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Heartbreaker Bay #1
Sweet Little Lies
Sweet Little Lies is the first in New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis's Heartbreaker Bay series, featuring her trademark gift for humour, warmth and romance. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Debbie Macomber, Nora Roberts and Marie Force.
What if you fall for the one guy you can't have?
As the captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru Harris can handle rough seas - the hard part is life on dry land. Especially when it comes to resisting her growing feelings for her new friend, Finn O'Riley. He's kind, he's gorgeous and he's Mr Right - for anybody but her.
Pru has a particular reason for wanting Finn to find happiness and it's what she wishes for at the historic fountain that's supposed to grant her heart's desire. But things get tricky when it becomes clear that, when it comes to Pru, there's more than friendship on Finn's mind - because she's been keeping a secret that could change everything...
Want more warm, funny romance? Visit gorgeous Cedar Ridge, spellbinding Lucky Harbor or experience some Animal Magnetism in Sunshine, Idaho in Jill's other unforgettable series.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2016
1004 people are currently reading
8267 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
388 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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February 23, 2016
Sweet Little Lies is book one in a brand new series by Jill Shalvis, Heartbreaker Bay. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by Harper Collins and by the author.
You know that warm feeling you get when you read the very first page of a new book and you just know, you know that you are going to fall in love with this book, that it’s going to be one of those perfect books that make you sigh, smile, swoon, and get all those warm and fuzzy twirly feelings in your tummy. Well, that happened.
Pru Harris is a twenty-six year old captain of a day cruise ship in San Francisco. Three weeks ago Pru moved in to a new apartment with her little dog, Thor. In the court yard of the apartment is a fountain with a reputation of granting wishes only if you make the wish with one hundred percent sincerity. And she was completely sincere the day she threw in her quarter and wished not for herself, but for Finn to find true love.
Finn O’Riley and his younger brother Sean own the pub on the ground floor of the courtyard of Pru’s apartment. When Finn was twenty-one, his father died and Finn was forced to grow up quickly to take care of his little brother. This pub was an investment for the two of them to have a life, a future.
Finn had been noticing the new tenant when she stopped in for chicken wings or a sandwich. But they never really talked much until that day, the day she got caught in the rain and ran in, and smiled at him.
Finn spends his time at the pub, taking care of it, running it, making it a success. Outside of that, he has a close knit group of friends who all congregate there. I can’t wait until you meet these friends. Everyone of them is simply wonderful and would do anything for each other. They readily accepted Pru into their group. She loved feeling like she was a part of this group. It was something she had never had before. I also can’t wait for you to meet Mrs. Winslow, the old woman that lives across the hall from Pru. She is hilarious.
There is more to Pru than just a boat captain. She has a secret. A secret she has been dealing with for six years. A secret that led her to Finn.
“You know, in some circles I’m known as the Fun Whisperer.”
He arched a brow. “Is that right?”
“Yep, the fun starts right here with me. I specialize in people not living their lives, the ones letting their life live them. It’s about letting stuff go, you see.”
A blind folded dart game, though, led to a shirtless Finn which led to feelings Pru was not supposed to be having. Feelings she couldn’t be having. But drat her sex starved hormones and her heart. They had a mind of their own.
“She was supposed to be fun whispering him. Instead, she’d fun whispered herself.”
Finn, who up until Pru came in to his life, barely smiled, is falling hard. He just can’t seem to get her off his mind.
“For the first time in he had no idea how long, he was thinking about more than the bottom line of the pub. He was thinking about a future, with an adventurous, frustrating, warm, sexy woman he couldn’t seem to get enough of.”
This book is simply amazing. I couldn’t have loved Pru or Finn more. I don’t want to spoil it and tell you too much about Pru except that she just floored me with what she was doing. And Finn, oh my gosh, Finn. The things he said…and did. My oh my! There was definitely no lack of chemistry between them. The man was walking, talking sex! The man had me swooning the entire book.
“I want to be with you. I want you to be mine, because I’m absolutely yours. Have been since you first walked into my life and became my fun whisperer. And you can’t tell me it’s too soon for a relationship because we’ve been in one since the moment we met. We’re together, we’re supposed to be together.”
So, if you haven’t figured it out, I loved this book, every single word and page of it. What a fantastic start into this new series. The next book will be about Finn’s friend, Willa Davis, who owns South Bark Mutt Shop, in a book called The Trouble With Mistletoe. I can’t wait to read it.
July 9, 2016
4 Stars!!
There’s no secret I’m a big fan of this author. Her feel good stories about love, life, family, friends and happiness always make me smile and swoon and her characters are always so endearing and relatable that I simply fall for them from the moment they were introduced. I love a good contemporary romance and Jill Shalvis always knows how to effortlessly deliver one. ‘Sweet Little Lies’ is the first installment in her newest series entitle ‘Heartbreaker Bay’ and I honestly have to say I enjoyed every minute of it.
Pru Harris is a 26 years old boat captain. She drives one of the fleet ships out of Pier 39 for SF Bay Tours, a tough job to say the least, but she’s good at it, loving what she does for a living. Three weeks ago she moved in to her new apartment with her dog to be closer to Finn O’Riley, the man whose life was changed more than a decade ago by her parents. She wants to make sure he’s okay, to make sure he has a good life. She only wants for Finn to be happy, is what she wishes for at a historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire, but as she gets to know Finn better she slowly starts to want him for herself.
Finn’s life irrevocably changed when he was just 21 years old. He was forced to grow up quickly and take care of his little brother. Now he owns and runs a pub with his help of his younger sibling, has a great group of friends and he is ready to have some more when he meets Pru. Finn and Pru slowly become friends, but everything start to change between them when a freak accident involving darts leads to shirtless first aid.
This was such a great contemporary romance! As always, Mrs. Shalvis delivered a delightful read that I’m sure will warm many readers’ heart. I loved the two main characters and I rooted for them from the very beginning. Their romance was simply wonderful. They made me smile and swoon until the end and I had such a great time reading their story and also meeting the other characters who I simply loved as much as I loved Finn and Pru.
I loved these two character’s friendship. They were great as friends, but together, as lovers they were wonderful. I loved how slowly, Pru showed Finn that is okay to have fun, to smile, to enjoy life and how to be a little adventurous and wild. She was good for him in every way and I loved the fact that Finn realized that so quickly. Their relationship progressed in a very natural way. Nothing was rushed and I have to say I loved all the sweet and sexy scenes between them.
Both Finn and Pru were fantastic, endearing characters and both of them were well portrayed and relatable. I liked Pru very much. She was fun, sweet, caring and so thoughtful at times. She made me smile and warmed my heart with her big heart from the very first moment she was introduced. As for our hero? I adored him. He was a great brother and friend and perfect for our heroine in every way.
The supporting characters were all entertaining and well portrayed and I loved every single one of them. I’m really looking forward to read their own stories.
Overall, 'Sweet Little Lies' was a great first installment in the series. If you are looking for a fan and sweet contemporary romance, with relatable characters that will make you feel, look no further and try Jill Shalvis’s newest story.
There’s no secret I’m a big fan of this author. Her feel good stories about love, life, family, friends and happiness always make me smile and swoon and her characters are always so endearing and relatable that I simply fall for them from the moment they were introduced. I love a good contemporary romance and Jill Shalvis always knows how to effortlessly deliver one. ‘Sweet Little Lies’ is the first installment in her newest series entitle ‘Heartbreaker Bay’ and I honestly have to say I enjoyed every minute of it.
“She was supposed to be fun whispering him. Instead, she’d fun whispered herself.”
Pru Harris is a 26 years old boat captain. She drives one of the fleet ships out of Pier 39 for SF Bay Tours, a tough job to say the least, but she’s good at it, loving what she does for a living. Three weeks ago she moved in to her new apartment with her dog to be closer to Finn O’Riley, the man whose life was changed more than a decade ago by her parents. She wants to make sure he’s okay, to make sure he has a good life. She only wants for Finn to be happy, is what she wishes for at a historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire, but as she gets to know Finn better she slowly starts to want him for herself.
“She’d totally fantasized about him doing deliciously naughty, wicked things to her in bed. And also out of it.
He was her unicorn.”
Finn’s life irrevocably changed when he was just 21 years old. He was forced to grow up quickly and take care of his little brother. Now he owns and runs a pub with his help of his younger sibling, has a great group of friends and he is ready to have some more when he meets Pru. Finn and Pru slowly become friends, but everything start to change between them when a freak accident involving darts leads to shirtless first aid.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. “A beautiful mess.”
She choked out a laugh.
“You are,” he said against her shoulder now. “So beautiful you take my breath away.” Then he lifted his head to look into her eyes letting her see he meant it, entirely.
