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Lilac Harbor #1

Cross-Checking

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Choices.

My life has been defined by a series of choices—some made by me, some made by those I loved. One of the hardest choices was ten years ago, when I left Coraline Campbell and Lilac Harbor in the rearview mirror to play hockey and provide for my father.

Now, I’m back. Back in the small town I grew up in, breathing in the same air of the last person who made me feel whole. Chasing that feeling. Coraline has made her own choices. She’s not the same girl I fell in love with, and she has her own secrets to hide. When her final choice brings me to my knees, I have my own decision to make.

Will I let the anger and betrayal consume me, or will I fight for the only thing in my life that makes sense? Can we have a second chance?

187 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2020

58 people are currently reading
189 people want to read

About the author

Evie Graham

5 books73 followers
Evie Graham believes you can do all things with either food smothered in blue cheese dressing, earl gray tea or the right bourbon - especially the bourbon. She's a huge fan of all Boston sports teams, and lives for firing up the Duck Boats. Well known in her family for being a notorious bookworm and reading everything she could get her hands on, her love affair with romance started early. Evie lives on the lakeshores of New England with her husband, two kids and one grumpy old cat.

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5 stars
62 (41%)
4 stars
44 (29%)
3 stars
34 (22%)
2 stars
6 (4%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Kate Canterbary.
Author 48 books5,583 followers
March 10, 2020
I was fortunate to read an early copy of Evie Graham's debut book CROSS-CHECKING and I want y'all to read this book.
Allow me to make case for you.
First, this book has all kinds of romance catnip. There's the second chance at first love. There's the pro hockey player with the heart of gold and dick of steel. There's the spunky hometown gal who is equal parts girl next door and human firecracker. There's good-natured meddling from friends and parents. There are big feels and deeply emotional moments and tragedy and secrets and history too.
And second, there's a great story there. Any second chance at first love is thorny, messy, emotional, complex--and CROSS-CHECKING delivers on all counts. I particularly enjoyed flashback from various points in Cam and Cora's relationship as well as their individual experiences because this isn't a book about one moment in time but all of the moments that delivered them to the place where they needed and wanted that second chance.
One of the trickiest parts of telling a second chance at first love story is accounting for the fact that first love is often suuuuuper immature. I mean, yes, we can fall in love at 18, 19, 20 but that love is a product of our experiences and worldview. I really appreciated how this story allowed Cam and Cora to be young in love as new adults and then, when they found their way back to each other, be a bit jaded and salty because that's growing up for you.
This book delivers big steam, big angst, big feels (I cried while reading at 7 in the morning), and big family circles. I hadn't finished the first chapter before asking if Reece gets a book (you'll meet Reece). And I hadn't read much farther before asking if Lucy gets a book (that's gonna be fun).
The romance is angsty but deeply satisfying. These characters hurt each other and heal each other. I'm really looking forward to more from this author, this small town, and this hockey team.
Profile Image for Veronica245.
658 reviews26 followers
September 18, 2021
This was alright, but I would think this needed more pages. I think it would have been a lot better if it was told from the start rather than with flashbacks.
Profile Image for A Rush Of Emotions.
1,417 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2020
Oh man, what a cute, sexy story! I love a good second-chance romance, and this one delivered. Camden and Cora were soulmates who became separated by a series of unfortunate events. I loved how this author brought the angst right along with the sweet and tender. There was so much working against these two, and I love how their journey to HEA was hard fought. Ugh, that epilogue made me tear up for some reason... Just so damn sweet.
Profile Image for Lisa.
564 reviews22 followers
March 9, 2020
This is an ARC review. All opinions are solely my own.

Coraline and Camden are a second chance romance with all the feels. This book made me laugh and cry. The backstory that is told via flashbacks throughout the story are sweet, hot, heart-warming, and gut wrenching. Generally, I’m not a fan of flashbacks in this manner but it really worked in this instance. Without the backstory being told this way I don’t think that we would like Coraline at all and Camden would be boarderline. But truly, the flashbacks make the story work.

This is the first book of a series and I can’t wait to see how Evie Graham approaches that story.

