Christmas in the Cove

Pacific Cove #1

by Carol Ross

Nobody is going to hurt her—not on his watch

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.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

USA Today and national bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
Or sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bB60jr

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fantastic book!

Carol Ross always creates characters and stories and romances that immediately capture your attention and keep you captive until you’ve read the last word. In Christmas in the Cove, she also treats us to a bit of mystery and suspense – and I could not be happier!!

Right from the first few pages, we are strongly invested in Aubrey – holding our breath as she dives from a helicopter into the freezing Pacific to rescue survivors of a capsized boat. We also know (though she doesn’t yet) that watching from the backup helicopter is her high school sweetheart Eli, the one who let her get away and has never gotten over her. The chemistry between them is superb – a strong attraction still simmering not far beneath the surface but even better is their solid friendship that hasn’t diminished over time. Their conversations, the back-and-forth banter (Carol Ross writes such great dialogue!!), and the KISSES (once they finally get around to it) are all spot-on.

But even beyond Aubrey and Eli, Christmas in the Cove brims with wonderfully developed supporting characters. Eli’s Coast Guard handsome, fun-loving partner Gale, for instance – I’m hoping that his story (and perhaps Nina’s?) is next. He brought great dashes of charm and humor to the story, as well as some romantic hero potential of his own.

The mystery/suspense elements to the story never overwhelm it; rather, they enhance the plot and the characters and their own stories. Well-written and perfectly timed, it’s full of some great twists and just the right amount of action. And considering the mention of operations in San Diego … I’m thinking Kate James’ characters from her K-9 series books should make an appearance in the next book. Or Carol’s characters should pop up in Kate’s next book. Two splendid authors with splendid talent at writing romantic suspense!

Bottom Line: 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!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey and Eli both work for the Coast Guard and haven't seen each other in twelve years, when he left town, breaking her heart. Eli has come back as part of a task force involving drug trafficking, along with his friend, Gale, but can't tell Aubrey why he's really there. They still have plenty of chemistry and he wants a second chance with her, but, based on their past history, she's having a hard time trusting him.

I love second chance love stories and this one delivered! Eli and Aubrey were easy to cheer for but they had some issues to overcome. Eli starts to question the reasons he left in the first place and has to resolve his feelings for someone close to Aubrey. Aubrey still has strong feelings for Eli, but he's repeating the old patterns that tore them apart the first time.

Pacific Cove is a great community with some fun events planned around Christmas so this was a perfect time of year to read this book. Aubrey played a huge role in that so there were some fun scenes that brought her and Eli together. There were other great characters that I enjoyed getting to know and hope to see certain ones in the sequel, which I'm already looking forward to reading! If you enjoy clean, second chance love stories with a mystery to solve, this is a book you will definitely want to pick up!

I received a complimentary copy via Prism Book Tours, which did not affect my review in any way

[T. Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!!

What a great book from a favorite author. Carol Ross shifts gears a little in the beginning of this new Harlequin Heartwarming series. We still get some of her trademark humor, as well as her first-rate character and story development, but she's adds some light mystery/suspense to this one and I LOVE IT!!! It's just enough mystery and suspense to give the story a sense of urgency at times, but without taking anything away from the romance.

I was completely invested in Aubrey and Eli's relationship. I enjoyed their back-story, friendly banter and second-chance love. One of the many things that stood out to me was the dialogue within the story. So often, when I read romance, I cringe at some of the dialogue between the H/h. Carol Ross writes dialogue that is fresh, fun, and realistic just like the story itself. Also intriguing, were the secondary characters in the story. Many are just as well-developed as the central characters, but still keeping focus on the primary romance. In fact, I am overly enamored with the fun-loving and charming Gale. I'm sensing his story will be next and I can't wait.

As much as I enjoy reading romance, I like lots of details and story surrounding it, as well. That's exactly what Carol Ross gives you. I'm so impressed with the start of this new series and it's left me with a happy heart. I'm already an established follower of this author's work, but each subsequent new release just cements that fact.

I received a copy of this book from the author and a review was not required. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy second chance romances.d Eli and Aubrey fell in love as teens. Their relationship ended with unresolved issues, now as adults they reconnect and find that they still have chemistry and attraction. They must get past the past and a mystery to have a future together.

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. Their relationship is complicated and not easily resolved. I enjoyed how Carol Ross let the reader understand the events surrounding them. The story had a steady, but a little slower pace. The family and friendship relationships played a large role in the story. There is a large support group for the characters.

Without a mystery, the reunion between Aubrey and Eli wouldn't have taken place. Eli is investigating illegal activity and has to keep his activities a secret. This leads to some interesting situations. I loved the blend of mystery and romance.