This was such a great contemporary romance! As always, Mrs. Shalvis delivered a delightful read that I’m sure will warm many readers’ heart. I loved the two main characters and I rooted for them from the very beginning. Their romance was simply wonderful. They made me smile and swoon until the end and I had such a great time reading their story and also meeting the other characters who I simply loved as much as I loved Finn and Pru.
I loved these two character’s friendship. They were great as friends, but together, as lovers they were wonderful. I loved how slowly, Pru showed Finn that is okay to have fun, to smile, to enjoy life and how to be a little adventurous and wild. She was good for him in every way and I loved the fact that Finn realized that so quickly. Their relationship progressed in a very natural way. Nothing was rushed and I have to say I loved all the sweet and sexy scenes between them.
“He’d known they had something but this . . . this rocked his world. Hers too because they both melted into it, tongues sliding, lips melding, bodies arching into each other in a slow rhythm.”
Both Finn and Pru were fantastic, endearing characters and both of them were well portrayed and relatable. I liked Pru very much. She was fun, sweet, caring and so thoughtful at times. She made me smile and warmed my heart with her big heart from the very first moment she was introduced. As for our hero? I adored him. He was a great brother and friend and perfect for our heroine in every way.
The supporting characters were all entertaining and well portrayed and I loved every single one of them. I’m really looking forward to read their own stories.
Overall, 'Sweet Little Lies' was a great first installment in the series. If you are looking for a fan and sweet contemporary romance, with relatable characters that will make you feel, look no further and try Jill Shalvis’s newest story.
April 23, 2017
Omissions and lies…have the power to hurt
***4.5 Stars***
I read Sweet Little Lies in a day. Unfortunately, it was because I woke up at 4:00am. I am not one of those people who gets lulled to sleep with the sound of the rain outside the window. I'm the poor sucker who hears a few drops...and I'm done, with no hopes of getting back to sleep. Luckily, this was a really great story so I was actually grateful for the extra reading time.
Jill Shalvis is by far one of my favourite contemporary romance authors. Her writing has the power to suck you in, make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye and set your heart pounding. I’ve said this a few times before about Jill Shalvis’s work…but THIS time I mean it…Sweet Little Lies is exactly what a great contemporary romance should be. I know I shouldn’t compare but as of this moment Sweet Little Lies is my favourite of all her books.
Sweet Little Lies starts with an introduction to Pru Harris and her mutt Thor. When I first met Pru I wasn’t sure what I was getting. She came across a little sad, a bit down on herself and kind of lonely. Yes, she had Thor, but you can still have a dog and be a little lonely too. In dribs and drabs, we get to hear a little bit about her history and what had got her to this point in her life. She’s a 26-year-old tour boat captain with only one living relative, her Grandfather who lives in a retirement home. The one thing that has driven her up until now, is righting the wrongs that were the consequence of her parents getting in a car to pick her up from a friends house. The repercussions are far-reaching and have ruined a few lives. Pru’s guilt has ruled her life but what she doesn’t realise is that her deeds were exceptional and not needed or expected. Pru does these things at a sacrifice to herself. Next good deed for Pru is to become the Fun Whisperer for Finn O’Riley.
Finn O’Riley is a busy man. He owns and runs a pub with his younger brother Sean. Sean is a bit of a handful. He’s a flirting, wise-arsed 22 years old with a love em and leaves em attitude that gets him into a spot of trouble. Finn is also fixing up the family home to sell because the memories the house contains are not all pleasant. Finn has been Sean’s carer/parent since his father died when Sean was 14 and Finn was 21. Their father wasn’t a good one, but he was still there to parent up till then. The brothers are close because of this but Finn has had to parent Sean for so long that now Sean’s older, they’re both struggling to step away from the parent/child relationship to sibling relationship. Finn is coming to realise that he’s dedicated enough time to Sean’s comfort and happiness and wants some fun for himself. Time to bring in the Fun Whisperer.
Pru and Finn are attracted to each other from the very beginning. It’s been a while for Finn, and Pru has only had very limited experience with men. While they are both very keen to take their relationship further, both of them are holding themselves back. Pru has omitted to tell Finn that she had a connection to him before they even met and Finn was holding himself back because he’s been hurt by love before. Her omission hurts Finn just as much as if she'd lied and his first reaction is to hurt her back. Their journey is at time bumpy, extremely funny and sexy as all heck.
Sweet Little Lies introduces us to a great bunch of people. Finn’s best friends are funny, quirky and a little different. I’m hoping we get to see stories for each of them. We also get to meet Pru’s boss Jake and I REALLY want to know his story. I won’t tell you why, but he is SERIOUSLY intriguing. Some of the scenes had me busting a gut laughing, especially the homeless guy who likes to burn off his pot seedlings in the courtyard of Pru’s apartment building. It’s amazing how hungry everyone gets after that.
Sweet Little Lies is one of my favourite contemporary romances this year. I definitely recommend it if you like a sweet story, with a decent amount of heat, enough angst to keep the story interesting, but not too much to send you screaming. I finished this story with a big smile on my face.
To buy Sweet Little Lies from Amazon - http://amzn.to/1QuYgWm
I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -
June 27, 2016
4 Stars
There's nothing better for me than getting lost in a Jill Shalvis novel. This was the author that first introduced me to contemporary romance and she continues to be my go-to when I'm in the mood for a sweet romance with some steam and some of the swooniest heroes I've ever read.
Sweet Little Lies is the first book in the brand new Heartbreaker Bay series and this reader is already hooked! I fell in love with the story, the vibrant secondary characters, and the beautiful romance, and of course, Finn O'Riley. There's one thing that this author manages to do each and every single time, and that's not only connect the reader to the main characters right away, but all the secondary characters as well. This book unfolded before my eyes like the perfect romance movie. Between the slew of secondary characters like Pru's ornery and opinionated neighbors, the old homeless guy, the tight knit group of friends, and my very favorite, Thor the dog. I fell for them all and I fell hard.
I adore the way that Shalvis can weave together a swoony romance with a fictional town full of characters that I can't wait to learn more about. Of course, the story of Pru and Finn is center stage of it all, and I couldn't get enough of it.
Pru is one of those heroines that you can't help but like. She's incredibly selfless, but in the most endearing way. The way she takes care of everyone and the way she was with Finn absolutely melted my heart. She sets out to help him find his happiness and ends up falling for him instead.
As for Finn? *sigh*
God but I loved him. Here's a man with demons but not an a-hole. I think this is my favorite part of Shalvis's characters; they're your normal everyday people. There's no crazy drama, no crazy angst, and yet you still end up loving the book from start to finish.
I don't want to tell you much more because it's something you need to read for yourself. But if you're looking for a swoony and sexy romance with a great story, amazing secondary characters, and the cutest mutt I've ever read about, this is a must read.
I loved watching Pru and Finn's relationship develop. It was the perfect slow burn and when it finally took off, it downright sizzled. I loved the humor, the pacing, absolutely everything. And even though you knew exactly what the ultimate fallout would be with the conflict at the end, it took nothing away from the story. I adored it!
There's also a sneak peek into the next book, and I'm practically salivating for it! I've already fallen for every secondary character that was introduced, especially Jake. I can't wait for more in this fantastic series!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
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She'd already wandered way off the track she'd set for herself, a fact that was now coming back to bite her hard because...
Because she was falling for him.
There's nothing better for me than getting lost in a Jill Shalvis novel. This was the author that first introduced me to contemporary romance and she continues to be my go-to when I'm in the mood for a sweet romance with some steam and some of the swooniest heroes I've ever read.
Sweet Little Lies is the first book in the brand new Heartbreaker Bay series and this reader is already hooked! I fell in love with the story, the vibrant secondary characters, and the beautiful romance, and of course, Finn O'Riley. There's one thing that this author manages to do each and every single time, and that's not only connect the reader to the main characters right away, but all the secondary characters as well. This book unfolded before my eyes like the perfect romance movie. Between the slew of secondary characters like Pru's ornery and opinionated neighbors, the old homeless guy, the tight knit group of friends, and my very favorite, Thor the dog. I fell for them all and I fell hard.
I adore the way that Shalvis can weave together a swoony romance with a fictional town full of characters that I can't wait to learn more about. Of course, the story of Pru and Finn is center stage of it all, and I couldn't get enough of it.
Pru is one of those heroines that you can't help but like. She's incredibly selfless, but in the most endearing way. The way she takes care of everyone and the way she was with Finn absolutely melted my heart. She sets out to help him find his happiness and ends up falling for him instead.
As for Finn? *sigh*
God but I loved him. Here's a man with demons but not an a-hole. I think this is my favorite part of Shalvis's characters; they're your normal everyday people. There's no crazy drama, no crazy angst, and yet you still end up loving the book from start to finish.
I don't want to tell you much more because it's something you need to read for yourself. But if you're looking for a swoony and sexy romance with a great story, amazing secondary characters, and the cutest mutt I've ever read about, this is a must read.
