Knowing that I love to read romance, have a slightly quirky (strange) sense of humor, and love books set on the coast - any coast - a friend recommended a series to me last summer that they thought I'd love. The series? Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor and from her first book Simply Irresistible to the then just released It Had to Be You, I just went on a reading binge. I was tempted to pack my bags and search out the closest thing to Lucky Harbor that I could find in Washington State. Don't laugh. I really was tempted. Who wouldn't be with an elder stateswoman/social media maven like Lucille. And how about the Lucky Harbor hunkathon (I made that up, but OMG talk about alpha heroes to love). Yes, Lucky Harbor has my vote as the place I want to live in my next incarnation.
So, when I had word that Jill would be winding up the Lucky Harbor series this year I had a bit of a cry. I. Did. But I put all sadness away when I began receiving galleys from the publisher of the yet-to-be-published titles. Yes, this fall we have three new Lucky Harbor books to look forward to. So, I decided not to be sad, but to celebrate because a fabulous author is continuing to share her quirky and fun vision of a small town with all of us.
The first of the three new books is released tomorrow, 26 August, and let me say: ONE-CLICK IT'S IN HIS KISS NOW. Yes, the tenth Lucky Harbor book is a must-read for me and all other fans of contemporary romance. So, just stop reading and click. Okay? K!
Now that you have your copy winging it's way to your eReader, I'm going to tell you why I loved this story. First of all, my new fave book boyfriend stars in it. How on earth could you not fall a bit in love with boat builder and surfer Sam Brody. He's just too cool, too handsome, and, even with his growl, just darn nice.
Then there's the story. Yes, Becca Thorpe is escaping to Lucky Harbor and learning how to live on her own. We're not sure what or who she's running from, but are pretty secure in the knowledge that the quirky inhabitants of Lucky Harbor will adopt her. Plus, who's the very first person she encounters? Sam in full-out surfer mode. Yes, we're all assured that this will be a very combustible relationship from the moment their eyes meet - no matter how out of sync they seem.
Along the way we get to fan girl on Sam's two hunky partners - Cole and Tanner - who are equally hot - and have fun reconnecting with Lucky Harbor denizens, including Lucille who's been banned from Facebook. But don't relax. She's taking over Pinterest and has a "Sexy Guys" page. Oh my. I think I might be searching for that board as soon as I post this review.
Did I mention that Sam and Becca are a bit like star-crossed lovers? First of all they're both resistant to a relationship. Then there's the fact that once Becca goes to work for him, she's off the list for Sam. Well, kind of. Plus each of them has a lot of issues to overcome. But it's Lucky Harbor so I never give up hope.
Prepare yourself to laugh yourself silly, cry a bit, and think about relationships, friendship, and family when you read IT'S IN HIS KISS. Once again, Jill Shalvis touches our hearts and our funny bones in a hot and sexy, cannot-put-it-down romance.
Now, I'm jonesing for book eleven, HE'S SO FINE (30 Sept), that features vintage clothes maven Olivia Bentley and one of Sam's partners, Cole Donovan. The twelfth and final book, ONE IN A MILLION (14 Oct), will feature Sam's other partner, ex-Navy SEAL Tanner, and returning hometown girl Callie.
Lucky Harbor fans, don't be sad, instead let's all just celebrate having three great new titles to read - and reread - and reread some more. Yes, Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series will be one of the most well-thumbed on my bookshelf - and I'm guessing on yours too.
From the PublisherLucky Harbor Book 10
IT'S IN HIS KISS BY JILL SHALVIS
Forever (Grand Central Publishing) ⎜ 9781455529520 ⎜ $8.00 ⎜ Aug 26, 2014
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?