From the Shelf: Seeing Red

Title: Blue Flame
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 26-28, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Summer Abrams nearly died trying to save her father from a warehouse fire that, in the end, took his life. Consumed by guilt, she never set foot back in the town where her world fell apart. But now, twelve years later, another fire has ripped through that very warehouse, drawing Summer back to Ocean Beach--and to the man who was once her best friend...and is now a wildly sexy fire marshal who ignites her deepest desires.

Joe Walker has spent most of his life keeping people at bay. Summer was the only person he'd ever let in, but she'd broken his heart--and then took off without a word. After all these years, she's back--and she won't leave until they track down the arsonist responsible for this latest fire. Now Walker, who swore he'd never fall for Summer again, discovers he can't resist the scorching heat between them--and suddenly he's wondering if all these hot nights could become something more lasting...

My Review: (also in goodreads)

For some reason I felt bad in judging this firefighter series based on my review of the free book: Blue Flame. When I saw the plot for this novel, I was interested. Yes, I am originally biased to stories that involve childhood friends separated for a long time and reconnecting once again. That feeling of familiarity is soothing and somewhat calming. I like how Summer and Joe resolved their differences and sorted out their feelings. One thing that caught me off guard is the real culprit of all the fires happening. I guessed and all were wrong not until the later part of the story. That was good.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Blue Flame

Title: Blue Flame
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 22-26, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★ (2/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

After San Diego firefighter Jake Rawlins is injured in a heroic, high-profile rescue, he decides to hide from the media and recover in solitude. So he retreats to the Blue Flame, the Arizona guest ranch he inherited from his father. The remote oasis under a clear azure sky might seem like a bit of heaven, but Jake finds himself longing to return to the city, where he can be lost in a crowd instead of alone with his thoughts--or-his spread's tempestuous manager.

Callie Hayes has put into the Blue Flame her heart and soul--both of which are shaken when her wildly sexy employer returns, rekindling memories of the stormy past they shared. But Jake's a different man, and soon he's setting off sparks that could lead to a love hot enough to change both their lives.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

This was a free book at the end of Lucky Harbor #7 'It Had To Be You' and naturally I would be curious. This was the author's way of thanking the readers I guess. This was one of those firefighter novels. A romance novel situated in a farm called Blue Flame given to Jake by his estranged father? Interesting. His means of escape from all the city life drama? Okay. A woman managing the farm that he has chemistry with? Okay. A brother he used to have a connection with? Okay. But I guess this story for me was dragging. I finished this for the sake of finishing a novel. Overall, it was just okay.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Once In A Lifetime (Lucky Harbor #9)

Title: Once In A Lifetime (Lucky Harbor #9)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 21-22, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Traeger Sisters: Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, Head Over Heels
               Chocoholics: Lucky in Love, At Last, Forever and A Day
               Short story (Traeger Sisters): Under the Mistletoe
               Downtown Business: It Had To Be You, Always On My Mind

The last book of the 3rd Lucky Harbor trilogy goes to Aubrey, the owner of the bookstore beside Leah's bakery and Ali's flowershop. Well, she has seen her friends discover love while she is trying her best to right her wrongs. At the same time she is trying her best to restore the bookstore just in time for the grand opening day. And by then her uncle hired Ben to help her restore. Ben is Jack's cousin and the third musketeer in their group (Luke, Ben and Jack) and who is also still devastated by his wife's death 5 years ago. Just like Jack and Leah there is that history between these two. I feel for Aubrey though, everyone misunderstands her and she is too tired to right what they think of her. Honestly, I couldn't pick between 'Always on my Mind' and this book. But the general winner here: In the third trilogy of the Lucky Harbor series, this has been my favorite book.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Always On My Mind (Lucky Harbor #8)

Title: Always On My Mind (Lucky Harbor #8)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 20, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING

After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack's ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib - that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle . . . 

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine - perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their "just friends" rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Traeger Sisters: Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, Head Over Heels
               Chocoholics: Lucky in Love, At Last, Forever and A Day
               Short story (Traeger Sisters): Under the Mistletoe
               Downtown Business: It Had To Be You

This is the 2nd book of this trilogy and the 8th book of the Lucky Harbor series. This is about Leah, owner of the bakery in one of the three businesses at Mr. Lyon's building. She is one of the contenders of the reality show 'Sweet Wars' and is now temporarily residing back at Lucky Harbor with her grandmother. She then tells a lie to the ailing mother (battling breast cancer) of her best friend Jack, a firefighter, that they are together. She did this based on goodwill alone and obviously it would backfire on her...they had history and that big 'what-if' going on. Personally, this would be my favorite book so far in the 3rd trilogy. I have this unspoken love for stories about reunions, old friends who discover they are meant to be. It's amazing that way.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: It Had To Be You (Lucky Harbor #7)

Title: It Had To Be You (Lucky Harbor #7)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 19-20, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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?