I loved watching Pru and Finn's relationship develop. It was the perfect slow burn and when it finally took off, it downright sizzled. I loved the humor, the pacing, absolutely everything. And even though you knew exactly what the ultimate fallout would be with the conflict at the end, it took nothing away from the story. I adored it!
There's also a sneak peek into the next book, and I'm practically salivating for it! I've already fallen for every secondary character that was introduced, especially Jake. I can't wait for more in this fantastic series!
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
June 28, 2016
4.5 Stars!
So if you know me well, you'll know that I'm not a contemporary kinda girl, or even a beach or summer read kind of reader. But its Jill Shalvis, and I've only heard good things about this author and I can confirm that they are all true! I swear I'm not fibbing, I was in stitches for the most part while reading this book, the tongue in cheek humor flowed so well and it just got better and better.
I love stories like this, set in a small towns where the author takes the time to introduce the reader to key characters while still focusing on the romance between the main characters. I might be a little premature for saying this since its my first Jill Shalvis book, but the author did a great job in engaging me and keeping me interested in what I would have deemed a not my kinda book.
"Everything, I want to give you everything, Pru."
Pru's character is full of spunk and wholesomeness even though she's hiding a painful past. I loved how she just went after Finn, even when he wasn't being very receptive. She elected herself as his very own Fun Whisperer. Finn's character just had this immovable strength, he was the perfect match for Pru. A hot, broody alpha male, just my kinda guy.
His fingers on her jaw slid over her lower lip. "You're the self proclaimed Fun Whisperer," he said. "You're the one preaching about getting out there and living life. So why are you all talk and no go, Pru? What am I missing?"
"Tell me what you're afraid of," he said.
I really felt for Pru and Finn but mostly Pru. She'd been through so much, and lost so much. Her guilt was just heartbreaking. I didn't expect as much steam as I actually ending up getting from this book. Sweetly sexy scenes that had me very bothered. I love it when the couple has to fight to be together and while the conflicts where quickly resolved making this a low angst read I was definitely satisfied. Sign me up, I'm ready for Willa's book!
ARC kindly provided by publisher via Edelweiss in return for an honest review
July 12, 2016
Jill Shalvis creates some of the best worlds and the most compelling characters in the contemporary romance genre! Sweet Little Lies is filled with poignancy, hope, romance, and passion. One of my favorite things about this book, and what is sure to be one of my favorite things about the series, is the supporting cast! So many amazing people whose stories also need to be told, and I can't wait to read all about them!
An ARC was provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss.
An ARC was provided by Avon Books via Edelweiss.
September 23, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
He was her unicorn. He bent low behind the bar for something and an entire row of women seated on the barstools leaned in unison for a better view. Meerkats on parade.
Maybe he hasn’t shaved… That’d keep me from dropping trou. I only shaved from my knees down. My thighs are as hairy as a lumberjack’s chest, which is why I’m wearing capris and not short shorts. You are all welcome.
She didn’t ask how he knew her kryptonite. Everyone she knew worshipped at the magical griddle inside the magical food cart outside their building that a woman named Rayna ran. Pru snatched the bag from Finn and decided to forgive him.
It was Nineties Night. This required copious amounts of glitter, which apparently is like the STD of the craft supplies. Once you use it without protection, you can’t get rid of it… Ever.
“How do they fit?” Finn asked, smiling, enjoying the old man’s discomfort. Eddie rolled his eyes. “Like a cheap castle —no ballroom.”
“She’s so badass,” Willa whispered, staring after her. “I mean look at that dress. She’s badass, kickass, and she has a great ass. It’s really not fair.”
“Pru, can you tell me what’s wrong?” “I think she’s having a seizure,” Mrs. Winslow said helpfully. “Honey, you look a little bit constipated. I suggest a good fart. That always works for me.”
My Review:
This book needs to come with a caution to avoid liquids while reading as I frequently giggle-snorted and also laughed aloud while perusing this cleverly humorous tale. I am totally in awe of Jill Shalvis’s delightfully witty arrangements of words and avariciously covet them all. Every single character was enticing, endearing, magnetically appealing, and cleverly described in a manner that incited a desire to know every little thing about them. I am irrevocably hooked and feeling an inordinate itch to clear my schedule to read this entire series.
He was her unicorn. He bent low behind the bar for something and an entire row of women seated on the barstools leaned in unison for a better view. Meerkats on parade.
Maybe he hasn’t shaved… That’d keep me from dropping trou. I only shaved from my knees down. My thighs are as hairy as a lumberjack’s chest, which is why I’m wearing capris and not short shorts. You are all welcome.
She didn’t ask how he knew her kryptonite. Everyone she knew worshipped at the magical griddle inside the magical food cart outside their building that a woman named Rayna ran. Pru snatched the bag from Finn and decided to forgive him.
It was Nineties Night. This required copious amounts of glitter, which apparently is like the STD of the craft supplies. Once you use it without protection, you can’t get rid of it… Ever.
“How do they fit?” Finn asked, smiling, enjoying the old man’s discomfort. Eddie rolled his eyes. “Like a cheap castle —no ballroom.”
“She’s so badass,” Willa whispered, staring after her. “I mean look at that dress. She’s badass, kickass, and she has a great ass. It’s really not fair.”
“Pru, can you tell me what’s wrong?” “I think she’s having a seizure,” Mrs. Winslow said helpfully. “Honey, you look a little bit constipated. I suggest a good fart. That always works for me.”
My Review:
This book needs to come with a caution to avoid liquids while reading as I frequently giggle-snorted and also laughed aloud while perusing this cleverly humorous tale. I am totally in awe of Jill Shalvis’s delightfully witty arrangements of words and avariciously covet them all. Every single character was enticing, endearing, magnetically appealing, and cleverly described in a manner that incited a desire to know every little thing about them. I am irrevocably hooked and feeling an inordinate itch to clear my schedule to read this entire series.
March 4, 2018
5 'My fun whisperer' Stars!
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes!! I am so addicted to this series already! I don’t know why I waited this much to read it. Thank God I decided to start when I saw the announcement of the movie adaptation of the second book on Passion Flix (The Trouble with Mistletoe). And yes, I started with the second book and now I also have fallen in love with the first one because Pru and Finn are such a dreamy couple! I am in love and I want moreeeee!!
So, Sweet Little Lies is the first installment in the Heartbreaker Bay series and it’s the love story between Pru (a woman decided to make amends with the past) and Finn (the responsible older brother that needs some fun in his life). Pru is a new comer and ever since she first saw Finn, she has felt the magnetic connection between them. It’s not so easy for them to act on it because Pru is hiding some pretty heavy stuff from him and also because Finn is decided that love is not in his horizon at the moment. Of course, sparks cannot be stopped and then this sweet love story begins!
Once upon a time, he’d indeed been wild and adventurous. And she knew exactly what had changed him. The question was, could she really help bring some of that back to him, something she wanted, needed, to do with all her heart.
Jill Shalvis is quickly making me a huge fan of her writing. I feel like I will feel the same devotion I feel for Lauren Layne's stories. I love those ligher, oh-so-sweet (and sexy!) reads and Jill delivers, with her own fantastic touches, just as good as Lauren for me. Her stories make me feel good. They make me swoon and melt all over the place. And Sweet Little Lies did not fail me. I loved reading more about this amazing crew of characters and I loved this couple, SO MUCH. They were so funny, sexy and heartwarming. The building of Pru and Finn's relationship is slow burning and I love that!
He wanted to claim her, wanted to leave his mark on her. On the inside. On her heart and in her soul.
The chemistrry between Finn and Pru is palpable from their very first scene together. It's clear they are very attracted to each other and even though Pru fights it (she has many reasons to, apparently), the evolving of their relationship is an unstoppable force. Pru is such a humble heroine. Because of her past experiences and having a pure heart, she is the woman she is now and Finn is definitely into it. Finn is also a great hero. He is a good man, a good brother, a good friend and a good lover. Once he decides his connection with Pru is inevitable, he fights to get her. And he does! I loved these two as a couple, especially when it got extremely emotional towards the end. I loved how everything ends and their heartfelt happy ending.
“Pru, don’t you get it yet? I’m yours until the end of time.”
Therefore, I am rating Sweet Little Lies with 5 STARS because it was the best way to start this amazing series. I've fallen in love all over again with the crew in Heartbreaker Bay and, of course this time, with the brilliant couple featured in this book. Pru and Finn have a beautiful relationship, sweet and sexy and it was everything! I surely cannot wait to read all the other stories (I am so excited about Elle and Archer!!!) and to also check other series by the wonderful Jill Shalvis. So, if you are a fan of light contemporary romance, I highly suggest you start Reading this novel right now!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes!! I am so addicted to this series already! I don’t know why I waited this much to read it. Thank God I decided to start when I saw the announcement of the movie adaptation of the second book on Passion Flix (The Trouble with Mistletoe). And yes, I started with the second book and now I also have fallen in love with the first one because Pru and Finn are such a dreamy couple! I am in love and I want moreeeee!!
