Merry Christmas, Baby

Lucky Harbor #12.5

by Jill Shalvis, Angela Starling (Reading)

Season's Kisses . . .
Wild child Chloe Thompson can't believe how much things have changed. She still can't get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Novella, Holiday, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published December 2, 2014

About the author

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 "Happy doesn't even begin to cover it" stars!!

Chloe and Sawyer's happily ever after has always been my favorite of all the couples in the Lucky Harbor series because theirs was the hardest fought and the most richly deserved. These two amazing people grew up hard, and finding each other ... well, finding each other gave them a chance at a beautiful life filled with family, joy, and the best kind of love - the kind you get when you've found your soulmate.

Blurb...

Wild child Chloe Thompson can't believe how much things have changed. She still can't get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to thinking about impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.

Merry Christmas, Baby made me smile, made me sigh, and even had me a little misty eyed. I loved this visit with my favorite couple and being with them and seeing their family grow is the perfect ending to their beginning and a perfect holiday read!

An ARC was provided by Grand Central Publishers via Netgalley.

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Christmas, Baby is #12.5 In the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis. Leave it to me to start a new series at the end! I have been wanting to read this series for a long time so at least I finally started, right?! This was a sweet addition to my Christmas reading this year. It definitely made me want to learn more about the residents of Lucky Harbor.



Chloe and Sawyer are two weeks from Chloe’s due date for their first child. This was most definitely NOT a planned pregnancy. They had never even discussed having children. The story alludes to both of their tumultuous pasts but they seem to have found their places in Lucky Harbor, together.

“She always lost herself with him. Just as, with him, she was always found.”

Sawyer is the Sherriff but has also been taking several undercover jobs with the DEA which takes him away from Chloe. Chloe has had a hard time dealing with all the hormones surging through her body so she might not have been the easiest to get along with. Is this why Sawyer is taking all these jobs, to get away from her? Does he really even want to be a father?

“All she wanted for Christmas was him. Home. Safe. In her arms…”

Sawyer has gone on another job and has been gone a week. Little gifts have been showing up in different places in her house! Does she have a secret admirer or is one of her family members leaving them?



Chloe is determined to get out of the house and see her family and friends at the big, annual Christmas party and dance. A huge storm is coming in but she is determined to go to this party. Of course, the baby has chosen the worst possible time to decide she wants to make her grand entrance. Will Sawyer be able to get through the storm and get to her in time?



I really did enjoy this story and can’t wait to get to know more about the residents of Lucky Harbor.

“Thank you for my daughter. For being my wife. For being my entire life. Merry Christmas.”

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars – Contemporary/Holiday Romance Novella

This is a short, sweet, and feel-good holiday treat for Sawyer and Chloe fans! And I thought Sawyer was the most perfectly swoonalicious, protective hero before (in Head Over Heels)?!!! *Content, dreamy sigh*

I just wish it had been longer and that we’d find out their baby girl’s name. I really hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this endearing couple. I’d love another novella about their life together (as a family) a little further down the road!

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

And that, my friends, is a wrap. One perfect quote sums up my feelings for this novella, the entire Lucky Harbor series and for finally sitting down and introducing myself to Jill Shalvis’ words.

Happy doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT’S OVER. It’s really over now. I’ve put off reading this novella for as long as I could because one, I didn’t want the series to end and two, because I knew that if I read it, there was a real chance that I would want to reread the entire series again.

I read it. I miss the series already. And it only makes me want to cry.

Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series is one of my all-time favorite series. It’s one a turn to when life gets a little too tough and you need something to make you smile and comfort you. There aren’t entire series that do that for me. Certain books, yes. But none that are consistently good like this one has been for me.

Shalvis goes back to one of my favorite couples, Chloe and Sawyer. Sawyer is still the sexy six foot tall mystery and Chloe is still her hardheaded, stubborn self. The one difference is that Chloe is pregnant now and she’s quite moody. It makes for an interesting read that involves moments of humor and sweetness. Yet as I read, there’s also a tinge of longing and sadness as well that nearly made me cry.

