Review: Jill Shalvis "Her sexiest mistake"

Publisher: Grand Central

ISBN: 978-1455529636

My rating: 4/5


Mia Appleby finally has the life she always wanted. She’s escaped her trailer trash childhood and built a nice life for herself with a marketing job and a cute, little condo. But no matter how much baggage she’s ditched from her past, she still hasn’t managed to shake her greatest weakness-men. So when her new neighbor turns out to be single and oh-so-sexy, Mia’s worried she’s playing with fire…
Kevin McKnight can’t get enough of his gorgeous neighbor, but after one amazing night, she’s already showing him the door. Something tells him this is the way she handles most men. But Kevin is far from your average guy-and he’s ready to prove it to Mia. When a blast from her past shakes up Mia’s life in a major way, will she stick with her self-sufficient solo act . . . or take a chance leaning on Kevin’s strong shoulders? (www.jillshalvis.com)



My thoughts:

Gotta love her... and I do!

Mia grew up in a trailer and always wanted to be better... and away from her family. Years later she's got it all, including a sexy neighbour, who turns out more than just a one night stand.

She believes she's got it all, until her niece Hope stands in front of her door - escaping the same life her aunt escaped from years earlier.

What initially reads like "a-lodda-sex" book, really surprised me half way by the depth of character "development" of the four main characters. Mia's whose life isn't that perfect after all, her neighbour Kevin, who's got a tendency to care too much for others, his deaf brother Mike and, of course, Hope, the teenage niece, who steals the show on most of the pages.

Kudos!

PS - the cover (both I've seen so far) doesn't do the book any justice though!

Review: Jill Shalvis "Rumor has it" (Animal Magnetism #4)

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 9780425255827

My rating: 4/5


He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…. (Goodreads.com)


My thoughts

She had me in tears!!!!

This has been a nice "finish" to the Animal Magnetism Series (or may we hope for more?). I loved the series, and I loved this one.

Griffin Reid (Holly's brother) returns to Sunshine, Idaho, after leaving the army behind. Recovering a wound injury, his intention is for his visit to be brief.

Kate's is everyone's best friend in Sunshine, but also Holly's BFF, a second grade school teacher, sister and daughter to a dysfunctional family after the loss of their mother. She's the kind of person you'd like to have in your life, reliable, kind, intelligent, patient ... and full of useless information when she's nervous (that cracked me up). Having a one-night stand with Griffin is all she wants and as she tells herself all she needs - but they end up needing each other in more than one way.

Although a bit slow at the beginning, you quickly get to find Shalvis' wit and humour. Her trademark. And the end ... well, let's say, it's been one of her best!

Kudos!

Animal Magnetism

Animal Attraction

Rescue me

Review: Jill Shalvis "Get a Clue"

Publisher: Kensington Books

ISBN: 9780758211385

My rating:  4/5

All in one day, city girl Breanne Mooreland gets left at the altar, takes the flight from hell to her honeymoon--alone--loses her luggage, and ends up snowed in at a Sierra mountains lodge run by the kookiest staff this side of the Addams Family. Oh, and there just happens to be a gorgeous naked man taking a shower in her suite who says he isn't going anywhere. Burned-out vice cop Cooper Scott is in serious need of this vacation, and he's not about to give up the only available room during a bad snowstorm just because an upset, okay, make that insane, woman is having a conniption fit. They'll just have to make the best of it--her side of the bed versus his. But when Cooper wakes up kissing the long, leggy Breanne, he has other thoughts. Part of him wants to prove that not all men are scum, and another part of him entirely wants to show her exactly what that honeymoon suite is intended for. But that will have to wait, because a screaming Breanne has just stumbled on a very dead body. (Goodreads.com)

 

 

 

My thoughts

 

Yes, I admit it, I do judge a book by its cover. Well, at least sometimes, and this book really only made it onto my kindle, because of the name "Jill Shalvis" :-)
And dang! She's done it again.