 My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Traeger Sisters: Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, Head Over Heels
               Chocoholics: Lucky in Love, At Last, Forever and a Day
               Short story (Traeger Sisters): Under the Mistletoe

I have mentioned not too long ago as I started on a brand new trilogy of the Lucky Harbor series that I can vaguely make out the pattern and by reading the 7th book of this series I can tell that my hunch is true. This would be the 3rd trilogy situated in the small town of Lucky Harbor. And by being a small town, we can hope that well-loved characters would make a cameo every now and then. Well, Lucille is a special case, she is a gossip girl and matchmaker in their little town and I appreciate her constant presence. This story is about Ali, who works in a flower shop after which she was dumped by her 'golden boy' boyfriend and the worse part was she was framed for stealing money. Here comes Luke, a detective on leave after a worse turn of his career and apparently her landlord. I think I would enjoy this next Lucky Harbor trilogy.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor #6.5)

Title: Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor #6.5)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 19, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Traeger Sisters: Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, Head Over Heels
               Chocoholics: Lucky in Love, At Last, Forever and a Day

This was just a short story but I really enjoyed it. Maybe because of the fact that it was about Mia, Ford and Tara's daughter. Or maybe because I was shocked at the time skip of 5 years. Or maybe because of my disbelief that it took Sawyer and Chloe 5 years to get married. Or just because I missed the Traeger sisters and the B&B. It was lovely to see that Jax and Maddie already had 2 children. This was a short story about Mia and her road to happiness with Nick and of course Sawyer and Chloe's December wedding/reunion.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6)

Title: Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 18-19, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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…

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Treager Sisters: Simple Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, Head Over Heels
               Chocoholics: Lucky in Love, At Last

I assume that this would be the last book of the Chocoholics trilogy situated in Lucky Harbor. This story now centers around Grace, the new girl in town and both Mallory and Amy's closest friends who were now in a relationship with Ty the town's mysterious cute guy and Matt, the forest ranger. As a true blue Lucky Harbor story, she crosses paths with Josh the town's doctor and of course her closest friend's fiancee's best friend. She becomes an instant dogsitter, babysitter and sistersitter as she figures out what she wants in life. I must say in the Chocoholics trilogy, this would be my favorite book like Tara and Ford's story in The Sweetest Thing; for some reason it involved a child. And what I noticed is that in every third book of the Lucky Harbor trilogy, there would be an epilogue.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: At Last (Lucky Harbor #5)

Title: At Last (Lucky Harbor #5)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 17-18, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Traeger sisters: Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, Head Over Heels
                Chocoholics: Lucky in Love

Finally, the second book in Lucky Harbor's Chocoholics series in which the protagonist is Amy. She was briefly introduced in Tara's story as she was working in the Eat Me Diner as a chef where Amy is one of the waitresses. Headstrong and independent, she journeys following her grandma's footsteps around Lucky Harbor to find something her grandma discovered. While she was doing this, her journey crosses paths with the happy go lucky forest ranger, Matt also her best friend's fiancee's best friend. Clearly they have lots of chemistry but she was resisting till the end since she needed to finish her journey. Although, I saw the pattern in the author's stories since a while back, I still enjoyed this one.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor #4)

Title: Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor #4)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 16-17, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, Head Over Heels

I guess this would be the kick starter for the 2nd trilogy set (if I'm right) of novels situated in the small town of Lucky Harbor. After reading about the Traeger sisters up in Lucky Harbor's B&B (although I miss them too much), this would be the first of the novels about 3 close friends...see the pattern here? And they call themselves the chocoholics. Mallory, who was introduced at the last book as Lance's nurse (Chloe's best friend), is the protagonist of this book. A typical good girl in the eyes of everyone, she yearns for something spontaneous and out of her league as she finds it when she crosses paths with the town's 'Mysterious Cute Guy' yes, finally that mysterious person is introduced as Mallory's bad boy, someone who wants to be left alone while escaping his past, Ty. I love how Lucille cemented herself as the town's official gossip girl that would rival upper east side's page six as she updates the town's facebook page. Although I found it hard at first, since the author had to introduce a new set of friends and also because I miss Maddie, Tara and Chloe; I think I'm going to love this new trilogy.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor #3)

Title: Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor #3)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 15-16, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

Breaking rules and breaking hearts

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?

 My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing

This would be the 'Wild Child's turn. The baby of the family, Chloe who couldn't put down roots like their mother is the focus of this story. And who else would be her leading man but the last member of Lucky Harbor's three musketeers, Sawyer...the sheriff. It seemed like they were opposites of the same coin but I guess they complete each other. Sawyer needed someone to remind him that he shouldn't be too uptight to earn everyone's trust back and Chloe needed someone to anchor her down in a good way especially that she's building a home with her sisters. Although in the Lucky Harbor sister trilogy, I liked the second book better, this story still stood its ground. This series reminds me of the Kowalski series which I also loved and those Harlequin romance books that my mother has as her collection which me and my sister have been reading in our teenage years. It also made me sad that obviously I would move on from their story (I felt that when there was an epilogue) especially the next book would be based in another character from Lucky Harbor and not in the circle of the sisters. Well, I do hope to see a glimpse of them in the next book too. 

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor #2)

Title: The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor #2)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 14, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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.

 My Review: (also in goodreads)

Lookback: Simply Irresistible

Let me start by saying, I knew it! My wild guess about Tara's baby daddy? Spot on. It was Ford all along. This was the 'Steel Magnolia's time to shine. I loved the banter and the cat and mouse chase. They obviously have so much chemistry but they had to break walls and learn to trust again. The best part? When their daughter came into the picture. I guess I liked them better than Maddie and Jax.

Till the next read...

From the Shelf: Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1)

Title: Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick-Lit
Date read: March 12-14, 2014
Dawn Rates: ★★★★ (4/5)

Summary (cr: goodreads)

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.

My Review: (also in goodreads)

The reason why I am a bit reluctant on reading a new romance series is the fact that it could be a make or break for me. I could either move on or be addicted as I devour the next books. This was recommended by my sister and I gladly enjoyed it. A small town, three sisters on a mission and a hot guy; those are the makings of an interesting start. This story focuses on Maddie 'The Mouse', as her mother fondly calls her, the middle timid sister. I love how the sisters gradually build their relationship as they renovate the inn their mother left them and also at how witty and amusing their conversations were. I had this guess about Tara's situation but maybe I would find out in the next installment of the series if what I'm thinking is true.

Till the next read...