TBR Challenge: Once in a Lifetime

Once in a lifetime
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor/Book 9
Grand Central Publishing/February 18, 2014

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT

After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done...

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

Aubrey is a former troubled teen and beauty queen but if you stop at that simple description, you would be missing out on a lot. After her latest, very public embarrassment, she's reforming herself. Aubrey has decided to atonement to everyone she's wronged. So she makes a list and checks it off as she goes but one name on the list is causing her a lot of problems.

Ben McDaniels' wife Hannah died five years ago and since then Ben has been making himself scarce in Lucky Harbor. Instead, he travels around the world, helping others. Ben works in dangerous places around the world, running from his memories in Lucky Harbor. But he keeps coming back because it's home and his family is there. When he finds himself back in Lucky Harbor he has no plans to stay long but those plans change when Aubrey Wellington runs across his path.

The chemistry between Aubrey and Ben is there but there is also reluctance on both their parts to give in to any desires. That reluctance doesn't last long and soon Ben and Aubrey have moved past their hesitancy into a not-so-serious relationship. It was believable but I didn't like the way everyone warned Ben away from Aubrey, implying she wasn't good enough for him. Ben garnered sympathy because of his dead wife and Aubrey was known as the town screw up but I think that had just as much to do with her mistakes as with jealousy over her looks.

Often there is a secondary relationship which can sometimes be just as interesting, if not more, than the main couple. In this case, the secondary relationship I enjoyed is between Ben and his cousin Luke. They are more like brothers, growing up together after Luke's mom took Ben in when he was left alone in the world. It's a beautiful relationship filled with love, laughter and mutual harassing of each other. I found myself wishing they had more page time which I can't remember ever happening with two straight guys.

Once in a Lifetime, the ninth book in the series, left me less than satisfied. There is a feeling of sameness to the stories. I know where it's going, which isn't always bad but there are few if any surprises along the way. Surprises are good, they keep our interest piqued. I do plan to read the rest of the series in the hopes there are still a few surprises along the way.

Rating: C

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
It Had to Be You
Always On My Mind
Once In a Lifetime
It's In His Kiss
He's So Fine
One In a Million

Review: It Had to Be You

It Had to Be You
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor/Book 7
Grand Central Publishing/May 28, 2013

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?

If you've ever spent time in Lucky Harbor, then you know what an eclectic bunch of people live there.  It's always fun to go back and catch up with familiar faces but this time those faces don't have as much of a role in the romance of Ali and Luke.  If you haven't read the previous books in the series, you should because it's a very good series.  But if you're short on time, It Had to Be You can be read as a standalone.

For Ali Winters, life hasn't always been easy but she continues to think and expect the best of people.  To give when asked and to enjoy helping others.  She has a tender heart which unfortunately, gets abused and stomped on by her ass of a boyfriend.  It's a good thing she has friends to be there for her.

There's no place like home...especially when you're running from mistakes and seeking refuge.  For Luke Hanover that means heading back to the house his grandmother left him and shutting out the world.  Instead, Luke's hormones are set on fire by the barely dressed woman he finds in his kitchen.  Loved the moment when Luke and Ali first meet.  It's funny, sexy and sets the tone for their future encounters.

Ali and Luke appear to be opposites, with Ali having such an optimistic outlook and Luke the cynical cop.  It turns out this couple has more than just physical attraction in common.  Ali and Luke's romance brings out the best in each other, making them both stronger for what they have endured.  If there was one issue it was with Ali.  She was too sweet, too forgiving.  I found it a little too much to swallow.

The town of Lucky Harbor still plays a major role, giving welcome to both new and former residents.  We get to meet more residents of this quaint town along with some potential future heroes and heroines.  No sequel baiting here, just a cast of interesting characters.

Rating: B

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
It Had to Be You

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

ARC Review: At Last

At Last
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor/Book 5
Grand Central Publishing/June 26, 2012

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.

The Lucky Harbor series is one of my favorite contemporary series and to have three, back to back releases just thrills me!  At Last is the second release this year and another stunning entry for the series about women with issues, men with issues, women who love chocolate and men who love women who love chocolate.  The trademark Shalvis humor is very much present and so appreciated.  Shalvis has a way of balancing the serious with the humorous and not letting the story get too dark but still giving readers something to think about.  

I've been so curious about what has been going on between Amy and Matt.  There is a tension when they're both in the same room.  It's not a bad tension but more of a "I want you but I must resist" impression from Amy and Matt... well, Matt's a guy so he just plain wants her, no attempts to resist on his part.   Which only makes Amy more tense.  It's a vicious cycle and something has to give. 