Profile Image for litljen.
1,238 reviews41 followers
March 10, 2020
Cross-Checking by Evie Graham is a second-chance romance with tons of heart. Graham is a brand new author and her debut novel hit all of the right notes. While it's a sports story, hockey is not at the center of it all which gives the story way more depth. The characters were dynamic and well-fleshed out and I loved them! Both Coraline and Camden have experienced tragedy and you can truly feel their heartbreak throughout. But while there are sadness and tears, there are also laughs and plenty of comedic moments. I loved how Graham used flashbacks throughout to tell the early parts of Cora and Cam's backstory. It felt more authentic to experience both their past and their present at the same time as it really helped connect the story for me. Sometimes you don't know what you'll get with a debut author but I'm so glad that I gave Graham a chance----I can't wait to see what's next from her and I'm really looking forward to more stories in this wonderful new series! 4.5 stars
1,041 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2020
Great second chance love story set in a small town. This story utilizes a number of flashbacks to carryon the story but is done in an effortless way that somehow enhances the story rather than deters from it. Looking forward to more in this series and keeping my fingers crossed for more about Reece and Lucy!

I received an ARC of this book and the review and opinion of it are solely my own.
Profile Image for BookishStacy.
808 reviews55 followers
March 9, 2020
I really enjoyed this debut novel by Evie Graham. This is a sweet, second-chance, small-town hockey romance that will leave you swooning! I loved Coraline and Camden. This is the first book in the Lilac Harbor series and I'm excited to see where this author takes us next with these lovable and intriguing characters. Great introduction!
Profile Image for Paulette.
737 reviews20 followers
March 11, 2020
This is a story that will tug at every heartstring and having you smiling, swooning, tearing up, frustrated, and wondering what the heck they were thinking. It is also full of love. Love at every turn, for the right reasons, for the wrong reasons, for mixed up complicated reasons. When all is said and done it’s simply for love. When you’re in love rarely do you get through it without doing stupid things for what you think are good causes. People seem to lack communication skills. Things are decided by our inept mind reading skills, that actually don’t exist except in our own minds. Yes, all this applies to this story.
Camden, I fell in love with from the get go. You will too. Coraline, frustrated me at times. I think the reason is because she may have been more real to life than I like to think.
This was people all doing what they thought was best for the wrong reasons. Silence is golden but it can be dangerous. Of course everything I’m saying is what makes the story, sweet, dramatic, sexy and hopeful. While I was reading I couldn’t get the song “Home” by Michael Buble out of my mind.
You’ll get all the feels you’re looking for in this book from smiles, frustration, tenderness, anger, sexiness, hope and love.
This is my first book by this author and I expect I will be reading more. I read this book in one sitting. It was that good!
Profile Image for Bibliophile  Chloe .
1,257 reviews105 followers
March 9, 2020
Wow, just wow!! What an amazing debut novel by author Evie Graham.

This heartfelt and heartbreaking story is the first in, what I am absolutely sure to be, a phenomenal series Lilac Harbor.

This is the story of Camden and Coraline. This is a story of a lifelong friendship and choices made.  This is a story of how decisions, made with the best intentions, have an impact that can be brutal. This is a story about the power of friendship and love.  This is a story reminded me of..."You Can't Go Home Again"

I was so impressed by the depth of this story.  I am always wary of reading debut novels by new authors.  Some have the tendency to pander to the audience they are writing for.  Trying to shove too much into a story and causes it to be overwhelming.

Not so for this story, Ms. Graham gives the reader a story that flows beautifully, that has flashbacks that are needed.  This story is full of heart, heat, and hope. This is a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness.  

Thank you, Ms. Graham, for writing this story, thank you for creating the world of Lilac Harbor and I cannot wait to see what comes next for you! I see a bright future for you!
Profile Image for imreadingbabe.
118 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2020
I’m so happy I got to read Cross-Checking💚
I absolutely loved this heartbreaking yet sweet story. As soon as I started to read Cam & Cora’s story, I couldn’t put the book down. Evie is absolutely amazing at creating a world where you get sucked in and before you know it, you’ve read like 10 chapters😂 This book is filled with so many sweet, tender, heartbreaking, heartwarming, romantic and at times funny moments. These two characters are dying to meet you. I highly recommend you go read this amazing book right now.

24 reviews
April 15, 2020
Dnf at 55%. I could not bear any more flashbacks that detailed EXACTLY why someone was feeling happy/sad/horny/etc.
Profile Image for Cinnamon bun.
385 reviews30 followers
March 9, 2020
*****I received an ARC for an honest review*****

Cross-Checking is a sweet, second chance romance and - as you may guess from the title – it has a bit of a hockey theme.

The story's about hockey player Camden Locke and his College sweetheart Coraline, Cora for short. The book kicks off with Camden deciding to go back home for the summer to win back the girl he left behind ten years earlier. But Cora isn't at all prepared to face Camden again. She still has feelings for him but she also holds on to a tragic secret that she's convinced Camden will never forgive.

This is a pretty great debut. But as love stories go, it was a bit too much on the sweet side for me. However, it still had me crying a fair amount, and readers should be aware that the story contains triggers for some.

