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Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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Merry Christmas, BabyAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
SEASON’S KISSES

Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to thinking about impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen

 

 

Review:

Merry Christmas, Baby by Jill Shalvis is as the title describes, a sweet charming Christmas novella based on her wonderful Lucky Harbor series. The final book of Lucky Harbor was released last month, as many people grieved that there would be no more of the wonderful residents of Lucky Harbor. But Shalvis pulls a surprise, and gives us all a nice Christmas gift.

Sawyer and Chloe were our heroes in Head Over Heels (Book #3), and we get to take a peek at them 5 years later, with Chloe just about due to give birth to their first child. It’s the week before Christmas, and Chloe just can’t wait for her daughter to be born. Everyone fusses over her, and all she wants is to get out and have a little fun, even if she is not feeling great. She worries with Sawyer continually taking extra jobs, feeling perhaps that the thought of having a child is driving him away. Chloe loves Sawyer even more then when they first got married, but with her hormones messed up, she fears he may be pulling away. In her state of mind, Chloe doesn’t know that Sawyer adores her, and is working at extra jobs to have more money for them and their baby.

It was great to see Tara and Maddie and the rest of the family as they try to keep Chloe safe at home. But with the town Christmas party coming shortly, she is determined to attend. She bribes Tanner and Callie to take her to the party, in the midst of an impending snowstorm.

Of course, with the whole town in attendance, Chloe goes into labor a few weeks early, and Sawyer isn’t home yet. Just when the contractions get worse, Chloe sees Sawyer is there for her, as is the entire town, including the doctor. This was such a heartwarming sweet story, and so much fun to revisit the residents of Lucky Harbor. A baby daughter will help bring a wonderful Christmas present to us all.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

about the author
Jill Shalvis
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

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One In A Million by Jill Shalvis -Review, Blog Tour and Q&A

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One In A Million by Jill Shalvis -Review, Blog Tour and Q&A with the Author

One in a Million Blog Tour

One In A Million
Lucky Harbor #12
by Jill Shalvis
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance
Release Date: October 28, 2014

One In A Million

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 28, 2014

Add ONE IN A MILLION to your GOODREADS shelf.

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It’s that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she’s sworn off love . . .

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he’s still paying for his own mistakes? It’s hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there’s something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

 

REVIEW:

One in a Million by Jill Shalvis is the 12th book in her wonderful Lucky Harbor series. It is the 3rd book in her trilogy arc, which will end the Lucky Harbor series. All three books in this arc had hot swoonworthy men, who happen to be best friends; with each finding their mate.

This is Tanner and Callie’s story. We met Callie in the last book, when she returned to Lucky Harbor to stay for awhile and keep an eye out for her grandmother, Lucille. She is the crazy funny lady, who is the matchmaker throughout Lucky Harbor series.

Tanner, is another one of the wonderfully hot best friends that run the charter boat in Lucky Harbor. Tanner has been the one who gave up on some of his dreams to take care of others, and isn’t interested in any permanent relationship.

Callie runs an online wedding service, which she helps most brides to be to get over their own issues, and this also makes Callie very squeamish about ever getting married. Especially since her ex fiancée left her at the altar and bruised her heart.

One morning, Tanner sees Callie in the bakery, since it’s the only seat, he sits at her table and he will later recognize her from his school days. For the next few week, Tanner and Callie find themselves looking forward to seeing each other. Those moments were classic fun, that Jill Shalvis does so well. Callie would either choke on her donut, meet her ex fiancée, and forget she was dressed embarrassingly like she just got out of bed. Pretty funny stuff.

We knew right away that Tanner and Callie were meant for each other, as we began to root for them. Of course both have their own issues that convinces them to have a relationship that is friends with benefits only. Into this mix, is Tanner’s teenage son, Troy, who grew up with his mom. Now, Tanner finally gets a chance to love the son he hardly knew. What I loved was how Callie and Troy became close, with her helping him get closer to his father. Very heartwarming.

