Christmas at the Cove (Templeton Cove Stories, #4)

by Rachel Brimble

[Cocktails and Books]

This is a classic romance story where two lovers come together, part quickly, and pine for each other while they are apart. As an additional twist there is a child conceived that is hidden from the father. This is the first book that I have read by this author.

I couldn’t wait to dive into this novel, but I was quickly disappointed. The author made it seem like some otherworldly force made Carrie Jameson and Scott Walker come together. The entire premise behind the one night stand was shallow and difficult to believe. Later it’s revealed that because of their magnetic attraction they actually were together for longer than one night. It’s hard to believe that they never came up for air and actually talked to each other during that time. Even if Scott was a player and heartless Carrie should have had some sense of what kind of person he was. I just never bought into the idea that they were a couple.

The book has very little dialogue between the characters. There was so much information about the internal dialogue in each character’s head that it was just overkill. Added to that it just seemed like it was the same thing said in a different way. It literally went on for pages. Before, during, and after every interaction the author shares what each character is thinking. I would have been fine with a hint or some foreshadowing. I was quickly tired of how often Carrie spoke of her fears about Scott. I was sick of reading about Scott’s responsibilities and his fears. The author also went into great detail about Scott’s parents. I found all of the characters to be overly dramatic and unrealistic. I identified with none of them, and I didn’t care about their HEAs. I just wanted it to be over.

A good book gone wrong.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books