In my humble opinion, there's no real story here, but it's the characters that make the book worth reading. Each single one of them. The banter between them, the tension, the attraction - the dialogue is what we're used from Shalvis, witty, full of humour and unique!

Breanne and Cooper are the main character being stuck in a holiday place including the staff. Thing is, with a raging snow storm, electricity is gone and scared to the bone, Breanne ends up in bed with Cooper. And so the story starts between these two.

The mystery in the book keeps the "story" rolling and is interesting, but the "whodunit" is a bit vague and for me it felt, yes, I have to admit it, unbelievable.

Still - worth the read if you're a Shalvis fan.

Review: Jill Shalvis "Always on my mind" (Lucky Harbor #8)

Publisher: Grand Central

ISBN: 978-1455521104

My rating: 3/5


There’s nothing like the real thing.

After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack’s ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib – that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle…

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine – perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their “just friends” rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?  (www.jillshalvis.com)

 

 

My thoughts

 



I never thought I'd be saying, but, um, this story was a bit flat. Sometimes even a bit boring.

Leah is back in Lucky Harbor to help out in her grandmother's bakery. Background story is her being part of some baking-off reality show with everyone expecting her to win. Jack's the local firefighter, who's been Leah's friend since childhood - through thick and thin.

This is hard, but ... it just lacked the "Shalvis magic". If someone would tell me it was written by a "ghost writer", I easily believed it.

Leah's self-doubt was somewhat over the top, Jack a push-over. None of the characters had the usual depth we're used to and it seemed all the hilarious scenes were left for the dog "Kevin".

*sighs*

Eagerly waiting for Ben's story!

 

 

Review: Jill Shalvis "Out of this World"

 

 

Publisher: Kensington-Brava

ISBN: 9780758214447

My rating: 3.5/5

Three weeks ago Rachel Bond inherited a bed-and-breakfast. Too bad that it's in a remote part of Alaska, staffed by a house chef who can't cook and a guide who can't read a map. There's something distinctly strange going on...and that's not counting the fact that Rachel just got hit by lightning, and her good friend Kellan is suddenly possessed with animalistic sexiness she's never seen before. Turns out, Rachel's inheritance is not your regular bed-and-breakfast - it's the portal to an alternative universe where the people possess unique powers that they can transfer to humans. And things are only starting to get weird...

My thoughts

Trust Jill Shalvis to make me read a paranormal story. LOL.

AND enjoy it!

Okay, in all fairness, it's not much of a story. Rachel, a muralist (I had to google that one!) in LA, inherits a B & B in the wilderness of Alaska. Kellan, her friend's brother who is also secretly in love with her, accompanies her. Two beautiful characters, it was fun to follow their story.

Then it gets all weird and I found myself reading, not understanding the plot at all, but laughing at the jokes, dialogues and just the weirdness of it all. It honestly cracked me up. I have no idea how Shalvis came up with that one.
There's romance, some pages steamier than others, and then there are also Marilee and Axel ... the staff in the B & B.

Did I mention it was plain weird ?



 

Review: Jill Shalvis "Blue Flame"

 

Publisher: Forever Yours

ISBN: 9780451411686

My rating: 3/5

IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE HEAT . . .Callie Hayes is the hardworking manager of the Blue Flame, Arizona's most remote, relaxing guest ranch. She's given everything to the ranch, body, heart, and soul-three things that go haywire when her sexy employer suddenly shows up. Their intense, stormy past has taught Callie to never mix business with pleasure. But something about Jake is different now . . .San Diego firefighter Jake Rawlings knows the ranch he inherited from his father is safe in Callie's capable hands. After being injured in a high-profile rescue, Jake decides to recover in solitude at the Blue Flame. He may have left the fires behind, but he hasn't escaped the heat; Callie is just as hot and irresistible as he remembers. Now coming home doesn't seem like the best idea-as the sparks between Jake and Callie threaten to burn out of control . . . (www.jillshalvis.com)

 

 

My thoughts

 



And I continue with my "Jill'athon" - Blue Flame was an extra that came with the recently published "Lucky Harbor" book #7 (Kindle).