So, Sweet Little Lies is the first installment in the Heartbreaker Bay series and it’s the love story between Pru (a woman decided to make amends with the past) and Finn (the responsible older brother that needs some fun in his life). Pru is a new comer and ever since she first saw Finn, she has felt the magnetic connection between them. It’s not so easy for them to act on it because Pru is hiding some pretty heavy stuff from him and also because Finn is decided that love is not in his horizon at the moment. Of course, sparks cannot be stopped and then this sweet love story begins!
Once upon a time, he’d indeed been wild and adventurous. And she knew exactly what had changed him. The question was, could she really help bring some of that back to him, something she wanted, needed, to do with all her heart.
Jill Shalvis is quickly making me a huge fan of her writing. I feel like I will feel the same devotion I feel for Lauren Layne's stories. I love those ligher, oh-so-sweet (and sexy!) reads and Jill delivers, with her own fantastic touches, just as good as Lauren for me. Her stories make me feel good. They make me swoon and melt all over the place. And Sweet Little Lies did not fail me. I loved reading more about this amazing crew of characters and I loved this couple, SO MUCH. They were so funny, sexy and heartwarming. The building of Pru and Finn's relationship is slow burning and I love that!
He wanted to claim her, wanted to leave his mark on her. On the inside. On her heart and in her soul.
The chemistrry between Finn and Pru is palpable from their very first scene together. It's clear they are very attracted to each other and even though Pru fights it (she has many reasons to, apparently), the evolving of their relationship is an unstoppable force. Pru is such a humble heroine. Because of her past experiences and having a pure heart, she is the woman she is now and Finn is definitely into it. Finn is also a great hero. He is a good man, a good brother, a good friend and a good lover. Once he decides his connection with Pru is inevitable, he fights to get her. And he does! I loved these two as a couple, especially when it got extremely emotional towards the end. I loved how everything ends and their heartfelt happy ending.
“Pru, don’t you get it yet? I’m yours until the end of time.”
Therefore, I am rating Sweet Little Lies with 5 STARS because it was the best way to start this amazing series. I've fallen in love all over again with the crew in Heartbreaker Bay and, of course this time, with the brilliant couple featured in this book. Pru and Finn have a beautiful relationship, sweet and sexy and it was everything! I surely cannot wait to read all the other stories (I am so excited about Elle and Archer!!!) and to also check other series by the wonderful Jill Shalvis. So, if you are a fan of light contemporary romance, I highly suggest you start Reading this novel right now!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
June 27, 2016
Sweet Little Lies is the start of Jill Shalvis' brand new Heartbreaker Bay series. It may only be the first book, but I already know that I will love all of these books. The group of characters that we're introduced to are all amazing, and I can't wait to get to know more about the others in their own stories.
This book follows Pru as she tries to make amends for something that was never her fault. Moving in to a new apartment she meets hottie bar owner, Finn. She's instantly drawn into his close group of friends and as a result, deeper into his life. Pru tries to keep her attraction at bay, knowing that he's the one man she can never have. Not with the secret she's hiding. That's a lot easier said than done, though.
Pru was such a fun character I couldn't help the big smile that was on my face the majority of this book. She had a quirkiness about her that was really interesting, but also funny. Some of the things she got herself into made me laugh like a loon, so I'm really glad I wasn't in public at the time. And Finn had me swooning all over the place with his quiet intensity. I really liked his character and the fun guy that was hidden behind the responsible, no nonsense, business man.
The thing I love about this author is that she creates these stories and characters that make me forget what's going on around me and brings out many emotions from me. From start to finish I was invested in finding out what was going to happen between Pru and Finn, and I loved the reading experience that went along with their story.
I love books that feature a close group of people and this one definitely satiated my need for that. I don't really know what it is, but having a series that all follows people from a group of friends/family that are all really close is one of my favorite things. Maybe because we get to always see past characters just hanging out in the background of the stories. But no matter the why, getting to meet all the secondary characters was great and has me very excited for the next book.
Bottom line, this book is a must read. Jill Shalvis will have you falling in love with these characters and will make you want more. It was just a fun story to read with sexy moments as an added bonus between all the sweet ones.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Pru as she tries to make amends for something that was never her fault. Moving in to a new apartment she meets hottie bar owner, Finn. She's instantly drawn into his close group of friends and as a result, deeper into his life. Pru tries to keep her attraction at bay, knowing that he's the one man she can never have. Not with the secret she's hiding. That's a lot easier said than done, though.
Pru was such a fun character I couldn't help the big smile that was on my face the majority of this book. She had a quirkiness about her that was really interesting, but also funny. Some of the things she got herself into made me laugh like a loon, so I'm really glad I wasn't in public at the time. And Finn had me swooning all over the place with his quiet intensity. I really liked his character and the fun guy that was hidden behind the responsible, no nonsense, business man.
The thing I love about this author is that she creates these stories and characters that make me forget what's going on around me and brings out many emotions from me. From start to finish I was invested in finding out what was going to happen between Pru and Finn, and I loved the reading experience that went along with their story.
I love books that feature a close group of people and this one definitely satiated my need for that. I don't really know what it is, but having a series that all follows people from a group of friends/family that are all really close is one of my favorite things. Maybe because we get to always see past characters just hanging out in the background of the stories. But no matter the why, getting to meet all the secondary characters was great and has me very excited for the next book.
Bottom line, this book is a must read. Jill Shalvis will have you falling in love with these characters and will make you want more. It was just a fun story to read with sexy moments as an added bonus between all the sweet ones.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2016
4.5 stars!
Another winner from Jill Shalvis!
I've been in a book funk for a week. I kept starting books that I couldn't finish. Then I started Sweet Little Lies, and what do you know? Bye book funk; hello happy place!
Sweet Little Lies has so much heart and emotion with an interesting and relatable cast of characters. At its center is Finn and Pru. Both Finn and Pru experienced great tragedies in their lives prior to meeting each other. Finn was this promising athlete who wanted nothing more than to get out of his father's thumb. And Pru is this happy-go-lucky child with a promising future. But significant events in their lives changed the course of their future.
When we get introduced to them, Pru is a boat captain who moved in to the building where Finn's pub is located. They became friends. They had an obvious attraction to each other which both tried to ignore for certain reasons.
For Finn, he's not in a place where he can invest in a relationship. He's trying to keep the bar in the black at the same time trying to keep his brother out of trouble. He works non-stop and he simply has no time for relationships.
Pru's reasons is more heartbreaking, and has far reaching consequences. She's clearly attracted to him but the details of her past stops her from acting on that attraction because the consequences could be devastating for her and for Finn.
I was afraid that this whole secret thing would drag throughout the book but thankfully, that didn't happen. It was revealed early for readers but not for the people involved which sort of gives me this "waiting for that shoe to drop" vibe. We see Pru and Finn get closer to each other with this secret hanging over their heads. It made me anxious for both of them and no matter how much I braced myself for the eventual heartbreak, it still hits me. That's how good Jill Shalvis is. It doesn't matter if you know what's going to happen because when it does, the characters' reaction to that secret or plot or whatever still resonates with you.
And that's what happened for me in this book. I knew what Pru was hiding from Finn. And I knew how he would react and how Pru would react. But man, when it did happen, it still crushed my little black heart. The emotional payback was all there.
And like I mentioned above, this book had some already great characters whose stories I'm so excited to read. Jill Shalvis writes the type of characters that I root for. They're the type of flawed but relatable characters that stay with you.
Another great start to another great series! This book needs to be on everyone's TBR pile.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Another winner from Jill Shalvis!
I've been in a book funk for a week. I kept starting books that I couldn't finish. Then I started Sweet Little Lies, and what do you know? Bye book funk; hello happy place!
Sweet Little Lies has so much heart and emotion with an interesting and relatable cast of characters. At its center is Finn and Pru. Both Finn and Pru experienced great tragedies in their lives prior to meeting each other. Finn was this promising athlete who wanted nothing more than to get out of his father's thumb. And Pru is this happy-go-lucky child with a promising future. But significant events in their lives changed the course of their future.
When we get introduced to them, Pru is a boat captain who moved in to the building where Finn's pub is located. They became friends. They had an obvious attraction to each other which both tried to ignore for certain reasons.
For Finn, he's not in a place where he can invest in a relationship. He's trying to keep the bar in the black at the same time trying to keep his brother out of trouble. He works non-stop and he simply has no time for relationships.
Pru's reasons is more heartbreaking, and has far reaching consequences. She's clearly attracted to him but the details of her past stops her from acting on that attraction because the consequences could be devastating for her and for Finn.