Even though Sawyer and Chloe technically had their HEA, they are still evolving. They go through bouts of silences and separation. They experience doubts like any other relationship but beneath all those conflicting emotions, at the core is their love for one another. I think that’s what has made this series so vastly popular. Jill Shalvis makes her characters feel real and its that realness that makes readers come back for more.

So while I’m devastated that the series has ended, this was also the perfect end to a fabulous series. Simply put, Lucky Harbor rocks!

*ARC provided by publisher

[Anne OK · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable ending to the series -- and a special Christmas treat when Chloe and Sawyer celebrate the holiday with the arrival of a new baby. Knowing those two, you expect plenty of stubborn determination and a whole lot of family and friends thrown into the mix. Jill Shalvis, as usual, gives readers just what they want in romance. I was sad to see it end on such a short note and without a baby's name though!

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe Thompson is 8 1/2 months pregnant and she's terribly insecure. Sawyer is going away for two weeks on a special assignment for the DEA and she wonders if her pregnancy hormones have pushed him away.

This was a bittersweet moment as it's the end of the series. It was sort of fitting to finish with Chloe and Sawyer as she was the most free spirited and restless of all the women featured in the series. She reflects on her life in Lucky Harbor and her relationship with Sawyer and comes full circle as her baby is ready to be born. It was a perfect ending as so many of the people from every story had a reason to be here or be mentioned.

Loved the story and farewell to a wonderful series.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas novella for Sawyer and Chloe.

Chloe is eight and ahalf months pregnant and she is feeling abandoned by Sawyer as he is always away working for the DEA and they barely talk anymore. Chloe wants to go to the towns Christmas party but no one will allow her to go but Chloe being Chloe she finds a way and guess what happens? Will Sawyer be able to get back in time?

Spend a Merry Christmas with the Lucky Harbor gang.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had a little cry. I set myself a reading challenge at the beginning of the year and it was to read this series.

Lucky Harbor and every person I met reading the books in this series have found a special and permanent place in my heart.

I miss them all already!

[♥ℳelody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable as always. Still my favorite Lucky Harbor couple. 😊

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww, how is this possible? I love Sawyer more than I already did... *sighs*

[KatLynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEEEEEKKKKKK my favorite couple !!!! yeaaaaaaa!!!!

The baby squirmed and then let out a howl. Chloe hugged her. “Hush, Bean,” she murmured softly, gently rocking her in her arms. “Mommy’s very busy having a freakout.”

Sawyer looked down at the baby and then back into Chloe’s eyes. “Thank you for my daughter. For being my wife. For being my entire life. Merry Christmas, Chloe.”

I'm REALLY gonna miss this town....This was a really sweet short story. It didn't actually feel short, but I hated that it ended!

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Christmas, Baby is a short story and part of Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series. The story revisits Chloe and Sawyer Thompson. Sawyer is going on a job a few weeks before his baby is due. Chloe is going stir crazy and needs to get out of the house. She is determined to attend a party even if Sawyer can't be there with her.

Such a sweet story but far too short. It was great to be able to revisit the characters from the series and I'm really going to miss Lucky Harbor. But the good news is I can revisit them anytime by rereading the series when I need my Lucky Harbor fix!

[Pheonix Fanfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts/feelings while reading - Lots and lots of quotes included :)

0% Going to quickly skim through Sawyer and Chloes book and then start this! Im excited - though I've had a book hangover all day from one in a million - can't stop thinking about tanner and callie (and troy!)

2% tried to swallow the ball of anxiety over the fact that he was leaving for one of his dangerous DEA jobs while they were barely speaking
Oh no :( I hate that they're having problems :'( but I know it'll make them stronger :D

4% To say that the pregnancy had been unplanned was a huge understatement. What could they possibly offer a kid?
Oh chloe! :( you n sawyer are going to be amazing parents!