It was a quick and easy read. Jake's a fire fighter in San Diego. After an accident while trying to rescue a little boy from a fire he retreats to his ranch he inherited from his late father's. But he doesn't really fit in.

It's one of Shalvis' earlier books and I have to admit, as much as I enjoyed reading the story, it wasn't one of my favourites. I couldn't warm up to either Jake or Callie.

And (!!!) ... we don't get to find out what happens between Tucker and Amy.

 

 

Review: Jill Shalvis "It had to be you" (Lucky Harbor #7)

 

 

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

ISBN: 978-1455521128

My Rating: 4/5

 

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor? (amazon.com)

 

My thoughts

Lucky Harbor is without a doubt one of my favourite series and I treasure each book.

In LH #7 we get introduced to Luke and Ali. Luke Hanover is a cop from San Francisco who's come to Lucky Harbor to get away from the stress of his recent case. His intention is to hide away in the house he's inherited from his late grandmother. But there's one problem, Ali Winters, his ex-tenant's ex-girlfriends is still in the house.

There's no doubt that this is another great read. We get spoilt with the typical Shalvis wit, humour and great dialogue. Both characters are dealing with their own problems and as much as Luke' tries to resist Ali, she's liking having him around. Ali being accused of stealing money adds a bit of extra to the story.

And of course, we get introduced to Ben and Jake - LH #7 & 8 ;-)

Bottom line, Luke and Ali are a great addition to Lucky Harbor!


 

Jill Shalvis - Aussie Rules

Publisher: Kensington

ISBN: 9780758211392

My rating: 3/5

Mel is busy trying to keep her life together when Bo Black enters the picture. Dashing, mysterious and enticing, Bo instantly captivates her. Luckily she resists her urges long enough to realize that Bo is really there to take back ownership of the airport Mel has worked so hard to maintain. Bo also finds himself undeniably drawn to Mel while at the same time determined to remove her from "his" airport, if he can only stop getting distracted. (goodreads.com)


My thoughts

It ain't Lucky Harbor!
Let's say I liked it, but didn't love it as much as the Lucky Harbor novels, and comparing isn't really fair, I know.
Bo was no Ty, Mel no Mallory!

Mel, with the help of her crew, has been running the North Beach airport for the last ten years, when her mentor and role model, Sally, disappeared. Then Bo arrives from Australia, claiming the airport is his.

Jill Shalvis' wit shines through, and her ability to put emotions so wonderfully into words. But the story was no pageturner for me. I would've probably liked to have read more about the "mystery" (Bo's accusation that Sally's a fraud) and less sex.

But .... only days until the next Lucky Harbor ..... :-)

Jill Shalvis - Instant Gratification (Wilder #2)

Publisher: Brava Kensington

ISBN: 9780758231253

My rating: 3.5/5

In Instant Attraction, Jill Shalvis introduced Cameron, Stone, and T.J.; the sexy, daredevil brothers who run Wilder Adventures. And for Stone Wilder, the thrill of a lifetime is about to arrive in a surprising package. . .

The Doctor Is In Deep
Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair's last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father's clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. . .
When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma's sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here - in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist. . .


My thoughts

What d'they say? Don't judge a book by it's cover. I wish I had waited buying the Wilder books, because the newer releases look so much better.

But, anyhow, on with my summer Jill'athon. Yeah. I hope she's sitting down writing more, because I'm running out of books.

Instant Gratification hasn't quite lived up to Instant Attraction. Though Emma and Stone were interesting characters, there wasn't quite the edginess like Katie and Cam. Too smooth I suppose.
Emma's an ER doctor from NY who's come to Wishful to help out her distant father, who suffered a heart attack. Being more or less the opposite to Stone, uptight and holding back, whereas he's out there, helping and doing.

