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Lucky Harbor #10
It's in His Kiss
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?
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?
334 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
231 people are currently reading
4148 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
386 books13.8k followersJill 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 749 reviews
October 21, 2014
I will never get tired of Lucky Harbor. I will never get tired of Jill Shalvis. I will never not want to live in this town even though it doesn’t really exist.
*sobs uncontrollably*
Becca Thorpe is escaping… escaping from her family, and from the life that is stressing her out. She lands in Lucky Harbor and is determined to live in the moment. Though her current moment has her living in a converted warehouse with paper thin walls and writing jingles for products like toilet paper and feminine products, she’s going to make the most of it even if it is temporary. But her stop here also has her meeting the broody and sexy Sam Brody.
Sam runs a boat charter business right next door to Becca’s place, with his two sexy best friends… and they’ve made it a success. But Sam didn’t always have a solid life. He got where he is by being determined, and smart. But he has trust issues because of his childhood and his relationship with his father.
An explosive night together proves they have amazing chemistry, but Sam is determined not to mix business and pleasure… even if Becca is.
He made a low, rough noise, and she looked up at him through her lashes. His head was tipped back, eyes closed, the water flowing over his face and down his chest. His fingers slid in her hair and held on. She tensed, but his hold remained gentle, not guiding or pushing her. It was more like he needed the grip to just hold on, which made her feel powerful and sexy.
These two were so fun to read about. I absolutely loved Becca – she was spunky and sassy and just everything I adore in a heroine. And Sam - *swoon* I love the quiet, brooding kind of guy and that is him to a T. He was sweet with her when she needed it, he was tough with her when he had to be, and he was so supportive and kind…
I have to tell you all, there is one part in this book where I expected some over-reaction from a character, because that is usually what happens in a lot of romance that I’ve read lately, but I was so happy and surprised when instead of the situation getting blown out of proportion, we got to see the characters talk about the misinterpretation in question and act like adults.
And the sweet moments where these two start to connect were the best:
“I apologized because I was an ass. That’s what you do when you’ve been an ass.”
“Not everyone who acts like an ass apologizes,” she said.
His smile faded, and he hooked his arm around her neck, drawing her itno him again, pressing his mouth to her temple. “They should,” he said against her skin.
Shalvis knows how to write swoon and she’s mastered writing lighthearted romance. She can address angsty and serious topics without dragging down the feel of the book or making the story too heavy and I appreciate that so much! Her characters are always layered and three-dimensional and the town feels so incredibly real to me, that I can imagine days sitting on the docks watching these three guys working on the boats!
It was lovely to see Becca and Sam connect and begin to learn to trust each other and to lean on the people who love them.
As I say with every single Jill Shalvis book review, I’m a fan for life. I hope Jill never stops writing these books!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing & Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
*sobs uncontrollably*
Becca Thorpe is escaping… escaping from her family, and from the life that is stressing her out. She lands in Lucky Harbor and is determined to live in the moment. Though her current moment has her living in a converted warehouse with paper thin walls and writing jingles for products like toilet paper and feminine products, she’s going to make the most of it even if it is temporary. But her stop here also has her meeting the broody and sexy Sam Brody.
Sam runs a boat charter business right next door to Becca’s place, with his two sexy best friends… and they’ve made it a success. But Sam didn’t always have a solid life. He got where he is by being determined, and smart. But he has trust issues because of his childhood and his relationship with his father.
An explosive night together proves they have amazing chemistry, but Sam is determined not to mix business and pleasure… even if Becca is.
He made a low, rough noise, and she looked up at him through her lashes. His head was tipped back, eyes closed, the water flowing over his face and down his chest. His fingers slid in her hair and held on. She tensed, but his hold remained gentle, not guiding or pushing her. It was more like he needed the grip to just hold on, which made her feel powerful and sexy.
These two were so fun to read about. I absolutely loved Becca – she was spunky and sassy and just everything I adore in a heroine. And Sam - *swoon* I love the quiet, brooding kind of guy and that is him to a T. He was sweet with her when she needed it, he was tough with her when he had to be, and he was so supportive and kind…
I have to tell you all, there is one part in this book where I expected some over-reaction from a character, because that is usually what happens in a lot of romance that I’ve read lately, but I was so happy and surprised when instead of the situation getting blown out of proportion, we got to see the characters talk about the misinterpretation in question and act like adults.
And the sweet moments where these two start to connect were the best:
“I apologized because I was an ass. That’s what you do when you’ve been an ass.”
“Not everyone who acts like an ass apologizes,” she said.
His smile faded, and he hooked his arm around her neck, drawing her itno him again, pressing his mouth to her temple. “They should,” he said against her skin.
Shalvis knows how to write swoon and she’s mastered writing lighthearted romance. She can address angsty and serious topics without dragging down the feel of the book or making the story too heavy and I appreciate that so much! Her characters are always layered and three-dimensional and the town feels so incredibly real to me, that I can imagine days sitting on the docks watching these three guys working on the boats!
It was lovely to see Becca and Sam connect and begin to learn to trust each other and to lean on the people who love them.
As I say with every single Jill Shalvis book review, I’m a fan for life. I hope Jill never stops writing these books!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing & Netgalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
September 13, 2014
★★★★½ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Suehyla El Attar's narration delivers another wonderful entry of JS's Lucky Harbor series. Starts out slow, but a very nice built-up to some realistic angst in this one. Yet, I still laughed out loud several times, rather unexpectedly.
September 3, 2014
4.5 I'll Be Yours Stars!
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
Becca Thorpe is a 29 yr. old woman from New Orleans. She grew up in a talented musical family, and has played the piano for 10 years. She used to duet with her brother Jase, but had stage fright, and couldn't deal with the pressure and lifestyle of being a performer. Becca begins writing jingles and commercials for an ad agency to make ends meet.
It's been two years since Becca left behind music & a bad relationship. That life had all been too much for her, and made her feel like a failure. She decides she wants a change of scenery, and something good for herself. One of her dreams has always been to see the Pacific Ocean. She packs up, leaves home, and moves across the country. She ends up in a town called Lucky Harbor.
Becca is excited to finally stand on her own, and prove herself. While looking for her new apt. she gets lost and stumbles into Lucky Harbor Charter's to ask for directions. She meets a man named Sam Brody aka SGS/Sexy Grumpy Surfer. He is a gorgeous surfer who runs Lucky Harbor Charter's with his two best friends Cole & Tanner. Sam comes across as closed off and guarded. He's kind of known as a lone wolf.
Becca and Sam are drawn to each other from the moment they meet. They keep being thrown together in this small town where everyone knows everyone, and they can't resist each other. Sam & Becca get involved and things get pretty steamy. They learn to overcome their trust issues and fall in love. As usual Jill Shalvis's writing is flawless to me! She continues to be one of my favorite author's & every book is even better than the last! :D
-She'd been attracted before, of course, plenty of times, but it'd been a while since she'd taken the plunge. A long while. She hoped the water was nice, because she could feel the pull of it and knew she was going in.
-It wasn't often Becca acted recklessly, or with abandon. In fact, it was almost never. But Sam of the beautiful eyes and sexy voice and surprisingly sharp wit was bringing it out in her.
-His gaze met hers, his heated, and she had to remind herself to breath. Not just awareness, she admitted, but hunger. Need. Damn. He was potent.
-He let her see what he was thinking. Desire, hot, liquid, consuming desire. Affection, too. Which made her all warm and fuzzy. But it was the need that reached her. Need wasn't the same thing as desire. It was even more awe inspiring. This big, tough, self-made man needed her.
-"I was touching you, looking at you, and thinking, All I ever want is to feel like this, surrounded by you, consumed by you, warmed from the inside out by you."
-"I was yours before you even knew what you had."
-You've become a part of me," he said. "As important and basic as breathing.
-He bent her over his arm and kissed her, a long, slow, deep one that meant business. It was there in his kiss how much he loved her, and it had been all along.
(ARC provided by Netgalley)
Becca Thorpe is a 29 yr. old woman from New Orleans. She grew up in a talented musical family, and has played the piano for 10 years. She used to duet with her brother Jase, but had stage fright, and couldn't deal with the pressure and lifestyle of being a performer. Becca begins writing jingles and commercials for an ad agency to make ends meet.
It's been two years since Becca left behind music & a bad relationship. That life had all been too much for her, and made her feel like a failure. She decides she wants a change of scenery, and something good for herself. One of her dreams has always been to see the Pacific Ocean. She packs up, leaves home, and moves across the country. She ends up in a town called Lucky Harbor.
Becca is excited to finally stand on her own, and prove herself. While looking for her new apt. she gets lost and stumbles into Lucky Harbor Charter's to ask for directions. She meets a man named Sam Brody aka SGS/Sexy Grumpy Surfer. He is a gorgeous surfer who runs Lucky Harbor Charter's with his two best friends Cole & Tanner. Sam comes across as closed off and guarded. He's kind of known as a lone wolf.
Becca and Sam are drawn to each other from the moment they meet. They keep being thrown together in this small town where everyone knows everyone, and they can't resist each other. Sam & Becca get involved and things get pretty steamy. They learn to overcome their trust issues and fall in love. As usual Jill Shalvis's writing is flawless to me! She continues to be one of my favorite author's & every book is even better than the last! :D
-She'd been attracted before, of course, plenty of times, but it'd been a while since she'd taken the plunge. A long while. She hoped the water was nice, because she could feel the pull of it and knew she was going in.
-It wasn't often Becca acted recklessly, or with abandon. In fact, it was almost never. But Sam of the beautiful eyes and sexy voice and surprisingly sharp wit was bringing it out in her.
-His gaze met hers, his heated, and she had to remind herself to breath. Not just awareness, she admitted, but hunger. Need. Damn. He was potent.
-He let her see what he was thinking. Desire, hot, liquid, consuming desire. Affection, too. Which made her all warm and fuzzy. But it was the need that reached her. Need wasn't the same thing as desire. It was even more awe inspiring. This big, tough, self-made man needed her.
-"I was touching you, looking at you, and thinking, All I ever want is to feel like this, surrounded by you, consumed by you, warmed from the inside out by you."
-"I was yours before you even knew what you had."
-You've become a part of me," he said. "As important and basic as breathing.
-He bent her over his arm and kissed her, a long, slow, deep one that meant business. It was there in his kiss how much he loved her, and it had been all along.
September 11, 2014
I usually overlook Shalvis's male characters' constant women-insulting guy talk ("you're a pussy" and the like) to enjoy the light romances she pens. This one, though, had me frustrated on other fronts far too many times for comfort.
• Becca's come to Lucky Harbor, fleeing a family who over-depends on her, to the point of ignoring her real traumas. She has a one-night stand with hot surfer guy, but when she ends up getting a job with his boat charter company, taciturn Sam decides that the sex has got to stop. Only it doesn't.
• And despite her reasons for running away from her home in New Orleans, Becca plays all nicey nicey with Sam's father, a ne'er-do-well who was such a bad parent that Sam ended up in foster care on many occasions. ??? Why would Becca encourage Sam to give his overly demanding, user father another chance, when she's been so harmed by her own family's willingness to use her?
• And, as other reviewers have noted, the use of a problem that seems to be magically fixed when Becca falls for Sam and can talk to him about this traumatic event, is more than a little yucky.
• Never mind the scene in which Becca's parents come to town and suddenly apologize for the shitty way they've treated her for her entire life--can you say "not very believable"?
