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 "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 - 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 - 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.