Camden's character was utterly sweet. An absolute dream boyfriend and instantly likable. Cora though.... I had trouble with her. I'm sorry to say that I just couldn't bring myself to like her. Maybe I'm being harsh, but I perceived her as pretty mean and selfish. There was also an imbalance between the two main characters in that Camden was always the one putting his heart out there and Cora just took without giving anything back.

Also, there are a few telltale signs that this is Graham's first book. For one, there's way too little dialogue. Instead most of the story is told through the narrative of either Camden or Cora which makes their interactions appear a bit impersonal. And as a reader I'm not entirely convinced that they've actually gotten to know the older, more mature, versions of one another. It's more like they both hang on to the memory of their teenage love and then ten years later decides to pick up where they left off.

Another thing testifying to Graham's inexperience is the fact that there's a bit of a redundancy in the storytelling. And the recollections, the sections telling about events ten years prior aren't really adding something, aren't always bringing the story forward. Instead, those parts more often than not just provides an elaborate background to a thought or statement from either of the MCs.

So, obviously, this wasn't a story meant for me. I prefer less sugar, more conflict and more character development. But Cross-Checking is still a great debut, and I will definitely keep an eye out for Evie Graham's future writing.
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
Profile Image for Kimarmot.
151 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2020
Fast facts:
debut novel
The first book of a series, therefore, can be read as a standalone
trope: Second chance
Main characters: Coraline and Camden
Settings: small town beach in Maine

Camden is a famous professional hockey player, Coraline is a smart and beautiful young woman. They knew each other since they were little kids and were best friends since then. What could be wrong? Everything… until life tears them apart. The book starts with Cam deciding that he wants to gain back Cora. Then you would think that it would be easy. Any woman would want a hot, kind, rich hockey player. However, the ten years that they were apart are not that easy to forget for both of them. With flashbacks, Evie Graham makes us understand how they came to be so profoundly, devastatingly broke. How the heartache is so intense that the genuine love they feel for each other is not enough. While I read, ⁣my heart hurt for Cam and Cora, and I wondered how they would be able to put the past behind them.
I haven’t read many debut novels, but I think Evie Graham is a very promising author.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
181 reviews
March 10, 2020
Although the story was a little slow to start for me, it definitely picked up after Camden went back to Maine - and it kept building momentum after that. By the end, I was totally invested and wanted to know what was going to happen.

It was a little angstier than I anticipated (not a bad thing), a little heavy on flashbacks and I perhaps would have enjoyed more dialogue, but all-in-all, a great debut novel. Although Camden is an NHL player, this doesn't have a ton of "sport stuff" in it – the hockey kind of bookends the main story, so if you aren't a "sports romance" or "hockey romance" reader, don't let that dissuade you from checking this out.

I liked all the side characters introduced - they were great and I'm definitely looking forward to reading any upcoming books that might feature them. Also, the epilogue is, by far, one of my favorite epilogues I've read. I won't go into details because I don't want to give anything away, but it was a unique (and sweet) way to wrap up the story.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
569 reviews
March 10, 2020
A second chance romance with a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I recommend tissues for a couple scenes in the second half.

A debut novel for a new author and the debut of a new series. For this author’s first book, she hit it out of the park (sorry I don’t know the hockey equivalent to this, lol). Camden is not your typical hero, he’s alpha mixed with being full on out vulnerable. He was a breath of fresh air. Cora, I had mixed feelings about her, but once I understood her struggle my compassion grew for her.