• Add the male trash talk on top of all that, and you have a book that too problematic on too many levels to be recommended.
• Becca's come to Lucky Harbor, fleeing a family who over-depends on her, to the point of ignoring her real traumas. She has a one-night stand with hot surfer guy, but when she ends up getting a job with his boat charter company, taciturn Sam decides that the sex has got to stop. Only it doesn't.
• And despite her reasons for running away from her home in New Orleans, Becca plays all nicey nicey with Sam's father, a ne'er-do-well who was such a bad parent that Sam ended up in foster care on many occasions. ??? Why would Becca encourage Sam to give his overly demanding, user father another chance, when she's been so harmed by her own family's willingness to use her?
• And, as other reviewers have noted, the use of a problem that seems to be magically fixed when Becca falls for Sam and can talk to him about this traumatic event, is more than a little yucky.
• Never mind the scene in which Becca's parents come to town and suddenly apologize for the shitty way they've treated her for her entire life--can you say "not very believable"?
• Add the male trash talk on top of all that, and you have a book that too problematic on too many levels to be recommended.
January 14, 2022
Whelp, I Am Over It! I Usually Over Look These So-Called Insults In Romance, But I CAN'T Or Won't Anymore!
Sorry Not Sorry
I'm About To Get Ranty!
Being Called A Pussy Or Being Told You Fight Like A Girl Is Not An Insult.
Some Women Are
UFC Fighters
Women In The Military
Women In Construction
Women Firefighters
Stunt Women
Women Who Trek The Amazon
Women Who Have Sailed Around The World Alone
Get With The Times Already
Look Up The Women Who Kick Ass Like A Girl
Masina Tupea; A Women Who Would Not Let A Mugger Get Away
I Fight Like A Girl, And I Will Kick Your ASS (Google Search)
Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story *Documentary*
If The Writing Has Been Updated To Portray Women Respectfully, I Will Continue To Read Their Books. Other Wise Reminder Below -vvvvvv-
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 20, 2021
“Un sărut pentru o viață”, volumul 10 al seriei Lucky Harbor, este o carte plină de o gamă variată de emoții.
Becca este o tânără pianistă recent sosită în micuțul orășel aflat la malul Pacificului, o tânără ce pare sigură pe ea și încrezătoare, dar care ascunde o mare suferință.
Sam este un tânăr puternic, încrezător în forțele proprii, frumos ca un zeu, dar care nu are încredere în dragoste: mai bine zis în “te iubesc”...
Fiecare dintre cei doi eroi au răni din trecut ce încă nu s-au vindecat. Becca este și acum traumatizată de ideea de a cânta în public, are atacuri de panică, nu suportă spațiile mici și nici ca cineva să-i invadeze spațiul personal.
Sam pe de altă parte, a crescut alături de un tată care nu a reușit să-i poarte de grijă, care tot timpul încerca să profite de el și care îi spunea mereu că îl iubește fără a îi și demonstra.
Atracția fulgerătoare dintre ei răzbate din paginile cărții încă de la început. Iar cei doi cedează tentației destul de repede.
Avem parte de emoții nou descoperite și pasiune fierbinte; dar și de confruntări cu trecutul, de durere și suferință.
Povestea Beccăi și a lui Sam îți pătrunde în suflet. Captivantă, se citește ușor și oferă speranță.
Jill Shalvis a reușit să ne încânte cu o poveste de viață plină de pasiune și iubire.
Becca este o tânără pianistă recent sosită în micuțul orășel aflat la malul Pacificului, o tânără ce pare sigură pe ea și încrezătoare, dar care ascunde o mare suferință.
Sam este un tânăr puternic, încrezător în forțele proprii, frumos ca un zeu, dar care nu are încredere în dragoste: mai bine zis în “te iubesc”...
Fiecare dintre cei doi eroi au răni din trecut ce încă nu s-au vindecat. Becca este și acum traumatizată de ideea de a cânta în public, are atacuri de panică, nu suportă spațiile mici și nici ca cineva să-i invadeze spațiul personal.
Sam pe de altă parte, a crescut alături de un tată care nu a reușit să-i poarte de grijă, care tot timpul încerca să profite de el și care îi spunea mereu că îl iubește fără a îi și demonstra.
Atracția fulgerătoare dintre ei răzbate din paginile cărții încă de la început. Iar cei doi cedează tentației destul de repede.
Avem parte de emoții nou descoperite și pasiune fierbinte; dar și de confruntări cu trecutul, de durere și suferință.
Povestea Beccăi și a lui Sam îți pătrunde în suflet. Captivantă, se citește ușor și oferă speranță.
Jill Shalvis a reușit să ne încânte cu o poveste de viață plină de pasiune și iubire.
August 27, 2014
1.5 stars
Do you want to read a review or a rant? Well if you keep on reading, you’ll get both. Jill Shalvis is one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance and I’ve been finding myself charmed and engaged by her Lucky Harbor series. However, this is so far from the case in It’s In His Kiss that I’m ready to throw in the towel, rest of the series be damned. Let me qualify this by saying a lot of the tropes in this particular book are ones I don’t like and worse, they’re made into predictable clichés.
Becca Thorpe is at a crossroads in her life, and she refers to her time in Lucky Harbor as a pit stop. She’s put some much needed distance between her and her family and she’s not looking to get entangled with anyone while she’s there. Sam Brody, otherwise known as “Sexy Grumpy Surfer” to Becca, is working on expanding his business that he runs with his two friends and is also looking to avoid commitments.
While Becca is far from her family, her problems don’t stop because she’s away. She becomes highly anxious when playing the piano in front of anyone, and this is partially what caused the rift between her and her family. She needs a job, and ends up working for Sam Brody – the sexy surfer with the odd sense of humor. There’s something else that’s alluded to in the book, but you don’t really get confirmation until the book is close to being finished. I’ll give you a hint. It’s a four letter word that starts with an “R” and ends with an “E”. If you guessed rape, you’re absolutely correct.
I’m utterly sick and tired of having rape become the subplot or something to further the heroine’s development. There’s no mention of any sort of help in her life, only that she has tucked it away and it doesn’t really come out until she’s alone with Sam in a small, confined space. Because Sam, our hero, isn’t a total idiot, he’s able to guess what happened to Becca but she still won’t deal with it. If only real life worked out well with people shoving traumatic events to the back of their mind and dealing with it only when your true love comes front and center. No. Just no. Shalvis is a prolific author with large number of books published and large fan base. Sorry, as a reader I want more than just the scratch the surface type of exploration.
Sam is a good guy, but he’s got some issues too. Mainly in the form of his irresponsible father whom he apparently can’t say no to. The relationship between the two of them is flipped around. It’s the son taking care of the father, and he uses that continuously to squeeze things from Sam like money and shelter. I got annoyed with this subplot as well and it made me think less of him that he was never able to put his foot down with his dad.
The book is typical Shalvis with trademark humor and fun, for example when Sam nicknames Becca “Peeper” because she can’t help sneaking peeks at him through her window – but it wasn’t nearly enough to make up for the slow story and hugely problematic subplots.
- Ronnie
Do you want to read a review or a rant? Well if you keep on reading, you’ll get both. Jill Shalvis is one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance and I’ve been finding myself charmed and engaged by her Lucky Harbor series. However, this is so far from the case in It’s In His Kiss that I’m ready to throw in the towel, rest of the series be damned. Let me qualify this by saying a lot of the tropes in this particular book are ones I don’t like and worse, they’re made into predictable clichés.
Becca Thorpe is at a crossroads in her life, and she refers to her time in Lucky Harbor as a pit stop. She’s put some much needed distance between her and her family and she’s not looking to get entangled with anyone while she’s there. Sam Brody, otherwise known as “Sexy Grumpy Surfer” to Becca, is working on expanding his business that he runs with his two friends and is also looking to avoid commitments.
While Becca is far from her family, her problems don’t stop because she’s away. She becomes highly anxious when playing the piano in front of anyone, and this is partially what caused the rift between her and her family. She needs a job, and ends up working for Sam Brody – the sexy surfer with the odd sense of humor. There’s something else that’s alluded to in the book, but you don’t really get confirmation until the book is close to being finished. I’ll give you a hint. It’s a four letter word that starts with an “R” and ends with an “E”. If you guessed rape, you’re absolutely correct.
I’m utterly sick and tired of having rape become the subplot or something to further the heroine’s development. There’s no mention of any sort of help in her life, only that she has tucked it away and it doesn’t really come out until she’s alone with Sam in a small, confined space. Because Sam, our hero, isn’t a total idiot, he’s able to guess what happened to Becca but she still won’t deal with it. If only real life worked out well with people shoving traumatic events to the back of their mind and dealing with it only when your true love comes front and center. No. Just no. Shalvis is a prolific author with large number of books published and large fan base. Sorry, as a reader I want more than just the scratch the surface type of exploration.
Sam is a good guy, but he’s got some issues too. Mainly in the form of his irresponsible father whom he apparently can’t say no to. The relationship between the two of them is flipped around. It’s the son taking care of the father, and he uses that continuously to squeeze things from Sam like money and shelter. I got annoyed with this subplot as well and it made me think less of him that he was never able to put his foot down with his dad.
The book is typical Shalvis with trademark humor and fun, for example when Sam nicknames Becca “Peeper” because she can’t help sneaking peeks at him through her window – but it wasn’t nearly enough to make up for the slow story and hugely problematic subplots.
- Ronnie
December 20, 2014
Some series begin to become unoriginal and repetitive ten books into the series. However, Jill Shalvis delivers yet another cleverly witty, sexy and sweet story for Becca and Sam in the tenth book of the Lucky Harbor series, IT’S IN HIS KISS. Introducing three more heroes in Sam, Cole and Tanner, best friends and business partners, Shalvis has set up the next three books in the series and what a way to get readers excited again!
Sam Brody is the dangerous one of the bunch. With his sexy surfer looks and rockstar abilities in bed, Sam is no doubt one of Lucky Harbor’s favourite hotties. Newcomer Becca is feeling the financial pinch, yet she doesn’t allow her monetary problems to affect her mood. Her sassiness and working persistence helps her land a job that puts her in close proximity with Sam. Though one hot night has both of them pining for more, neither can react on their desires now that they are working together.
Just a paragraph into this story and Jill has managed to make me smile. The way ion which she writes her characters just makes them so endearing and relatable. I find that you genuinely care about Becca’s predicament as well as connect with her on a friendly level. Added to that is Shalvis’ signature humor that always makes her books a pleasure to read. So far I’ve fallen in love with so many of Shalvis’ heroes in the series, but Sam might actually become one of my favorites…that is until I read Cole and Tanner’s book because I suspect they will be amazing as well from what Shalvis has shared so far.
IT’S IN HIS KISS reminded me of why I fell in love with the series in the first place. Witty humor, endearing characters and stellar writing all blend effortlessly in this not to be missed summer read!
*ARC provided by publisher
November 17, 2014
3 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance
November 20, 2015
4.5 Lovley Small-Town Stars
February 22, 2018
Easy read, but once again there were some things that had me scratching my head going really? Here it was more prominent given the heavy subject matter it deals with.
First: I found the back story a little convoluted. The pieces for me didn't fit.
The alpha thing. I almost want Shalvis to look up the definition of alpha because these guys to me are not it.
