ARC Review: Forever and a Day

Forever and a Day
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor Series/Book 6
Grand Central/July 31, 2012

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 loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. 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…

I just LOVE this series!  I love it the way I love chocolate chip cookies warm from the oven or hot, gooey pizza, the first slice from the box.  Shalvis has consistently delivered solid story lines with engaging characters in an enjoyable setting.  With Grace and Josh, we get the added bonus of an annoying but lovable sister, an adorble son and a puppy named Tank who lives up to his name. 

Grace Brooks will take just about any job, even dog walking because really, how hard could it be?  With a dog named Tank, the question is not how hard but how dangerous.  It turns out Tank is a matchmaker in disguise.  Grace's experiences felt very real when it comes to taking on not only dog walking but caring for a precocious kindergartener, a twenty-one year old with self-esteem issues and the doctor himself.  I really liked how we see Grace grapple with the expectations of her highly-achieving parents and her own long hidden desires that conflict with those expectations. And another thing about Grace - she's afraid of clowns.  I totally get her.

Doctor Josh Scott is pretty much every woman's idea of a dream doctor.  As far as looks go, he's go it all.  It's the other parts of his life that need some major work.  Speaking of work, this guy is so overworked it's ridiculous!  Between his private pratice, inherited from his father, working at the hospital and now volunteering time at the new clinic, Josh has very little time for his son and sister.  He somehow manages to make time but when Grace comes into his life, he knows a good thing when he sees it.  I adored Josh!  Aside from his strong work ethic, his devotion to his family and let's face it - his amazing body, he also has a very wicked sense of humor.  It's the only way to deal with such a chaotic life.

Josh and Grace have seen each other around Lucky Harbor but neither has had the inclination or time for romance when the meet.  They still don't want any romantic entanglements but the pull is strong and location is a factor when Grace moves in to Josh's guest house.  But really, can we blame her?  Free rent and some stunning views. :) I loved Grace and Josh together.  It wasn't an easy match and they had some real obstacles and conflicts to overcome but their feelings towards each other continue to develop.  It became obvious these were not the "sex only - no strings" feelings but something far deeper. Shalvis does well in showing Grace and Josh's emotions, insecurities and need for something more when it comes to their relationship

I also liked how both Josh's son Toby and Josh's sister Anna were incorporated into the storyline.  They were an intergral part of Josh's life and as we get to know Josh, we know they are a package deal.  Grace took to Toby easily, the kid was easy to love.  Anna was a different and difficult nut to crack.  She's sometimes mean but she's also hurting inside and dealing with old issues stemming from her parents deaths.  Grace's intelligence came through as she forged relationships with all three members of the Scott family. 

Lucky Harbor wouldn't be Lucky Harbor without it's cast of colorful characters. Familiar faces add to that feeling of coming home and enjoying time spent there.  This series continues to captivate me with smart, funny dialogue, realistic characters and romances that can sweep you off your feet and make you believe in Happy Ever Afters. 

Rating: A

Lucky Harbor Series ~ 

Simply Irresistible 
The Sweetest Thing
Kissing Santa Claus novella in the anthology Small Town Christmas
Head Over Heels
Lucky in Love
At Last 
Forever and a Day