Review: Christmas at the Cove by Rachel Brimble

christmas coveTitle: Christmas at the Cove by Rachel Brimble
Publisher: Harlequin Superromance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Author

Summary:

More family for Christmas?

Scott Walker doesn’t have time for a relationship. The sexy mechanic has career ambitions, not to mention a mother and three sisters to take care of. The last thing he needs is Carrie Jameson, the beauty he never forgot, arriving in Templeton Cove over the holidays with some unexpected news.

Scott still finds Carrie irresistible, and he’s not one to shirk responsibility. Scott’s issues with his own dad make the prospect of parenthood a minefield. But if he and Carrie can overcome their fears, this Christmas could bring them the best gift of all.

The Review:

Christmas at the Cove is a heartwarming second chance at love romance. This lovely holiday story is full of drama, strong emotions and sizzling hot love scenes. Fans of Rachel Brimble’s books set in the very charming UK seaside town of Templeton Cove do not want to miss this latest installment.

Three years earlier, Scott Walker and Carrie Jameson had a glorious fling when Carrie visited Scott’s hometown of Templeton Cove. Their week together was unforgettable, but both returned to their regular lives as planned. In the interim, Carrie married and now a widow, she returns to Templeton Cove to share some long overdue news with Scott. The couple quickly discover their smoking hot attraction has not faded with the passage of time but after Carrie reveals her secret, will it destroy any chance of a future for them?

In the beginning, Scott comes across as a bit of a player, but first impressions do not always tell the whole story. He may be a commitment phobe, but he is always honest with the women he dates. He has his hands full trying to expand his thriving mechanics business and taking care of his mother and three sisters. But two of the biggest reasons why he avoids serious relationships are connected to his father’s desertion and Scott’s continued feelings for Carrie.

Carrie is a likable, but extremely frustrating, character. She is not always honest with herself (or Scott) for her reasons for returning to the Cove and this leads to a lot of dithering when it comes to Scott. She also jumps at every excuse to avoid letting Scott fully into her life and while some of her reasons are understandable, they are also a direct contradiction regarding her decision to come clean with him.  Carrie gives off a lot of mixed signals for much of the story and it is very irritating how quick she is to give Scott an ultimatum when his unresolved issues become a factor in their future.

Carrie and Scott’s relationship is very slow growing with Scott pushing Carrie to give him, and by extension, them, a chance. There are no easy solutions for the real life concerns they each have but Scott is very tenacious in convincing Carrie to consider a future with him. Some of their scenes together are quite touching, others are very romantic and there are a few that are pretty steamy. However, their relationship hangs in the balance right up until the very end of the novel, and even then, not all of the questions about their future are answered.

Christmas at the Cove is a moving addition to Rachel Brimble’s series set in Templeton Cove. More than just a romance, it is also a story about coming to terms with the past and taking a chance on love. This warm and inviting novel has a wonderful cast of characters, an engaging plot and a delightful ending that truly embodies the holiday spirit.

5 Comments

Filed under Christmas at the Cove, Contemporary, Harlequin, Rachel Brimble, Rated B, Review, Romance, Superromance

5 Responses to Review: Christmas at the Cove by Rachel Brimble

  1. Natalija

    Great review! Can’t wait to read it, although I’m worried I might dislike Carrie. We’ll see…

  2. Rachel Brimble

    Thank you so much for such a great review! I am thrilled so many people are enjoying my first Christmas book EVER!

    I hope you don’t dislike Carrie either, Natalija! Let me know… 😉

    Rachel x

  3. Timitra

    Thanks for the review Kathy