I’ve had a problem with this since the beginning of the series because I don’t agree with the labeling. I know Shalvis loves her alpha guys, who doesn't? I just don't see these Lucky Harbor guys that way. *ducks head* Alpha men to me are domineering, controlling, power driven men who tend to push to get their way. They want control in every aspect of the relationship. None of these guys fit that criteria, especially Sam. And if a character is an alpha you show it, don't tell readers by sprinkling it all over the dialogue so liberally. It's a big pet peeve of mine when you have all the females in the stories pointing out how bone-melting killer gorgeous and alpha the guys are on every. single. page. Just...Stop. The more it was used, the more annoyed I was. The Lucky Harbor men are typical stubborn bossy guys but are big teddy bears who are sweet and considerate and never push or overpower to get their way. They are the perfect ideal men. I don't have anything against Shalvis's heroes, I just think it's a total mislabel. And there's nothing wrong with Beta or Omega heroes. Just saying.
The insta-love in here was outrageous. Given Becca's history and Sam's closed off guarded personality it gave me whiplash how quick these two jumped in the sack. I was expecting something major to happen after they hooked up so fast but nope nothing. Also the jarring familiarities came out of nowhere. He barely shares more than ten words with her the first time they meet and the next day acts like he knows her inside and out and can tell how 'sweet and warm she is behind the wall she puts up' and she can tell how sweet and wonderful he is. Huh? YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT EACH OTHER. Felt like I was missing something here. And concerned fussy foster mom Amelia worrying about Sam and mentioning Becca by name asking if she’s the women for him when she hasn’t met Becca or know of her was just a major WTH? And again Sam only met Becca two days prior to this. Was this a serious editing hiccup? Because it came completely out of nowhere and didn’t make a lick of sense. Amelia never met Becca and has no reason to even bring her up. Most of Sam and Becca's interactions happened away from prying eyes and very isolated unlike the previous couples so I had trouble understanding the quick jumps in conversation and how even geriatric town snoop Lucille managed to take 'snapshots' of them on the beach and so close? Is she now the town's paparazzi? Yes the lady gets around but she's not that fast or resourceful. Can this character retire? lol
And I'm sorry but why in the world would you have the heroine who is suffering from her own family problems and abuse sympathize and even enable Sam's dead beat father? Why why why?! What? because she's just kind-hearted and sweet that way? GMAB. That to me was ridiculous and a cheap cop out to get readers to quickly sympathize and like a character who is unlikable and a total sleazy lout. What he did to Sam was unforgivable. He made Sam's childhood a living hell and Shalvis using her formulaic approach to 'resolve' the family drama in a matter of a week? was just too much. You can't slap a band aid on these kinds of deep rooted childhood traumas with patronizing dialogue. It just rubs me the wrong way. Same goes for Becca's parents' shame-faced apology at the very end that Sam pretty much fed them to say word-for-word. Are you kidding me? Totally unrealistic and so contrived.
And Sam on a boat that's not his, not planning to have sex with Becca based on their ‘deal’ magically having a condom with him when the mood strikes? <_< Come on. Same thing happened in a couple of the previous books. These guys are always carrying a condom on their person when it’s completely unplanned and spontaneous (ahem Jack whipping out a condom when all he’s wearing are his swim trunks and in the hot tub??).
I did like Sam he was sexy and so sweet and a little different for me. Just wish things happened more organically between him and Becca. The fast pace kinda ruined moments that could have been even sweeter and more poignant.
First: I found the back story a little convoluted. The pieces for me didn't fit.
The alpha thing. I almost want Shalvis to look up the definition of alpha because these guys to me are not it.
I’ve had a problem with this since the beginning of the series because I don’t agree with the labeling. I know Shalvis loves her alpha guys, who doesn't? I just don't see these Lucky Harbor guys that way. *ducks head* Alpha men to me are domineering, controlling, power driven men who tend to push to get their way. They want control in every aspect of the relationship. None of these guys fit that criteria, especially Sam. And if a character is an alpha you show it, don't tell readers by sprinkling it all over the dialogue so liberally. It's a big pet peeve of mine when you have all the females in the stories pointing out how bone-melting killer gorgeous and alpha the guys are on every. single. page. Just...Stop. The more it was used, the more annoyed I was. The Lucky Harbor men are typical stubborn bossy guys but are big teddy bears who are sweet and considerate and never push or overpower to get their way. They are the perfect ideal men. I don't have anything against Shalvis's heroes, I just think it's a total mislabel. And there's nothing wrong with Beta or Omega heroes. Just saying.
The insta-love in here was outrageous. Given Becca's history and Sam's closed off guarded personality it gave me whiplash how quick these two jumped in the sack. I was expecting something major to happen after they hooked up so fast but nope nothing. Also the jarring familiarities came out of nowhere. He barely shares more than ten words with her the first time they meet and the next day acts like he knows her inside and out and can tell how 'sweet and warm she is behind the wall she puts up' and she can tell how sweet and wonderful he is. Huh? YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT EACH OTHER. Felt like I was missing something here. And concerned fussy foster mom Amelia worrying about Sam and mentioning Becca by name asking if she’s the women for him when she hasn’t met Becca or know of her was just a major WTH? And again Sam only met Becca two days prior to this. Was this a serious editing hiccup? Because it came completely out of nowhere and didn’t make a lick of sense. Amelia never met Becca and has no reason to even bring her up. Most of Sam and Becca's interactions happened away from prying eyes and very isolated unlike the previous couples so I had trouble understanding the quick jumps in conversation and how even geriatric town snoop Lucille managed to take 'snapshots' of them on the beach and so close? Is she now the town's paparazzi? Yes the lady gets around but she's not that fast or resourceful. Can this character retire? lol
And I'm sorry but why in the world would you have the heroine who is suffering from her own family problems and abuse sympathize and even enable Sam's dead beat father? Why why why?! What? because she's just kind-hearted and sweet that way? GMAB. That to me was ridiculous and a cheap cop out to get readers to quickly sympathize and like a character who is unlikable and a total sleazy lout. What he did to Sam was unforgivable. He made Sam's childhood a living hell and Shalvis using her formulaic approach to 'resolve' the family drama in a matter of a week? was just too much. You can't slap a band aid on these kinds of deep rooted childhood traumas with patronizing dialogue. It just rubs me the wrong way. Same goes for Becca's parents' shame-faced apology at the very end that Sam pretty much fed them to say word-for-word. Are you kidding me? Totally unrealistic and so contrived.
And Sam on a boat that's not his, not planning to have sex with Becca based on their ‘deal’ magically having a condom with him when the mood strikes? <_< Come on. Same thing happened in a couple of the previous books. These guys are always carrying a condom on their person when it’s completely unplanned and spontaneous (ahem Jack whipping out a condom when all he’s wearing are his swim trunks and in the hot tub??).
I did like Sam he was sexy and so sweet and a little different for me. Just wish things happened more organically between him and Becca. The fast pace kinda ruined moments that could have been even sweeter and more poignant.
January 17, 2021
I really liked Becca and Sam. He was mysterious and closed off in the beginning and eventually while the protectiveness never really goes away-we at least learn Why he is the way he is But he’s this service before self kind of guy and I like that. I like that he was the one yearning for the heroine to open up more and is very aware that she’s keeping parts of herself hidden.
Okay, the song it’s in his kiss has been stuck in my head all day after constantly looking at this cover so onto the next!
Okay, the song it’s in his kiss has been stuck in my head all day after constantly looking at this cover so onto the next!
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April 20, 2015
I'm a broken record here, to be honest.
Jill Shalvis succeeds with something authors rarely do: getting better and better. I don't know how it's possible, and it's not like her older ones are bad, but the fact is that the last books by Shalvis were not only a delight to read (they are always that) but that I'm feeling like the next ones will be even better, if it's possible.
So, get ready for the broken record, which I tenderly named: "How to rate a book by Jill Shalvis/Ode to joy"
The main characters: super-duper great. Becca was such a cute, admirable heroine. She had her heart at the right place, was generous and sweet, but still had backbone. I loved how her character was a mix of all that. She had some issues, family and 'romantic'-wise, and she was definitely sensitive and nearly, just nearly, broken. But the way she coped with those issues was so heart-melting and even funny sometimes, that in the end she was a real, enticing, perfect heroine.
And then there's Sam. Oh Sam. He was the perfect counterpart to Becca, and he was a hero to my taste: grumpy, stoic and cold. And although he had all those character traits, he wasn't an asshole right until the very end (and there he was an understandable asshole who saw his mistake for what it was pretty soon). He was so funny at times that I had to giggle, as in, literary giggle.
And Sam and Becca together? The best. They had so much chemistry, but they had this deep, emotional connection, too, right from the beginning. I love romances where those parts are blended perfectly.
The secondary characters were over the top, like always with a novel by Jill Shalvis. Lucille being her usual perverse-old-ass, is always one of the most enjoyable additions to the story.
But Cole and Tanner, Sam's business partners and friends, were hilarious, too, both will be great hero material in the next books.
Those are all the entertaining, delightful and funny aspects. But no, this is definitely no "light-hearted" story where everything is a comedy-show.
I loved how the author created the backstories of Becca and Sam with their families. It was so very real, dramatic without being too dramatic, just the right amount of angst.
I could go on endlessly about everything that was just right here; the pace of the story, the writing style, the laugh-out-loud-scenes put together with the heartbreaking, angsty and honest scenes, showing a 3D-version of how human relationships look like. Thumbs up.
January 7, 2016
It's In His Kiss is the tenth addition to Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series. Becca Thorpe is making a pit stop in Lucky Harbor. There she encounters Sexy Grumpy Surfer, Sam Brody. Sam and two friends own and operate a boat charter business. When they become desperate for office help they end up hiring Becca against Sam's better judgment.
Almost five stars. Just about perfect. What keeps me from giving it the five stars is I didn't feel satisfied with the backstory on Becca and Sam. Sure we are told skimpy details that just did not satisfy my curiosity. Of course, if I got what I wanted then I probably would have complained that I got too much info... lol But I loved the characters and the humor and the... Well, everything!
Almost five stars. Just about perfect. What keeps me from giving it the five stars is I didn't feel satisfied with the backstory on Becca and Sam. Sure we are told skimpy details that just did not satisfy my curiosity. Of course, if I got what I wanted then I probably would have complained that I got too much info... lol But I loved the characters and the humor and the... Well, everything!
July 8, 2015
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've become a bit of a broken record when it comes to Jill Shalvis books. Fun, sexy, hilarious, heartfelt... an apt description for each and every one of her books. They are always a joy to read, a few hours worth of my time that I would never want back. When I'm in a reading slump, or even not in the mood to start a brand new book, Jill Shalvis can always get me out of a funk. Her books feel like coming home: comfortable, refreshing, knowing what to expect for the most part but with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. As I've already said countless times, if you haven't yet picked up the Lucky Harbor series and are at all a fan of swoony love stories, you are missing out!
It's in His Kiss introduces us to the next trio of couples to fall in love in the small coastal town of Lucky Harbor (the series works in threes), and first up are Becca and Sam. Becca stumbled upon Lucky Harbor after driving as far away as she could from her cumbersome family. She's been the shoulders her younger brother has leaned on her entire life, and now she feels exhausted. Due to a embarrassing experience, she's also lost the ability to play the piano - her passion - in front of an audience. Although Lucky Harbor is at first meant to be a pit stop, the peace she feels there, as well as one particular Sexy Grumpy Surfer, have caught her attention...