7% Not exactly a promise, but then again he was careful never to promise anything he couldn’t deliver. His word, when he gave it, was good as gold.
I love that - I'm definitely going to have to do a reread of this series at some point! I'm enjoying seeing sawyer and chloe again :) <3

11% “What do you need from me?” he asked quietly. “I have no idea.” She let out a breath and dropped her forehead to his chest. “Whatever you’ve got.” He gathered her into his strong arms. “Everything,” he said, and brushed his mouth along her temple. “You’ve got everything I’ve got and everything I am.
Oh sawyer! <3 <3 I hate that the way they grew up means that they're scared of being parents :(

14% Did you really?” “Yes,” Chloe said miserably. “I’ve been out of control, Maddie. And now he’s gone.”
Oh chloe :( he'll understand! N he's not gone he's coming back - he promised remember! :D <3

21% Neither of us sent you any gifts,”
???? What's going on?! I hope it's sawyer somehow! <3

22% No one, and I mean no one, especially not a tiny little thing like yourself, makes Sheriff Sawyer Thompson do anything that he doesn’t want to.”
I totally loved sawyer! <3 I love getting this glimpse into their lives :D

24% I love you,” she whispered, and he went still before cupping her face, letting his thumb glide along her lower lip. “You don’t say that often,” he said. “I know.” Regret filled her. “But I feel it every minute of every day,” she told him, a confession, a vow, and had the rare pleasure of rendering him speechless with emotion. Her past had messed her up pretty good. And only knowing Sawyer’s had been worse had allowed to her open up to him at all.
Awwww!!! <3 love sawyer n chloe so much - they totally deserve their HEA <3

27% “Chloe.” Somehow she managed to open her eyes. She’d never seen that look on his face before, and she would never forget it. Lust in its most carnal form. Lust and…love. Unconditional love. She panted his name, and he came hard, not closing his eyes until the very last second when his control deserted him. He thrust into her until they were both spent, unable to say another word, unable to move another muscle.
So hot! <3 totally remember how much I LOVE these two! <3

30% Tell the Bean I’ll be back soon. Tell the Bean’s mommy I’m thinking of her.
Awwww sawyer! <3 <3

33% There was a long pause. “How about a favor that won’t get me murdered in my sleep by your husband?” “Please, Tanner?” she asked softly, and when he swore softly at her plea, she knew she had him.
Tanner!!! <3 <3 I'm loving all these cameos from our favourite lucky harbour residents!!! <3 <3 <3

40% “God help the two of you.” “Don’t you mean the three of us?” Chloe asked. “Me, Sawyer, and the baby?” “Nah,” he said. “The baby’s going to be fine. You’re going to make a great mama.”
Aww ford! <3 you tell her! :D <3

44% Sawyer had taken Lance aside and threatened bodily harm and dismemberment, promising to follow him all the way to hell if Lance got Chloe in trouble even once during her pregnancy.
I totally LOVE protective sawyer and I love ford so much for trying to explain why sawyers doing out of town jobs! :D <3

46% He was as tough as they came, life had made sure of it. But watching the woman he loved more than life itself writhing in pain because of him made him feel as helpless as the newborn trying to make its way into the world
Awwwww sawyer! He's so perfect! Totally loving this novella! <3 <3

48% He considered his response a moment, not sure she needed to hear the difficulties he’d had in breaking away to get here after Tanner had called him to say she’d come to the party. “Got stuck about a mile back,” he said. “Had to walk the rest of the way in.”
:O Sawyer!!! I just had to stop myself awwing out loud on a packed train!! <3 <3 <3

60% Her glossy eyes filled. “I can’t. Please, Sawyer, do this for me?” She never asked for help, never, and she was officially killing him. “Oh, babe,” he said softly, wishing with everything he had that he could do just that. “I’ve got you. I’m right here. Together, okay?”
Awww why are these two so perfect?!

62% No worries, and you’re doing great,” Josh told her. “The last woman I helped deliver threatened to cut off my twig and berries. Of course, it was my wife, so…
Haha love getting information from our favourite lucky harbour couples! <3 <3

65% You’re perfect,” Sawyer whispered to the baby. “Absolutely perfect.” He looked up at Chloe then, his eyes suspiciously shiny. “She looks just like you, thankfully,” he said. “But given how stubborn she was tonight, she might have a hell of a lot of Thompson in her. God help us all
Awww sawyer! <3 love this family! Aww they're a family now!! <3 so glad we got to see this! <3 <3

