters in warm blankets and hold them tight. You also get a book about what true love really means and what you would do to be with the person you love . Also what you would do to keep that person safe and feel cherished . There are some twists and turns that will keep you reading well into the night . I am going to warn you though there could be a few triggers for those who are sensitive to abuse and what that entails . Also have a big box of Kleenex beside you cause you are really going to need them . Especially at the beginning and the last chapters will stomp on your heart even more but also piece it back together. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a story of unconditional love and redemption this is the book

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so breathtaking from the moment I started reading to the very end.

This has some serious issues that women and/or men do endure in real life and it's always a good thing to read a book on subjects this intense and heart stopping, gut wrenching because no one should go through a rough situation that involves domestic violence.

Having to deal with domestic abuse is no joke and reading a book about it really breaks my heart because I hate it when people go through these situations. I wish I could just jump into the book and help the person who is going through this even though I know it's fiction. But again, stuff like this happens to people out in the real world all the time.

Chloe and Trent may have had a slow start but only because Chloe has had to deal with an abusive husband and she's trying to get away from him. Trent, even though he was hired to find her and bring her back to her husband, realizes that she's better off alone with her children than to be stuck back in an abusive relationship. Although at the time he didn't know what she was going through, but he could tell that she wasn't safe in the arms of her husband.

This story evolved very well. I liked how Chloe and Trent's relationship went slowly and only because it wouldn't be believable if she jumped into another mans arms right away after what she went through. A woman or man is always cautious after going through a bad relationship.

Trent was my hero in this story because he really wanted to get to know Chloe and went out of his way to show her how a woman should be treated, he took things slowly with her and was cautious with her. Chloe, even though she was reserved after what she went through, she was starting to feel like there are men out there that are not all alike and not all of them are cruel and mean like her husband.

I was completely into this book, the storyline captivated me and I was utterly consumed by it.

I would highly recommend this book, it was extremely well written and I loved it to the fullest!

4.5 stars

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Perrin Larton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…that’s all I can begin with…

Chloe is an abused wife. Physically and mentally. She is hoarding money to be able to get away from her husband. She knows if she doesn’t make it, she will die. What would happen to her children then?

She runs and gets to a safe place with the help of a man, that unbeknownst to her, has been hired by her husband to find her. Trent meets her and realizes she is not the person her husband said she was. He chooses to let her remain ‘lost’ and misdirects her husband, to help her but doesn’t let her know his real reason to seek her out.

Chloe and Trent cross paths a few years later at a party held by mutual friends. They remember each other, but both have secrets that they need to hide. They acknowledge their mutual attraction, and with the help of their friends, become closer.

Romance that neither of them could anticipate soon took over their lives, but secrets still remain between them. When those secrets are brought to light, it looks like it could be the end of their relationship.

Unfortunately Chloe is unmasked by a person she never thought would have led her husband to her. Trent knows Chloe wouldn’t go of her own volition, but will the rescue he is mounting reach her in time?

Unless you’ve been in a Domestic Violence situation, you can’t understand how someone can make you so fragile, always questioning yourself, even to the point of insanity. This book makes you think. This book makes you feel. This is a book you’ll remember for a long time.

[Shannon Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in a household where domestic violence was almost an every day part of life, this book pulled at my heartstrings!

Seeing the challenges Chloe went through, and the pain and agony she faced, were heartbreaking. It didn’t make her a weak heroine. It made her one of the strongest heroines we will read about in romance. When she got knocked down, she pulled herself together, and made a life for herself. Even when she thought she couldn’t go any further, with the tiniest bit of help, she overcame her fears, and went for her true love and found her happiness.

Trenton. Where do I start with him. He’s kick butt, alpha, and a total hottie, who is putty when it comes to Chloe. From the very start we knew things would be different between them, and what a ride it was. He knew exactly what to say/do, and when it need to be done. He showed her that while she may have thought of herself as weak, she’s strong and independent, and that she can overcome anything.

The road these two took wasn’t an easy one, and I enjoyed how much the secondary characters played such a vital role in this book!

An eyeopening, heart wrenching story of tragedy, strength, healing, and love that I would definitely recommend!!!

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am almost at a loss for words about this story. It was an incredible read. It is not just a story of domestic abuse – physical as well as mental -- and you will experience every single emotion of Chloe’s as you read it, the good and the bad, along with laughter and pain. It’s also a story of the will to survive, of strength, of determination to keep her two children safe, of starting over, of friendships, and of learning to trust and love again, which is where Trent comes in. Chloe was battered and broken but fought to bring herself out of the darkness -- for herself but especially for the sake of her children. Trent is Chloe’s savior, but unbeknownst to her, Trent has a terrible secret he should, but is afraid to, reveal. Along the way, you will discover that Trent is considerate, protective, and sexy. There is so much to tell, so many emotions in this story, and Lydia Michaels tells the story so very well. She pulls you into her real-life stories on horrifying subject matters by creating very likeable characters every time. I applaud her writing. Warning: the abuse scenes are graphic, so beware.


