Strong and Sexy

Sky High Air #2

by Jill Shalvis

Blowing It All Sky High

Shayne Mahoney is the laid-back, easygoing rebel in his family. But running Sky High Air--a charter airline catering to the rich and famous--is a dream come true, especially with in-flight specials like kissing his client's beautiful, brainy daughter in a cozy coat closet. But before Shayne can say "Fasten Your Seat Belts," Dani claims to witness a murder, gets stalked in her own apartment, and, as an added bonus, gets them both shot at by a mystery sniper. Normally Shayne would be strapping on his parachute and jumping out of the plane by now, but with Dani's delicious body clinging to his, letting go is the last thing he's willing to do. . .

"Shalvis makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me sigh with pure pleasure." --Susan Andersen, New York Times bestselling author

Praise for Jill Shalvis and her novels

"Hot, sweet, fun, and romantic! Pure pleasure!" --Robyn Carr, New York Times bestselling author

"Witty, fun and sexy--the perfect romance!" --Lori Foster

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Ebooks, Chick Lit

319 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Jill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.

If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.

She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.

You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.

Reviews

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️3 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dani Peterson is very attracted to Shayne Mahoney. She walks into a party at her mother's house, some place she doesn't normally go to. But this time, she sees an incredibly handsome man and ends up in a closet with him. In a romantic sort of way. Yep. And then calls on his help later when she thinks she witnesses a murder. Then there are people stalking her and bullets. It's a crazy, fast read.

The more I think about this story, the more I have issues We never find out what happened to the two men Dani thought she saw. Shayne doesn't really grow that much as a person and why does he keep helping Dani when everybody has called her crazy, and, let's face it, her behavior isn't exactly sane. There was a little denouement between Dani and her stepsiblings but it was so short

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Description: In a family of serious over-achievers, Shayne Mahoney has always been the laid-back, easy-going rebel. But running Sky High Air - a charter airline catering to the rich and famous - is a dream come true, in-flight specials included. Like kissing his client's beautiful, brainy daughter in a coat closet. But before Shayne can say "Fasten Your Seatbelts," Dani claims to witness a murder, gets stalked in her own apartment, and as added bonus, gets them both shot at by a mystery sniper.

Normally Shayne would be running from the obviously crazy woman, and yet he finds himself trying to help her, leaving him to doubt his own sanity...There's a reason Dani never attends her mother's high society parties. The fake people, the shallow conversation - and the fact that she doesn't fit in. She's a zoologist, not a starlet, and happy about it, even if she wishes men like ruggedly handsome Shayne Mahoney would spare her a second glance. Of course, dodging bullets isn't exactly what she'd call the perfect follow-up to their heated kiss, but Shayne makes it clear she can depend on him. All she has to do is hold on tight to his delicious hard body until the ride is over...

My review
Strong & Sexy, the follow up to Strong & Sexy, the 1st book in Jill Shalvis’s Sky High Air Trilogy is such a fun, crazy, light and zany read and has the most engaging heroine ever, never mind that the hero, who goes gaga for the klutzy Dani, is a hot and gorgeous and a pilot for the rich and famous . I fell totally in love with Dani – she just crept inside my heart!!!!

First Page - we meet Dani Petersen, the brainy zoologist daughter of a famous movie star, who is attending her mother’s party and is spotted by Shayne Mahoney, pilot and partner of Sky High Air, who have organized the party, and immediately we are so totally drawn to what must be the one of the most likeable characters ever.

“The woman’s dark hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head, held there by two yellow pencils. Interesting choice for a formal party. “
“He shifted to move away, but then something had him turning back, just as the woman tripped over her own feet.”

And all this within a minute or two after arriving at the party – “she pretty much screamed fish out of water” – No kidding!!!

“Craning her neck, she checked behind her, apparently not taking into account the speed with which she was moving, because just as she looked forward again she nearly plowed into a potted tree. She managed to catch herself before she hit, but one of her heels snapped right off, and she uttered a four-letter word that made Shayne grin. Nope, she didn’t belong here. But he was damn glad she’d come, whoever she was.”

Okay, is there any doubt that Shayne could possibly not be enthralled by this cute and adorable woman!!!!! The days of doing one date only with different women, surfing the waves as he waits for his rich client to fly back to Burbank, planes being more important to him than anything else – that is so over for him and Shayne she doesn’t know it when he follows Dani into the linen closet.