Sam is one of the most dependable people in Lucky Harbor. He's quiet, uses his words sparingly, and lets very few people into his inner circle, but his actions always show that he has a big heart. He grew up with a dad who never neglected to tell him, "Love ya, son", yet hardly ever protected him like a father should. Now he runs a successful boating business, along with his two partners Tanner and Cole, and they put on a daily show for Becca when she moves in close to their business.
I had a blast reading about Becca and Sam. Their chemistry is an endearing combination of fun, flirty, and steamy, with great banter, too. Both have their walls up and take their time with trusting the other person, but Becca can't get Sam out of her head and vice-versa.
When Becca starts working for Sam's charter business, he "refuses" to have any sort of sexual relationship with her, but this leaves plenty of room for a growing friendship and undeniable tension. I love the way Sam always looks out for Becca, always there for her without smothering her. He's sweet and a little relentless and gives good hugs. I have a fondness for the quiet, brooding types, and Sam fits that bill perfectly. Although he remains guarded, there's so much more to him, and I love how Becca gets that. So while Sam is attracted to Becca, he's also coming to care for her deeply. He wants to be the guy she gives her puzzle pieces to. I liked Becca a lot, too, for her sassy attitude and generous heart. She never pretends that what she and Sam share isn't special. Also, I think this has one of my favorite Jill Shalvis endings ever. :)
Alas, I think we all wish a town like Lucky Harbor really existed, where there's a hot, sexy, alpha guy standing at every corner, but I'll settle for just reading about them. ;) I've heard this will be the last set of books in the series, which, if true, is a lot heartbreaking and a little bit shocking - I kind of unrealistically expected these to go on forever. Worst case scenario (and by that I mean next best thing), Jill Shalvis gives us a new town full of hotties to drool over. :)
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
I've become a bit of a broken record when it comes to Jill Shalvis books. Fun, sexy, hilarious, heartfelt... an apt description for each and every one of her books. They are always a joy to read, a few hours worth of my time that I would never want back. When I'm in a reading slump, or even not in the mood to start a brand new book, Jill Shalvis can always get me out of a funk. Her books feel like coming home: comfortable, refreshing, knowing what to expect for the most part but with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. As I've already said countless times, if you haven't yet picked up the Lucky Harbor series and are at all a fan of swoony love stories, you are missing out!
It's in His Kiss introduces us to the next trio of couples to fall in love in the small coastal town of Lucky Harbor (the series works in threes), and first up are Becca and Sam. Becca stumbled upon Lucky Harbor after driving as far away as she could from her cumbersome family. She's been the shoulders her younger brother has leaned on her entire life, and now she feels exhausted. Due to a embarrassing experience, she's also lost the ability to play the piano - her passion - in front of an audience. Although Lucky Harbor is at first meant to be a pit stop, the peace she feels there, as well as one particular Sexy Grumpy Surfer, have caught her attention...
Sam is one of the most dependable people in Lucky Harbor. He's quiet, uses his words sparingly, and lets very few people into his inner circle, but his actions always show that he has a big heart. He grew up with a dad who never neglected to tell him, "Love ya, son", yet hardly ever protected him like a father should. Now he runs a successful boating business, along with his two partners Tanner and Cole, and they put on a daily show for Becca when she moves in close to their business.
I had a blast reading about Becca and Sam. Their chemistry is an endearing combination of fun, flirty, and steamy, with great banter, too. Both have their walls up and take their time with trusting the other person, but Becca can't get Sam out of her head and vice-versa.
"You're perfect."
She laughed again, and he smiled. "Your body," he clarified. "Your body's perfect."
"But the rest drives you crazy," she reminded him.
"Everything about you drives me crazy."
When Becca starts working for Sam's charter business, he "refuses" to have any sort of sexual relationship with her, but this leaves plenty of room for a growing friendship and undeniable tension. I love the way Sam always looks out for Becca, always there for her without smothering her. He's sweet and a little relentless and gives good hugs. I have a fondness for the quiet, brooding types, and Sam fits that bill perfectly. Although he remains guarded, there's so much more to him, and I love how Becca gets that. So while Sam is attracted to Becca, he's also coming to care for her deeply. He wants to be the guy she gives her puzzle pieces to. I liked Becca a lot, too, for her sassy attitude and generous heart. She never pretends that what she and Sam share isn't special. Also, I think this has one of my favorite Jill Shalvis endings ever. :)
Alas, I think we all wish a town like Lucky Harbor really existed, where there's a hot, sexy, alpha guy standing at every corner, but I'll settle for just reading about them. ;) I've heard this will be the last set of books in the series, which, if true, is a lot heartbreaking and a little bit shocking - I kind of unrealistically expected these to go on forever. Worst case scenario (and by that I mean next best thing), Jill Shalvis gives us a new town full of hotties to drool over. :)
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
September 24, 2014
It’s funny, sassy, steamy and swoony. It’ll draw you in with the sexy, loveable and peculiar residents of the small town the story is developed in named Lucky Harbor.
This is my first Jill Shalvis novel and it certainly will not be my last. I loved the character development, the beautiful writing, the witty banter and most of all the touching story about learning to trust and love.
Becca Thorpe wants an escape from her life, and luckily finds herself in Lucky Harbor. She plans staying a short time there but after meeting “sexy grumpy surfer” dude, she may decide to stay longer.
Sam Brody had a rough childhood, but has thrived and carved a good life for himself where his livelihood is hardly a shore enabling him to do what he loves and mostly be alone. “His favorite state.” That is until tough-girl Becca barges in his man-cave, his life and his heart.
Their attraction is palpable. But Sam was careful with his emotions keeping people at arm’s length and Becca was cautious with her secrets and the past mess she left behind. They were both a bit broken but as they spend time together through their undefined relationship they find they also needed each other.
The only thing that irked me about their relationship is that after a night of hot passion, Becca starts to work for Sam, which prompts him to give her a choice: the job or him. She takes the job and ignores the ultimatum. While in each other’s lives the chemistry is unavoidable so they’re still touching, kissing, exchanging desire filled stares but no more. It bothers me that she’s so available to him that she enables him to hide from his emotions.
I was very pleased with Jill’s well accomplished romance writing, from the tough but sweet heroine, the "over protective sharp alpha,” to the rest of the story and characters which invite to know more of. I can’t wait to read about Sam’s business partners and friends.
* I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review from Netgalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
For more of my reviews and those of my best book buds, and updates
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This is my first Jill Shalvis novel and it certainly will not be my last. I loved the character development, the beautiful writing, the witty banter and most of all the touching story about learning to trust and love.
"I've had the words all my life and they meant nothing. I thought love was in the showing."
Becca Thorpe wants an escape from her life, and luckily finds herself in Lucky Harbor. She plans staying a short time there but after meeting “sexy grumpy surfer” dude, she may decide to stay longer.
"I think you're all hard crusted, on the outside but you don't scare me because I know the truth.”
“And what's that?”
“That on the inside you're soft and gooey."
Sam Brody had a rough childhood, but has thrived and carved a good life for himself where his livelihood is hardly a shore enabling him to do what he loves and mostly be alone. “His favorite state.” That is until tough-girl Becca barges in his man-cave, his life and his heart.
Their attraction is palpable. But Sam was careful with his emotions keeping people at arm’s length and Becca was cautious with her secrets and the past mess she left behind. They were both a bit broken but as they spend time together through their undefined relationship they find they also needed each other.
“He had a key to everything, including her heart."
The only thing that irked me about their relationship is that after a night of hot passion, Becca starts to work for Sam, which prompts him to give her a choice: the job or him. She takes the job and ignores the ultimatum. While in each other’s lives the chemistry is unavoidable so they’re still touching, kissing, exchanging desire filled stares but no more. It bothers me that she’s so available to him that she enables him to hide from his emotions.
“I want to date you, you big, stubborn lug. But you don't want to date me back. You have all these... Stupid rules."
“No, just the one and it's to protect you.”
I was very pleased with Jill’s well accomplished romance writing, from the tough but sweet heroine, the "over protective sharp alpha,” to the rest of the story and characters which invite to know more of. I can’t wait to read about Sam’s business partners and friends.
* I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review from Netgalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *
For more of my reviews and those of my best book buds, and updates
Visit our blog
Stalk us on FaceBook
As well as Twitter
August 29, 2014
I love Jill Shalvis's "Lucky Harbor and this latest installment -- a beginning to an end since book #12 will be the final book in this series -- is perfect for me in every way. My first reaction after I reached the ending was sighing and whispered, "sigh, this was perfect".
I was so in love with the characters! First, we have Becca Thorpe, a feisty and sweet heroine, whom despite her personal issues (fear of performing to strangers, a terrible past relationship, a job that wasn't as successful), but she never came to me as whiny and pitiful. Yes, she might keep Sam at arm's length sometimes, especially relates to her personal problems, but in other things, she's just a trooper! I loved how she tackles the challenge of being a waitress, then later taking care of the boys business, and much later, dealing with the kids and their music program. She is an admirable woman. I loved her so much.
Then Sam ... ah, Sexy Grumpy Surfer. He has that grumpy rather brooding but very protective kind of man, and I can't help from falling head over heels in love with him. From the moment he helps Becca with the spider, to dealing with his own father, to taking care of Becca when she finally opens up to him about her painful experience, to that FRICKIN' moment at the Summer Bash ... Sam just grabbed my heart and I was a goner.
I also loved this issue about 'saying about' and 'showing' love. Becca's family never really tell her "I love you" and for her, those words meant a lot. But for Sam, those words didn't mean anything. "Love you" often came with disappointment. For Sam, "love" means showing it in action rather than saying about it. Somehow I thought it was really engaging thing to read -- and of course it did bring that perfect grand-romantic moment and I wanted to paint little pinks hearts all over my Kindle.
It was a flawless kind of contemporary small-town romance for me, along with colorful and engaging secondary characters -- some that long-time readers of this series are familiar with -- complete with some funny, sexy, sizzling, heartwarming, wonderful, and most definitely ROMANTIC moments. I wanted to hug this book then to hug Ms. Shalvis for bringing such joy and contentment in my life simply by reading her words.
Now I couldn't wait to read the next story, even if it means I'm approaching the end.
December 29, 2024
Second reading: So here's the thing: Jill Shalvis and her 12 funny, sexy, steamy Lucky Harbor series has kept me sane in an insane time. As we "shelter in place" during this worldwide pandemic, it's been so nice to escape to a place with lots of hunky men, snarky conversation, and a wealth of HEAs! Thank you, Jill Shalvis!!!!
Totally trashy, way more steamy than I usually read, fun brain candy. I’m on a kind of challenging business trip and these silly, sexy, totally unrealistic love stories are keeping me happy and sane.
Lots of graphic sex and some profanity.
Totally trashy, way more steamy than I usually read, fun brain candy. I’m on a kind of challenging business trip and these silly, sexy, totally unrealistic love stories are keeping me happy and sane.
Lots of graphic sex and some profanity.
December 9, 2015
My thoughts/feelings while reading - Lots and lots of quotes included :)
0.0% Going away to Romania for a week tomorrow but hoping to start this on the plane :) I may be scarce while I'm away but I'll try n pop in when I can :) happy reading everyone :D
SO EXCITED TO START THIS LATER :D <3
7% Either way, he took in the fact that she was still there and that she was holding the cord to his planer and a single brow arched. Whether it was displeasure or disbelief was hard to tell. Probably, with that bad ’tude, not many messed with him. But she was exhausted, hungry, out of her element, and a little bit pissed off. Which made her just enough of a loose cannon to forget to be afraid.
