Launch - Note from the Author
I chose to set this book in winter because the hero and heroine, Eli and Aubrey, are both members of the United States Coast Guard. In addition to some of the most dangerous ocean conditions in the world, the Pacific Coast is also known for its wild winter weather. That’s when the most dramatic storms happen. Like their motto states, the Coast Guard is “Always Ready.” And as I discovered in my research, these incredibly brave men and women live by their creed. Even under seemingly impossible to navigate conditions, their courage, skill, and heroism cannot be over-stated.
Thoughts of a Blonde - Review
"A sweet story about reconnecting with “the one that got away”. Great characters showcasing a close-knit small town with interwoven family and friends."
Katie's Clean Book Collection - Christmas Eve or Christmas Torture?
For the bigger gifts and Santa’s offering, we had to wait until everyone was up. Which sometimes seemed like forever thanks to my high-maintenance older sister who had to get “pretty” for the pics. (As the youngest child, it seems like I spent an inordinate amount of time waiting on my older siblings.) As we got older this tradition got later and later with Mom eventually declaring that we would wait until after church to open gifts. It was only natural to then stretch this time until after brunch. All of this was fine for my older pre-teen and teen-aged siblings, but this meant that I was forced to start this waiting game around the age of eight. For years, they’d been opening their gifts early in the morning! I lobbied for an exception. Alas, like any well-run home ours was governed by a matriarchal dictatorship; Mom ruled.
Paulette's Papers - The Great Christmas Tree Fight
Each and every holiday season of my childhood, amidst the decorating, shopping, baking, travel arranging and party planning a most serious drama played out in our home. An epic power struggle, a battle of wills, a division of opinion that makes even our recent election seem tame. It was…the Christmas tree fight.
Harlie's Books - Review
"Great characters, awesome storyline and realistic dialogue. Not to mention emotional and a great second chance romance. Oh and there is a Christmas contest, too."
Heidi Reads... - Crab Dip & Excerpt
One of my favorite scenes in Christmas in the Cove involves a crab feed. If you live near a coast, chances are you’ve probably been to one of these types of seafood feasts. Whether it’s crab, shrimp, lobster, clams, fish, or oysters for some reason seafood just begs to be feasted on.
Falling Leaves - Excerpt
His touch was so distracting, so mind-altering, she nearly gave in. She forced herself to focus on his face instead, which wasn’t much better because his expression was this heart-tugging cross between nervous and sincere.
Rockin' Book Reviews - Review
"I, literally, could not put this book down! It was quite predictable but contained steady action and a couple of twists which captivated the reader’s interest and intrigue!"
Beck Valley Books - Excerpt
Eli hadn’t been back in twelve years and he found himself wondering if Aubrey had. He’d never shared the cave’s existence with another living soul. By mutual consensus, they’d never even showed Alex, knowing that he’d never be able to keep it a secret. And later they’d wanted the place for their own. Even now, the idea of her bringing someone else here, to their place, bothered him.
Mel's Shelves - Review
"I love second chance love stories and this one delivered! . . . If you enjoy clean, second chance love stories with a mystery to solve, this is a book you will definitely want to pick up!"
Books, Dreams, Life - Excerpt
“Yes. I realize how difficult this must be for you. So, for now, I can promise you it’s not as bad as you are thinking. You didn’t do anything wrong and you aren’t in trouble. But, the underlying situation that forced me to make this decision is also probably worse than you’re thinking. That’s all I’m going to tell you right now. Trust me. Please. Believe me when I tell you I had to do this.”
JoJo's Corner - Review
'I absolutely love this sweet romance from Carol Ross! She has done a fabulous job crafting characters who are unforgettable…they will stay with you long after you have turned the final page."
Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt
“Aubrey, calm down.”
“What makes you think I’m not calm?” she asked much too calmly.
He swallowed nervously.
Good, she thought. He should be nervous.
Christy's Cozy Corners - Review
"The romance just adds another depth to this really well written story. It’s not all about the romance. It is about the desire to help others, and it is about forgiveness. I definitely recommend this book to clean romance lovers."
I Am A Reader - Merry Pacific Cove Christmas
This is the most stunningly picturesque and thrilling places on the entire planet. Even though Pacific Cove is a fictional place, it’s a combination of some of my favorite little beach towns along the Pacific Coast. Here are a few of the ways residents of Pacific Cove might take advantage of a beachside Christmas.
Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt
As if in argument, a giant wave rolled over the boat, swamping everything in its path. It brought with it a piece of debris, smacking Aubrey hard in the shoulder and grazing her head. The force knocked her backward as the wave pulled her under. Even submerged and disoriented, she knew not to inhale. Lungs burning, she waited patiently for the force to let up as she knew it would. Grateful for the often-tortuous but invaluable training instilled in her during “A” school, she finally broke the surface, inhaling a breath. Looking around, she realized she’d ended up a few yards away from Danny.
With Love for Books - Review
"Christmas in the Cove is a wonderful romantic story combined with an interesting chase and a intriguing plot. . . . Carol Ross has written a fast-paced book with plenty of action and love. There isn't a dull moment in the story and there are many surprising twists and turns. . . . I also loved the ending, it's both unexpected and endearing."
Reading Is My SuperPower - Review
'Swoonworthy romance (keep a fan handy) and gasp-inducing suspense (you may need a manicure when it’s over, too) join up with fabulously well-developed characters and a quaint small town setting on the Pacific NW coast to give us a story that is hard to put down. I would happily revisit the Cove several more times if Carol Ross is so inclined. Christmas in the Cove is an excellent read on every level!"
underneath the covers - A Man Who Knows His Way around a Kitchen
In Christmas, in the Cove heroine Aubrey is a bit of a health food nut. With her job as an elite Coast Guard rescue swimmer, her health and fitness is top priority. She mostly stays away from sugar but one of her favorite indulgences is buttermilk pancakes with peanut butter and sliced bananas. I love this scene where hero Eli invites her over for dinner and surprises her by making them for dinner. She’s a goner when she realizes that he not only remembers her favorite foods, he remembers a whole lot of other stuff, too.
Bookworm Lisa - Review
"This is a "heartwarming" book. It really is...it's not that it's part of the Heartwarming line at Harlequin. :) The book takes a close look at Aubrey and Eli's relationship. The book takes it's time as they come to terms with their feelings. . . . I loved the blend of mystery and romance. . . . This is a fun book that takes place during the Christmas season."
Getting Your Read On - Review
". . . I really liked how this book combined a bit of suspense, mystery and adventure along with the sweet romance that was happening. They were all intertwined and woven together. . . . In addition to the enjoyable plot, this book is also set around Christmas, making it the perfect book to read this week!"
Don't forget to enter the giveaway below...
A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn't want Eli's protection. She wants answers.
Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he's forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey's trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.
lives with her husband and one loveable miscreant of a dachshund in a small town in Washington close to both the ocean and the mountains. She adores the Pacific Northwest because it provides her with endless opportunities for the activities she loves—hiking, running, skiing, and spending time outdoors. Although she enjoys reading in many genres, she writes what she loves the most—romance, especially light-hearted stories about the fun, flirty, and often-tumultuous path toward a happily ever after.