67% I’ve never been so tied to a place, to a person. Until you. But,” she said when his eyes began to shutter, “it’s the way I want it. I want to be tied to you.” He studied her for a long moment and then his lips curved. “You’re picturing it, aren’t you,” she said drily. “Me tied.” “To my bed,” he said on a low laugh. “Yeah, a little bit. But mostly I’m liking knowing that you’re tied to my heart.” Aw. Damn, he was good.
Very! This novella is perfect! So damn good - I'm gonna miss lucky harbour sooo much! <3 <3

68% “I’m sorry I was so hard on you. I nearly pushed you away—” “Impossible,” he said. “Don’t you know yet? If I ever lost you, I’d lose myself.”
Sawyer!! How are you so fucking perfect!! <3 <3

100% Perfect! So perfect - loved seeing sawyer n chloe again! I'm going to miss lucky harbour sooooo much! I hope jill Shalvis does more novellas do we can see our favourite couples again! <3

[Anna P (whatIreallyRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understandably cute.

P.S. This is the second Christmas-special novella I've read in a week! What is it with me and Christmas specials in the middle of summer LOL

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Christmas, Baby is part of the Lucky Harbor series, which I haven’t read. But after diving into this short novella and falling instantly for the characters, I’m all the more eager to pick up this series and meet more of the characters in this cast.

This story is set around Christmas time… obviously… where Chloe Thompson is eight months pregnant with Sawyer’s child. When Sawyer takes an assignment that will keep them apart for a couple of days, Chloe is determined to enjoy the holiday festivities and cast away her gloomy mood. The pregnancy has taken both Chloe and Sawyer by surprise, and their daughter’s arrival is just around the corner leaving them worried about how it will change their lives and if their relationship will be able to survive the unexpected surprise.

I really enjoyed this story because it felt honest and believable when dealing with two people that are scared about being parents, as well as how that will change their relationship. I appreciated not only the honesty in the novel, but also how the main characters coped with their nerves.

Chloe’s sisters were also a nice addition to the storyline. I liked the backdrop of the bed and breakfast, and the tight knit ways of the girls.

Merry Christmas, Baby has it all in one quick punch… Christmas miracles, sentimental moments, and loveable characters to make this a perfect holiday read.

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's short and sweet and utterly heartwarming! Merry Christmas, Baby is the kind of story that will make you wish you lived in a small town surrounded by quirky and caring people. It will make you laugh, smile and swoon and definitely touch your heart.

I’ve only ready read “It’s in His kiss” by Jill Shalvis, which features Sam and Becca. But I loved her writing so much I couldn’t miss the opportunity to read more of her charismatic characters. And even though I didn’t really know Sawyer and Chloe I loved them in this short and will definitely be reading more about them soon.

Chloe is incredibly stubborn but funny and endearing. Sawyer is this stoic, reserved man who would move heaven and earth to prove his love for Chloe.

“You’ve got everything I’ve got and everything I am.”

Even though they clearly had a difficult youth, they struggled through their relationship, they’ve also had their happy, but life goes on.

“I love you,” she whispered…
“You don’t say that often,” he said
“I know… But I feel it every minute of every day.”

In this novella, Chloe is eight months pregnant, suffering from cabin fever while Sawyer if off to do secret DEA work which Chloe disapproves of. Together with her fear of becoming a parent, of having a baby without having planned it with Sawyer and her pregnant hormones, she’s been lashing out at him. But now that he’s gone all she wants for Christmas is to go to the town’s holiday party and her husband back, safe and sound. Will she get what she wants? Or will she get more?

I really enjoy how Jill’s writing makes hero, heroine and supporting characters and story itself feel so real and how even in a small package she packs sweet, tender and as well as very steamy moments.

“I’ve never been so tied to a place, to a person. Until you. But… it’s the way I want it. I want to be tied to you… You’re picturing it, aren’t you… Me tied.”
“To my bed,” he said on a low laugh. “Yeah, a little bit. But mostly I’m liking knowing that you’re tied to my heart.”

Merry Christmas, Baby is wonderful from beginning to end and a perfect holiday short story. It’s book #12.5 in the Lucky Harbor series. I’m sure it could be further appreciated if you’ve read more about these characters, but as you can see you can love them here as a standalone.

* I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review via Netgalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *

Amazon buy link -> http://amzn.to/1yArUpm

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[Jaime Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved getting a glance at some of the older characters in this series that started it all. And of course Chloe and Sawyer are such a wonderful pair to get to sneak a peek at. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.