This is a fun book that takes place during the Christmas season.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts you right off in the middle of an adventure. I loved that! There was no gentle build up, just me getting to know the character in the thrill of the moment. There were definitely more gentle moments after but 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.

Aubrey is a fun character. I love how she was so much a part of her community. Her desires to help those who cannot help themselves really endeared me to her as a reader. All the characters were great and I could see the perfect set up for the next book happening as I read. That's always fun!

In addition to the enjoyable plot, this book is also set around Christmas, making it the perfect book to read this week! I love the Harlequin Heartwarming line. You never have to worry about content because you know they will be sweet and clean.

Content: mild peril, some mild violence

-I received this book through Prism Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mommaleena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross
• mermaid and knight
Cozy small town—who dun it— Christmas mystery. Lots of emotion— hate, betrayal, secrets, heartache, but above all, love and family. I thoroughly loved reading this clean romantic mystery. There are lots of twists, turns, and suspects, so you're not sure who actually is the bad guy until the very end. GREAT Job!! I can't wait to read more on Pacific Cove from Carol. ARC received from Netgalley for an honest voluntary review.
Favorite Passages ~
• most military people felt that way; friendship was a bond, a brotherhood or sisterhood that could feel as strong as family.
• Friendship. There it was again. There were few bonds that were tighter. In some ways they were tighter even than that of family, because with friendship you had a choice. You could choose where to put your loyalty.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about reconnecting with “the one that got away”. Great characters showcasing a close-knit small town with interwoven family and friends.

An undercover investigation has brought Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home to Pacific Cove, Oregan after many years away. He reconnects with many old friends … including a very special one that he let slip through his fingers.

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn can’t believe it when she sees Eli. She’s never forgotten her childhood best friend … and for a short time more. She still wishes she had answers to why he left her all those years ago.

Will he be able to regain her trust and earn a second chance with her, or will the suspected drug trafficking case that he’s working on and can’t tell her details about derail them before they even get started?

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it. It was a contemporary romance but definitely a clean read. Just my style.

The book starts out with lots of action and an accidental reunion of a long separated couple. But will this reunion be possible because of their ending together? Aubry felt great loss when Eli separated from her. Why? Now after twelve years things are not so easy to forget, yet Aubry and Eli find themselves working together in their dangerous jobs.

A very intriguing storyline with romance, suspense and lots of action. A good book for those who enjoy a mystery. And a great Christmas read! I hope to read more from this author.

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I have given.

[Yaritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming novel that brings love together after so many years. This book had many genres all in one. It was a thriller, mystery and romance. This book opens up with a search and rescue which leaves the reader clenching for Aubrey's safety. My favorite character was Aubrey because she is not scared of anything. I loved the togetherness between Aubrey and her family. The tension between Aubrey and her pass love Eli made this book come to life. Eli was her knight in shinning armor plus her protector. They both cared for each other after all the years apart and safety was a priority. I loved that this book had a lot of action with some mystery hints. I highly recommend this book.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aubrey is a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. Swimming is her passion and she loves living by the sea and being in the water. She also likes helping people and does a lot for the Pacific Cove community. When she was a teenager Aubrey thought she'd found the love of her life, the man she'd grow old with, but Eli left her and broke her heart. Now he's back in town and Aubrey has to work with him. Eli is on a secret DEA and coast guard mission. He's trying to track a large drug traffic network and he doesn't like that Aubrey's goodness has to be exposed to something like that. He wants to protect her at all costs.

Eli is being forced to think about his actions at the time he left Pacific Cove and while he's looking into what was bothering him then he discovers that he might not have seen the situation clearly and he would love to have a second chance with the woman of his dreams. Is Aubrey prepared to let him back in again and have things really changed or is Eli still withholding vital information from her and making decisions for her, hurting her while wanting to protect her? Are they ever going to be able to put their differences aside?

Christmas in the Cove is a wonderful romantic story combined with an interesting chase and a intriguing plot. I immediately loved Aubrey. She's fierce, she's fearless and she's always there for anyone who needs her help. Family and friends are more important to her than anything else in the world. Aubrey always pays attention and she's smart. She's also incredibly fit and is a true heroine. It's easy to like her as she's a person with a big hart that she opens to everyone around her. Eli would love to get a piece of it, a bigger one than anyone else. Aubrey is his dream woman and she makes him chivalrous and (over)protective. He's a kind man and it's clear that he cares about Aubrey very much. I loved them together. They have the same sense of adventure, they eat healthy and they love a good challenge. I enjoyed reading about them as they're a fascinating match. Eli and Aubrey are close friends and they have chemistry, which is a fabulous combination.