These two seem interesting - I'm away atm so have like zero time to read but I feel like I'm going to enjoy this :D I'm probably going to save it to the journey back so I have time to appreciate it properly :) but we'll see what happens :)
9% The love ya was so rote that Sam wondered if Mark even realized he was saying it. Not that it mattered.
Oh poor Sam :( on the way home now so should have more time to read :D looking forward to properly meeting Sam n becca and getting their story - I think I'm gonna love it :D <3
10% I’ll keep that in mind,” Becca said, knowing she could and had handled just about anything a woman could face
???? I'm intrigued! The boys seem interesting as well do looking forward to their books :D
15% She’d been attracted before, of course, plenty of times, but it’d been a while since she’d taken the plunge. A long while. She hoped the water was nice, because she could feel the pull of it and knew she was going in.
Woo go becca! Really enjoying this - I'm starting to love the flirting between becca n Sam :D also loved seeing Jax again! :) <3
16% Just the thought brought the low, dull ache of his passing back as a fresh knife stab, and Sam drew a breath until it passed.
Oh poor Sam :( I think I'm gonna love him soon :D <3
19% Amelia was Cole’s mom. And in some ways, maybe the best of ways, she was also Sam’s.
Aww Amelia seems like an amazing woman n I love how Cole n Sam became best friends :)
21% Three, to be exact, one of whom had neatly sliced Cole’s heart in two.
Oh poor Cole! Looking forward to finding out more about that :D
22% She wasn’t being coy here, or searching for compliments the way women sometimes did. She was truly unable to bear the thought of him hearing her play.
Oh becca :'( I'm really enjoying this book - I'm exhausted but don't wanna put it down!
23% He lost his head a little bit then. Or maybe he’d lost it the moment he’d first laid eyes on her, he didn’t know. She made him so dizzy he couldn’t think straight.
I love that!! These two have some hot chemistry! <3
24% Another promise. She could have told him she didn’t believe in them, but there was something so absolute about his voice, something so sure in his eyes. >B
I have a very long train journey ahead of me n this book is going to be great company! I have a feeling I'm going to fall for these two sooner than later! :D
26% “You couldn’t disappoint me if you tried,” he said, and with that, he turned off the water, grabbed a towel, and dried her.
Oh becca :'( but Sam!!! <3 you're seriously amazing! <3 <3
27% He did that, she’d noticed, showed his appreciation in nonverbal ways. With his eyes. His slow, sexy smile. The sound he made deep in his throat when he-
I love that! I'm loving Sam! <3
28% Okay, yeah,” she finally said, “I can see why you might not like to live in the past.”
Hahaha I love that's Beccas only reaction! <3 <3
29% But as I already noted on my app, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say exactly where your business is located, or where I am.”
?? I'm so curious as to what Beccas hiding?!?!
31% You know what I think?” she asked. “I think you’re all hard-crusted on the outside, but you don’t scare me because I know the truth.” “And what’s that?” “That on the inside, you’re soft and gooey,” she said. “You’re wrong about the soft.” She gave a slow shake of her head. “It’s a compliment. There’s nothing wrong with soft. I’m soft.” “On the outside,” he agreed. “And I love it. But you’re pure steel on the inside. I love that, too.”
I totally LOVE these two! <3
33% But the thing was, this stranger was barely five feet tall, had blue-gray bristle for hair, matching blue-gray eyes gone filmy from age, and wore bright red lipstick. She also had more wrinkles than an uncooked chicken, and a harmless-looking smile that Becca didn’t buy for a minute.
LUCILLE! <3 <3
35% “You changed it,” Sam accused. Cole’s expression went innocent. Far too innocent. “Why would I do that?” “So I’d have to stay and train the newbie.”
Haha go Cole! <3 <3
38% The claustrophobia was relatively new, as far as her neuroses went, and even as she thought it and remembered what had caused it, the air was sucked from her lungs.
????? I seriously need to know Beccas past! What happened!?!?
39% Sam closed his eyes, took off his baseball cap, shoved his fingers through his hair, and then replaced the cap. Everything about him said big, bad, frustrated testosterone overload. She met his gaze. “You’re right,” he said. “We need a bigger hut.”
Hahahah I've definitely fallen for Sam! <3 <3 (and becca - they're amazing n I can't wait to read the rest of their story!)
41% And also, keep in mind that what I just saw going on in here is blackmail material, so make it good, sweetheart. Real good. Sort-of mom?” There were few people who’d ever gone out on a limb for Sam, and he didn’t even need the fingers of one hand to count them. Amelia was one. “How about you were the only mom I ever had?” he asked. “Oh.” Her beautiful blue eyes filled, and she sniffed as she stepped toward him, her arms outstretched. “Oh, Sam, you’re so sweet.”
I totally love amelia! <3
43% He was a lot of things. Gut sick. Angry. Furious, even. And afraid. One thing he was not was okay. Shoving free of the desk, he dislodged her hand, picked up the snowman on his desk, and chucked it across the room. It shattered on the far wall.
Oh Sam :'(
45% Bullshit. He could feel her. He didn’t care how crazy that made him, it was true. He knocked again, just once, softly. “Not going away, Becca.”
Aww Sam!!! <3 I totally love these two! <3
47% The next morning, when he’d come in for coffee, she’d searched his calm, even, handsome features for some sign that he was walking her home every night, but he gave her nothing. So she kept it to herself. Because she knew what he was doing. He was just trying to give her back something he thought she was missing—her music.
Oh my god! SAM! why is same so god damn perfect - I have definitely fallen head over heels for him! <3
48% Dr. Josh Scott
<3 I love seeing glimpses of these amazing characters - I LOVE LUCKY HARBOUR!
49% And a radio-silent Jase was never a good thing. Anxiety kept her up all night, watching the moonbeams dance across her walls. At dawn, she forced her concerns out of her head and went to work
Oh poor becca - I've never met her parents but from what we've learnt I don't like them :'( I hope we learn more about what happened! <3 I'm loving this! <3 so so much!
51% You know what you are, Sam Brody?” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck. “A big, fat tease.”
I love these two together - I love finding out more about each of them n I love the friendship that's building between them - can't wait to see them give in to the chemistry again! :D <3
53% She’s spooked,” he said in a low-pitched voice. “But she won’t let me get close enough to touch her. I don’t know what’s up. I don’t think it’s good, bro.”
???? Oh becca! What happened to you?!?!
57% Olivia’s smile reminded Becca that her new friend still had lots of secrets
I'm looking forward to Olivia's book - I'm assuming she has one with tanner or Cole? I'm hoping so anyway! :D
59% Stop me,” he said. “No.” Sam groaned. “If I have to be the strong one here, we’re in trouble.” “So don’t be the strong one.” She paused, and remembered. “When!” she yelled. “When, when, when!” “You,” he said, backing away, “are a menace to my self-control.” “Why the self-control at all? Forget the self-control! I just said When. That was our code word.”
I totally LOVE these two! <3
60% It was Sam’s turn to sigh as he fished out his truck keys. Mark grinned. “Thanks. Love ya.
-_- I don't really like Sams dad -_-
61% Tell me in English, Becca.” “All right,” she said, nose-to-nose with him, toe-to-toe. “I want to date you, you big, stubborn lug. But you don’t want to date me back. You have all these. . .” She waved a hand. “Stupid rules.”
I LOVE that becca didn't beat around the bush and just laid it out there! :D <3 <3
63% Cole had the patience of a saint, and a very long fuse to a nearly nonexistent temper. But one thing that pissed him off was whenever Sam brought up that they weren’t really family. Cole was Amelia’s son through and through.
Okay I love that both Cole n amelia won't let Sam get away with saying they're not actually family! <3 <3
66% Hold on,” he said. “For what?” she asked breathlessly. “The ride.” And then, still holding her to the wall, he kissed her.
Finally! I love that Sam just can't resist anymore! <3 <3
67% But it was the need that reached her. Need wasn’t the same thing as desire. It was even more awe inspiring. This big, tough, self-made man needed her. And in a very scary way, she felt the same.
Totally love these two! <3 <3
69% She stared at him. “That’s it? That’s the wisdom you’re going to impart?” Becca said. “Keep breathing?” “And don’t sweat the small stuff,” he said. “Both good bits of advice.”
Okay maybe marks not as bad a I thought - he's just made mistakes that he doesn't know how to fix! :) <3
73% I’m sorry,” Jase whispered, but it wasn’t enough; it didn’t change Becca’s expression. If anything, it made it worse. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you after. . .Nathan—” Becca snapped upright, eyes glossy. “Stop.”
?!? I hope what I'm thinking happened didnt! :'(
75% She shook her head. She wasn’t sure he understood. “I tried to tell my parents what had happened
:'( I thought that the whole book but just really really wanted to be wrong! :'( I don't like her parents -_-
76% Oh shit! I did not expect that! :/
77% Sam gave a single nod, and when Becca stared at him, his eyes smiled. Not his mouth, just his eyes. She didn’t know exactly what to make of that, but, definitely feeling a warm fuzzy,
Definitely - I LOVE SAM (AND BECCA) SO FUCKING MUCH!!
78% Becca gave up staring into her water like it held the secrets of life and looked at Sam. “What did you say to them?” “Don’t be upset with him,” Evelyn said. “Everything he said was true. Painful to hear, but true
Okay now I love Sam even more!! <3 <3 <3
81% “But the one thing you never risk is your emotions. You hold them close to the vest,” Cole said. “I think it’s because you’re afraid they’ll be taken away. You’re too stubborn to realize otherwise, and now after listening to your conversation with Becca, I think you’re also a little bit stupid as well.”
Go Cole! You tell him! Becca n Sam are hurting my heart :'(
82% Realizing he was indeed mostly in one piece, she tilted her head to Sam’s. “What the hell?”
Oh Sam! I love why you did that but I hope becca understands n doesn't lose her shit!
83% I. . .need your help.” He clutched at her hands and held her gaze in his own red-rimmed one. “This one last time, Becca. Please.” At his words, the years fell away.
Oh jase what the fuck have you done?! :(
85% “Maybe things change,” Mark said to Amelia. “Maybe people change.” The words hit Sam. They were close to what Becca had said to him. He stared at his father. “What did you just say?”
Aww okay maybe mark isn't that bad! <3
86% It’s all going to be okay. Assuming you don’t do anything stupid.” “Wait—me?” Sam asked. “You,” Mark said. Sam pointed at them. “You’ve lost it. Both of you, cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.” “Like I said,” Mark muttered to Amelia. “Work in progress.”
Aww I love that conversation and mark and amelia! They're awesome! <3
88% I want you to trust me to help,” he said. “Trust me to fix the bash for you. And then after, I fix us,” he said, voice low. Determined. Still fierce.