Amy Michaels' fresh start in Lucky Harbor is going well.  She has a job she enjoys and has made some good friends.  She also has the serious hots for Ranger Bowers but refuses to act on those feelings.  Amy has this tough girl exterior covering a heart of gold.  I found her very relatable even though it takes a while to truly get to know her and her secrets. I really enjoyed reading about Amy's quest to find her family history in Lucky Harbor.  Learning about that history with Amy made all her actions and emotions connect, giving her character even more depth. 

Ranger Matt Bowers aka Ranger Hot Buns is definitely an outdoorsman.  His job keeps him on the move throughout the mountains and hiking trails near Lucky Harbor. He has this touch of wildness about hims that I found very sexy!  He such a guy, thinking Amy just wants a sex only, no strings relationship.  Come on Matt, you know she wants more and so do you!  Matt also has a few skeletons in his closet he eventually brings out.  It was nice to see he wasn't this perfect guy with no baggage.  Everyone has baggage but Matt prefers to keep his in the past.

The romance of Amy and Matt is so sweet and sexy.  They have this wonderful smart-ass banter that I love!  The chemistry is there in spades with both Amy and Matt very aware of it.  The way they dance around it is fun to watch and makes the reader want to know more about these characters that we've come to care about.  I think that's one of Shalvis' strengths as a writer - she makes the reader care about her characters.  We want them to not only get the guy or girl but be happy beyond the hot sex.  

The town's Facebook page is alive and well.  It's becoming a character in the series, a very nosy, amusing character.   I love the small town feel Lucky Harbor has and while it can feel intrusive like a interfering family member, it's also funny and shows the depth of caring the residents have for their town and it's inhabitants. 

The women in this series are not the only ones with strong friendships.  The men have built that camaraderie too, but in the way guys do through manly physical endeavors.  They tease and joke around but also listen and give advice, not always the best advice but they do try.  It's an interesting look at the male relationship that goes past the stereo typical sitting around, drinking beer and watching the game.

I love the direction Shalvis has taken this series, encompass the different people and places of the town.  It gives the town a complete feeling, getting to know the people who are at the heart of it. If you're looking for a smart, funny, sexy contemporary romance series, look no further.  Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series is it!

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 (July 31, 2012) 

ARC Review: Lucky in Love

Lucky in Love
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor Series/Book 4
Grand Central Publishing/May 22, 2012

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.

One of my favorite contemporary series is back!  The newest installment in the Lucky Harbor series has a new trio of women who have their own, unique set of problems when it comes to the opposite sex. This new group of women find comfort in chocolate, an undertaking I can totally get behind!  The Chocoholics (CA), as they called themselves, are comprised of Mallory Quinn, Amy Michaels and Grace Brooks.  They meet once a week to catch-up on life and enjoy something full of chocolatey goodness!

Mallory Quinn, having grown up in Lucky Harbor, knows just about everyone, the exception being Mysterious Cute Guy (MCG).  But that is about to change.  Mallory works hard at staying out of trouble.  She has this desperation to always do the right thing, to be the best.  It stems from a great loss in her past and her guilt over the loss.  Mallory's love life suffers from her need to be perfect by trying to date Mr. Right.  Her fellow chocoholics talk her into giving Mr. Wrong a try.  MCG, also known as Ty Garrison, is Mallory's chance to be bad for a change.  He's her Mr. Wrong who's so very wrong he's just right! 

Ty Garrison came to Lucky Harbor to recover from an injury.  It's been six months since he's hidden himself away, working to get back into fighting shape.  He's beyond ready to get a clean bill of health and get back to the action.  As a former Navy SEAL, Ty isn't use to sitting around.  His life after the teams kept him in the action, still working dangerous assignments for a private contractor.  Ty's life in Lucky Harbor has gotten into a routine of working out and working on old cars.  In Ty we see a wounded warrior who needs more than just physical healing.  Not surprising, Ty is a darker hero than previously seen in the series.  I liked him but felt he was more difficult to know and never quite got that "click" of knowing him.

Mallory and Ty's romance starts out as a misunderstanding, leading to some hot sex in a storage room and regrets and embarrassment later.  They both have their demons to fight and Shalvis does well showing how Mallory and Ty try their best to pretend their relationship is nothing more than sex when they both know, deep down, it's becoming much more.  I liked how their relationship matured as they both learn to lean on each other as well as their friends.  

This is a small town romance and as such, the characters of the town will have their say in the romance.  Everyone has an opinion, some like to voice it on the town's Facebook page which I found amusing.  Shalvis' trademark humor is very much in evidence, coming through in the assortment of charming characters that inhabit this seaside town.  The humor in Mallory and Ty's relationship is often rooted in their misunderstanding and lack of communication. While cute at times, also had me wishing they would open up and avoid their misunderstandings.