I was afraid that this whole secret thing would drag throughout the book but thankfully, that didn't happen. It was revealed early for readers but not for the people involved which sort of gives me this "waiting for that shoe to drop" vibe. We see Pru and Finn get closer to each other with this secret hanging over their heads. It made me anxious for both of them and no matter how much I braced myself for the eventual heartbreak, it still hits me. That's how good Jill Shalvis is. It doesn't matter if you know what's going to happen because when it does, the characters' reaction to that secret or plot or whatever still resonates with you.
And that's what happened for me in this book. I knew what Pru was hiding from Finn. And I knew how he would react and how Pru would react. But man, when it did happen, it still crushed my little black heart. The emotional payback was all there.
And like I mentioned above, this book had some already great characters whose stories I'm so excited to read. Jill Shalvis writes the type of characters that I root for. They're the type of flawed but relatable characters that stay with you.
Another great start to another great series! This book needs to be on everyone's TBR pile.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2019
2,5 Estrellas. Segunda lectura para el #RitaJill #RetoRita3, segundo libro de la autora que leo y primero de su serie Heartbreaker Bay. Me ha gustado menos que el segundo de esta misma serie, que leí primero (si, lo sé, tendría que haberlos leído por orden, perooooo...). Aunque sigue la misma línea, lo he encontrado mucho más predecible y simplón. No está mal para pasar el rato, pero tampoco es nada del otro jueves.
March 23, 2017
The trend of brainless, witless and spineless female leads appears to be Jill Shalvis’s hallmark of late and I find myself barely pulling out my hair in frustration before the halfway point is really reached.
The setup is perfect: a bar owner who has worked his arse off to get him and his brother where they are today meets a sexy captain of a boat and gets involved, but said captain’s secret threatens to destroy what they have. Yet honesty, apparently, seems to take a backseat because the guy’s too hot and everything she’s ever wanted, leaving the predictable trajectory of the story veering towards a conflict that is not only predictable, but highly annoying considering mostly deception and lies by omission drive the plot. If I’d initially thought Pru had a noble, but ultimately misguided intention of repaying everything that her parents had done, that impression quickly degenerated into disgust when she chooses not to heed her friend’s warning (as well as her own instinct) to be honest with Finn, finding every opportunity to shirk that particular responsibility. Going further to believe that getting Finn to fall for her more so he wouldn't let her go after he learns the truth made her even stupider that I thought she would ever be.
The consequences are so cringe-worthy that I’m repulsed just anticipating it. Isn’t there a different type of conflict that Ms. Shalvis could have set up past Pru’s questionable behaviour? Or is this the only route that romance readers demand and blindly accept because it's simply a stale, but reliable staple of rom-com? Part of me feels mean for even thinking that sticking to a tried and tested formula (though not always successful) is simply sloppy planning and execution.
Perhaps it’s my cynicism and inability to tolerate such weak and stupid women that I nearly couldn’t finish the book at all. Here’s hoping to something else different in the future, but even then, I’m not entirely too optimistic now, despite the other great characters who are primed for their own books.
The setup is perfect: a bar owner who has worked his arse off to get him and his brother where they are today meets a sexy captain of a boat and gets involved, but said captain’s secret threatens to destroy what they have. Yet honesty, apparently, seems to take a backseat because the guy’s too hot and everything she’s ever wanted, leaving the predictable trajectory of the story veering towards a conflict that is not only predictable, but highly annoying considering mostly deception and lies by omission drive the plot. If I’d initially thought Pru had a noble, but ultimately misguided intention of repaying everything that her parents had done, that impression quickly degenerated into disgust when she chooses not to heed her friend’s warning (as well as her own instinct) to be honest with Finn, finding every opportunity to shirk that particular responsibility. Going further to believe that getting Finn to fall for her more so he wouldn't let her go after he learns the truth made her even stupider that I thought she would ever be.
The consequences are so cringe-worthy that I’m repulsed just anticipating it. Isn’t there a different type of conflict that Ms. Shalvis could have set up past Pru’s questionable behaviour? Or is this the only route that romance readers demand and blindly accept because it's simply a stale, but reliable staple of rom-com? Part of me feels mean for even thinking that sticking to a tried and tested formula (though not always successful) is simply sloppy planning and execution.
Perhaps it’s my cynicism and inability to tolerate such weak and stupid women that I nearly couldn’t finish the book at all. Here’s hoping to something else different in the future, but even then, I’m not entirely too optimistic now, despite the other great characters who are primed for their own books.
September 16, 2017
At around the 20% mark I got suspicious. You see, Pru has a secret that she knows will upset the relationship that is budding with Finn. And everybody who knows this is telling her to tell him before things go too far. Only she's a big fat chicken. And I was tired of this stupid secret at 20% and wondered how far it'd persist. So I skipped ahead. And then skipped some more. And then more. The answer? She waits another 65% of the book. So it isn't until the last 50 pages that it comes out. This entire book is Pru being an angsty idiot!
At least Shalvis doesn't get coy with the details. I hate that. Still, 85% of the story is one great big landmine waiting to go off. And waiting. And waiting.
Also, I kind of hate the whole "sacrificing my life to make things right." thing. Things that were made wrong through the choices of her parents and were none of her fault and where Shalvis had to hand-wave the money the victims would have received from insurance just so that Pru could supply that money instead by sacrificing her home and the life-insurance payments she'd received. Ugh.
At least Shalvis doesn't get coy with the details. I hate that. Still, 85% of the story is one great big landmine waiting to go off. And waiting. And waiting.
Also, I kind of hate the whole "sacrificing my life to make things right." thing. Things that were made wrong through the choices of her parents and were none of her fault and where Shalvis had to hand-wave the money the victims would have received from insurance just so that Pru could supply that money instead by sacrificing her home and the life-insurance payments she'd received. Ugh.
July 6, 2017
Honesty is a big important point in a relationship for me and this chick couldn't do it.
The story was good the characters were great except the female MC Pru. What a soggy piece of bread she was. Wishy washy, I'll do tomorrow what I should do today type. She played with other people's lives, put herself in someones life in a dishonest way and just kept making excuses not to be upfront and honest. Sure she was giving, and kind and gave up nearly everything to make up for her parents crime. But when it came to telling one man, one thing, she got all selfish ? Pffiiitt ! She blamed on her needy body. Whatever. She killed a star on the rating for me.
The rest of the cast were excellent varied people with quirky traits. I look forward to more from them, Jake most of all. Jake is a wheeling, hard body, with a huge thick streak of honor.
The story was good the characters were great except the female MC Pru. What a soggy piece of bread she was. Wishy washy, I'll do tomorrow what I should do today type. She played with other people's lives, put herself in someones life in a dishonest way and just kept making excuses not to be upfront and honest. Sure she was giving, and kind and gave up nearly everything to make up for her parents crime. But when it came to telling one man, one thing, she got all selfish ? Pffiiitt ! She blamed on her needy body. Whatever. She killed a star on the rating for me.
The rest of the cast were excellent varied people with quirky traits. I look forward to more from them, Jake most of all. Jake is a wheeling, hard body, with a huge thick streak of honor.
August 2, 2016
Review to come closer to release date!
So excited about this one! A new Jill Shalvis "happy place" !
(Arc offered in exchange for an honest review)
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
So excited about this one! A new Jill Shalvis "happy place" !
(Arc offered in exchange for an honest review)
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
October 12, 2016
3.5 Sweet Stars
Jill Shalvis is the queen of Chick Lit books. What are Chick Lit books you ask? These books are light, fun and filled with romance! Sweet Little Lies is the first book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I’m a mega fan of reading books in the first of the series, so let’s get to it!
First off, the cover is super adorable. I found the characters very unique. The Heroine, Pru is captain of a tour boat. You don’t read that every day but her profession isn’t the focus of the book. Come to think of it I don’t think she really “works” in the book. If she does, it wasn’t the main story.
If I could describe Pru in one word I would describe her as a martyr. I will talk more of this later. She’s incredibly kind and thoughtful. If you could think of any other character with the biggest heart, it would be her. At times you wonder when she takes it a little too far. But that’s the story right?
Finn is a bar owner. He’s a care-free guy with the normal issues. He has beef with his brother and some past issues, but Finn isn’t a mess. I consider him a decent guy living his life.
When Pru and Finn first meet it was instant sparks and chemistry. Of course Pru has a reservations and she keeps Finn at arm’s length. The thing with Pru is that her past is very heavy. Because of this she has major guilt and does everything she can to right the wrong that was done before. Mysterious? It will be played out throughout the book.
The thing about this book is that everything Pru does has a purpose and I struggled with her at times. The way she keeps Finn at a distance can be trying, but it’s great for angst lovers. Yes, Jill Shalvis writes a book with some angst. You can feel Pru’s inner torture and you just want the girl to feel better!