Aww sam!!! I love these two so fucking much n I can't stop highlighting!!!! <3 <3
90% I hold people at a distance, I know it. I do it because I also know that anyone or anything can be ripped away from you at any time. But you, Becca. . .” He shook his head. “I can’t—you’re in, babe. You’re past my walls, past my defenses. If I have to deal with that, so do you.” The crowd was still cheering as she stared up at him. “What are you saying?” He got serious. Very serious, very intent, his eyes focused on hers. “It means I’m in love with you.” He slid his thumb over her jaw in a gesture so sweetly powerful that she had to close her eyes at the sensation. “It means I love you so fucking much I ache with it. All the time. It means I want you to stay here in Lucky Harbor and be with me for as long as you’ll have me, which I’m hoping is a damn long time because I’ve carved out a damn fine life for myself and I want you in it. All the way in it.”
Awwwwww! Sam! Becca!!! So goddamn perfect - I can't put this book down!! <3 <3
91% Tanner wrapped his other arm around Mark’s neck and muzzled him as well.
Hahahahah good plan tanner! I LOVE THIS! <3
100% This book just kept getting better and better! <3 I couldn't stop highlighting!
I was going to have an early night n read a chapter before bed but it's now 1.30 am n I have a finished book! I just couldn't put it down! <3 jill Shalvis did it again - I love lucky Harbour and have no idea why I left it so long to read this! Hopefully starting the next one tomorrow!"
0.0% Going away to Romania for a week tomorrow but hoping to start this on the plane :) I may be scarce while I'm away but I'll try n pop in when I can :) happy reading everyone :D
SO EXCITED TO START THIS LATER :D <3
7% Either way, he took in the fact that she was still there and that she was holding the cord to his planer and a single brow arched. Whether it was displeasure or disbelief was hard to tell. Probably, with that bad ’tude, not many messed with him. But she was exhausted, hungry, out of her element, and a little bit pissed off. Which made her just enough of a loose cannon to forget to be afraid.
These two seem interesting - I'm away atm so have like zero time to read but I feel like I'm going to enjoy this :D I'm probably going to save it to the journey back so I have time to appreciate it properly :) but we'll see what happens :)
9% The love ya was so rote that Sam wondered if Mark even realized he was saying it. Not that it mattered.
Oh poor Sam :( on the way home now so should have more time to read :D looking forward to properly meeting Sam n becca and getting their story - I think I'm gonna love it :D <3
10% I’ll keep that in mind,” Becca said, knowing she could and had handled just about anything a woman could face
???? I'm intrigued! The boys seem interesting as well do looking forward to their books :D
15% She’d been attracted before, of course, plenty of times, but it’d been a while since she’d taken the plunge. A long while. She hoped the water was nice, because she could feel the pull of it and knew she was going in.
Woo go becca! Really enjoying this - I'm starting to love the flirting between becca n Sam :D also loved seeing Jax again! :) <3
16% Just the thought brought the low, dull ache of his passing back as a fresh knife stab, and Sam drew a breath until it passed.
Oh poor Sam :( I think I'm gonna love him soon :D <3
19% Amelia was Cole’s mom. And in some ways, maybe the best of ways, she was also Sam’s.
Aww Amelia seems like an amazing woman n I love how Cole n Sam became best friends :)
21% Three, to be exact, one of whom had neatly sliced Cole’s heart in two.
Oh poor Cole! Looking forward to finding out more about that :D
22% She wasn’t being coy here, or searching for compliments the way women sometimes did. She was truly unable to bear the thought of him hearing her play.
Oh becca :'( I'm really enjoying this book - I'm exhausted but don't wanna put it down!
23% He lost his head a little bit then. Or maybe he’d lost it the moment he’d first laid eyes on her, he didn’t know. She made him so dizzy he couldn’t think straight.
I love that!! These two have some hot chemistry! <3
24% Another promise. She could have told him she didn’t believe in them, but there was something so absolute about his voice, something so sure in his eyes. >B
I have a very long train journey ahead of me n this book is going to be great company! I have a feeling I'm going to fall for these two sooner than later! :D
26% “You couldn’t disappoint me if you tried,” he said, and with that, he turned off the water, grabbed a towel, and dried her.
Oh becca :'( but Sam!!! <3 you're seriously amazing! <3 <3
27% He did that, she’d noticed, showed his appreciation in nonverbal ways. With his eyes. His slow, sexy smile. The sound he made deep in his throat when he-
I love that! I'm loving Sam! <3
28% Okay, yeah,” she finally said, “I can see why you might not like to live in the past.”
Hahaha I love that's Beccas only reaction! <3 <3
29% But as I already noted on my app, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say exactly where your business is located, or where I am.”
?? I'm so curious as to what Beccas hiding?!?!
31% You know what I think?” she asked. “I think you’re all hard-crusted on the outside, but you don’t scare me because I know the truth.” “And what’s that?” “That on the inside, you’re soft and gooey,” she said. “You’re wrong about the soft.” She gave a slow shake of her head. “It’s a compliment. There’s nothing wrong with soft. I’m soft.” “On the outside,” he agreed. “And I love it. But you’re pure steel on the inside. I love that, too.”
I totally LOVE these two! <3
33% But the thing was, this stranger was barely five feet tall, had blue-gray bristle for hair, matching blue-gray eyes gone filmy from age, and wore bright red lipstick. She also had more wrinkles than an uncooked chicken, and a harmless-looking smile that Becca didn’t buy for a minute.
LUCILLE! <3 <3
35% “You changed it,” Sam accused. Cole’s expression went innocent. Far too innocent. “Why would I do that?” “So I’d have to stay and train the newbie.”
Haha go Cole! <3 <3
38% The claustrophobia was relatively new, as far as her neuroses went, and even as she thought it and remembered what had caused it, the air was sucked from her lungs.
????? I seriously need to know Beccas past! What happened!?!?
39% Sam closed his eyes, took off his baseball cap, shoved his fingers through his hair, and then replaced the cap. Everything about him said big, bad, frustrated testosterone overload. She met his gaze. “You’re right,” he said. “We need a bigger hut.”
Hahahah I've definitely fallen for Sam! <3 <3 (and becca - they're amazing n I can't wait to read the rest of their story!)
41% And also, keep in mind that what I just saw going on in here is blackmail material, so make it good, sweetheart. Real good. Sort-of mom?” There were few people who’d ever gone out on a limb for Sam, and he didn’t even need the fingers of one hand to count them. Amelia was one. “How about you were the only mom I ever had?” he asked. “Oh.” Her beautiful blue eyes filled, and she sniffed as she stepped toward him, her arms outstretched. “Oh, Sam, you’re so sweet.”
I totally love amelia! <3
43% He was a lot of things. Gut sick. Angry. Furious, even. And afraid. One thing he was not was okay. Shoving free of the desk, he dislodged her hand, picked up the snowman on his desk, and chucked it across the room. It shattered on the far wall.
Oh Sam :'(
45% Bullshit. He could feel her. He didn’t care how crazy that made him, it was true. He knocked again, just once, softly. “Not going away, Becca.”
Aww Sam!!! <3 I totally love these two! <3
47% The next morning, when he’d come in for coffee, she’d searched his calm, even, handsome features for some sign that he was walking her home every night, but he gave her nothing. So she kept it to herself. Because she knew what he was doing. He was just trying to give her back something he thought she was missing—her music.
Oh my god! SAM! why is same so god damn perfect - I have definitely fallen head over heels for him! <3
48% Dr. Josh Scott
<3 I love seeing glimpses of these amazing characters - I LOVE LUCKY HARBOUR!
49% And a radio-silent Jase was never a good thing. Anxiety kept her up all night, watching the moonbeams dance across her walls. At dawn, she forced her concerns out of her head and went to work
Oh poor becca - I've never met her parents but from what we've learnt I don't like them :'( I hope we learn more about what happened! <3 I'm loving this! <3 so so much!
51% You know what you are, Sam Brody?” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck. “A big, fat tease.”
I love these two together - I love finding out more about each of them n I love the friendship that's building between them - can't wait to see them give in to the chemistry again! :D <3
53% She’s spooked,” he said in a low-pitched voice. “But she won’t let me get close enough to touch her. I don’t know what’s up. I don’t think it’s good, bro.”
???? Oh becca! What happened to you?!?!
57% Olivia’s smile reminded Becca that her new friend still had lots of secrets
I'm looking forward to Olivia's book - I'm assuming she has one with tanner or Cole? I'm hoping so anyway! :D
59% Stop me,” he said. “No.” Sam groaned. “If I have to be the strong one here, we’re in trouble.” “So don’t be the strong one.” She paused, and remembered. “When!” she yelled. “When, when, when!” “You,” he said, backing away, “are a menace to my self-control.” “Why the self-control at all? Forget the self-control! I just said When. That was our code word.”
I totally LOVE these two! <3
60% It was Sam’s turn to sigh as he fished out his truck keys. Mark grinned. “Thanks. Love ya.
-_- I don't really like Sams dad -_-
61% Tell me in English, Becca.” “All right,” she said, nose-to-nose with him, toe-to-toe. “I want to date you, you big, stubborn lug. But you don’t want to date me back. You have all these. . .” She waved a hand. “Stupid rules.”
I LOVE that becca didn't beat around the bush and just laid it out there! :D <3 <3
63% Cole had the patience of a saint, and a very long fuse to a nearly nonexistent temper. But one thing that pissed him off was whenever Sam brought up that they weren’t really family. Cole was Amelia’s son through and through.
Okay I love that both Cole n amelia won't let Sam get away with saying they're not actually family! <3 <3
66% Hold on,” he said. “For what?” she asked breathlessly. “The ride.” And then, still holding her to the wall, he kissed her.
Finally! I love that Sam just can't resist anymore! <3 <3
67% But it was the need that reached her. Need wasn’t the same thing as desire. It was even more awe inspiring. This big, tough, self-made man needed her. And in a very scary way, she felt the same.
Totally love these two! <3 <3
69% She stared at him. “That’s it? That’s the wisdom you’re going to impart?” Becca said. “Keep breathing?” “And don’t sweat the small stuff,” he said. “Both good bits of advice.”
Okay maybe marks not as bad a I thought - he's just made mistakes that he doesn't know how to fix! :) <3
73% I’m sorry,” Jase whispered, but it wasn’t enough; it didn’t change Becca’s expression. If anything, it made it worse. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you after. . .Nathan—” Becca snapped upright, eyes glossy. “Stop.”
?!? I hope what I'm thinking happened didnt! :'(
75% She shook her head. She wasn’t sure he understood. “I tried to tell my parents what had happened
:'( I thought that the whole book but just really really wanted to be wrong! :'( I don't like her parents -_-
76% Oh shit! I did not expect that! :/
77% Sam gave a single nod, and when Becca stared at him, his eyes smiled. Not his mouth, just his eyes. She didn’t know exactly what to make of that, but, definitely feeling a warm fuzzy,
Definitely - I LOVE SAM (AND BECCA) SO FUCKING MUCH!!
78% Becca gave up staring into her water like it held the secrets of life and looked at Sam. “What did you say to them?” “Don’t be upset with him,” Evelyn said. “Everything he said was true. Painful to hear, but true
Okay now I love Sam even more!! <3 <3 <3
81% “But the one thing you never risk is your emotions. You hold them close to the vest,” Cole said. “I think it’s because you’re afraid they’ll be taken away. You’re too stubborn to realize otherwise, and now after listening to your conversation with Becca, I think you’re also a little bit stupid as well.”
Go Cole! You tell him! Becca n Sam are hurting my heart :'(
82% Realizing he was indeed mostly in one piece, she tilted her head to Sam’s. “What the hell?”