There were either mentions or appearances of the heroes and heroines of the first three books, but this one ventured away from the Inn and more into the heart of the town, with the hospital getting more of the focus where the Inn had before.  There did seem to be darker moments in this book with Mallory and Ty's reasons for carrying a heavy load of guilt. 

Lucky in Love is another wonderful addition to the Lucky Harbor series.  If you enjoy funny, quirky, small town romances, this is the series for you.

Rating: B+

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 (June 26, 2012)
Forever and a Day (July 31, 2012) 

Review: Head Over Heels

Head Over Heels
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor/Book 3
Grand Central/November 22, 2011

From Goodreads ~

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?

The third novel in the wonderful Lucky Harbor series does not disappoint. In fact, it might be my favorite so far. This story centers around youngest sister Chloe Traeger and Sawyer Thompson. There has been something going on between these two, a sort of underlying tension and it's about to explode.

Chloe has always been thought of as a free spirit. A lot of that is due to her nomadic upbringing, never settling down in one place for very long. Then she and her two half sisters inherit a run down inn and decide to make a go of it. They each lend their expertise to the inn with Chloe's area of beauty treatments. She also lends a hand whenever and wherever needed. Chloe is at a crossroads in her life and has some tough decisions to make. Adding to the new complications are her growing feelings for Sawyer. He's the law and Chloe and the law rarely see eye to eye.

Sawyer is a very black and white type of guy with no patience for the gray areas. It's the gray areas where he continues to find Chloe. Their time together becomes more intentional and less accidental with both seeing things in the other that draw them together time and again. Sawyer holds himself up to very high standards due to his need for redemption. Chloe isn't the only one to be called wild. Sawyer was a troubled teen who is now trying to make up for his past mistakes. He projects this air of cool confidence but deep down he's still this guy trying to be worthy of the trust the community has placed in him. I adored Sawyer with all his different sides. The by-the-book sheriff, the good friend and the attentive lover. He's a keeper!

Chloe and Sawyer not only have their odd couple relationship issue but there is Chloe's relationship with her sisters that still needs work. And Sawyer has some major father issues he needs to work through. The way they help each other and learn to lean on each other was very realistic. They are a couple that don't seem to fit on the outside but Shalvis makes it work to perfection! The best part - they accept each other just as they are, warts and all.

We do get to see Maddie and Jax and Tara and Ford again. I love the scenes with the guys hanging out, just talking about everyday life, giving each other shit all the while knowing they've got each others' backs. Shalvis has a knack for the male dialogue.

The secondary characters are a collection of small town living. They're a fun, eclectic group, much like what you would expect to inhabit a fictional Shalvis town. They add much to the story without taking away from the main focus. I especially liked Chloe's friendship with Lance, her partner in crime. Chloe has a hard time saying "I love you" but she has no problem showing it, her friendship with Lance is proof of it. They have some emotional scenes that really got to me.

One of my favorite things about Head Over Heels and the series in general, is that I have no problem immersing myself into these characters lives. Lucky Harbor is a place I can easily imagine, feeling as if I'm right there while reading about some of my favorite characters.

Rating: A

Lucky Harbor Series ~

Simply Irresistible
The Sweetest Thing
Kissing Santa Claus(novella in Small Town Christmas anthology)
Head Over Heels
Lucky in Love (July 2012)

Review: The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor/Book 2
Grand Central/April 1, 2011

From the back cover ~

Two Men Are One Too Many . . .

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.

But 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.

I was so thrilled when I finally had a chance to get to Borders and get this book. Anyone who has been around my blog for a while knows how much I love Jill Shalvis' books. I will admit to being a fan girl, and I don't do that often. I'm not usually a "sqee-er" but I'd sqee for Shalvis. I just love her writing and The Sweetest Thing is just one more reason why.

Tara Daniels wasn't the easiest character to like in Simply Irresistable. When we first met her she was bossy and pessimistic but she had this hidden vulnerable side that I wanted to see more of. It's now six months later and Tara has decided to staying in Lucky Harbor and make a go of the inn with her sisters Chloe and Maddie. She's still no Susie Sunshine but she's trying. I was happy that Tara didn't suddenly becoming sweet and charming and a total pushover when it came to Ford. Instead, we get to see Tara breaking out of that hold position she's placed herself in as she begins to trust that things will work out and she can finally stop feeling guilty for something that happened when she was a teenager.

Ford is this easy going, sexy, amusing, hometown hero. He knows everyone and seems to get along with most. He was very easy to like, I can't think of anything I didn't like about him. He's not perfect, in fact he can be a little dense when it comes to Tara and it takes him awhile to get through to her but he's stubborn. He also loves to show off his body to Tara, with little to no encouragement needed for him to start undressing for her. He's hard to resist! They fit well together because Ford is laid back while Tara is very precise and just a bit uptight. They make their coupledom work once they get their feelings about their past out in the open.

