Chief of Police, Connor McCabe is in the middle of one of the toughest cases Sapphire Creek has ever seen. But what’s really weighing on his mind is his wife, Bethany. She’s been acting strange for weeks, even before the Thanksgiving disaster, and he’s not sure why. He’s made plans for a romantic weekend away, but the investigation keeps threatening to interfere. Bethany McCabe is a planner. She … is a planner. She had to be in order to get her life back on track after an unplanned pregnancy twelve years before fast tracked their plans for the future. Now Bethany has a successful business, a family she adores, and everything is exactly how it’s supposed to be. But with yet another unplanned baby on the way, Bethany needs to figure out how to get Connor alone before he finds out the news from anyone else.
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Coming Around is a novella following the series first book, Coming in Hot where Connor and Bethany have planned a much-needed weekend away. This is a well written story with likable characters. I loved that Connor didn’t allow the council and a few citizens to bully him. He’s truly dedicated to his job and his family. He has a tough case to solve and loyal family and friends to help him. Bethany is a hormonal mess and I adore her. A quick read that left me satisfied. Carmen Cook has created a wonderful small-town romance series and I’m looking forward to more books. Note: I think you would benefit by reading book 1 first as the storyline continues.
When I first read about Bethany and Connor in Coming in Hot, I couldn’t wait to learn more about them! Connor is the Chief of Police in Sapphire Creek, and he and his wife Bethany are friends with Regan and Gavin and the rest of the crew. Connor and Bethany have been together since they were teens and married after an unplanned pregnancy when Bethany was sixteen. Now in their late twenties, Bethany and Connor have beaten the odds, and their relationship seems solid. However, Bethany has a secret she’s keeping from Connor, which is the focus of this novella. The couple plans a weekend getaway, but Connor’s obligations as Chief of Police threaten to ruin their plans. Will Bethany have a chance to tell Connor her news, and how will Connor react when he hears it?
Married for a dozen years, Bethany and Connor seem like relationship goals. Admired by their friends for their long-lasting love, Bethany and Connor are have been committed to each other from the start. They have such a strong bond, and they both have worked hard to get where they are. It’s common knowledge that this pair is perfect for each other and that they are very much in love. However, when Bethany receives some unexpected news, she is worried about Connor’s reaction. Their life is complicated, Connor’s work is stressful, there is a lot of pressure on him, and their son, who is twelve, is a bit difficult.
Connor, in turn. is worried about Bethany, who has been acting differently. He knows he spends a lot of time focused on work and the community. He has worked hard to become the Chief of Police, but his family is his top priority. He feels neglectful, as his job sometimes consumes him. Bethany and Connor are realistically portrayed and have legitimate and common concerns that I’m sure many people will be able to relate to.
This is a quick and lovely character-driven novella, and Bethany and Connor are a well-developed, likable, and realistic couple. I adore their love story, and how deeply they care for each other. They are good, kind, and giving people, loving parents, and amazing friends. Plus, their chemistry is amazing and their romantic scenes are swoon-tastic!
I also love how the story highlights the unique community of Sapphire Creek. Town meetings, small parties, and other neighborhood happenings offer a deeper look at the town while providing a ton of context and filling the reader in on what is happening with the investigation that’s introduced in Coming in Hot. Of course, Bethany and Connor’s family and friends make appearances in this book, including Regan and Gavin, which is fabulous too! I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am so thankful to Carmen Cook for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Another great read by Carmen Cook! Wonderfully written with characters that were so engaging that I read this quick read in one sitting!