Book Review: Cottage at the Beach by Lee Tobin McClain

Author: Lee Tobin McClain

Title: Cottage at the Beach

Series: The Off Season #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Christian Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 301

Published: February 25, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Used Book Store)

Summary: 

Escape to the Chesapeake Bay, where beach life is full of love, surprises and second chances…

When an injury forces K-9 officer Trey Harrison onto the sidelines, his only thought is getting back to the police force where he belongs. And he’ll do anything to make that happen—even volunteer in a small waterfront community, just to please his boss. But no one ever said Trey had to enjoy it…

Since the surgery that destroyed her dreams of having children, schoolteacher Erica Rowe has grown even more dedicated to her work with at-risk teens. So she doesn't need some cop with a chip on his shoulder putting the program's future in jeopardy. But when Trey finally connects with the students, Erica's heart melts. And when, in a tender moment, he admits he longs to have children, her heart breaks. She's convinced he'd be better off with someone who can give him everything, but she can't seem to shake the hope that maybe love is enough…

Review:

Honest to goodness, I do not recall where I got this book. I want to say it was one of the used book stores around me *thinks for a long, long time*. Whelp, I don't recall, so that is what I'm putting down. Eeee. I'm terrible. It's been bugging me so much while reading this...where did I buy this???? Was it a gift????? Whoopsies. 

Okay, so we have Trey and Erica. Trey was injured due to a big mistake he made, and now he's trying to get back on track. He wants to get back on the force with his K9 pal. He'll do anything, including volunteering in a small waterfront community. Enter Erica, whose dreams of having kids were dashed due to a preventative surgery. With that dream gone, she has made a new one to help at-risk teens. She has set up a program, but she will have to work side-by-side with Trey, who is bitter and grumpy. Things change when Trey finally connects with her students and her crazy dog. He has found the key to her heart, but he wants more than what she can give him. Will it be enough?

This town is making me yearn for spring and summer. I want to sit on my porch in the sun and read! I can't wait!

I didn't realize this technically falls in the "Christian Romance" section until I was done reading it. I assumed it was just a clean romance, and that was fine. God was mentioned a couple of times, but it never overwhelmed the plot or made me feel uncomfortable like I was having it shoved down my throat. So yayyy for that. 

The beginning was a bit of a struggle. Yes, Trey had issues, but man, was he so unlikable at first. Once he chills out and you see the soft side of him, he will win you over. But man. It was touch-and-go for the first few pages. I'm glad I stuck to it.

I did want to smack both of them during a certain scene. JUST tell him, man. The way she went about it was terrible and mean. I get why he reacted the way he did. GRRRRRR!

And please....the proposal? WHY!? You had like ONE date, sir. CALM DOWN. *grumbles*

But I will say the epilogue was very sweet and nice. 

THE DOGS STOLE THE SHOW!

I hated the side stories. Okay...hate is strong, but it didn't help the plot along. It felt like filler and nothing more. Don't get me wrong, I liked the side characters, but their story could have waited until book 2. Maybe give us some teasers and etc, but meh. 

In conclusion.....this was entertaining enough. Some issues, but I couldn't walk away. I was invested! Not sure if I'll read book 2, but maybe? If the price is right. 

3 stars. 

Reading Challenge(s)

- Reading Romance Challenge #6 (Book starts with same letter as your name)