Overall, Pru and Finn’s relationship is sweet, despite some hiccups, but hey those hiccups keeps the book moving and going. If you like Chick Lit books, then you will not be disappointed with this one.
AMAZON
Written as...
Jill Shalvis is the queen of Chick Lit books. What are Chick Lit books you ask? These books are light, fun and filled with romance! Sweet Little Lies is the first book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I’m a mega fan of reading books in the first of the series, so let’s get to it!
First off, the cover is super adorable. I found the characters very unique. The Heroine, Pru is captain of a tour boat. You don’t read that every day but her profession isn’t the focus of the book. Come to think of it I don’t think she really “works” in the book. If she does, it wasn’t the main story.
If I could describe Pru in one word I would describe her as a martyr. I will talk more of this later. She’s incredibly kind and thoughtful. If you could think of any other character with the biggest heart, it would be her. At times you wonder when she takes it a little too far. But that’s the story right?
Finn is a bar owner. He’s a care-free guy with the normal issues. He has beef with his brother and some past issues, but Finn isn’t a mess. I consider him a decent guy living his life.
When Pru and Finn first meet it was instant sparks and chemistry. Of course Pru has a reservations and she keeps Finn at arm’s length. The thing with Pru is that her past is very heavy. Because of this she has major guilt and does everything she can to right the wrong that was done before. Mysterious? It will be played out throughout the book.
The thing about this book is that everything Pru does has a purpose and I struggled with her at times. The way she keeps Finn at a distance can be trying, but it’s great for angst lovers. Yes, Jill Shalvis writes a book with some angst. You can feel Pru’s inner torture and you just want the girl to feel better!
Overall, Pru and Finn’s relationship is sweet, despite some hiccups, but hey those hiccups keeps the book moving and going. If you like Chick Lit books, then you will not be disappointed with this one.
AMAZON
Written as...
February 27, 2021
Oh well! I fall in love all over again with this windy city, San Francisco. Sweet Little Lies is just this sweet reminiscene of my past long time ago. The good time.
Miss Shalvis done a good job bringing this rom com to life. I do love her sense of humor. And she does not fail to entertain me on quite saturday night. Some of the banter makes me smile. So cute.
I guess Miss Shalvis lived up to her reputation as rom com writer. Such a witty sense of humor.
4 stars
Miss Shalvis done a good job bringing this rom com to life. I do love her sense of humor. And she does not fail to entertain me on quite saturday night. Some of the banter makes me smile. So cute.
I guess Miss Shalvis lived up to her reputation as rom com writer. Such a witty sense of humor.
4 stars
July 1, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Woo! A new series from Jill Shalvis! Be still my fan-girl heart! lol There are four things you can depend on from a Shalvis read.
1. It'll have some sexy, yummy romance
2. It'll have quirky humor
3. It'll have characters you desperately want to be friends with in real life (or do naughty things to)
4. And it'll have tremendous heart.
And Sweet Little Lies totally delivered on all of the above. It was a fun step into a new series and into the life of Pru. A woman who is desperately trying to right the damage done by her parents many years ago. A mission that's brought her to San Francisco and into the life of one very sexy Irish pub owner named Finn.*cue dreamy sigh because, seriously, Finn*
I really enjoyed the characters. Pru's a good woman who cares about others and is trying her best to take care of everyone her parents harmed in any way. She was admirable and sweet and had a quirky little dog. Oh and she's a ship captain! And Finn. So much yum! He's a bit removed and all work no play. He had to grow up quick after his parents were killed and ended up raising his little brother. He's a good guy that does what he has to to make sure they're stable.
I liked watching her bring out the fun in him and him just being there for her when she needed someone to help her weather her storms. They were lovely and fun and sexy and sweet. All those wonderful things that make your heart sigh just a bit.
There were nice peeks at secondary characters too and seeing these guys with their friends. I always love the group feel that Shalvis creates. It was interesting being in San Francisco too-- a very different vibe from the small town romances Shalvis is known for.
Overall, I had a good time with Sweet Little Lies. While a good spot predictable and focused on a 'big secret' trope-- which admittedly isn't my favorite and is so overdone-- it was still a fun read with amazing characters. I did think there was something a little off with this one compared to the typical Shalvis reads that I love so much. I'm not sure exactly what it was, and it wasn't necessarily bad, just slightly not her normal voice. I think the setting and not being in a small town may have played a part in that. I'm excited to see what will come in the series though.
~~~~~~~~~~~Notes~~~~~~~~~~~
Jan 24--Woo! I had a good time with Sweet Little Lies. While a good spot predictable and focused on a 'big secret' trope which admittedly isn't my favorite it was still a fun read with amazing characters. Loved the peeks at secondary characters and future storylines. There was something a little off on this one--not sure what exactly--that didn't feel like the typical Shalvis that I enjoy so much. It wasn't bad at all but just something slightly not the norm. I'm excited to see what will come in the series though.
Jan 22--Aaaaand omg it's on my kindle. Definitely in need of a comfort read during this icy storm so diving in. Eeps!
Jan 18--How did I not know this was happening?!! OMG! I'm gonna need this now, please! lol
Grab it: http://amzn.to/1ninv7L
July 3, 2016
Absolutely loved this one! Jill Shalvis opens her new "Heartbreaker Bay" series with an outstanding and fun-to-read story, along with a variety of amazing characters who keep the magic going. Local friendly bar, two brothers who are the owners with a sad history, lots of neighbors and friends who are frequent visitors, and a wishing fountain, along with the new girl who moves in carrying a load of secrets that you know are going to be exposed -- and what will happen then? Whose heart will be broken? Will love conquer all?
Knowing Jill Shalvis -- love will prevail, but she makes you work for it and in the end it will all be worth it!
Knowing Jill Shalvis -- love will prevail, but she makes you work for it and in the end it will all be worth it!
June 28, 2016
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
This was such a delightful romance! There was just so much that this book did right. The characters were great, including a wonderful cast of secondary characters. The chemistry between the couple was so intense that I just couldn't enough. I loved the little pieces of humor that worked its way into the story. The story was great and felt real to me. I am so glad that I picked this one up.
The characters in this story were simply amazing. I was sucked into the story right away just by Pru's character. Oh yeah, Pru's dog, Thor, may have had a small part in grabbing me right away as well. I just loved Thor. It took me a little bit longer to really get a feel for Finn but once I did, I may have swooned a bit. He was such a great match for Pru. Finn's group of friends, who quickly became Pru's group of friends only added to the appeal.
I have read a lot of romances so there isn't too many plot ideas that I haven't come across during my years of reading. The "big secret that could tear the couple apart" theme is generally not one of my favorites. But you know what, it worked for me in this story. I was actually a bit nervous about how things would work out since it is a romance novel and the odds are really good that the couple would get their happily ever after in the end. It really speaks to the quality of the story that I was so invested in this fictional pair's happiness.
There was a wonderful playfulness to the story. I found many sections of the book to be quite funny. The humor in the story really fit in very nicely and didn't feel forced in any way. This was just such a fun group of people that laughs would naturally occur anytime they are together. The humor was nicely balanced with tenderness between Finn and Pru. My heart melted just a bit when he worked to take care of her. Everything about this story just felt so incredibly real.
The chemistry between Finn and Pru was off the charts. Personality wise they fit together perfectly but the physical heat that they shared was breathtaking. The sexy times in this book were intense but they had chemistry during every scene that they were together in the book. I even felt the heat of Finn's stare when they first shared a page.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. Jill Shalvis is quickly becoming a go to author for me anytime that I am in the mood for a romance. I have only read a few of her books so far but I will be working on her backlist soon. I can't wait to see the next book in the Heartbreaker Bay series because I can't wait to spend more time with this group of characters.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
Loved this one! Jill Shalvis is quickly becoming one of my go to authors for fun contemporary romances. I like the characters in this one quite a bit.
This was such a delightful romance! There was just so much that this book did right. The characters were great, including a wonderful cast of secondary characters. The chemistry between the couple was so intense that I just couldn't enough. I loved the little pieces of humor that worked its way into the story. The story was great and felt real to me. I am so glad that I picked this one up.
The characters in this story were simply amazing. I was sucked into the story right away just by Pru's character. Oh yeah, Pru's dog, Thor, may have had a small part in grabbing me right away as well. I just loved Thor. It took me a little bit longer to really get a feel for Finn but once I did, I may have swooned a bit. He was such a great match for Pru. Finn's group of friends, who quickly became Pru's group of friends only added to the appeal.
I have read a lot of romances so there isn't too many plot ideas that I haven't come across during my years of reading. The "big secret that could tear the couple apart" theme is generally not one of my favorites. But you know what, it worked for me in this story. I was actually a bit nervous about how things would work out since it is a romance novel and the odds are really good that the couple would get their happily ever after in the end. It really speaks to the quality of the story that I was so invested in this fictional pair's happiness.