Oh Sam! I love why you did that but I hope becca understands n doesn't lose her shit!
83% I. . .need your help.” He clutched at her hands and held her gaze in his own red-rimmed one. “This one last time, Becca. Please.” At his words, the years fell away.
Oh jase what the fuck have you done?! :(
85% “Maybe things change,” Mark said to Amelia. “Maybe people change.” The words hit Sam. They were close to what Becca had said to him. He stared at his father. “What did you just say?”
Aww okay maybe mark isn't that bad! <3
86% It’s all going to be okay. Assuming you don’t do anything stupid.” “Wait—me?” Sam asked. “You,” Mark said. Sam pointed at them. “You’ve lost it. Both of you, cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.” “Like I said,” Mark muttered to Amelia. “Work in progress.”
Aww I love that conversation and mark and amelia! They're awesome! <3
88% I want you to trust me to help,” he said. “Trust me to fix the bash for you. And then after, I fix us,” he said, voice low. Determined. Still fierce.
Aww sam!!! I love these two so fucking much n I can't stop highlighting!!!! <3 <3
90% I hold people at a distance, I know it. I do it because I also know that anyone or anything can be ripped away from you at any time. But you, Becca. . .” He shook his head. “I can’t—you’re in, babe. You’re past my walls, past my defenses. If I have to deal with that, so do you.” The crowd was still cheering as she stared up at him. “What are you saying?” He got serious. Very serious, very intent, his eyes focused on hers. “It means I’m in love with you.” He slid his thumb over her jaw in a gesture so sweetly powerful that she had to close her eyes at the sensation. “It means I love you so fucking much I ache with it. All the time. It means I want you to stay here in Lucky Harbor and be with me for as long as you’ll have me, which I’m hoping is a damn long time because I’ve carved out a damn fine life for myself and I want you in it. All the way in it.”
Awwwwww! Sam! Becca!!! So goddamn perfect - I can't put this book down!! <3 <3
91% Tanner wrapped his other arm around Mark’s neck and muzzled him as well.
Hahahahah good plan tanner! I LOVE THIS! <3
100% This book just kept getting better and better! <3 I couldn't stop highlighting!
I was going to have an early night n read a chapter before bed but it's now 1.30 am n I have a finished book! I just couldn't put it down! <3 jill Shalvis did it again - I love lucky Harbour and have no idea why I left it so long to read this! Hopefully starting the next one tomorrow!"
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July 2, 2014
07/01/2014 --
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character Development = 3.5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3.5 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$8.00 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
368 pages
I really enjoy this author. I think I've read 90% of her books. This isn't the best book she'd written or the best book in this series, but I enjoyed it.
I recommend any book by Jill Shalvis. She is consistent with enjoyable characters. Even her average story is better than most other chick-lit books you may read.
Happy Reading!
ARC provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
Overall Rating = 3 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 3 / 3 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 3 Stars
Character Development = 3.5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 3.5 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$8.00 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
368 pages
I really enjoy this author. I think I've read 90% of her books. This isn't the best book she'd written or the best book in this series, but I enjoyed it.
I recommend any book by Jill Shalvis. She is consistent with enjoyable characters. Even her average story is better than most other chick-lit books you may read.
Happy Reading!
ARC provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
January 15, 2020
“Always for you,” Sam said, and, ignoring their avid audience, he bent her over his arm and kissed her, a long, slow, deep one that meant business. It was there in his kiss how much he loved her, and it had been all along.
May 19, 2020
Be warned, this review has some minor spoilers.
I'm very sad to only give this book a two star rating. I usually enjoy this author's books for what they are -- light romances with (usually) engaging characters, humorous moments, and some hot monkey sex thrown in for good measure in most of them. But this book was just disappointing on so many levels.
Becca and Sam meet and despite her obviously skittish behavior (which anyone with a brain can guess the reason for as the book progresses) and her internal protestations against it, she pretty much jumps right into bed with a stranger she knows nothing about. Okay, I can get past that. But then the majority of the book has Sam alternating between wanting to keep their work and sex life separate (so, of course, they can't sleep together if she's working at his place of business) and then spending every possible moment jumping each other's bones when his self-imposed propriety goes out the window. :::eye roll:::
I will give points to the character of Sam because throughout the book he is a pretty decent guy to Becca and obviously cares about her. So towards the end of the book when the old cliche of him panicking when Becca utters the L word and his inability to reciprocate was just soooo disappointing and really negated all the nice and caring things he had done for her.
I felt Becca was very much an inconsistent character whose behavior was also very inconsistent. One minute she's barely able to handle something and in the next scene she's taking control of everything and everyone. Based on her own past, I found the way she reacted to and treated Sam's father totally unbelievable. The guy was pretty much a dick to his son for his entire life, but she's going to treat him like he's a wounded puppy and try to push Sam towards a relationship with him? Yeah, I found that plot point very difficult to swallow. On the other hand, up to the ridiculous "I can't say the word love" scene, I found the character of Sam to be a very solid and believable one.
This was one book by Jill Shalvis where I just didn't feel the connection between the characters. Yes, they had sex a lot, but at no point in the book did it "click" for this reader that there were emotions for each other behind the sex. Yes, Sam did a lot of nice things for Becca to show he cared, but it still didn't give me the vibe of an actual relationship between two people.
So, unfortunately, I was not as happy with this book as I have been with others in this series. This, of course, will not prevent me from continuing to read others from Jill Shalvis. On to the next one!
I'm very sad to only give this book a two star rating. I usually enjoy this author's books for what they are -- light romances with (usually) engaging characters, humorous moments, and some hot monkey sex thrown in for good measure in most of them. But this book was just disappointing on so many levels.
Becca and Sam meet and despite her obviously skittish behavior (which anyone with a brain can guess the reason for as the book progresses) and her internal protestations against it, she pretty much jumps right into bed with a stranger she knows nothing about. Okay, I can get past that. But then the majority of the book has Sam alternating between wanting to keep their work and sex life separate (so, of course, they can't sleep together if she's working at his place of business) and then spending every possible moment jumping each other's bones when his self-imposed propriety goes out the window. :::eye roll:::
I will give points to the character of Sam because throughout the book he is a pretty decent guy to Becca and obviously cares about her. So towards the end of the book when the old cliche of him panicking when Becca utters the L word and his inability to reciprocate was just soooo disappointing and really negated all the nice and caring things he had done for her.
I felt Becca was very much an inconsistent character whose behavior was also very inconsistent. One minute she's barely able to handle something and in the next scene she's taking control of everything and everyone. Based on her own past, I found the way she reacted to and treated Sam's father totally unbelievable. The guy was pretty much a dick to his son for his entire life, but she's going to treat him like he's a wounded puppy and try to push Sam towards a relationship with him? Yeah, I found that plot point very difficult to swallow. On the other hand, up to the ridiculous "I can't say the word love" scene, I found the character of Sam to be a very solid and believable one.
This was one book by Jill Shalvis where I just didn't feel the connection between the characters. Yes, they had sex a lot, but at no point in the book did it "click" for this reader that there were emotions for each other behind the sex. Yes, Sam did a lot of nice things for Becca to show he cared, but it still didn't give me the vibe of an actual relationship between two people.
So, unfortunately, I was not as happy with this book as I have been with others in this series. This, of course, will not prevent me from continuing to read others from Jill Shalvis. On to the next one!
February 3, 2015
Becca Thorpe is running away and starting a new life for herself. After constant pressure for her family to support, more like an anchor, for her brother who is a talented piano player she cant take anymore. She has been through the worst and now she needs to find her own happiness.
Sam Brody is a talented boatbuilder, he has his own issues when it comes to family and the L word. When he meets Becca he sees her as a possible summer fling, she even says she is there for pit stop. However you should never take Becca literal and she is falling hard for Sam and believes it is mutual, but is it.
Full review on Single TItles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10428
Sam Brody is a talented boatbuilder, he has his own issues when it comes to family and the L word. When he meets Becca he sees her as a possible summer fling, she even says she is there for pit stop. However you should never take Becca literal and she is falling hard for Sam and believes it is mutual, but is it.
Full review on Single TItles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10428
January 25, 2015
Ooph, so cute. I really like this series! May be my favorite contemporary romance series ever....
January 20, 2015
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
It's in His Kiss is the 10th book of the Lucky Harbor series and the first book of the beginning of the end. The last 3 books of the Lucky Harbor series revolves around the 3 best friends who own the Lucky Harbor Charter company. These 3 friends forged an unbreakable bond through hard work and loss while working oil rigs together. Sam, Tanner, Cole and Gil had a dream to open a charter business just as soon as they saved up enough money. Then the unthinkable happened. There was a fire on the oil rig and it took Gil's life. After the smoke cleared and some time for healing passed Sam, Tanner, and Cole made their dream come true and vowed to keep Gil alive if only in spirit.
Sam Brody is the guy that takes care of all of those around him. He's invested their money, has meetings to keep the partner's up to date and even plays the parent to his mostly absentee father. He takes life so serious his 2 best friends refer to him as Grandma. When Becca moves in he tries to stay aloof and keep his distance, but it doesn't take long for his protective nature to kick in. Although, Becca brings out more than his protective instincts. The attraction he feels for her is impossible to ignore for very long.
Becca Thorpe was an aspiring musician when her world came crashing down around her. To those around her Becca's true worth was in her ability to take care of her brother, the real star. It got to the point where Becca couldn't take it anymore and she left it all. She's now the newest resident of Lucky Harbor and trying to find herself in the small seaside town. If the eye-candy better known as the owners of Lucky Harbor Charter is anything to go by things could be looking up. That is until she meets Sam whom she has dubbed sexy grumpy surfer.
I found myself laughing out loud several times. Becca was hilarious in all of the clumsy little things she did. I loved Sam so much! Even though he was basically abandoned by his dad he was still there for him when needed. Sam was an all-around great guy that just needed to relax a little and do something for himself. I loved how the 3 friends ragged each other and had a bond that some brothers would envy.
Jill Shalvis is the master at character development. You not only love her primary characters. The secondary characters make you beg for more and don't get me started on the peripheral characters. This town is a goldmine of quirky personalities and stories just begging to be told. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series while dreading the final page.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
It's in His Kiss is the 10th book of the Lucky Harbor series and the first book of the beginning of the end. The last 3 books of the Lucky Harbor series revolves around the 3 best friends who own the Lucky Harbor Charter company. These 3 friends forged an unbreakable bond through hard work and loss while working oil rigs together. Sam, Tanner, Cole and Gil had a dream to open a charter business just as soon as they saved up enough money. Then the unthinkable happened. There was a fire on the oil rig and it took Gil's life. After the smoke cleared and some time for healing passed Sam, Tanner, and Cole made their dream come true and vowed to keep Gil alive if only in spirit.
Sam Brody is the guy that takes care of all of those around him. He's invested their money, has meetings to keep the partner's up to date and even plays the parent to his mostly absentee father. He takes life so serious his 2 best friends refer to him as Grandma. When Becca moves in he tries to stay aloof and keep his distance, but it doesn't take long for his protective nature to kick in. Although, Becca brings out more than his protective instincts. The attraction he feels for her is impossible to ignore for very long.