I received an ARC of the book and voluntarily wrote this review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a ride - the start of the book had me reeling in disbelief, I didn't think anyone could be that cruel, until I was farther into the book - boy I was feeling so sad for Chloe.
Thankfully she got away with her 2 sons, for a short time she lived a happy life, but she was always looking over her shoulder. She made friends; even found a boyfriend, but her past was always there and unresolved.
Lydia Michaels writes so well, I felt I was a fly on the wall, watching the story unfold, but I was helpless to help.
This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions, horrific physical beatings, psychological torment, threats against the children - all kept this woman in her place.
Eventually after enduring such anguish from a man she once loved - she gets her HEA with the man who was initially hired to find her - but finds love instead.
Read this story, as this is just a synopsis, the story is so much bigger - the friends she makes, and the life she endures and the future she fights for is amazing!

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my goodness Lydia Michaels why is that every time I read one of your books you leave me in tears. Something Borrowed is a beautiful story made out of something very ugly. A thing called domestic violence. For people that have triggers do be aware there is abuse written about in this book. But, this book and I am going to copy what Lydia put in her synopsis is “A heart wrenching tale survival, forgiveness, and new beginnings.”

Something Borrowed is about Chloe. She was in an abusive marriage and she tucked tale and ran with her 2 boys. Trent Cole is a bounty hunter and he was supposed to find her for the abusive louse of a husband she had. When he met her he ended up letting her go and she never knew that he was hired by her husband. There is a beautiful happily ever after although it takes a lot to get there. I love Chloe and Trent’s story.

Something Borrowed is the third book in the New Castle Series and it can be read as a standalone. It is a must read! I love this story and it is another 5 star happy tears for me.

[Lucy Berson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Borrowed (New Castle #3) by Lydia Michaels. This is the third book in the New Castle Series. Just like all of Ms. Michaels other books, I loved this one…. This book covers a heavy topic, Domestic Violence. Parts of this book were difficult but as always, this author pulled you in and wouldn’t let you put it down for one second.
After enduring years of abuse, Chloe escapes the abuse and takes her children and runs. Marcus is an evil man and he will do whatever he can to track her down. Trent is just the man to do it. He is paid to find Chloe. When they run into each other, Chloe lets this mystery, sexy, stranger help her. Not knowing exactly who she can and can not trust, she flees again. Only to unexpectedly run into him again six years later. Will her heart and body be safe this time around?

[Amanda]

Phew. This book is not for the faint of heart. This novel gives an intense look into domestic violence and the lingering effects that it may have on the victim.
The story opens with Chloe, who we met in the previous book as Dr. Wolfe, Jade’s therapist. The story goes chronological with her meeting Trent and there love affair. You get all the feels as a writer of their love and sacrifices for each other. A little over halfway through the book, the inevitable happens and so continues Chloe’s saga. It was heart wrenching, and I’m going to be complete honest, hard to read. It doesn’t touch home for me, but it was complete with details that I can still see Chloe’s aftermath in my mind. I’ll end this review with how I started it. Phew.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
It starts from the beginning, you know it's going to be a heavy read. Domestic abuse isn't for the faint of heart. You get to see the steps Chloe took to try to break free from her abuser and her 2 most precious reasons that keep moving her forward. She gets a couple unlikely helping hands and that's enough. After all she's gone through, it's hard for her to trust things at face value.
Trenton, is just that. What you see is what you get, he's refreshingly basic. But he too is hiding a secret. What will happen when Chloe finds out?
Talk about a rollercoaster of emotion, I was on the edge of my seat, my heart aching in my chest and all the way to sunshine and rainbows and everything in between.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the New Castle series revolves around Chloe and Trenton, and boy does it have your emotions going thru the wringer. From fear to white hot anger, to the feel good romance while still conveying a message of hope,strength and Perseverance. Lydia Michaels writes romance with difficult subjects but they always leave me with hope that love can be beautiful and freeing in spite of ways the world or people in it try to break us.

[Katy Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY TRENTON COLE!! Gosh I couldn't put this puppy down!! it was so powerful and emotional but wrenching to me it got to me in more ways to one. it showed me how survival of real abuse really is! some of it was hard to read but most was happy because she got her happy ending and got her real love!! Trenton was such a gentle, patient, kind, and protective man I loved his character in this book!! Lydia you did wonderful and this story will stay with me forever.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was very hard for me to read. I’m still crying and to be honest shaking still. Although it’s been years since I grew up in that kind of home, and I’ve read many stories along similar lines without this kind of reaction, this one got me. Tackling yet another major issue, domestic violence, it was so well written I felt like I was there.

[Kathryn]

I loved this 3rd book in the series! It pulled me in and I read it within a couple of days! Chloe and Trentons story is amazing and the suspense and need to continue reading is impeccable. I have loved all of Lydia Michaels books that I have read and I can't wait to read more! She is amazing and her books speak for themselves. If you want a series that has a bit of everything- this is the author for you!