What follows is a very sexy and sizzling romance between a wonderful fun couple, as well as having quite a few humorous moments.. Tanner is so swoonworthy, and loyal to his friends and family. Callie is a fun, heartwarming heroine, even if she needs some pushing to move past her fears of getting hurt. They made a great couple, and I loved spending time with Becca/Sam and Olivia/Cole. Jill Shalvis has another winner in One in a Million, which is a lighthearted, sexy and fun series, not to mention fabulous characters we have met throughout Lucky Harbor.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Interview

Jill ShalvisA quick Q & A with the amazing Jill Shalvis

TRC:  Hi Jill and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ONE IN A MILLION. We would like to start with some background information.

TRC: For anyone who doesn’t know Jill Shalvis, would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jill: I like cookies, animals, hot guys, and romance novels, not necessarily in that order. For more: www.jillshalvis.com/blog

TRC: ONE IN A MILLION is the twelfth and final installment in your New York Times best selling LUCKY HARBOR SERIES. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Jill: I thought it would be fun to write a heroine who creates the ultimate romantic fantasy in that she’s a wedding planner, and yet she doesn’t believe in happily ever afters in real life. Add in one hot guy who knows love exists, stir don’t shake.

TRC: How does/did it feel saying goodbye to the people of Lucky Harbor? What plans do you have for a new series/storyline?

Jill: I’m still having trouble with that goodbye thing. I have a short Christmas Lucky Harbor story coming because I couldn’t say goodbye…

TRC: Thank you Jill for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success.

Jill: Thanks for having me!

FOLLOW Jill Shalvis: GOODREADS / Website / Facebook / Twitter
Excerpt

Click HERE to read  chapter 7  from ONE IN A MILLION by Jill Shalvis

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He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis -a Review

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He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis -a Review

 

He’s So Fine
Lucky Harbor series – Book # 11
by Jill Shalvis
Release Date: September 30,2014

He's so FineAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
For Olivia Bentley, Lucky Harbor is more than the town where she runs her new vintage shop. It’s the place where folks are friendly to strangers-and nobody knows her real name. Olivia does a good job of keeping her past buried, not getting too cozy with anyone . . . until she sees a man drowning. Suddenly she’s rushing into the surf, getting up close and personal with the hottest guy she’s ever laid hands on.

Charter boat captain Cole Donovan has no problem with a gorgeous woman throwing her arms around his neck in an effort to “save” him. In fact, he’d like to spend a lot more time skin-to-skin with Olivia. He’s just not expecting that real trouble is about to come her way. Will it bring her deeper into Cole’s heart, or will it be the end of Olivia’s days in little Lucky Harbor?

 

Review:

He’s So Fine by Jill Shalvis is the 11th book in her Lucky Harbor series. The last book of Lucky Harbor was the first book in this three book arc that concentrates on the three men who run a Charter Boat. We had Sam & Becca in the last book, and He’s So Fine belongs to Cole and Olivia. The three men are best friends, and each different, but they have one thing in common….they are hot hot hot. Very swoonworthy.

The story starts with Cole (the resident McGyver) fixing some wiring on the boat in the wee hours of the morning before clients arrive. The sparks from the wire caused Cole to fall over the boat into the freezing water. Enter Olivia, who was taking a walk and she sees Cole fall over. Thinking he is in danger, she jumps in to save him. Needless to say, they both end of saving each other, and before hypothermia sets in, they have to strip out of the wet clothes, wrapping blankets around them. Cool way to meet. Lol  

Oliva runs Unique Boutique, and not much is known about her. Becca is her neighbor and they are fast becoming friends. But Olivia is hiding something about her past, and is hesitant not to become too close to anyone, especially Cole.   You can’t help but love Cole from the start. He is a truly hunky sweetheart, who melts your heart in all his scenes. Did I say how much I loved Cole? Well Olivia, despite her desperation to avoid him, finds herself unable to resist and slowly begins to fall the sweet sexy Cole.