There was a wonderful playfulness to the story. I found many sections of the book to be quite funny. The humor in the story really fit in very nicely and didn't feel forced in any way. This was just such a fun group of people that laughs would naturally occur anytime they are together. The humor was nicely balanced with tenderness between Finn and Pru. My heart melted just a bit when he worked to take care of her. Everything about this story just felt so incredibly real.
The chemistry between Finn and Pru was off the charts. Personality wise they fit together perfectly but the physical heat that they shared was breathtaking. The sexy times in this book were intense but they had chemistry during every scene that they were together in the book. I even felt the heat of Finn's stare when they first shared a page.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. Jill Shalvis is quickly becoming a go to author for me anytime that I am in the mood for a romance. I have only read a few of her books so far but I will be working on her backlist soon. I can't wait to see the next book in the Heartbreaker Bay series because I can't wait to spend more time with this group of characters.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss for the purpose of providing an honest review.
Initial Thoughts
Loved this one! Jill Shalvis is quickly becoming one of my go to authors for fun contemporary romances. I like the characters in this one quite a bit.
May 21, 2016
Sweet Little Lies
Jill Shalvis
I received an ARC from Edelweiss for an honest review.
I've only read one other Jill Shalvis book before SWEET LITTLE LIES. I know I know......don't shoot me okay? But after reading this funny and sexy story I am on a quest to read all the ones that I missed. Jill Shalvis is the perfect author for me. Funny, snarky, and just the right amount of hotness make the perfect story for me. I'm excited to read more of her stories.
SWEET LITTLE LIES is the first book in Jill Shalvis' new series, Heartbreaker Bay and I can't wait to read more about this fun and loyal bunch of friends. Pru lost her parents in a drunk driving accident eight years ago. She is now the captain of a tour boat in San Francisco and loving her life. But what no one except her boss knows is she has been keeping tabs on everyone involved in that horrible and tragic accident. She has anonymously been helping them all, making sure they are okay and having whatever they need to make their dreams come true and their lives better. One of those people is Finn O'Riley. One sexy and very hot
man that Pru can't stop thinking about.
Pru meets all the quirky characters at O'Rileys Bar that soon become her friends. SWEET LITTLE LIES shows you how all the friends stick together, care for one another, and always have each other's backs. This includes Pru. Seriously, this is a great group of friends and I could almost feel like I was sitting in the bar eating hot wings with Pru and staring at Finn's perfect and oh so sexy body. Will Finn ever find out what Pru is hiding from him? She has a secret and it's a big one, but how will she ever find the perfect moment to tell him? You have to read SWEET LITTLE LIES to find out! Trust me, you won't regret it for a New York minute.
SWEET LITTLE LIES is the perfect start to what promises to be an awesome series. So many times I wanted to give a big hug to Pru. She is so selfless and only wants the best for everyone. She deserves happiness as well and she is the only one who doesn't think that. The accident wasn't her fault but she gives up everything to help those involved. While reading, I found myself giggling and snorting and laughing out loud at the banter between this group of friends and especially between Pru and Finn. Jill Shalvis does an awesome job of making you fall in love with all of her characters and leaves you wanting more of them. I'm so excited to see what happens next in this series.
Jill Shalvis
I received an ARC from Edelweiss for an honest review.
I've only read one other Jill Shalvis book before SWEET LITTLE LIES. I know I know......don't shoot me okay? But after reading this funny and sexy story I am on a quest to read all the ones that I missed. Jill Shalvis is the perfect author for me. Funny, snarky, and just the right amount of hotness make the perfect story for me. I'm excited to read more of her stories.
SWEET LITTLE LIES is the first book in Jill Shalvis' new series, Heartbreaker Bay and I can't wait to read more about this fun and loyal bunch of friends. Pru lost her parents in a drunk driving accident eight years ago. She is now the captain of a tour boat in San Francisco and loving her life. But what no one except her boss knows is she has been keeping tabs on everyone involved in that horrible and tragic accident. She has anonymously been helping them all, making sure they are okay and having whatever they need to make their dreams come true and their lives better. One of those people is Finn O'Riley. One sexy and very hot
man that Pru can't stop thinking about.
Pru meets all the quirky characters at O'Rileys Bar that soon become her friends. SWEET LITTLE LIES shows you how all the friends stick together, care for one another, and always have each other's backs. This includes Pru. Seriously, this is a great group of friends and I could almost feel like I was sitting in the bar eating hot wings with Pru and staring at Finn's perfect and oh so sexy body. Will Finn ever find out what Pru is hiding from him? She has a secret and it's a big one, but how will she ever find the perfect moment to tell him? You have to read SWEET LITTLE LIES to find out! Trust me, you won't regret it for a New York minute.
SWEET LITTLE LIES is the perfect start to what promises to be an awesome series. So many times I wanted to give a big hug to Pru. She is so selfless and only wants the best for everyone. She deserves happiness as well and she is the only one who doesn't think that. The accident wasn't her fault but she gives up everything to help those involved. While reading, I found myself giggling and snorting and laughing out loud at the banter between this group of friends and especially between Pru and Finn. Jill Shalvis does an awesome job of making you fall in love with all of her characters and leaves you wanting more of them. I'm so excited to see what happens next in this series.
June 24, 2017
DNF
A self flagellating, hand wringing martyr who is TSTL is the main female character. I literally cringed after the millionth time she started whining to herself that Finn would never forgive her for lying but she "couldn't help herself". And to actually start having sex with someone that you had been so dishonest with.....ugh. And really, nothing else at all happens in the story except cute scenes with the dog, fun scenes hanging out at the pub or playing softball. I quit after chapter 18, part 5 of 9 on the audiobook so I'd say I gave it a good try. I expect way more from this author. I don't know what got into her but this book if not up to her usual calibre.
Speaking of the audiobook, Karen White is the narrator and she a pretty good job. Her voice is suited to this type of story.
A self flagellating, hand wringing martyr who is TSTL is the main female character. I literally cringed after the millionth time she started whining to herself that Finn would never forgive her for lying but she "couldn't help herself". And to actually start having sex with someone that you had been so dishonest with.....ugh. And really, nothing else at all happens in the story except cute scenes with the dog, fun scenes hanging out at the pub or playing softball. I quit after chapter 18, part 5 of 9 on the audiobook so I'd say I gave it a good try. I expect way more from this author. I don't know what got into her but this book if not up to her usual calibre.
Speaking of the audiobook, Karen White is the narrator and she a pretty good job. Her voice is suited to this type of story.
September 17, 2016
3.5 Stars.
Still enjoyed it, but a relationship built around a lie or the omittance of truth because it's easier than being honest never sits well with me.
Loved Finn, and the overall set up for the series looks better than promising. Jill kept me entertained as always, just wish Pru had come clean earlier.
Still enjoyed it, but a relationship built around a lie or the omittance of truth because it's easier than being honest never sits well with me.
Loved Finn, and the overall set up for the series looks better than promising. Jill kept me entertained as always, just wish Pru had come clean earlier.
July 19, 2019
I read this by mistake. I had ordered a mystery with the same title and received this by mistake. I do not read much contemporary romance but since you can't put a book in front of me without me reading it I did read this.
It was a cute story. I liked it more then I thought I would. The leading lady is Pru and her man is Finn. He owns a local pub and that is what I liked.
We meet his friends, all a great group of people, who come to love Pru and urge Finn to fight for her. This is so not my genre but I will say I am considering reading more from this genre if the books are like this one.
Simply put, it was a fun read. Not corny..Pru's got some secrets of coarse but that is to be expected in a book like this. I liked her and Finn as well. Loved the pub where they all hung out. This was an unexpected pleasure to read and I may look for more from this author. 3.5 stars.
It was a cute story. I liked it more then I thought I would. The leading lady is Pru and her man is Finn. He owns a local pub and that is what I liked.
We meet his friends, all a great group of people, who come to love Pru and urge Finn to fight for her. This is so not my genre but I will say I am considering reading more from this genre if the books are like this one.
Simply put, it was a fun read. Not corny..Pru's got some secrets of coarse but that is to be expected in a book like this. I liked her and Finn as well. Loved the pub where they all hung out. This was an unexpected pleasure to read and I may look for more from this author. 3.5 stars.
July 31, 2019
Hiç önceki Jill Shalvis kitapları gibi değil. Bence Lucky Harbor serisine geri dönmeli yayınevi.
January 7, 2020
#RitaJill #RetoRita
Definitivamente no hay "fotosíntesis" entre la autora y yo. La premisa pintaba entretenida pero no he disfrutado de la lectura, ha sido casi una tortura leerlo.
Definitivamente no hay "fotosíntesis" entre la autora y yo. La premisa pintaba entretenida pero no he disfrutado de la lectura, ha sido casi una tortura leerlo.