Becca Thorpe was an aspiring musician when her world came crashing down around her. To those around her Becca's true worth was in her ability to take care of her brother, the real star. It got to the point where Becca couldn't take it anymore and she left it all. She's now the newest resident of Lucky Harbor and trying to find herself in the small seaside town. If the eye-candy better known as the owners of Lucky Harbor Charter is anything to go by things could be looking up. That is until she meets Sam whom she has dubbed sexy grumpy surfer.
I found myself laughing out loud several times. Becca was hilarious in all of the clumsy little things she did. I loved Sam so much! Even though he was basically abandoned by his dad he was still there for him when needed. Sam was an all-around great guy that just needed to relax a little and do something for himself. I loved how the 3 friends ragged each other and had a bond that some brothers would envy.
Jill Shalvis is the master at character development. You not only love her primary characters. The secondary characters make you beg for more and don't get me started on the peripheral characters. This town is a goldmine of quirky personalities and stories just begging to be told. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books in this series while dreading the final page.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
July 18, 2014
Thank you so much to the publisher for a review copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ahhhhhhhh! Jill Shalvis and Lucky Harbor are on top of my list for favorite romance novel authors/series. Hands down, my FAVORITE romance series. I love "revisiting" Lucky Harbor in these novels, and somehow, Jill Shalvis keeps the stories fresh and interesting and fun and totally swoony. For me, it's a perfect escape to happy. These novels have heart and they make me smile.
So, IT'S IN HIS KISS (the 01th Lucky Harbor novel) did exactly what I hoped for: made my heart ache for Becca and Sam, both wounded people who figure out not only how to take care and protect each other, but how to love one another. Their chemistry is thicker than air and it's definitely satisfying to see two broken people find a way to mend each other with kindness, respect, love, and friendship.
I liked the balance with Becca's messed up family and Sam's messed up family. They're the type of families that people can relate to, and the fact that Sam sticks up for Becca and Becca sticks up for Sam shows that they give each other the strength and support they need.
The fact that Becca struggles with her passion for music and the panic it brings out when she has an audience was something I think many people can relate to, whether it's standing in front of a group to give a speech or feeling vulnerable after doing something embarrassing in public. For Sam, he has his issues that are relatable too. Words and actions need to match. If you say I love you, it better means something. It's never really meant anything until Becca. Whether you've had love all your life or are still struggling to find it, the message of words and actions matching is a powerful one. I definitely subscribe to it!
Romance lovers, if you haven't read a Lucky Harbor Series novel, then you are missing out! These are the best and I have a shelf of them! Considering how much I read, that means everything. I only buy books that I want to revisit like an old friend. For me, this series does it.
Ahhhhhhhh! Jill Shalvis and Lucky Harbor are on top of my list for favorite romance novel authors/series. Hands down, my FAVORITE romance series. I love "revisiting" Lucky Harbor in these novels, and somehow, Jill Shalvis keeps the stories fresh and interesting and fun and totally swoony. For me, it's a perfect escape to happy. These novels have heart and they make me smile.
So, IT'S IN HIS KISS (the 01th Lucky Harbor novel) did exactly what I hoped for: made my heart ache for Becca and Sam, both wounded people who figure out not only how to take care and protect each other, but how to love one another. Their chemistry is thicker than air and it's definitely satisfying to see two broken people find a way to mend each other with kindness, respect, love, and friendship.
I liked the balance with Becca's messed up family and Sam's messed up family. They're the type of families that people can relate to, and the fact that Sam sticks up for Becca and Becca sticks up for Sam shows that they give each other the strength and support they need.
The fact that Becca struggles with her passion for music and the panic it brings out when she has an audience was something I think many people can relate to, whether it's standing in front of a group to give a speech or feeling vulnerable after doing something embarrassing in public. For Sam, he has his issues that are relatable too. Words and actions need to match. If you say I love you, it better means something. It's never really meant anything until Becca. Whether you've had love all your life or are still struggling to find it, the message of words and actions matching is a powerful one. I definitely subscribe to it!
Romance lovers, if you haven't read a Lucky Harbor Series novel, then you are missing out! These are the best and I have a shelf of them! Considering how much I read, that means everything. I only buy books that I want to revisit like an old friend. For me, this series does it.
July 18, 2014
Imagine my surprise to open my mailbox the other day (after a really crappy day at the office), and find a mystery envelope. And then to open it to find an ARC of It's in His Kiss. How can anyone's day get a better boost than to find a new story from our favorite little seaside village, Lucky Harbor? By saying to heck with everything else and sitting down and reading said book, of course.
Without spoiling the story, this is the first of a new trilogy with three very hot guys (is there anything else in Lucky Harbor???) who run a boat charter and the woman who first meets our hero Sam while sitting on the beach, talking to herself.
This new story had me laughing from the first paragraph. And all the way through. Becca (our heroine) and Sam both have their issues, mostly family driven ones. And those issues threaten to keep them from finding what everyone else in Lucky Harbor, including Lucille and her Sexy Guys of Lucky Harbor Pinterst page (seriously, someone send me the link!!), already know- that Becca will be the undoing of Sam, one way or the other. It's not enough she lives right by the business, where they catch her peeping on them while they are out on the boat or surfing and looking hot, but ends up getting hired by the guys to organize them!! And Sam thinks he can keep it all business? Yeah. Ok. Keep telling yourself that big guy.
This book was a delight, as always, and although it's been said that this is the last Lucky Harbor trilogy, maybe we can convince more hot guys and great women to land in town and keep Lucille busy.
The long and the short of it is, it's a great story. It made me laugh, a lot, especially when I really needed it. Oh, and she made me cry. Damn you. (Plus the bonus chapter of He's So Fine, the next book, didn't hurt either).
Without spoiling the story, this is the first of a new trilogy with three very hot guys (is there anything else in Lucky Harbor???) who run a boat charter and the woman who first meets our hero Sam while sitting on the beach, talking to herself.
This new story had me laughing from the first paragraph. And all the way through. Becca (our heroine) and Sam both have their issues, mostly family driven ones. And those issues threaten to keep them from finding what everyone else in Lucky Harbor, including Lucille and her Sexy Guys of Lucky Harbor Pinterst page (seriously, someone send me the link!!), already know- that Becca will be the undoing of Sam, one way or the other. It's not enough she lives right by the business, where they catch her peeping on them while they are out on the boat or surfing and looking hot, but ends up getting hired by the guys to organize them!! And Sam thinks he can keep it all business? Yeah. Ok. Keep telling yourself that big guy.
This book was a delight, as always, and although it's been said that this is the last Lucky Harbor trilogy, maybe we can convince more hot guys and great women to land in town and keep Lucille busy.
The long and the short of it is, it's a great story. It made me laugh, a lot, especially when I really needed it. Oh, and she made me cry. Damn you. (Plus the bonus chapter of He's So Fine, the next book, didn't hurt either).
August 25, 2016
A major letdown
Maybe my expectations both regards coming back to this series and to Sam as a lead character were too high, but they certainly were unfulfilled.
Sam had an interesting potential but wasn't completely developed as he could have been. His conflicts with his father, and the oil thrown on it by his foster mother, were solved a bit too easily. Anyway Sam wasn't the major problem in this series. Just his taste in woman!
Honestly I didn't really understand what he saw in Becca and how he could fall in love with someone who would avoid any personal conversation all the time and never provide any information regards her past and her issues. Several times, he opened to her and that obviously wasn't easy or usual for him, but she never reciprocated in any way. Never ever.
And when the reality of her past was disclosed, I was stunned. I had expected worse as in a more long-lasting problem . The resolution of that past problem gave me the impression it was too easy to seem true.
A real disappointment and frankly I wouldn't bet much on the longevity of that relationship, considering the heroine's inability to talk to her intended.
Maybe my expectations both regards coming back to this series and to Sam as a lead character were too high, but they certainly were unfulfilled.
Sam had an interesting potential but wasn't completely developed as he could have been. His conflicts with his father, and the oil thrown on it by his foster mother, were solved a bit too easily. Anyway Sam wasn't the major problem in this series. Just his taste in woman!
Honestly I didn't really understand what he saw in Becca and how he could fall in love with someone who would avoid any personal conversation all the time and never provide any information regards her past and her issues. Several times, he opened to her and that obviously wasn't easy or usual for him, but she never reciprocated in any way. Never ever.
And when the reality of her past was disclosed, I was stunned. I had expected worse as in a more long-lasting problem . The resolution of that past problem gave me the impression it was too easy to seem true.
A real disappointment and frankly I wouldn't bet much on the longevity of that relationship, considering the heroine's inability to talk to her intended.
December 9, 2020
December 2020
Man I love this book. I think it's my favorite romance ever.
February 2016
Re-read - and I loved this just as much as the first time. Ah, Sam, my favourite guy! I laughed again when he mentioned he'd have to bleach the hot tub and then sell the house. He was just perfect. And Becca was the perfect match for him. This is Shalvis at her best.
My one and only criticism of this is that Suehyla El Attar voices Becca with a New York rather than New Orleans accent. It suits Becca just as well, but it's not what Shalvis intended. On the other hand, her voice for Sam is fantastic and captures him perfectly.
September 2015
I loved this installment of the Lucky Harbor series! The narration really made each conversation come to life. I got lost in the story and loved the characters. Tall, dark, quiet and brooding Sam is one of my favourites. And the brotherly relationship between the three guys was wonderful. You don't often see that in chick lit - it's usually female friendships that take center stage.
Shalvis' talent for witty conversations really shines in this book. The plot was deep enough to be moving but not maudlin or tragic. It was just enough.
And on audio, Suehyla El Attar is fabulous. Definitely a great choice for a narrator.
Man I love this book. I think it's my favorite romance ever.
February 2016
Re-read - and I loved this just as much as the first time. Ah, Sam, my favourite guy! I laughed again when he mentioned he'd have to bleach the hot tub and then sell the house. He was just perfect. And Becca was the perfect match for him. This is Shalvis at her best.
My one and only criticism of this is that Suehyla El Attar voices Becca with a New York rather than New Orleans accent. It suits Becca just as well, but it's not what Shalvis intended. On the other hand, her voice for Sam is fantastic and captures him perfectly.
September 2015
I loved this installment of the Lucky Harbor series! The narration really made each conversation come to life. I got lost in the story and loved the characters. Tall, dark, quiet and brooding Sam is one of my favourites. And the brotherly relationship between the three guys was wonderful. You don't often see that in chick lit - it's usually female friendships that take center stage.
Shalvis' talent for witty conversations really shines in this book. The plot was deep enough to be moving but not maudlin or tragic. It was just enough.
And on audio, Suehyla El Attar is fabulous. Definitely a great choice for a narrator.
July 2, 2014
Sam is really a sweetheart and I loved him, "no." He held on to her when she would have pulled away. "This isn't a rejection, Becca. I want you." He dipped down a little to look into her eyes, wanting to make sure she really got him. "I want you bad, but I'm all sweaty from my run. I need a shower, a quick one, I promise. But my shop doesn't have one, and my house is ten minutes away, so I need you to be patient while I -" Becca I admired her and I loved her, "oh, no." She waggled a finger in his face. "Don't you dare feel sorry for me. I'm a big girl, and I take care of myself. You don't want to be with me that way, I get it. We did it once, and maybe it was so awful for you that you can't bear to repeat it, maybe -" She's a bold one when her O's are concerned, "you'd better mean it," she finally said, "cause last time I ended up in my bed alone, all hot and bothered, and I had to handle my own business." Jill's books never let me down so it's always a joy to get a new book from her.
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