What worked for me in this book wasn’t the plot, which is a bit light and fluffy – someone trying to make Dani crazy, stalking her and I found some of the things a bit OTT….but it’s the characters themselves.

Dani & Shayne – what a couple!!! Below is part of the scene where they are trying to have sex for the first time – HYSTERICAL!!!!!

“She knew she wasn’t exactly Miss America, but men liked butts, and if she could just get his hands on hers, things would probably progress quickly.
She wanted quickly. So she wriggled again, and he caught her knee in his hand, making her realize she’d nearly caught her knew in his groin again. “I’m sorry.” A laugh escaped her, a very nervous laugh. “I swear I’m not out to hurt you.”
“Okay, good.” He brushed her hair from her face and looked into her eyes, smiling, but clearly just a little confused. “Maybe we could go over exactly what we are doing.”
“Well…” She wriggled again, careful with her knee this time. Leaning down, she thought to give him a kiss, because that would surely remind him –
They bumped noses.
Not letting that deter her, she changed the angle of her head, leaned in and –
Bumped his nose again. “Ohmigod.”

And so it continues – the seduction scenes keep getting more and more adorable –

“With one hand he slowly pulled the zipper, the other dipping the spoon back in for more ice cream.
“Shayne?”
“Yep, still right here…..”
Eating ice cream with a lover will never be the same again!!!!!!!!!!!
But wait – what had me in absolute fits of laughter for sometime was this –
“And she did go wild.
She came completely out of herself. And when she could breathe again, still gasping for air, she realized she had him by the ears, holding him to her, her things nearly strangling him. “Ohmigod”. Still panting, she let go of him. “I’m sorry.”
Sitting back on his heels, he smiled, not appearing to have suffered any for her abuse. “My pleasure is your pleasure.”

What a man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never doubted that these two would eventually all that “do I, don’t I” angst and absolutely have their HEA………….Yay!!!!!


So, now there’s only one pilot still to be caught – dark and sexy and dangerous Brody, and I am certain he will very soon realize how crazy he is about Maddie – she’s so adorable, sexy and brainy too. Can’t wait for their story next.

I am, unexpectedly, having so so much fun reading these stories – can’t believe I had these books in my TBR shelf for such a long time…but hey I am catching up very quickly.

If you love quirky, funny, adorable characters and some light and fluffy plots to escape to, then read this series - you will be smiling as you turn each page!!!

[Patti K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second entry to the series. I loved Dani - she was a hot mess, but she was tenacious and funny. Shayne was hot, hot, hot and all kinds of sweet and awesome. This one grounded our hero for most of the story, given that there wasn't an adventure away but in their back yard that brought Dani and Shayne together. The twist at the end was obvious when it was revealed (given the breadcrumbs dropped), but I hadn't really thought much about it until it happened. I'm not a mystery reader in general, so I'm sure anyone who is would have seen it coming. I thought, DUH, right, but I didn't say "I knew it!". I think that's about me more than the story - there were plenty of red herrings and motive for other characters and the twist was good. It's not complicated, but certainly was decently done.

As for the actual love story between the characters, which, face it, is why I'm personally reading it, I loved that. Reluctant, both of them, to put their heart out there, but it happens just the same. Their chemistry was great, the sex was hot (and occasionally funny because Dani is a Jill character - she's a Lucille Ball) and the romance was sweet. Love the smart girl taming the playboy.

The blips of Maddie in this and the last entry helped to shape the next story, which was great - Easter eggs, really, so that by the time I got to #3, I had to devour it to learn about Maddie and Brody and their crazy chemistry. In both stories, hearing Maddie's voice makes sense, so it's not out of place. And it's only a few times (maybe 2-3), so it works. Especially toward the end, because she's a pretty crucial part of the climax of the story and hearing it in her voice really makes sense for the narrative.

Overall, another great entry. Loved Shayne, loved Dani and couldn't wait for #3.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally I love Jill Shalvis, so it really pissed me off that I didn't care for this one. But I am curious about the friends who will likely be the next subjects so I will try this series one more time...

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muito parecido com o primeiro volume desta trilogia, com um romance muito rápido em que os protagonistas caem nos braços um do outro num instante e uma pequena história de ação e mistério cujo criminoso se revelou mesmo uma surpresa.

[Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) · Rating 3 out of 5]

much better than book 1

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was good, but not my favorite. I think I just never got fully invested in the characters or their backstories. Shayne, one of the owners of Sky High Air, is thrown into a situation with Dani at a party for her mother who is a very wealthy client of the airline's. He is immediately attracted to her because she is clumsy and independent, making it on her own outside of her mother's money. The story gets really complicated when someone is trying to scare Dani by stalking her. To me, it never seems to be a complete plot line. Just a tool to keep them together. Which works out well in the end. A nice HEA, of course. I'm definitely looking forward to the third installment.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

She turned him upside down and sideways, with seemingly little effort.

I just love quirky heroines and the awkward and very klutzy Dani Peterson was adorable. She doesn’t really fit in among others, prefers the animals at the zoo where’s she’s the zoologist and she can’t stand the high society her now wealthy mother moves in, the glitz and fakeness. But she promised her mother she would attend her latest party hosted by Sky High and of course nothing goes right except for her mistletoe kiss. She breaks her heel, catches the attention of the very sexy Shayne Mahoney, has champagne thrown on her dress, gets a perfect kiss from Shayne and then sees a murder happen. But when the body just disappears it looks like Dani is just as crazy as everyone says she is. And the only person she can ask for help is Shayne as long as she remembers a playboy like him doesn’t do long-term.

He’d gone a long time without overly engaging his damn heart, and she’d not only engaged it, she’d locked all missiles on it, in a matter of days.

I loved the laid-back and easy going Shayne who is used to being seen as the black sheep of his family, the rebel who doesn’t live up to their expectations. Establishing Sky High with his best friends has been a dream come true for the three men and finally all their hard work has paid off. Kissing his client’s beautiful and adorable daughter in the coat closet wasn’t part of his plan, but he finds it hard to regret it seeing as their chemistry is off the charts. But things get a little crazy when she claims to witness a murder and they get shot by a sniper. Normally Shayne would try to keep his distance, but there’s just something about Dani that makes him want to protect her, to keep her close.

It was like being lost and coming home.
All at the same time.
Terrifying.
Yet simple..

For the most part I enjoyed their romance. I’m a sucker for instant attraction and I loved how these two couldn’t keep their distance from each other. The push and pull did get tiring after a while, with Shayne not thinking he is able to keep a relationship and Dani pushing him away to protect herself. I wanted to shake both of them at times, but luckily they got their HEA in the end.

Now the two people who really had my attention is this book is Shayne’s partner and friend Brody who is so deliciously grumpy and their concierge, Maddie who is so wonderfully feisty. I love both of them and the sparks between them is so scorching! I can’t wait to read the next book with them as the main characters.

Jill Shalvis knows how to write endearing and hilarious characters and romance and this book was no exception.

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I always love feel good romances, the last few years I have been craving them even more. Jill Shalvis is definitely one of my go-to authors for feel good romance, so I've been reading some of her backlist. Strong and Sexy is the second book in Shalvis' Sky High Air series about three best friends who started a charter airline catering to the wealthy, and I really liked it..

In Strong and Sexy, Shane Mahoney meets Dani Peterson at a special event held for a Sky High Air client. Shane is used to rubbing elbows with the wealthy, and he notices right away that Dani doesn't seem to fit in. Dani and Shane have an immediate connection, but then Dani thinks she witnesses a murder. Unfortunately, there isn't any evidence, and a lot of people think Dani is a little crazy. But of course, Shane and Dani can't keep away from each other.

Dani was such an adorable heroine. She is a zookeeper, and doesn't seem to fit in with her mother's crowd. She's a bit unsure of herself, and can be clumsy. Basically, she's a typical Shalvis heroine and I absolutely adored her. I loved how she stood up to her mother, and found a way to do what she wanted to do with her life.

Shane was pretty great, too. He isn't one for commitment, but of course he can't really resist Dani. I loved how Shane never really thought that Dani was a little off, even though no one could find evidence of this crime she saw. Shane had Dani's back and I was all for that. Shane and Dani were just so cute together.

The suspense aspect wasn't the best, mystery-wise, but I was totally fine with it because I was reading Strong and Sexy for the romance. Another thing to note, especially if you are a Jill Shalvis fan, is that this book isn't quite up there were her more recent novels. That's to be expected, but it is something to make note of.