What follows is a wonderful romance between two people meant for each other, and each having their own issues from the past. Cole is a town favorite, as he is always helping others when they need help, and he has a devoted family, not to mention his two close friends. Olivia is the opposite, running away from the childhood that spiraled out of control, as she hides her real identity. They are so good together, you find yourself rooting for them from the start. What was really very nice about this romance was the humor throughout that Shalvis so ably added that had us laughing quite often. Will Cole and Olivia get past their issues from the past? You will have to read this wonderful story to find out.

Jill Shalvis once again creates a wonderful romance, a fabulous couple we care so much about, and the fun we had while in Lucky Harbor. Though this is 11th book, you can read this as a stand-alone, or read the first book (It’s In His Kiss) in this three book arc to follow these hot swoonworthy men who run the Charter boat in Lucky Harbor. Oh this was so much fun, not to mention hot.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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It’s In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis – a Review

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It’s In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis – a Review

 

It’s In His Kiss
Lucky Harbor series – Book #10
by Jill Shalvis
Release Date: August 26, 2014

It's In His Kiss

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
ONE KISS CAN LAST FOREVER

Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now’s her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam’s eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.

Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can’t resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca’s heart?

 

Review:

It’s In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis is the 10th book in her Lucky Harbor series. I have read a few Jill Shalvis books, and everytime I read one of her books, she totally pulls me into the story and her fabulous characters. After finishing It’s In His Kiss, I doubt very much that I will miss anymore Jill Shalvis books. If you want lighthearted romances, with true life situations, wonderful couples, great supporting characters, and in some of her books, cute animals, then look no further then Jill Shalvis.

Becca Thorpe is our heroine, and was a fantastic one at that. This is romance at its best, and Becca was perfect. She comes to Lucky Harbor having run away from the stress of her life and her family. All she wants to do is live for today, and enjoy herself. She ends up in a run down warehouse, and the only think nice about it, is the eye candy that she can see out her window by the waterfront.

Sam Brody and his two best friends, Cole and Tanner run a successful boat charter business. All three are hot hot hot. But Becca only has eyes for Sam, who is truly the brains behind the business. He spots the nosy Becca right away, and keeps an eye on her.

The guys are too busy taking clients out, and they need an office manager. Hello Becca, welcome to Shangri-La…working with those three hunks. Becca and Sam are both attracted to each other, and the chemistry is off the wall right from the start. Sam wants Becca, but he refuses to mix business with pleasure. Will he fire Becca?

They each have their own issues in their lives with their families. Sam has no intention of falling in love or any commitment. His father was an alcoholic, and never was there for his son. He constantly is asking Sam for money, and out of the blue, he comes to live with Sam in Lucky Harbor. Sam’s father Mark, is trying to turn over a new leaf, and take more care of himself and pay more attention to his son. It is Becca, who befriends Sam’s father and helps him take hold of his life.

Becca though vivacious, bubbly and a very confident person, suffers from anxiety attacks, especially related to playing the piano in public. Becca and her younger brother were highly touted as upcoming pianists, but Becca always had to watch over him. Finally, she gave up her career, as she would always get her anxiety attacks before the concerts, and ran away.

Shalvis does a wonderful job creating characters with real issues, but does not let it interfere with the story. It becomes part of their background, and it is so beautifully done. Will Sam allow himself to fall in love with Becca? Will Becca get past her anxiety attacks? Do Sam and Becca have a future together? Is there a chance that Cole or Tanner are available for us? 🙂

This was such a fun delightful romance, and I loved Sam and Becca. Sam was so swoonworthy, and so sweet to Becca. She was the perfect person for Sam, as he was serious, and quiet, while Becca was savvy, outgoing and a joy all the way through.

You can’t go wrong with any book by Jill Shalvis, and this series is great. The next two books are expected to belong to Cole and Tanner, and I will be there anxiously awaiting those stories. It’s In His Kiss was a fun, heartwarming, sexy book, that takes place in a small town where everyone knows each other.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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