Reviewer: Holly Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor #1
Also in this series: Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor, #6.5), Forever and a Day, Once in a Lifetime, It's In His Kiss, He's So Fine, One in a Million, Merry Christmas, Baby, At Last (Lucky Harbor, #5)
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: October 1st 2010
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 336
Add It: Goodreads
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Series Rating:
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.
I liked a lot about this book. Maddie, the main character, was flawed but lovable. She’s always been known as “The Mouse”. The one who gets taken advantage of and pushed around. She’s tired of that. She decides this move Lucky Harbor is just what she needs to start over. She’s going to become a new Maddie. A stronger Maddie. Watching her become stronger and begin to stand up for herself was wonderful. It did bother me that she didn’t always deal with her past, though. Instead she shoved it aside and said she didn’t want to talk/think about it.
Jax was an outstanding hero (which isn’t surprising since Shalvis heroes usually are). He’s sexy, loving and capable. He might have a few dark spots leftover from his past, but he doesn’t let them rule his life. I liked that he was so supportive of Maddie. He really stood up for her and did his best to help her regain her self-confidence.
I’m still on the fence about Maddie’s sisters. Tara grew on me a little bit as the story progressed, but I never really warmed up to Chloe. They both seem self absorbed and bitchy to the extreme, but I’m willing to reserve judgment until after I read their books.
4 out of 5
This book is available from Forever. You can buy it here
I liked this book too and totally agree about the sisters. I loved Jax!
How did I miss this??? Jill is even an auto-buy for me!!!!
I’m off to go order it now.
I am sooo looking forward to this book. My birthday is in a few weeks and I’ll get gift cards. Begin the spending spree!!
Looking forward to this book, Holly. I wasn’t sure, but now I’m know I have to give this a try 🙂
By the way, do you know if Ms Shalvis is continuing her baseball series?
Glad to see Jill’s and Julie’s books highlighted – love contempts.
@Nath – no she won’t be continuing her baseball series. I’m totally bummed about it. 🙁
I can’t wait to hear what the rest of you think of this book. It was so good.
Hi Holly
I enjoyed your review. I love sexy, funny writing. I love the banter between the sisters, having grown up with 3 sisters myself.
I was lucky enough to beta read Tara’s book & trust me, it’s fabulous. You will not be disappointed. She also introduced a wonderful tension between Chloe & her hero I can’t wait to see where she’s going with those two.
I. Want. 🙂
I thought this book was too cute! Shalvis strikes again!