Stealing the First Mate by Tabitha Bouldin ~ Book Review + Giveaway

June 15, 2021



About the Book


Book: Stealing the First Mate
Series: Elnora Islands, Book 5
Author: Tabitha Bouldin
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 29, 2021

 

Sometimes, happily ever after is as elusive as a pirate’s treasure.


Darcy Riggins dove headfirst into the online dating pool and sank. Every time.


Her lifelong dream of becoming a wife and mother becomes more elusive every year. So, taking the lack of a Mr. Right in her life as a decided “No!” from God, Darcy gives up altogether.


Single and happy is not an oxymoron. Right?


Nigel Jones has loved Darcy for ages, but her father (his boss, of course) ordered him to keep his feelings to himself, thanks to a stupid mistake that Darcy (thankfully) doesn’t know about.  Too bad her dad does.


Being single and content turns out to be tougher than Darcy imagined, and when she begins doubting everything she’s ever known, Nigel decides it’s time to admit his mistakes, tell the truth, and trust God for the outcome.


In this “forbidden-love-meets-friends-to-more” novel, Stealing the First Mate continues the Elnora Island romances of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.


The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 




My Thoughts


Although this is part of a series, all of the books in the series can be read as stand-alones and out of order. This is what I would consider a quick summer beach read. So definitely a book to grab and take with you this summer as you relax by the pool or beach. 

Right away we meet our two main characters Nigel and Darcy. They have been best friends for a long time and Nigel has been in love with Darcy since the beginning. Yes, one of my favorite tropes the friends to lovers! Nigel has a past and feels unworthy and Darcy has never looked at him in that way until she realizes that she may be losing him. One of those stories that you don't realize the good thing that is right in front of you! 

The author does a great job at weaving in the faith element throughout the story. While the story can be a predictable at times it was still enjoyable and a very quick read...at least for me! Overall I thought it was a fun story. Definitely keeps you engaged as you want to know more about what is holding Nigel back. I definitely recommend adding this to your list!

My Rating; 3 Stars/Liked it

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.



About the Author


Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.

 

More from Tabitha


I love the friends-to-something-more trope. There’s something invigorating about the challenges of stepping into a different kind of relationship with someone you already know and trust. The risk of losing the friendship if things go badly comes to the forefront and each character has to decide if they’ll take the risk or keep things as they are.


For Nigel and Darcy, there’s the added difficulty of Nigel’s unrequited love. They’ve been best friends forever, and he’s loved Darcy all that time. And she’s clueless! How does that happen?


I wish I could say this story came from my own experience, but that isn’t the case. While my husband and I knew each other for several years before we started dating, we were hardly friends. High school social circles are brutal things. Plus, he had a crush on my cousin, and I was dating someone else.


But it all worked out.


And we’re best friends now.


When it came time to write Stealing the First Mate, I knew Nigel and Darcy were friends. It wasn’t until I worked my way through the first chapter that the depth of their relationship started to emerge, and I realized they were best friends. Darcy runs to Nigel for advise (even dating advise, which became really awkward for Nigel).


Darcy has been looking for Mr. Right so long she can’t see the truth staring back at her in Nigel’s eyes.


Writing their story is one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in writing.



Blog Stops


A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 14

Life, Love, Writing, June 14

lakesidelivingsite, June 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 15

The Sacred Line, June 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 16

Blossoms and Blessings, June 16

Texas Book-aholic, June 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 17 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, June 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 18

Cultivating Us, June 18

deb’s Book Review, June 19

Connect in Fiction, June 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 20

Blogging With Carol, June 20

Sodbuster Living, June 20

Remembrancy, June 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 21

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 22

For Him and My Family, June 22

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, June 23

Lots of Helpers, June 23

Labor Not in Vain , June 23

She Lives To Read, June 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 25

Joanne Markey, June 25

Splashes of Joy, June 26

Kayem Reads, June 26

Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 27

Simple Harvest Reads, June 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)



Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10d56/stealing-the-first-mate-celebration-tour-giveaway




2 comments

  1. I love that the female lead is really making an effort to be content with singleness.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your review and participating in the tour!

    ReplyDelete