Blog Tour+Giveaway: Forever on the Bay by Lee Tobin McClain

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Forever on the Bay by Lee Tobin McClain, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Forever on the Bay 
Series: The Off Season #6
Author: Lee Tobin McClain
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Safe harbor and new beginnings await on the Chesapeake Bay… 

Pleasant Shores cop Evan Stone has worked hard to become a man of his word, overcoming the alcoholism that sent him down the wrong path in his youth. So when his late best friend’s sister asks for his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He promised he’d watch out for Cassie, and the cottage next to his will be a perfect short-term refuge for her and her dog. The other half of that promise—to stay away from Cassie romantically—is harder to keep. 

Sheltered for years because of a childhood illness, Cassie is ready to reach for what she wants. And despite her family’s warnings and her own fears, Cassie’s heart wants Evan. As the return of his estranged son puts his sobriety to the test, Cassie and Evan are drawn together, finding strength through what they’ve each weathered. She knows Evan would risk anything to protect her, but are they willing to risk the price of loving, now and forever?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

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MY REVIEW

When I sit down to read a book I try not to bring my bias into the mix.  I attempt to come into the narrative with an open mind but, try as I might, the bias always seems to seep through, and ends up affecting my feelings towards a novel.  This is the case of Forever On the Bay.

There are a lot of things I loved about this story.  I am a sucker for mystery, so the unsolved murder of Josh, paired with the mystery surrounding Avery’s baby it what really gripped me, and was actually my favorite part.  I know that Oliver and Avery’s story was a parallel narrative, and the lesser of the two, but I preferred it over Evan and Cassie.  I have a thing about older guys being with younger girls, and the whole time I’m reading about the many instances of them fighting their attraction for one another it just creeped me out, and that feeling didn’t change the entire time I read.  

In saying that, I did appreciate their support for each other, and how strong they both were, especially so soon after such a tragedy.  Actually, every character, at one point or another, showed their strength, which I greatly admired.

There were quite a few moments where the inner dialogue became rote and I found myself skimming to get to a more interesting place, but once the focus became more on solving the mystery I couldn’t put it down.  I wish there would’ve been more of a twist, as far as the mystery is concerned, but finding out still felt satisfying, even if the perpetrator was a little more than obvious.

If the age difference wouldn’t have been a factor I know I would’ve enjoyed this read more.  The overall pace is decent, the touch of mystery adds the perfect tension, and the characters are wonderfully flawed.  The small town setting is picturesque and the perfect backdrop for healing.

My Rating: ★★★★

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MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Lee Tobin McClain is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. A professor-turned-writer, she finds inspiration in her beautiful and brilliant daughter, her goofy goldendoodle, and her aptly named cat, Trouble. Learn more about her books at www.leetobinmcclain.com.

CONNECT WITH LEE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of the first five books in The Off Season series and a $20 Amazon gift card!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 2, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

**I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.