Nice story, but I felt the typical Jill wit and humour was missing somewhat. And a few questions for me personally where never answered.

All in all, a nice story, typical Shalvis plot, must read for any Shalvis fans, if you're a newbie, grab a different one first.

Jill Shalvis - Under the Mistletoe

Publisher: Grand Central
 
ISBN:  978-1455544905
 
My rating: 4/5
 



There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.  14,000 words (JillShalvis.com)


My thoughts

Short and sweet, but it has everything - the conflict, the love scene, the drama and the whole gang from the first three Lucky Harbor series. Yippeeeeee.

Must read for any Lucky Harbor fan, but also for those loving Jill Shalvis!

PS - Yeah, loved it :-)

Jill Shalvis - Instant Temptation (Wilder #3)

Buy Here

Publisher: Kensington Brava
ISBN 978-0758231284

My rating: 3/5


T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he’s about to reconnect with the one woman he’s never been able to forget…
Get Your Pulse Racing
To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who’s invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley’s career is riding on this trip, and she doesn’t need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise-just like he’s done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that’s been smoldering all these years.
T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he’s damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he’s always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he’ll finally have a chance to prove it-over and over again… (jillshalvis.com)


And another one finished in my "Jill'athon" summer .... I'm running out of books, Jill better hurry!

OK, this one was the last one of the Wilder series, and I have to admit, it didn't really rock my world, like Shalvis' books usually do. It's more or less character based and I found it very hard to pick up the book and keep reading, even with the humour and wit in it - it didn't really do it for me. But, don't tell Jill, because, she's sooooo my favourite author!!!

Anyway, Harley and the eldest Wilder boy, TJ, share a history from quite a few years back. Problem is though, he can't remember, and now she avoids him like .... she can't really avoid him and whenever he's close she basically forgets that she wants to be angry with him and wants nothing to do with him.

As I said, I missed a bit more action, and more of the Shalvis humour, but compared with what else is on the market at the moment, still a damn good read ;-)

Jill Shalvis - Rescue my Heart (Animal Magnetism #3)

Publisher:  Berkley Mass Market

ISBN:  978-0425255810

My rating: 4/5

Animal Magnetism, Book Three (Adam’s story!)
After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.
Holly learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.
For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time. (JillShalvis.com)


My thoughts

Numero deux in my Jill'athon this summer, and #3 in the Animal Magnetism series. The washing basket gets fuller, the fridge emptier and me - I'm more content. Another great story.

Although nothing much happens, these two characters are a treat to follow along as the bicker at each other. Adam is the oldest of the brothers: Adam and Dell Connelly and Foster brother Brady. Like the other books, it's more a character driven story and plot.

Holly comes to ask Adam to help her find locate her father, who's been missing for a couple of days. Nothing unusual, but it's that gut feeling that makes Holly worry. And knowing her father, Adam agrees to help. What follows is a hike through the mountains with lots of banter, teasing, touching, helping, memories, kissing - and worries. Kudos to Shalvis writing the PTSD scene so real and believable, giving Adam a flaw, a 'likeable' flaw.

And what I like in about every book of Jill Shalvis is the way she portrays the importance of friendship and family. It gives the books that special something. Thanks Jill!

Definitely worth a read, and definitely a must for Shalvis fans.

Favourite Quote:
"Of course it is. Life is as simple as you make it, Adam. You're born. You live. You die. I don't plan on dying without doing the living part, though.” 



.

Jill Shalvis - Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6)

Publisher: Grand Central

ISBN:  978-1455503698

My rating: 4/5



LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT
Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s lovable mutt to caring for his rambunctious son. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…
With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family-until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…
(JillShalvis.com)


My thoughts

The start of my summer Jill'athon ... and loving it ;-) The old recipe works for Jill Shalvis! Lucky Harbor #6 is another great read, so much so, that I'm tempted to move there myself.