Tara's relationship with Ford is an odd one. They knew each other as teens, meeting when Tara spent a summer with her mother in Lucky Harbor. They have that connection of a past and Ford wants to reconnect with Tara but she's leery of getting hurt again. Ford is persistent and logical (Ford logic) which doesn't always work when dealing with Tara. Their interactions are funny, with that Shalvis trademark humor. Add in Tara's ex showing up to try to win her back and the whole town gets in on the action with Facebook polls of who Tara should pick. I loved the competitive atmosphere of having the two men vying for Tara. And I even liked Tara's ex by the end of the book. There was no contest as to who the best fit with Tara was but it was entertaining to see two grown men acting like idiots. LOL There is a whole scene with bees and a trip to the hospital that had me in stitches.

There are also some serious moments when Tara and Ford must deal with their past. I was expecting it so it didn't come as a surprise. No spoilers so I won't say any more but I was pleased with how Ford became the one to take control of the situation with Tara following his lead. This was another instance of character growth for both of them which not only allowed them to become closer but for Tara to realize she could rely on Ford.

Tara and her sisters Maddie and Chloe are still working out the kinks in their relationships with Tara learning to bend when it comes to decisions and responsibilities. I enjoyed seeing the sisters grow closer and look forward to seeing more of that in Chloe's book.

It looks like another book to add to my keeper shelf! The next book, Head Over Heels, comes out this December and I can't wait!

Rating: A

Books in this series ~

Simply Irresistable
The Sweetest Thing
Head Over Heels (Chloe's book/December 2011)

Review: Simply Irresistible

Simply Irresistible
Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance
Lucky Harbor/Book 1
Grand Central/October 2010

From the back cover ~

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

It's not a secret that I'm a Jill Shalvis fan and Simply Irresistible is another reason why Shalvis is one of my go to authors when I'm craving a delicious contemporary romance. Maddie and Jax are funny and sweet and hot as all get out. They are a romance readers fantasy when it comes to couples who feel real and have hopes and fears just like we do.

Maddie Moore is desperate. She's in limbo with no job, no home and only a smidgen of hope of finding either. When she arrives at Lucky Harbor it's to find her inheritance of a run down inn filled with dubious decor. Her two half-sisters, Chloe and Tara want to sell and get back to their lives but Maddie doesn't have a life to get back to. She wants to make a go of the inn but needs her sisters to agree to her plan.

Maddie is adorable! She's funny and klutzy and doesn't take herself too seriously. She's also nicknamed the mouse for her inability to stand up for herself. She's determined to shed that nickname and take charge of her life. I loved how we get to see into Maddie's head when she's figuring out how to assert herself. She tries to emulate strong fictional characters like Trinity from The Matrix or Louise from Thelma & Louise. Maddie is a real work-in-progress, experiencing some setbacks while learning to grab hold of what she wants.

Jackson Cullen aka Jax is in for a surprise when Maddie comes to town. He's a local boy who made it to the big time but has come back home to his roots. He's well known and well liked by many in town and readers will agree that Jax is a man comfortable in his faded Levis and tool belt. He's attracted to Maddie right off the bat which is good since circumstances keep bringing them together. Jax is smart enough to know when a good thing happens and that good thing is Maddie.

Maddie's half-sisters, Tara and Chloe, bring their own baggage and their quirky sense of sisterhood to Lucky Harbor. The dynamics of the sisters relationships can be seen through the roles they take on. Tara the eldest, takes charge and isn't afraid to voice her opinion. Chloe is the youngest and the free spirit of the three. She doesn't hold on to responsibilities but shrugs them off as quick as possible. Maddie is the middle sister doing what she can to keep the peace even if it means keeping her feelings to herself. I liked all three sisters for different reasons which surprised me. Usually, with siblings, there's often one that I don't click with, but not in this case - Maddie, I've already mentioned, Tara for her hidden vulnerability and Chloe for her love of life.

Lord, I love Shalvis' sense of humor! The romance is sweet and funny. Jax and Maddie did a bit of stumbling around, learning about each other as they fell in love. Their relationship begins with wonderful chemistry and progresses into mutual care and respect. There are some secrets, really big secrets, that need to be dealt with before they can completely trust each other. Shalvis does a remarkable job of bringing all the threads together and weaving a story full of romance, passion and family.

The next book in the series, The Sweetest Thing (April 2011), is sister Tara's story and after reading Simply Irresistible, I can't wait to read Tara's book. Seriously, the way things are left between Tara and her hero, I know the tension and emotions will be high. But until then, if you're looking for a fantastic story with an adorable heroine, a sexy, tender, tool belt wearing hero and a couple of sisters to drive them crazy, Simply Irresistible is it.

Rating: A