Overall, I really did enjoy Strong and Sexy, and it won't be the last Sky High Air book I read! Strong and Sexy is a great choice for fans of lighter, contemporary romance with an element of suspense.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Shayne first saw Dani at a party Sky High was giving for her mother. She was messy, klutzy and adorable according to Shayne, who had never before been attracted to anyone like her. I loved their first kiss in the closet, when they were both blown away by their reactions to each other. When Dani witnessed a murder, then the body disappeared, someone shot at her, then there was another disappearing body, she wasn't sure if she was going crazy or if someone really was out to get her. I loved the way that Shayne was insisting on watching out for her, even though he wasn't sure why. I also loved the way the heat between them really confused him. He's always been a once and done kind of guy with the women he dated, but he couldn't get enough of Dani. Meanwhile, Dani was sure that Shayne would get tired of her very quickly, since she's nothing like the girls he usually went out with. She kept trying to chase him away before she got too involved with him, but finally realized that she was a goner from the beginning. I really liked the way that Dani was able to read Shayne through the layers he showed to everyone else. I also loved the way that Noah and Brody gave him such a hard time when it became obvious he had fallen, but was trying to deny it. The climax with the stalker was fantastic, and really showed how much Shayne and Dani cared for each other. I am really looking forward to Brody and Maggie's story next.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another re-release from Jill Shalvis that I’m just picking up this time around. Strong and Sexy is the second in the Sky High series and I feel it can be read as a stand-alone but I do suggest going back and starting at the beginning because this series is a lot of fun so far. Shayne and his two best friends own Sky High Airways, catering to chartered trips to the rich and spoiled of LA. During a high class party for one of their valued customers, Shayne meets Dani, the quirky, independent daughter. Lifestyles of the rich and famous isn’t Dani’s typical scene but she wanted to attend the party because her mother asked. After a few too many spills Dani steps away from the party but in to the arms of Shayne. Shayne isn’t quite sure how to take Dani because she is so different from the type of woman he’s normally attracted to but her beauty and personality shine through. When Dani’s life starts to unwind, Shayne is there to help her follow the trails to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Another edge of your seat read with lots of great chemistry between Shayne and Dani. I did think it was a little too much “she’s crazy” but I loved how quirky Dani was. A great lead in to the final book in the series, can’t wait to read it!

[Ana Banda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shayne Mahoney te amo♥
Que belleza de hombre, en el primero era el típico playboy mejor amigo siempre dispuesto a ayudar pero nada mas, me encanto descubrir lo que realmente es & darme cuenta que es precioso.. el hombre que todas quisiéramos tener & que nos amaras así de intensamente.
Dani una lindura, siempre acostumbrada a hacer todo sola&cuando vio que alguien podia ayudarla se asusto. Ame la manera de cuidar de Shayne al final.

Estuvo ligerito respecto a lo del acosador & así, pero ese final que bueno estuvo. Un muy buen libro para pasar un sábado leyendo ;)



QUIERO EL LIBRO DE MADDIE & BRODY YAAAAAAAA!!

[Brenda Margriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading JS with the Animal Magnetism books, and really, that was unfair to almost all her other books (except Lucky Harbor, maybe).

I enjoyed S&S, but it lacked a certain something the later books have (experience?) It is a suspense, in that the heroine is in danger, keeps seeing dead bodies that disappear, and the hero has to believe her without real evidence.

I really liked Dani...she's clutzy and fun and smart. Shayne (why the 'y'?) is supposed to be the laid back guy, but he has deeper layers, of course. He's not as well-defined, though.

The bad guy was very well disguised. As soon as you find out who it is you do a head-smack...I thought that was very well done.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not her best. Cute story. I like Shayne despite the unusual spelling. Dani was not fully developed as a complete character. The dialog with her siblings was too short and we readers were lacking in closure. Where were all the bodies? How did the person/s who was toying with Dani get into all the places? The story just needed more for the reader in order to be a good story. Quick fun read but left me still hungry.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, the second in the Sky High Air series, much better than the first. The characters are better developed and the plot makes more sense (although one has to actively suspend disbelief). The story had good romantic tension and enough humor to keep me entertained. A fun escape read.

[Mareli · Rating 3 out of 5]

more 3.5 stars for me.

I like the story, this one has a really loooooong night, maybe 70 pages ;) but I didn't like the heroine so much, too stubborn on her independence and not able to understand what's happening around her.

He was a very likable and strong hero.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pilot and a mammal keeper meet at a party his charter company organized for her mother (one of their wealthy clients).

A closet, a little branch of mistletoe and a dead body 😲. Someone seems to be after Dani and Shayne is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery to protect her.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mejor que el primero pero sigue siendo muy corto para contener toda la acción y además desarrollar los personajes. Presentación de Brody y Maddy, que casi son lo mejor.