Dr Josh Scott (sexy!) certainly lives a busy life - looking after his son Toby and his sister, who's not only bound to a wheelchair, but rebelling against life in general. There's also his GP and his job at the ER - BUSY. Then he meets Grace, his accidental dog walker become nanny.

I loved all the characters, especially little Toby, initially barking instead of talking and greeting every woman with "Are you going to be my mommy" question. Great! Josh's sister Anna is the designated troublemaker, which sparks up the story.

But the relationship between Josh and Grace makes you want to read the book in one go! Bugger life for a day or two, indulge yourself in the story was my motto.

Another great read!

Let's mark the calendar for LH #7 to hit the bookstores!!

 

Jill Shalvis - At Last (Lucky Harbor #5)

Publisher: Forever

ISBN:  978-1455503742

My rating:  4/5

 

 

HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor. (amazon.com)

 

My thoughts

"I do trust you," she whispered.

Well, trust Jill Shalvis to present another ripper of a story! Not quite "Ty" or "Jax", but another memorable hero: Ranger Hot Buns - Matt Bowers.

 

Amy Michaels gets lost in the woods and out of all people, her friend Mallory sends Matt Bowers to the rescue - resulting in a night out in a tent. Both are attracted to each other, but both have baggage from the past which seems like a heaven burden. Resulting in avoiding a relationship .... but in true Shalvis style, with wit, humor and the perfect touch they're able to move on.

The side story with Riley fits in perfectly and it wouldn't surprise me if any of the future "Lucky Harbor" books will tell her story.

All in all - a must for Jill Shalvis / Lucky Harbor fans, and a good read I can only recommend.

Jill Shalvis - Lucky in Love

Publisher: Forever / Hachette Book Group

ISBN: 978 - 1 4555037228

My rating: 5/5


Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. but for once she'd like to take a risk on Mr Wrong and who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone ...
For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't - including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all ... anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor. (from the back of the cover)


My thoughts

Is there a petition out there I can sign up for Jill Shalvis to continue the Lucky Harbor series?

So this is a straight forward review. In short: We asked, Shalvis delivered. Another non-put-down-able story (I don't care if that word doesn't exist), in true Shalvis style with humour, wit and a few social issues ... as well as hot scenes. Mallory Quinn is the 'must-like' character, and Ty Garrison aka "Mysterious Cute Guy" the hottie who just kicked of Jax from the number one spot for 'my favourite heroes'.

Mallory, local nurse, wants to leave the "good girl" image behind, and gets lucky straight away, literally! - with Ty, Navy Seal, currently in Lucky Harbor recovering from a leg injury until cleared and deemed fit for his next mission. What starts out as a "one nighter" becomes more. More than both of them initially realise - In a wonderful "macho", yet straight to the reader's heart way, Ty shows Mallory that she needs to care for herself first and foremost before trying to save everyone else, and in return she helps him to address his grief and loss.

In the end, it leaves you wanting more. More Mallory and more Ty, because yet again the story is driven by strong and solid characters. Not to forget, the quirky Lucille has her part as well. And we get set up for the next book with Amy and Forest Ranger Matt.

LOVE IT!

Thank goodness, Amy's story arrived the other day ... so if you excuse me, I've got a date in Lucky Harbor!


Go and get'em - you won't regret it! I promise.
   

Jill Shalvis - Head over Heels

Publisher: Hachette Book Group

ISBN: 978 0 446571630

My rating: 5/5


Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor? (from the back cover)


My thoughts

L-o-v-e-d    i-t !!!

Can't say it any other way. Okay, this was #3 in the Lucky Harbor (or should it be Lucky Reader?) series and all about Chloe. We've met Maddie in Simply Irresistible (one of my favourite reads this year) and Tara in The Sweetest Thing. I've really enjoyed the Lucky Harbor series so far, in fact since "discovering" Jill Shalvis spot on 12 months ago, it's been definitely "her" year in my household! :-)

I was really looking forward to reading Chloe's story. The wild one! The one with Asthma and lack of sex because of it. The one with issues like saying "I love you" and issues with settling down. And big kudos to Shalvis - SHE DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Throw in a guy like Sawyer, a tough, sexy Sheriff, and complicate it a bit with some past issues for him as well.