August 27, 2016
Adorable, sexy, moving & funny start to a new Jill Shalvis series!
I loved it!
Can't wait to read all the stories about all the people in the house!!!! ☺
December 10, 2015
How did I not know that Jill Shalvis was writing ANOTHER new series? Seriously, I opened up Edelweiss and there was this beauty staring me in the face. Obviously I downloaded it and read it immediately, because there is nothing that hits the spot quite like a Jill Shalvis book does.
I loved the set-up for this story… Pru has spent her past trying to make up for mistake her parents made that affected the lives of plenty of others… she’s done all she can to help those whose lives were impacted, and now she’s got her sights set on Finn O’Riley. She’s helped in the past, but now she wants to see him happy, and she’ll do everything to make that happen up to and including making a wish at the historic fountain that has been rumored to grant those wishes… even impossible ones.
After the death of his father, Finn gave up a possible future in baseball to go home and take care of his younger brother. A windfall of money allowed him to open up the bar that they now successfully run, but the bar and his brother have been his whole life. He doesn’t have time or room for a woman, but he certainly can’t resist the draw he has to this new neighbor. But when secrets are revealed and feelings are laid on the line, he has to decide if her secrets are big enough to ruin the relationship they’ve unwittingly built.
First of all, I really loved Pru… she’s sweet and kind and giving and just the perfect heroine for this story… and Finn - *drools* six plus feet of bartender who plays baseball... Sign me up. These two just worked for me from the get-go. I loved seeing Finn and his friends pull Pru in and welcome her with open arms and I’m super excited to see the coming books in this series after getting to know some of the characters that I’m sure we’ll see. Shalvis always does an amazing job of introducing us to secondary characters and making us fall in love with them even if the story we’re reading isn’t necessarily theirs. So I can’t wait for more!
Of course this story is filled with sweet, sexy and swoons and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who does it better than Shalvis. While these stories are always formulaic, I can’t fault it, because I love each and every one of them regardless. There’s also the drama, but it’s truly short-lived and we’re not left to wonder about the future of the relationship and I do have to point out that while Pru isn’t sharing all the details with Finn, we as the reader do have an idea of what the hang up really is so that was nice.
If you’re looking for the next Lucky Harbor, search no further. HeartBreaker Bay is coming soon and if you’re a fan of Jill Shalvis, you’re going to want to grab this one as soon as possible.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I loved the set-up for this story… Pru has spent her past trying to make up for mistake her parents made that affected the lives of plenty of others… she’s done all she can to help those whose lives were impacted, and now she’s got her sights set on Finn O’Riley. She’s helped in the past, but now she wants to see him happy, and she’ll do everything to make that happen up to and including making a wish at the historic fountain that has been rumored to grant those wishes… even impossible ones.
After the death of his father, Finn gave up a possible future in baseball to go home and take care of his younger brother. A windfall of money allowed him to open up the bar that they now successfully run, but the bar and his brother have been his whole life. He doesn’t have time or room for a woman, but he certainly can’t resist the draw he has to this new neighbor. But when secrets are revealed and feelings are laid on the line, he has to decide if her secrets are big enough to ruin the relationship they’ve unwittingly built.
First of all, I really loved Pru… she’s sweet and kind and giving and just the perfect heroine for this story… and Finn - *drools* six plus feet of bartender who plays baseball... Sign me up. These two just worked for me from the get-go. I loved seeing Finn and his friends pull Pru in and welcome her with open arms and I’m super excited to see the coming books in this series after getting to know some of the characters that I’m sure we’ll see. Shalvis always does an amazing job of introducing us to secondary characters and making us fall in love with them even if the story we’re reading isn’t necessarily theirs. So I can’t wait for more!
Of course this story is filled with sweet, sexy and swoons and you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who does it better than Shalvis. While these stories are always formulaic, I can’t fault it, because I love each and every one of them regardless. There’s also the drama, but it’s truly short-lived and we’re not left to wonder about the future of the relationship and I do have to point out that while Pru isn’t sharing all the details with Finn, we as the reader do have an idea of what the hang up really is so that was nice.
If you’re looking for the next Lucky Harbor, search no further. HeartBreaker Bay is coming soon and if you’re a fan of Jill Shalvis, you’re going to want to grab this one as soon as possible.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
June 27, 2016
Jill Shalvis takes readers to the San Francisco Bay area and introduces us to a whole new set of characters. As expected, the women are on the quirky side and the men, well, the men are simply hotter than hell.
Finn O’Reily puts the SEX in sexy. I was immediately intrigued by Finn’s character. He’s a hard working guy that devotes most of his time in running his bar with his younger brother. The two have a bit of tension. Finn has sacrificed quite a lot over the years and his brother, Sean, at twenty-two years old still things life is a game of chase. Shalvis explores more of their past in this story but I never thought we got the full story or the emotion behind it. We get glimpses of what happened but it didn’t feel like it was enough to really solve the mystery of Finn O’Reily.
Shalvis plays this up in the heroine of the story. Pru has her heats set on Finn; she wants him to be happy. However, it is stated throughout the book that there is a secret that she hasn’t told him yet that may change the course of their relationship. When half the book passed already and nothing was revealed yet, I knew that the secret wasn’t going to be something so earthshattering that the author would have to spend the rest of the book trying to repair it. So when it came, I was prepared and to be honest, not that surprised with what the secret was. I feel like I know Shalvis’ writing now and I couldn’t see her going any other route than the way she did with this book.
Since this is the first book of a brand new series, there are a ton of new faces. And when I say a ton, I really do mean it. While Shalvis does give each of them a great personality, the sheer number of them introduced in such a short period of time did make me have to set the book down and try to remember who was who. It’s clear that Shalvis wishes to write many books in the series and I am definitely looking forward to each of them, but out of all the characters in this one, Sean is the only one I ended up caring about in the end.
I definitely feel like Shalvis could be hitting her stride again with this series and with a brand new set of characters to fall in love with, I have no doubt that this series will be a success.
June 25, 2016
***ARC Gifted via the Publisher and Goodreads Giveaway***
Review Originally Appeared on I'm A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore:
http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore....
I love Jill Shalvis, usually. So this was a little disappointing for me. I was excited to win the giveaway and thrilled to get an early chance at this one, but it fell flat for me in a lot of ways.
Pru was shallow to me, not necessarily as a person, but as a character, she was lacking something. I never really believed she was that passionate about anything, her job, helping the victims of an accident her parents caused, nothing.
Finn was a little more accessible, but only barely. He was closed off, and while it was partly understandable, the character seemed unbalanced to me and he was not consistent.
Pru and Finn had chemistry, but at the same time, I didn’t really believe in the chemistry, if that makes sense. It was there for me, and then it wasn’t. Almost like it was missing layers, and this lack of depth made his reaction to her revelation feel false, as I did not feel he was passionate enough about their relationship to react that passionately to her secret.
There were a lot of secondary characters, as this is setting up the beginning of a new series, and I think the characters of Finn and Pru suffered because of the effort made to present the new characters and new world of the stories. It left me feeling like I had a cliff notes version on all of the characters but no real connection with most of them. There were a couple though that I thought were more interesting that Pru and Finn.
The writing was strong as far as construction of the story, the actual words used and the dialog. But the pacing and characters really didn’t work for me in this one. While I will probably read the next books in the series, as I like the author, I am only cautiously able to recommend this one and I do so more as it is the first in the series than for any compelling merits it has on its own.
Review Originally Appeared on I'm A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore:
http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore....
I love Jill Shalvis, usually. So this was a little disappointing for me. I was excited to win the giveaway and thrilled to get an early chance at this one, but it fell flat for me in a lot of ways.
Pru was shallow to me, not necessarily as a person, but as a character, she was lacking something. I never really believed she was that passionate about anything, her job, helping the victims of an accident her parents caused, nothing.
Finn was a little more accessible, but only barely. He was closed off, and while it was partly understandable, the character seemed unbalanced to me and he was not consistent.
Pru and Finn had chemistry, but at the same time, I didn’t really believe in the chemistry, if that makes sense. It was there for me, and then it wasn’t. Almost like it was missing layers, and this lack of depth made his reaction to her revelation feel false, as I did not feel he was passionate enough about their relationship to react that passionately to her secret.
There were a lot of secondary characters, as this is setting up the beginning of a new series, and I think the characters of Finn and Pru suffered because of the effort made to present the new characters and new world of the stories. It left me feeling like I had a cliff notes version on all of the characters but no real connection with most of them. There were a couple though that I thought were more interesting that Pru and Finn.
The writing was strong as far as construction of the story, the actual words used and the dialog. But the pacing and characters really didn’t work for me in this one. While I will probably read the next books in the series, as I like the author, I am only cautiously able to recommend this one and I do so more as it is the first in the series than for any compelling merits it has on its own.
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