There is a lot of angst, which typically isn’t my thing, but when all is revealed, it all comes together beautifully. Romance consistently teaches that communication is key, but it also teaches us that of decisions have rippling effects and can affect our loved ones in so many ways.
Profile Image for Dawn Strickland.
435 reviews20 followers
March 15, 2020
Shock to the Heart
Cross-Checking is a second chance romance filled with nostalgia, longing, and family. This is the debut novel for Evie Graham and she did a wonderful job of weaving memories of the past with present day interactions in this story. The emotional turmoil of the characters felt justified and tangible. Cora and Camden were both fascinating characters, that held my interest. Although, I personally connected more with Camden throughout the story. The story was enhanced by a quirky cast of endearing family and friends. I enjoyed this book, but I also struggled to reconcile some of the actions of the main characters. At times decisions and pacing seemed rushed. Overall this is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to watching the author's words bloom in her future endeavors. I am definitely intrigued by quite a few characters that I met in Lilac Harbor.
Profile Image for Kim May.
289 reviews12 followers
March 10, 2020
If you love second chance romances and want to try out a brand new author, then you definitely need to check out this book. This debut book really hits you with all the feels. It will pull at all of your heart strings. I feel like in this book you get their love story twice. This author does a good job in telling the story about the first time they fell in love and their journey the second time. Both past and present you will be rooting for this couple. Their love and their heartaches are so palpable in this story. You will be captivated by the characters and this story. I'm so glad I took a chance on this new author. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
Profile Image for BookCoverLover.
313 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2020
Loved everything about this book. Editing was great too.
In this Small Town series, grownup issues put a stop to the childhood sweetheart’s relationship. 10 yrs later, circumstances bring Camden home again where he hopes to rekindle his love for Cora. One of my favorite things the author did was recap their young love in flashbacks. As a reader, I would have felt cheated to have missed this time in their relationship. Their love is steamy! I also like the strength and maturity the characters are given. Even during problems they show love and respect for each other. Anticipating more great books from Evie Graham.
Profile Image for Payton Box.
1,486 reviews22 followers
March 10, 2020
If I hadn't known before, I would have never expected this book to be from a first time author. It was written by someone who knows how to write and write well. Cora and Camden's story was full of grief, heartbreak, and love. Their feelings and emotions were written so well it was easy to feel what they were feeling throughout the book! But this book was also their love story and it was beautiful. I also loved the side characters Lucy, Reese, and Mac added so much to the story and I hope to see them in books soon!
Profile Image for Anneli.
90 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
It might just be me...
I struggled a lot with the flashbacks and almost didn't continue this story because of it. I would have liked another solution for those parts (and there were a lot of them), but the story is okay, and the next book in the series sounds good after reading the blurb.
Without any other improvement than the flashbacks, it would have been a 3⭐️ rating, with out a doubt.

So I might have to check out some of the authors other book and cross my fingers that the flashbacksares are a no-show in those.
Profile Image for Peggy.
490 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2020
Warm and beautiful story about surviving and overcoming tragedy. Both Camden and Cora have been through unimaginable hardship. They have loved each other since school days but when he has to leave town and play hockey to provide for his Dad she can't go with him because she's taking care of her young sister.
This story has a big heart. You can feel the love and you can feel the pain as well. The path to hea is long but they do get there and I loved every bit of the journey.
726 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2020
Second Chance

Best friends turned high school sweethearts, Cora and Camden are then separated for 10 years. When Camden returns to their hometown to re-claim the love of his life, Cora is forced to tell him a painful secret she’s kept for 20 years.

It’s a loving story filled with memories of a younger time. Both Cora and Camden have very sad backstories which made me route for them even harder.
1,194 reviews10 followers
July 3, 2020
My Heart

This book ripped my heart out and then put it back. I had the lump in my throat tears happening in this one.
Suck a great story of childhood friends turned sweethearts finding their way back to each other after 10 long years apart.
You will not be disappointed in reading this one.
Profile Image for Janice.
3,070 reviews
March 21, 2021
Camden Locke and his high school sweetheart Coraline, Cora for short broke up when he signed his professional hockey contract. Her choice. Now 10 years later (he's 28, he signed professional when he was 18? kinda young) and he is considering retiring and decides it time to go back home to win back the girl.

Profile Image for Lauren.
570 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2020

Evie Graham’s debut novel gives us a delightful glimpse into this small town and its residents in this second chance romance that starts with heartbreak and has a layer of secrets and a touch of betrayal layered in. This was an easy to read, emotional story that I would definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Girl Got Books.
60 reviews12 followers
June 11, 2020
Loved this perfect summer romance! Was a quick read that would be perfect for a day at the beach! The characters were lovable, heartbreaking, and strong. I loved all the nods to the wonderful state of Maine! Looking forward to the next one in the series!
Profile Image for Maggie.
17 reviews
August 24, 2020
i don’t understand how everyone just gives cora soooo much sympathy and is ok with all of her horrific choices and frankly her just being mean, and the. camden is overly considerate and sympathetic and everyone treats him like the bad guy........what
Profile Image for Jeannine Hess.
244 reviews
October 6, 2020
Good but not great

I wanted to like this book more, and give it 5 stars but the constant flashbacks were extremely annoying.

Good plot, good characters but there has to be a better way to introduce past plot points
4,858 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2021
Okay read

An okay read. Reasonable storyline and flows well. I’m not a fan of dialogue episodes of the past and this story is littered with them, however given the angst the story delivers what’s needed. An okay read.
Profile Image for EJ Summers.
297 reviews3 followers
Read
March 10, 2020
DNF at 25%. This book is all over the place. The flashbacks are plentiful and confusing. The writing is not great. A little too melodramatic. It’s just not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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