Blog Tour & Giveaway: 'Christmas at the Cove' by Rachel Brimble

Rachel Brimble brings you the perfect winter romance to warm your hearts with Christmas at the Cove! The romance author will be doing the rounds with reviews, a guest post and a hefty giveaway. 

 

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. 

I’m really excited to be part of the Candlelit Author Services blog tour for Rachel Brimble’s Christmas release ‘Christmas at the Cove’ today! The book tells the story of TV producer Carrie Jameson who met handsome Scott Walker while she was on a hen weekend with her girlfriends in the small town of Templeton Cove. They spent a few steamy nights together, but both weren’t looking for a serious relationship at the time. Now, three years later, Carrie is on her way back to Templeton Cove to look up Scott in order to tell him some unexpected news. As soon as they meet, it is clear there is still a ton of chemistry between them, but are they ready to give it a try together...?

I was already familiar with Rachel Brimble’s work, because last year I got the chance to read and review her novel ‘Finding Justice’ (click here to read my review), which I really enjoyed. ‘Christmas at the Cove’ is set in the same English town, Templeton Cove, which is a lovely place with a great atmosphere, the kind of town where everyone seems to know one another. Carrie and Scott were interesting main characters, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. I immediately warmed to Carrie and was really curious to find out how her meeting with Scott would go and how he would deal with the big news she has to tell him. Scott appears to be quite the ladies man, and I couldn’t help but fall for him while reading the book, which I’m sure many other female readers will experience as well!

All characters in the novel are well-drawn and have their own histories and I am already keeping my fingers crossed Rachel will use some of the secondary characters in some of her future Templeton Cove novels. Her writing style is really comfortable and well-paced, and this novel was everything I expected it to be: a wonderful festive story to pick up on a cold Sunday afternoon and snuggle up with on the couch for a good dose of romance. ‘Christmas at the Cove’ is another thoroughly enjoyable Rachel Brimble steamy romance novel all about family and a second chance at love.    

Rating:

8/10

 

 

Click Here To Buy This Book - UK 

Click Here To Buy This Book - US  

Author Bio:

I live with my fantastic husband, our two young daughters and my beloved black Labrador, Max in a small market town near the famous Georgian City of Bath.  Having always ‘played’ with writing, I didn’t seriously sit down and write toward publication until I became pregnant with my second daughter – then I told myself to get my butt in the chair and get on with it before she grows up and I’m forced to get a real job! Lots of short stories followed as did lots of rejections!  I took a few distance learning courses, joined some online writers groups and basically, learned my craft.  Finally deciding short stories weren’t working for me (they are an art form in themselves!), in 2006 I decided to embark on my first novel and voila Searching For Sophie was born!  Since then, my other books have followed each year. And when I’m not writing? You’ll find me with my head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with my family.  And in the evening?  Well, a well- deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused.

 Follow Rachel:

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Enter via the Rafflecopter to win a signed paperback of Christmas at the Cove and a tote bag:

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Rachel Brimble and CandleLit Author Services reserve the right to cancel or amend this giveaway at any time and without prior notification. No responsibility is taken for non-delivery of prizes.

Review: 'Finding Justice' by Rachel Brimble (2013)

Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat's world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett—a man from her past—is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he's innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?

The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can't let her emotions interfere with the case—solving it is top priority. And as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.

Almost every chick lit or romance fan has heard of Harlequin novels; small pocket books with a romantic tale inside. Over the past few decades, these books have been immensely popular and have obtained a particular status. ‘Harlequin’ is often automatically associated with book covers with a half-naked handsome man staring longingly at a beautiful woman, and it’s been said that these novels are really about the romance, not the plotline. When Rachel Brimble contacted me about reviewing her debut novel ‘Finding Justice’, part of the Harlequin Super Romance series, I was curious to try my first Harlequin novel. The blurb promised an appealing and entertaining story, and as a sucker for everything to do with romance, a Harlequin novel couldn’t possibly disappoint, right?

 

 Cat Forrester works as a police officer; a job she obviously has a strong passion for and does well. From the outside, Cat presents herself as a strong and independent woman, but behind this front, she is dealing with some heavy emotional baggage. When she was younger, her father was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Since his death, Cat’s mother has turned to alcohol herself in order to deal with her own heartache. Because of these circumstances, Cat was forced to make some important decisions in her life, including leaving her best friend Sarah and first love Jay behind. Out of the blue, Cat receives a phone call: Sarah has been murdered and Jay is one of the main suspects. Suddenly, Cat finds herself travelling back to Templeton Cove to track down the person who killed her best friend. She knows she can’t let her emotions interfere with the case, but as soon as she sees Jay again, old feelings come back to the surface...

I was surprise to find out this is actually Rachel Brimble’s debut novel. She has a great writing style that flows naturally and keeps the reader interested. I liked the storyline (I loved the fact that there was a murder mystery to solve, something to keep me wondering and guessing) and the characters (Cat is a strong and independent woman, and seeing how she acts around the charming and kind Jay, re-discovering her feelings for him, was great). In a way, it reminded me a bit of the TV show ‘Castle’ (which I love), which focuses on a strong-minded female police officer called Kate Beckett, a character which Cat Forrester definitely reminded me of.

As soon as I sat down with this novel, I was taken in by the story and managed to forget everything around me. Even though the story deals with a murder investigation, it was a truly relaxing and enjoyable read. The mix of romance with the element of suspense and a touch of mystery was great, and I think that is what makes the Harlequin Super Romance series really interesting for any fans of romance who haven’t picked up a Harlequin novel before. The basic recipe for a romance tale is there, but combined with a bigger storyline and a dose of intrigue. I definitely will be picking up other Harlequin Super Romance novels in the future, and I really hope people who will read this will also give the genre a chance. Next to that, I also can’t wait to read more of Rachel Brimble’s work; a promising new author on the scene!

Rating:8/10