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 like the way she combines a good gripping DEA case with sweet romance and she's chosen the perfect setting for it. I enjoyed reading about Pacific Cove. The water brings something new every day and the community spirit is fantastic, which is a perfect element for a Christmas story. There are several creative and lovely events that were a lot of fun to read about. I also loved the ending, it's both unexpected and endearing. Christmas in the Cove put a big smile on my face, it's a great charming story.

[Nancee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Interesting info on Coast Guard job of rescue swimmer. Aubrey taught swimming lessons in her free time.
Marion (dog)trained to help Nina who has epilepsy seizures.
Protecting .. secrets .. betrayal .. parental relationships & problems.
But yes it was a skim-thru .. selling for credit.
Her Mom’s talk on black-and-white very good ....
New to me author. Wonderful ending.

[Maureen Hubley · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author for me and I loved the book.

[Jackalyn]

Very good.

[Beth Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, a wonderful setting, and interesting occupations add up to an excellent story. The two main characters grew up together playing rescue swimmer, and both realized their dream. Their dreams of a life together, however, didn't materialize. Secrets and duty came between them, and are coming between them again. Can love find a way through?

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Liked the strong female lead. Good story flow and characters. Christmas time makes for good reading. Highly recommend.

[Books and Spoons · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and tender tale about friends, second chances, with a dash of suspense and intrigue mixed in.
Aubrey and Eli's reunion set them both back immediately by twelve years, the last time they were together. It was like no time had gone by, the feelings, the old habits, the intense protectiveness Eli had towards her was immediately there. And that, with their break-up history, is what was tainting their reconciliation.
But of course, there's more to the past events that either of them was aware of.
I liked the connection between Eli and Aubrey, they are both strong and independent characters, yet fiercely protective of each other. The way they worked on the issues and sought for answers to understand the past gave them a new chance at a future together, if they didn't mess it up. They did go a little back and forth, but not to the point of being irritating.
The mystery gave the story more spice and conflicts between the characters. It wasn't up in the front of the story, and most of the action in the book was from the rescue missions Aubrey and Eli worked with. But it had its place in the plot.
The slower pace of the tale gave the characters time to ponder and grow, learn from their mistakes and take action to make things better. It also gave my mind the chance to wonder, at times losing the focus from the story.
Delightful Christmas activities, dangerous rescue moments, old relationships looked in a new way as the people of Pacific Cove get through the rocky Christmas season
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this excellent read from Carol Ross because of the exciting Search and Rescue storyline and because I enjoy anticipating the arrival of Christmas through my love of reading. Toss in some taut suspenseful mystery and sweet romance, and I'm a very happy reader. Aubrey Wynn is an experienced and dedicated rescue swimmer with the U. S. Coast Guard in Pacific Cove, Oregon. Whether she's pulling stranded victims out of the restless sea, or being lowered to the deck of a failing vessel, she's the best at what she does. When her former childhood friend and teenage boyfriend, Lieutenant Commander and Coast Guard pilot and rescue swimmer, Eli Pelletier comes back to town after breaking Aubrey's heart twelve years ago, they're both unprepared for the old feelings of attraction that threaten their strained working relationship. When the Crazy About A Coast Christmas competition and family parties bring Aubrey and Eli together for a series of community events, this author throws in the threat of danger that could prove deadly for Aubrey and someone very close to her. Between the warm and wonderful emotions of the Christmas holidays, the growing romance between Aubrey and Eli and the edge of your seat suspense and spine tingling drama, this book was an emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish! I absolutely loved it! I read a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading Christmas books! They’re usually so sweet and heartwarming, and this is the case with Christmas in the Cove. But this isn’t just a sweet, heartwarming book. It is a book filled with excitement and suspense too.

Aubrey has a very dangerous job as a coast guard rescue swimmer, but it fits her personality perfectly. Not only does she love helping people, but she also loves to be in control. Her job allows her to do both. She’s very passionate about teaching people to swim which leads her to be passionate about saving the town’s public pool. The way she can do that is by helping her town win some grant money through lots of Christmas themed town events. I love her passion, and I also love how when the time comes, she is willing to forgive. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll let you discover that part yourself.

Eli is definitely a hero that you’ll fall in love with. He has so much compassion towards Aubrey, and his giving spirit shows through his personality. You’ll also love how well the supporting characters are written and how their parts in the story are interwoven through the theme and not just thrown in for window dressing.

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.