[Shelita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was so much better than the previous one.

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was a marked improvement over the first book in this series, Smart and Sexy. It’s still not of the caliber I expect from Jill Shalvis, though.

Both main characters, Shayne and Dani, are super likeable. As with the first book, I wish there was a bit more fleshing out of their pasts. But the chemistry between them is well written and a lot of fun. The intense situations Dani ends up in are brief but enough to keep up the suspense of the story.

Through both of these first two books the pairing of Maddie and Brodie has kept me curious. Although the author’s writing isn’t top tier in these stories, it is good enough to keep me reading through the end so I can see how those two turn out. If you’re a die-hard Shalvis fan this series may be worth a read, if she’s a new to you author than skip ahead to her newer stuff.

https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.c...

[Senorita · Rating 2 out of 5]

How in the hell did this book get such a high rating?! This entire series (2 books so far) has sucked. This heroine is one of the dumbest idiots I’ve ever read. I have absolutely no sympathy for her and found myself rooting for the “bad guy”. Are we even sure Jill Shalvis wrote this series? A heroine that sees dead bodies but apparently cannot use her words to help the police, or anyone, solve the crimes. She gets uncontrollably horny when she has a head trauma and concussion. And throughout the several attempts on her life, refuses to believe anyone could be trying to hurt her? And the way she talks to the Hero...by the 3rd of umpteen times she tells him she’s “leaving him” I started yelling “then effing go already!” I just can’t with this one. I only finished the book because I can’t stand to “dnf” a book. I’m also upset that the only characters I care about are in the 3rd book...preparing myself to be let down when the 3rd book sucks as much as the first 2. Ugh.

[good_girls_read_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting a look into Shayne and Dani's relationship. I also really enjoyed the mystery/crime aspect of the story; it kept me guessing right until the end when everything was brought to conclusion. Once again, Jill did a wonderful job of writing and creating an engaging story. In a few parts, I found myself hoping Dani wasn't as crazy as people thought she was.

The only aspect of this story that I didn't really like was that Shayne seemed to take so long to figure out both his own feelings for Dani, and hers for him. Dani also seemed to do the same. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story very much.

I'm really looking forward to reading Brody's journey in Superb and Sexy and also much more by this author in the very near future. I've really come to enjoy her writing and storytelling.

[The Book Worm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading book one in this Sky High series (Smart and Sexy) a long time ago, but somehow never managed to go through the rest of the series. So I can vouch for the fact that Strong and Sexy can be read as a stand alone, as I didn't feel the need to go through book one to refresh my memory.

The first part of the book is great fun. When the plot thickens and suspense increases, however, I found the story a but muddled. It's confusing why the police never really paid any attention to Dani's problems and why there was no mention of any previous incidents (I can't really explain it here without spoilers, but it seems it wasn't the fist time the culprit acted and at least some of the characters should have noticed something amiss).

But while it may not be Jill Shalvis' all time best, Strong and Sexy is still a nice romantic suspense with a funny streak.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shayne Mahoney was the playboy of Sky High Air and was responsible for bringing in new clients. He is getting tired of the playboy image and the last women he dated are never available for a second date. He’s beginning to think he’s losing it. Then he meets Dani Peterson, daughter of Sky High’s biggest client. She is rumored to be crazy and Shayne doesn’t know what to think. Dani tells him she saw a body and there is nothing there when Shayne goes to check. Someone is trying to make it look like Dani is crazy but who and why? These characters are a little better than the ones in Smart and Sexy but Dani is still the ditzy female.

[Lisa Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Jill Shalvis at her best. This story and these characters caught me quick and held me to the end. It was funny, twisted and a page turner. So worthy the time and great entertainment.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, what plot that was in this book was pretty confusing and didn't make much sense. The whole course of this book also occurs over 4 days so the whole "I love you" thing at the end did kind of give me ick. HOWEVER, the smut in this book just catered to everything that I wanted. Highly recommend, I kid you not, there is a scene in like every 3rd chapter so she really gets the job done.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly the mindless romp I needed to read!

[Cherie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow did not see that coming.loved this one. Going to read other 2 in the series. ☆♡♡♡♡☆☆☆♡♡♡♡♡♡◇☆☆☆☆

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I was sure wrong about the “bad guy” but that made me like it even more.