With the usual Shalvis wit and humour we read how Chloe and Sawyer get closer. The development of their characters is nicely written and the care they show and give each other makes you keep reading day and night.

So .... bottom line, I could sit here and write about what else I liked, about Maddie and Tara, about Sawyer's friends, Jax and Ford, about Lance, the wonderful Lucille, but as I said, bottom line is, you need to get this one and just read it yourself. I promise you, you will not be disappointed! It's a real treat!

Now go and make 2012 YOUR Jill Shalvis year .... there's more Lucky Harbor to come - thank goodness!

Jill Shalvis - Instant Attraction

Publisher: Kensington Brava

ISBN-13: 978-0758231239

My rating: 5/5


Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl--working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn't fit in anywhere. That's all she wants. Well, that--and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she's crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed--that part defies explanation. . .
After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he'll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie's killer smile triggers something deep in his gut. . .among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a checkbook is the biggest rush he's ever felt--and an adventure Katie's wishing would never end... (amazon.com)


My thoughts

No wonder 3/4 of the female population is ooh'ing and ahh'ing about this book. Two words: It's GREAT. It pulls you in from the very first page and doesn't let go of you until the very end.

The main characters are Katie and Cameron (Cam) who meet in Cam's bedroom on the very first page. Great start!

Katie's just survived a traumatic accident when she flees from her life to seek some adventure - in the Sierras where she's taken on a temp job with WILDER ADVENTURES. Cam returns from his year of "finding himself traveling the world" at the same time and finds Katie in his bed. He has to deal with his own demons as well after a snowboarding accident finished his careers.

Both have an "instant attraction" and agree to do the "no strings attached" fun time. Yet, over the few weeks they lean to cope and work at their bottled up problems. The way they help each other to deal with their past was well developed and I loved it. And with the Jill Shalvis' touch of wit and humour the story was close to perfect.

Katie's a great character - I really liked her. "Balls out" is her motto, live her life and no regrets. She's the one in the "relationship" who gives, is open about her feelings and so down to earth, one can not like her. Even a guy like Cam who's trying his darnest.


So if you please excuse me, I need to order Stone's and TJ's books .... NOW!


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Jill Shalvis - Animal Attraction

I was so, so disappointed by this book. :( After reading Jill's Lucky Harbor series, I was quickly hooked on her style of writing. I have read...dozens of her books. Animal Magnetism was my absolute favorite book by her, so you can imagine my excitement for the second in this series.

Final verdict? One huge letdown.

First, let's talk about the errors this book was riddled with. I felt like I got an early draft version rather than the final book. Extra words, incorrect ...morePublisherPPu

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 978 - 0 - 425 - 24400 - 5

My Rating: 3/5


Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town that provides a perfect refuge for injured animals ... and sometimes, people. And veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there's a reason his clinic's ueberefficient receptionist has taken shelter here.

Jade Bennett couldn't be happier to escape her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There's nothing like working with animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk ... or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss to help her forget her past.

But Dell's seductive, alluring ways have sparked an uncontrollable desire, one Jade hadn't expected to feel again. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade's strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist ... (from the back of the cover)


My thoughts

Okay - there's no denying: I LOVE JILL SHALVIS' Books. I haven't read many, but each are like ice cream with an extra dollop of cream and sprinkles.

Yet, I have a feeling Shalvis had a bad day with this one. And we all have bad days, don't we, so we have to compromise and not only see the bad things.

I loved Animal Magnetism and the whole set up in Sunshine. So naturally I was looking forward to Dell's story (AND I CAN'T WAIT  FOR ADAM's TURN!). But it was a bit of a let down. It's almost 300 page of repetition of Dell being so alpha male and Jade leaving soon - and a bit of filler in between with Adam, Brady and Lilah. But it's the witty remarks, the witty conversations that make up for it and make it a worthwhile book to read, not only for Shalvis lover.

By far not as good as Lucky Harbour, which has been so far a brilliant series, and not close to Brady's story in Animal Magnetism, but still a must for all Shalvis fans!

NB - One tiny little remark at the end though. I wasn't sure whether to include it or not, but after two or more months of editing my own book I was distracted by all the mistakes in this book. For me it's about the worst part of writing, but as a reader I like a clean book even if it means I have to wait longer. I can live with mistakes, but this one was riddled with it.

So let's move on ... Lucky Harbour #3 is being released soon :-) ... *'s counting days already* ... and Adam's story in 2012.

Jill Shalvis - The Sweetest Thing

Publisher: The Hachette Group

ISBN: 978 0 446 57162 3

My rating: 4/5



Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

Bu a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered .... and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control - especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor. (from the back of the book cover)

My thoughts

It's a real shame that I didn't have the time to read the book in one go, but over a few days (quite a few days!). I'm sure I would've enjoyed the story even more. Simply Irresistible is the second book in the Lucky Harbor series. The first one was dedicated to Maddie, who I loved for her strength. This book is all about Tara, the one I couldn't warm up to in the first book.

"The Sweetest Thing" does not disappoint. It's written in true Shalvis style with wit, humor and lots of romance.

I found Tara a character hard to warm up to and I'm still not a 100% Tara-lover but then again, it's hard to imagine having had a past like hers - even more credit to Shalvis to make the Tara character believable. I love Ford - how can someone not like Ford? He's easy going, taking each day as it comes and yet in all his casual appearance has Tara figured out to the dot.

Adding Mia to the story was a nice touch by Shalvis and in my opinion she put the thoughts and complications of Mia's character nicely onto paper - even more though when Mia seems to go down the same road as Tara and Ford had seventeen years earlier.

My favourite quote (amongst so many others):
 "My own personal miracle," Ford said with feeling.

As I like Chloe very much I cannot wait for Head Over Heels to be released at the end of the year!

You can read "my thoughts" on Simply Irresistible here :-)


      

Jill Shalvis - Animal Magnetism

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 978 0425239810

My rating: 3.5/5


Sunshine, Idaho, is a small and sunny town - the perfect home for man and beast. Well, maybe not for man, as pilot-for-hire Brady Miller discovers when his truck is rear-ended by what appears to be Noah's Ark.

As the co-owner of the town's only kennel, Lilah Young has good reason to be distracted behind the wheel - there are puppies, a piglet, and a duck in her Jeep. but she doesn't find it hard to focus on the sexy, gorgeous stranger she's collided with.

Lilah has lived in sunshine all her life, and though Brady is just passing through, he has her abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire. It's Brady's nature to resist being tied down, but there's something about Lilah and her menagerie - both  animal and human - that keeps him coming back for more ... (from the back of the book cover).


My thoughts

My second Shelves book, though I didn't get engrossed in it as much as the first one I read (Simply Irresistible) this one was still a page turner. Brady comes to Sunshine following an invite by his foster brothers Dell and Adam who run a veterinary centre and gets rear ended by Lilah on the very first morning he arrives ... and can't get his eyes and hands off her for the rest of his stay in Sunshine.

“Animal Magnetism” is a character driven story rather than a plot, but like “Simply Irresistible”, the characters felt real to me. I loved Lilah and felt connected straight away – she got hurt and only surrounds herself with people she knows and trusts sounds very (!) familiar to me. Brady is Shalvis’ typical male character, ticking all the right boxes, yet brought to his knees by the cutest dog, Twinkles. (Great scene when Brady tries to get twinkles to go to sleep :-)

This is the first book in another series by Shalvis and I do hope Dell will be next. I loved the little scene between him and Jade when they come to visit Lilah.

Favourite quote.... many!
“Let me get this straight. You can’t stop barking to save your own life, but you can roll over?”