[Christine (KizzieReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, Aubrey annoyed me because she was constantly having to micro manage everyone's lives, and yet got pissed off when someone either tries to help her or keep her safe. She always took it to mean that people didn't trust her judgement. Eli didn't like her in danger, but kept his distance usually. When he thinks she got hurt during a rescue, he tries to help and she gets mad at him for it. But there is so much more to this story. Second chance romance, drug running, family issues and a contest to be the best "Christmas Spirit" town and win a reward and advertising for more tourist traffic.

Very good book. I liked the characters once I got over Aubrey and her hypocrisy towards people. Didn't really see that final twist coming at all and it's a bit heartbreaking. Looking forward to reading more of this series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clean romance is a bit of a departure from Carol Ross's Seasons of Alaska books, since it's set in Oregon and has a little more suspense than that series. But it was just as good--Ms. Ross is a writer I enjoy reading, and she didn't disappoint me here.

I personally liked that the suspense wasn't the focus of the whole book--there was also a lot of focus on my favorite angle of any book, the character relationships. And not just romance, but family as well. I appreciated that Aubrey and Eli had some good tension between them because of their personal issues. There were a couple of good twists, too, that I didn't see coming.

I read this book over a snowy weekend, and I have to say it was a great book to be shut up in the house with. I hope we can look forward to more books set in Pacific Cove!

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Carol Ross. Just the right amount of Romance and Suspense to keep the reader hanging onto every page. Aubrey and Eli were in love in high school and then Eli broke her heart by breaking up and leaving Pacific Cove. They are back working together after 12 years and finding that their love is still strong. But there are things going on that Eli cannot tell Aubrey and in trying to protect her he drives her away. Can they put all the mistakes behind them and find a lasting relationship even through the tough situations. I recommend this book and I believe you will enjoy it as I did. This book was gifted to me by the Author with no requirement for a review. All views are my own.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr Eli Pelletier is more than he was when he left Pacific Cove 12 years ago. Aubry Wynn, also in the Coast Guard, knows Eli, but is unaware that he's on a DEA mission and what he can't tell her keeps him from her in more ways than one, including romantically, in spite of the kisses they share.

To make matters worse, what's going on in the Cove has now threatened Aubrey's sister and the contest Aubrey has helped the little town engage in with an eye toward bringing more tourists to the town. Without a win, how can she refurbish the swimming pool that means so much to Aubrey and the children she teaches there? Things begin to come to a head when long-held secrets by Eli and Aubrey force each of them to open up, even if doing so means they can't be together anymore.

[Vicki Highley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas story with romance and a mystery or two and a very surprising ending. Pacific Cove, Oregon is a small town that goes all out for Christmas and you wish you were there. I really enjoyed the crab feed and race. Aubrey Wynn is with the Coast Guard Search and Rescue and during a rescue a ghost from the past appears. Eli Pelletier is the man who broke her heart and now returns to review SAR training procedures. But he has secrets and they can and will affect the rebuilding of his relationship with Aubrey.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eli Pelletier is back in his home town to find out what is going on with the drug traffic. Being in the Coast Guard gives him the perfect cover except he knows most of the people and it is hard to believe old friends would be involved. Aubrey is a rescue swimmer in the coast guard and an old flame. It's hard for Eli not to over protect her and this suggests he does not respect her abilities. Can they learn to trust each other again before someone does cause harm? Started to read the first few pages when I got the book and was well into it before I could put it down.

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli and Aubrey's story is a classic tale of people making assumptions. For twelve years they live apart from one another after breaking up a teenagers. They never stopped loving one another and must learn to talk to each other about the things they think they are protecting each other from to find peace and their love once again. I figured out the bad guy right along with the characters in the story. This an excellent suspense love story.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that kept me reading page after page and not wanting to put the book down. Fast paced action involving Coast Guard rescues, suspected illegal activity and maybe a second chance at romance. I liked the way this author gave descriptions and information about the characters, their emotions and their daily lives. Will Eli and Aubrey get a second chance? Trusting once again can be hard. Good story. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest, personal opinion.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book was a nice enough read but I feel like it was too long. It dragged at some points and when things starting to pick up it was good but I had a hard time trying to keep up with this book until those points. If you love books with the one that got away, second chances kinda thing and throw in a bit of mystery then your going to want to check out this book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a very good story. i did not see that coming at the end. if you like suspense and romance with laughter included you will love this book i was given the book as an advance copy, and i as giving an honest review. i am looking forward to reading more by Carol Ross.

[Harlequin Books]

received 5 stars @ harlequin.com (as of 12/10/2016). To view reviews, go HERE> http://www.harlequin.com/storeitem.ht...

[Nancy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to read the rest of the series when I get time.