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written portraying Chloe a domestic abuse victim who tries to get away but her husband hires Trenton to bring her and his two sons back home . Dayton and Mattie are her sons and she fears her husband will abuse them like he does her . Trenton is a gentle giant that has an attraction to Chloe but she is so damaged by her past that is affects her future .

I would recommend this story that shows what has happened to Chloe . I loved it !

[Joanna Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the New Castle series continues the theme of overcoming hardships. Chloe’s character gives incredible advice to Jade in book two and you see how Chloe became so wise. She is a survivor of domestic abuse and a heroine you immediately love. All the books bring out so many emotions. This one in particular takes you everywhere, from bringing out the fear from abuse to being healed by true love.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: GRAPHIC SCENES OF VIOLENCE
Something Borrowed is a story about domestic violence although fictional it reads as a true life event and may cause some discomfort by the graphic details.

[LLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! Chloe is running. She has left behind an abusive husband and Trenton is the private investigator hired to bring her back. The situation is not what it seems and he lets her escape. They meet again and sparks fly. The story was hard to read at times but so worth it. I am glad that it wasn't wrapped up neatly. A lot of healing was needed.

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done! ❤️

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am highly impressed with book 3 in The New Castle series. Lydia Michaels tackles the topic of domestic violence in a way that tells the story in a true , no holds bar way ,without being overly graphic which may have turned away readers. But it's not just a story of domestic violence, it's a story of strength, new love, family and of course loads of suspense which I think this author does best. I definitely recommend it.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

Chloe Wolfe ran away from her abusive husband in Virginia and took her two toddlers with her. When she loses her escape money a handsome stranger offers her a lift. Little does Chloe know that the kind man is a bounty hunter hired by her husband to find her and the children. Luckily for her Trenton Cole decides Chloe is better off without her husband and he walks away from the job.

For six years she’s lived a very different life in Pennsylvania, but the specter of Marcus is always there haunting her. Then Trent steps back into her life without telling her about his job with Marcus. Can Chloe trust enough to fall in love again? What will she do when she finds out about Trent’s lie of omission? What would happen if Marcus catches up to her?

This is a decent story with well-developed characters. The pace slows to a crawl in the middle and there are some scenes that could be omitted to step up the pace. The ending was a bit unexpected and different, but delightful. Overall this is a solid and interesting romance with elements of suspense that has the reader anxiously rooting Chloe on.

[Kim Sherratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 starsSomething Borrowed (New Castle Book 3)
By KCoyne on April 24, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Something Borrowed by Lydia Michaels is another must read book.
Lydia wrote another amazing book that really hits home because of it's true to life experiences that happen to every day people no matter who you are, or where you live in this world. This book my come across rough to some because of the topic domestic violence, and the abuse that happens in the book. Chloe has to deal with verbal, physical, and mental abuse from her husband. Her children are also involved and are effected by this awful punishment. Chloe is a very strong willed female who has the strength, will and desire to rid herself and her children from this horrid situation. Trent is a perfect gentleman who has morals, family values, and the background in security to show Chloe what and how a real man treats a lady. Even if it means not profiting financially from his actions. Chloe does find new friends who are very helpful and are there to support her in any help she needs. Like all of Lydia's books you won't be able to put it down until the end and this is a book that you will never forget because of the emotional effects. This book was the 3rd book in the series, you don't really have to read the other 2 before this one but it will help you identify the characters a lot easier. Hang on for another emotional roller coaster because like all of her other book you will laugh, cry, or even want to reach out to strangle the husband.https://www.amazon.com/Something-Borr...

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia Michaels takes the very heavy topic of domestic violence on and does it justice. It's never easy to write about something so serious and real but this book is done so well and so realistically while also not being so heavy as to be unenjoyable.

Chloe has had a rough go of things, as a survivor of domestic violence and just an overall kick ass heroine it's pretty hard not to like her and root for her. She's not perfect and sometimes you want to say 'girl don't let your past ruin a good thing' but she is a character you can get behind and love. And Trent is just *swoons* that's all I'm going to say about that, or else this will turn into a 5 paragraph essay about how great and wonderful he is.

Loved this book and feel in love with the characters.

[Tammy Wilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

We first meet Chloe in if I fall and we admired her for what she was able to do for Jade after her assault.
In something borrowed we get to learn a little more of Chloe’s horrendous past when a part of that past happens intersect with her new life.
Every time I read stories of domestic abuse and women and mothers that manage to escape I am always so thankful that this is not something I have had to deal with! I find it so scary esp the consequences and repercussions that these women have to consider when they run with children.
Lydia is able to tell this tale and drag you into the characters mind so you feel these stories heart deep. Another great read - thanks Lydia

[Caryle Cree- Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Castle book 3- Something borrowed is AMAZING!!
What an incredible book, I laughed and cried as I went on the rollercoaster journey with Cloe. Cloe is the main female character and what an inspiration she is to any female. To go through domestic violence and percavir like she did is amazing. Once again Lydia Michaels has outdone herself and created such a story where you truly believe it's real and you know these people and went through their hard and good times with them. This book is a must read!!