I have to admit that Chloe and Sawyer aren't among my favorites in this series, but this really shed some light on the struggles in their relationship and I absolutely loved the dedication that Sawyer has for his relationship with Chloe even though she still doubts that he is going to stick around... after 5 years of marriage!

Definitely a great holiday novella and I hope we get to see a few glances here and there in the future for the characters in this series. I'm not ready to say good bye for good!!

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two-haiku review:

Chloe and Sawyer
About to have a baby
But he goes on job

Christmas novella
Why can Shalvis make me cry?
So emotional

You don't need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this, but it's even better if you have. :)

[Janeiowa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a 47 page short story about Chloe freaking out as the birth of her and Sawyer's baby nears. 
The story was OK..but I expected more from Ms Shalvis.  The last three Luck Harbor books were wonderful.
 This one is a tremendous disappointment, for me.

Would I buy it again? No.

[Lisa Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★½

[Keertana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this is the kind of story, in the hands of Laura Florand, that could have brought tears to my eyes. In the hands of Jill Shalvis, though, it is merely cute.

[Ivana★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad these series are over, I really liked them..

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merry Christmas, Baby

The Characters:

Sawyer Thompson
Chloe Thompson

The Story:

A cute short story about the birth of Sawyer and Chloe’s baby girl. I don’t think I’ve read Sawyer and Chloe’s original story but as I find with all Lucky Harbor books it’s easy to jump in and enjoy these characters/families without reading the whole series in order. That is a blessing. Lucky Harbor audiobooks have been my go to when baking lately so much so that I think I’ve depleted my library’s collection. Oh well there are a few more that I hope I get to enjoy soon.

The Random Thoughts:



4 Stars

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's no better ending to one of the best romance series than this book. Jill Shalvis takes us back to the characters that started it all and I couldn't be happier.

I loved seeing again Maddie, Jax, Tara, Ford, Lucille! I loved seeing more into their lives and getting to see Chloe and Sawyer struggling but loving each other so much they would not give up. I fell in love with all of these characters even more.

'Merry Christmas, Baby' is an adorable Christmas love story. But most of all, it is the perfect ending to a series I've loved since book 1.

Thank you for these characters, Jill. Thank you for taking us back to where it all began.





Update 2:

There's a cover! So pretty! So Chloe & Sawyer! And they're the same models from the Head Over Heels cover!!

Update 1:

More of one of the three original couples!!!!!!

I mean, every couple in Lucky Harbor is original but Sawyer and Chloe along with Jax and Maddie and Tara and Ford were the very first three in the series. They're my babies!

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who's a fan of the Lucky Harbor series, MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY is a must read. Because who wouldn't want to be there when Chloe and Sawyer have their baby?

With this short story, we follow Chloe as she spends the week before Christmas missing Sawyer (who's out of town for work) and trying very hard not to act like a crazy person while being eight and a half months pregnant. In typical Chloe fashion, the stubborn woman is determined to do what she wants and ends up at the Lucky Harbor Christmas party in active labor. And just when she least expects it, her rock appears to help her welcome their daughter into the world.

I have always had a soft spot for Chloe and Sawyer, so it was fun to see after five years together, not much has changed with this couple. Chloe is still the crazy, stubborn insecure woman Sawyer's stubborn ass fell in love with. And they still love each other like crazy.

A fun holiday read for a couple that knows all about ups and down.

[Mariann {at} Belle's Book Bag · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see that this story was about Sawyer and Chloe. Their book, Head Over Heels, is one of my favorites in this series and they continue to be one of my favorite couples. I loved that they were pregnant and even though they were having a bit of a rough patch, they still were crazy about each other. One of my favorite parts is when Sawyer places his hands on Chloe's baby bump to calm the Bean. How cute a nickname is that?! I also loved that even after 5 years together, Chloe was still giving Sawyer a hard time and he still secretly loved it. Such a cute story and was happy to return for this tiny glimpse into their lives. So good. :)

*ARC provided by NetGalley*

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff Sawyer Thompson and Chloe

Short, sweet, and perfect. I think she needs to write one of these for every couple. I loved it. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews