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Heartbreaker Bay #6
Hot Winter Nights
Who needs mistletoe?
Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that--but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once . . .
Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don't mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he's shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly's brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can't believe he's drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who's the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he's ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he's been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.
Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that--but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once . . .
Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don't mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he's shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly's brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can't believe he's drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who's the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he's ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he's been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.
248 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2018
1114 people are currently reading
5665 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
388 books13.9k 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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August 29, 2018
Hot Winter Nights is book six in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis. Maybe my memory is failing me in recalling details of the previous five books because I feel like this one had a bit more suspense in it. We are hearing more of the details that go on inside Hunt Investigations and let me tell you, these guys have some dangerous jobs. You can definitely read this as a stand alone. The characters are recurring from the previous books but are not required to be able to jump right into this one.
Molly Malone is Joe’s little sister whom we have met in a previous book! She is the office manager and is incredibly good at her job. But she wants more. She wants to be part of the team. Only her brother Joe and the boss, Archer, who are both incredibly protective of her, keep telling her she’s not ready. When Molly was fourteen, something happened to her that caused her to suffer permanent nerve damage to one of her legs. Not to mention the many surgical scars that cover her body. Because of this, she has had bad luck with romance and has been hurt. She’s pretty much given up on finding a man who would accept her, scars and all.
Lucas Knight is one of the private investigators at Hunt Investigations. He is best friends with Joe and Archer. There has been an underlying electricity between he and Molly for some time. But firstly, Molly is off limits because she is Joe’s sister and a fellow employee. Besides that, Lucas is not a relationship type of guy and he knows Molly deserves more than a one and done. Lucas has suffered not one but two great losses in his life. The pain he has experienced has caused him to pull back from his family. And it has convinced him that that kind of pain is not worth it. That he won’t put himself through that again.
When Lucas wakes up after stupidly mixing pain meds from a recent gun shot wound and alcohol, naked and in bed with none other than Molly, he is completely freaking out because he can’t remember a thing. Molly keeps telling him he was a disappointment but when they finally do kiss, he knows he would remember that kiss, because it was the best kiss of his life.
It’s nearly Christmas and Molly’s elderly neighbors have come to her for help. They are elves that work at Santa’s workshop. It seems that bad Santa has been short changing them claiming that he’s not making any money. But that’s not what they see. The nightly bingo hall is packed and the cash is coming in like crazy. So they want Molly to help them find out what bad Santa is really up to. Archer and Joe will not give Molly permission to take the case. When they realize that she is going to do it anyway, they assign Lucas secretly to keep an eye on her.
As Lucas and Molly begin to investigate the bad Santa case, Lucas begins to realize that Molly really is more than capable. She’s amazing in fact. It doesn’t take long for that electricity to become too much for them both to ignore. And for feelings to develop, for both of them.
“It’d been a long time since she’d allowed herself to trust a guy to see past her flaws. But it was as if he didn’t even see them at all. He simply saw all of her, as a whole, and that was incredibly freeing.”
As Molly and Lucas delve into the case, it soon becomes obvious that there really is something going on here, something more dangerous than either of them anticipated. And they are both caught right in the middle of it. All the while, their feelings are continuing to grow. What will happen if Molly discovers that Lucas was told to help her with this case? Will she understand? Because Lucas is beginning to realize that after the case is over, he is ready to go all in with Molly. That he wants more from her.
First of all, I have loved this entire series. I loved getting the chance to revisit some of my favorite characters. I loved seeing the walls come down with both of these two. And, their chemistry is most definitely hot. For some reason, though, I just didn’t feel it like I have in some of her other books. There was no swooning or sighing. I really liked the book and was turning the pages, especially during the suspenseful parts. But it just wasn’t one of my favorites of the books I’ve read of hers. So, while I really enjoyed it, and it was wonderfully well written, it was still just okay for me.
Molly Malone is Joe’s little sister whom we have met in a previous book! She is the office manager and is incredibly good at her job. But she wants more. She wants to be part of the team. Only her brother Joe and the boss, Archer, who are both incredibly protective of her, keep telling her she’s not ready. When Molly was fourteen, something happened to her that caused her to suffer permanent nerve damage to one of her legs. Not to mention the many surgical scars that cover her body. Because of this, she has had bad luck with romance and has been hurt. She’s pretty much given up on finding a man who would accept her, scars and all.
Lucas Knight is one of the private investigators at Hunt Investigations. He is best friends with Joe and Archer. There has been an underlying electricity between he and Molly for some time. But firstly, Molly is off limits because she is Joe’s sister and a fellow employee. Besides that, Lucas is not a relationship type of guy and he knows Molly deserves more than a one and done. Lucas has suffered not one but two great losses in his life. The pain he has experienced has caused him to pull back from his family. And it has convinced him that that kind of pain is not worth it. That he won’t put himself through that again.
When Lucas wakes up after stupidly mixing pain meds from a recent gun shot wound and alcohol, naked and in bed with none other than Molly, he is completely freaking out because he can’t remember a thing. Molly keeps telling him he was a disappointment but when they finally do kiss, he knows he would remember that kiss, because it was the best kiss of his life.
It’s nearly Christmas and Molly’s elderly neighbors have come to her for help. They are elves that work at Santa’s workshop. It seems that bad Santa has been short changing them claiming that he’s not making any money. But that’s not what they see. The nightly bingo hall is packed and the cash is coming in like crazy. So they want Molly to help them find out what bad Santa is really up to. Archer and Joe will not give Molly permission to take the case. When they realize that she is going to do it anyway, they assign Lucas secretly to keep an eye on her.
As Lucas and Molly begin to investigate the bad Santa case, Lucas begins to realize that Molly really is more than capable. She’s amazing in fact. It doesn’t take long for that electricity to become too much for them both to ignore. And for feelings to develop, for both of them.
“It’d been a long time since she’d allowed herself to trust a guy to see past her flaws. But it was as if he didn’t even see them at all. He simply saw all of her, as a whole, and that was incredibly freeing.”
As Molly and Lucas delve into the case, it soon becomes obvious that there really is something going on here, something more dangerous than either of them anticipated. And they are both caught right in the middle of it. All the while, their feelings are continuing to grow. What will happen if Molly discovers that Lucas was told to help her with this case? Will she understand? Because Lucas is beginning to realize that after the case is over, he is ready to go all in with Molly. That he wants more from her.
First of all, I have loved this entire series. I loved getting the chance to revisit some of my favorite characters. I loved seeing the walls come down with both of these two. And, their chemistry is most definitely hot. For some reason, though, I just didn’t feel it like I have in some of her other books. There was no swooning or sighing. I really liked the book and was turning the pages, especially during the suspenseful parts. But it just wasn’t one of my favorites of the books I’ve read of hers. So, while I really enjoyed it, and it was wonderfully well written, it was still just okay for me.
September 27, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
“I just got a text from Louise… It says, ‘Don’t be late for work tonight, Santa’s turned into Grinch. SMH.’” She blinked. “What does S-M-H mean?” “Shaking my head,” “Oh thank goodness… I thought it meant Sex Might Help.”
Welcome to adulthood, where having Home Advil and Purse Advil is everything.
I do miss cuddling. Sometimes I just need to be kissed and spooned, you know? I deserve that, I’m a decent person, I recycle.
“I thought you had more game than that.” “Game?” Virginia asked on a laugh. “Honey, last night you kissed me and farted at the same time.”
“I’m not sure what it says about me that a sixty-year-old Santa is getting more than I am,” she said. “Money or sex?” “Probably both.”
“How about when I pretended to be Santa Claus for Sami?” He pointed to his cousin. “I climbed onto your roof and made reindeer noises and everything. You bought it hook, line, and sinker.” “Yep, right up until you fell off and past my window, breaking your arm. For years I thought I’d killed Santa. It was traumatizing.”
They really should put prizes in our tampon boxes, like ‘hey, your period sucks, but here’s a fifty percent off ice cream coupon, you cranky bitch.’
My Review:
Jill Shalvis is a guaranteed fun read. I am addicted to her clever humor and special brand of witty character banter. In addition to the secret romance (that wasn’t supposed to be happening) between co-workers, was the humorously well-crafted mystery they were investigating (that wasn’t supposed to be a case) involving a Christmas Village/Bingo parlor run by a felonious and licentious sixty-year-old Santa and his geriatric elves. The premise was original and ingeniously giggle-snort worthy. The storylines were highly amusing, continuously engaging, and cunningly crafted. But the treasure, as usual, was Ms. Shalvis’s compelling and captivating characters, who tend to be quick on the draw with sassy quips, highly capable and endearing yet deeply flawed, and good-hearted yet scarred and irreparably damaged. I enjoyed this book and this couple from beginning to end.
“I just got a text from Louise… It says, ‘Don’t be late for work tonight, Santa’s turned into Grinch. SMH.’” She blinked. “What does S-M-H mean?” “Shaking my head,” “Oh thank goodness… I thought it meant Sex Might Help.”
Welcome to adulthood, where having Home Advil and Purse Advil is everything.
I do miss cuddling. Sometimes I just need to be kissed and spooned, you know? I deserve that, I’m a decent person, I recycle.
“I thought you had more game than that.” “Game?” Virginia asked on a laugh. “Honey, last night you kissed me and farted at the same time.”
“I’m not sure what it says about me that a sixty-year-old Santa is getting more than I am,” she said. “Money or sex?” “Probably both.”
“How about when I pretended to be Santa Claus for Sami?” He pointed to his cousin. “I climbed onto your roof and made reindeer noises and everything. You bought it hook, line, and sinker.” “Yep, right up until you fell off and past my window, breaking your arm. For years I thought I’d killed Santa. It was traumatizing.”
They really should put prizes in our tampon boxes, like ‘hey, your period sucks, but here’s a fifty percent off ice cream coupon, you cranky bitch.’
My Review:
Jill Shalvis is a guaranteed fun read. I am addicted to her clever humor and special brand of witty character banter. In addition to the secret romance (that wasn’t supposed to be happening) between co-workers, was the humorously well-crafted mystery they were investigating (that wasn’t supposed to be a case) involving a Christmas Village/Bingo parlor run by a felonious and licentious sixty-year-old Santa and his geriatric elves. The premise was original and ingeniously giggle-snort worthy. The storylines were highly amusing, continuously engaging, and cunningly crafted. But the treasure, as usual, was Ms. Shalvis’s compelling and captivating characters, who tend to be quick on the draw with sassy quips, highly capable and endearing yet deeply flawed, and good-hearted yet scarred and irreparably damaged. I enjoyed this book and this couple from beginning to end.
September 25, 2018
4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR & HarperCollins)
Molly Malone lives in San Francisco, and is the office manager at Hunt Investigations where she works with her older brother Joe. She's the lone woman at the elite security firm. She's spent the last two years behind the front desk, and craved more. She wanted her own case load, and to be challenged and out in the field.
Lucas Knight works as a security specialist for Hunt Investigations. He loved his job, but since he's been recovering from a gunshot wound, he's been bored to tears waiting for the doctor to clear him to return to work. He goes to the pub with his friends one evening and makes the mistake of mixing alcohol with his pain meds. He wakes up the next morning hung over, and not alone. The previous night is a blur, and he automatically assumes the worst. He couldn't deny he'd fantasized about the beautiful woman in his bed a time or two, but it was his little secret since he liked breathing, and was best friends with Molly's brother. He'd long ago learned to ignore the undercurrent of electricity between them. He didn't mix business with pleasure, and knew the sexy brunette who kept them all on their toes was off limits.
Molly is enjoying teasing and messing with Lucas. She figures what will it hurt to poke the bear a little longer. She's having fun seeing this alpha male guy who nothing ever gets to freak out. She keeps up the ruse until they become partners on a bad Santa case. As they work together they become closer, and their attraction is harder to ignore. Soon their physical chemistry can't be denied, and they are both feeling too much. It's been a long time since Molly has allowed herself to trust a guy, and have a man respect her abilities, and have her back. Lucas never got attached, but Molly was different. He suddenly wants to take a chance and put himself out there.
-I want you, and I’m tired of resisting.
-His heart was asking for something his brain kept telling him he shouldn’t want. A soul mate.
-She mattered to him, more than anyone ever had.
I loved this story, and this entire series is fantastic! This one is about two co-workers who fall in love while working a case together. It's also a brother's best friend romance which is one of my favorites! Lucas is a Brazilian hottie bad ass, and Molly is a strong, confident, feisty woman who knows her worth. I loved both these characters. It's another amazing book in the Heartbreaker Bay series!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2pBmlay
(ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR & HarperCollins)
Molly Malone lives in San Francisco, and is the office manager at Hunt Investigations where she works with her older brother Joe. She's the lone woman at the elite security firm. She's spent the last two years behind the front desk, and craved more. She wanted her own case load, and to be challenged and out in the field.
Lucas Knight works as a security specialist for Hunt Investigations. He loved his job, but since he's been recovering from a gunshot wound, he's been bored to tears waiting for the doctor to clear him to return to work. He goes to the pub with his friends one evening and makes the mistake of mixing alcohol with his pain meds. He wakes up the next morning hung over, and not alone. The previous night is a blur, and he automatically assumes the worst. He couldn't deny he'd fantasized about the beautiful woman in his bed a time or two, but it was his little secret since he liked breathing, and was best friends with Molly's brother. He'd long ago learned to ignore the undercurrent of electricity between them. He didn't mix business with pleasure, and knew the sexy brunette who kept them all on their toes was off limits.
Molly is enjoying teasing and messing with Lucas. She figures what will it hurt to poke the bear a little longer. She's having fun seeing this alpha male guy who nothing ever gets to freak out. She keeps up the ruse until they become partners on a bad Santa case. As they work together they become closer, and their attraction is harder to ignore. Soon their physical chemistry can't be denied, and they are both feeling too much. It's been a long time since Molly has allowed herself to trust a guy, and have a man respect her abilities, and have her back. Lucas never got attached, but Molly was different. He suddenly wants to take a chance and put himself out there.
-I want you, and I’m tired of resisting.
-His heart was asking for something his brain kept telling him he shouldn’t want. A soul mate.
-She mattered to him, more than anyone ever had.
I loved this story, and this entire series is fantastic! This one is about two co-workers who fall in love while working a case together. It's also a brother's best friend romance which is one of my favorites! Lucas is a Brazilian hottie bad ass, and Molly is a strong, confident, feisty woman who knows her worth. I loved both these characters. It's another amazing book in the Heartbreaker Bay series!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2pBmlay
September 23, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
"Love is just stumbling through life with your best friend.”
Jill Shalvis is one of those authors I don't need to be in the mood for because I'm always in the mood for one of her books. I remember when I felt that crackling chemistry between Lucas and Molly in Joe's story I wanted to know what was going on between them. Turns out not so much back then. Yes, there was attraction but in Hot Winter Nights they definitely crank the heat up.
What keeps me coming back to Jill's books are her unfailingly lovable characters. Molly is a young woman who has been hurt because of her physical condition. She has built a barbed wire around her heart, determined not to let anyone get close and while she always has always felt Lucas's pull she would never act on it. I loved that she could be so mischievous and screwed with Lucas head in a fun way. She had a big dose of sass, was smart and brave as long as she didn't have to think about emotional relationships.
“Lucas?” she whispered.
“Yeah?”
“I’m in trouble with you.”
Lucas has closed off his heart because he's no stranger to loss. For years he kept everyone at arm's length, his boisterous family included. With Molly that changes fast. There are so many reasons he wants her and even more reasons why he shouldn't but this crafty, funny, clever woman makes him fall so hard that his walls are annihilated in one fell swoop. And I just loved that. Lucas saw her as the capable, intelligent investigator when everyone else was trying to hold her down out of totally misguided protectiveness. He bolstered her self esteem, made her feel beautiful and sexy with all her perceived and real flaws.
“You know martial arts?”
“A little. Sorry I almost kicked you.”
“Are you kidding?” he asked in disbelief. “If this costume wasn’t cutting off vital circulation, I’d be hard.
What I loved most about these two was their introspection, their self awareness and honesty with themselves and each other. The complete lack of bullshit was perfect. Lucas's family was the kind we all want. Loud, funny, non-judgmental, just enough pushy to let him know that they loved him, a safe haven to come back to when he was ready. I loved his mom's wisdom so much! We got to see Joe again, whose story I loved so much - this time through the eyes of Lucas and Molly. He was such a punk!
“She was online dating?”
Joe shook his head.
“Not anymore. I went in and changed her profile to make her seventy-five years old, using a picture of one of the Golden Girls. I edited it to say she likes slow rides on her motorized scooter and drinking Metamucil while watching the sunrise, since sleeping gave her indigestion. I’m pretty sure that fixed things.”
Hot Winter Nights is not a Christmas Story. OK, it does have Christmas elves, a Christmas Market, and snow but if you expect holiday cheer... that's more of a background noise. This book doesn't have the emotional impact of other books by Jill Shalvis but it is a solid wonderful, delightful story with just enough suspense that will have you smile all the way until the end and will give you all the warm fuzzies.
September 6, 2018
I knew there would be sparks…
I live with three males and at times I think my life is TOUGH!! Poor Molly, her whole office is male and what I thought was tough is nothing compared to what she puts up with. My guys are hubby, teen and pre-teen, while Molly’s are MEN of the Alpha, Badass, Scary, Fit and Bossy variety. Now, I’m thinking, I love my boys, but geez, I wouldn’t mind swapping for a couple of hours. Only a couple of hours mind you. That much testosterone, sweat, and gross boy stuff could get OLD…and disgusting, but boy would they LOOK good.
I loved Hot Winter Nights, and Jill Shalvis has again left me with a big goofy grin at the end. I knew a little about Molly and Lucas before I started but I enjoyed getting to know them better. These two have dealt with heartbreak and loss, injuries and challenges that left them a little wary of looking for love. Molly keeps everyone at arm’s length to avoid being disappointed and Lucas has shut down his heart to protect what’s left. Neither wants what is happening between them, but they can’t deny there are sizzle and sparks.
Molly walks with a limp after a serious accident when she was 14. She suffers from extreme pain that is exacerbated in the cold. But, Molly is a determined lady and refuses to be seen as weak or looked on with pity. Her brother and close friends try to protect her, but that protection makes her feel useless and undervalued. Even in her job, she knows that Archer, her boss, is hesitant to let her take risks. Molly just wants to show everyone she’s capable of more than what they think and prove that she’s smart and fit enough to work in their world and be an investigator.
Lucas is recovering from a gunshot wound and not allowed to head back to active duty until he’s fully recovered. He’s bored and will do anything to get back to work. After making the mistake of mixing alcohol and pain meds, Lucas wakes up next to a brunette. That particular brunette is on a mission to help a few Christmas Elves catch Bad Santa. Thanks to Archer and Joe (Molly’s over-protective brother), Lucas is tasked with keeping an eye on Molly as she delves deeper. This should be fairly easy…he just has to keep his hands to himself if he wants to stay alive.
The pacing was excellent in this one. I wasn’t getting impatient waiting for things to happen. There were intense scenes that were nicely balanced with some extremely funny ones. The connection between Lucas and Molly was easy to see and I was convinced that they were perfect for each other. I loved that Lucas understood Molly’s insecurities, and though he got frustrated at times, he never gave up. Completely oblivious as to why, Molly always managed to know when Lucas was suffering or needed a helping hand. They were together before they were even together. The sexy times were HOT but didn’t overtake the storyline.
Hot Winter Nights was an excellent instalment to the Heartbreaker Bay series. I LOVE all the people we meet in this one, especially Lucas’s loving big family. I know I say this with every new instalment, but I think this was THE ONE!! The best one, funniest one, sexiest one…since the last one. 😉
Oh my lordy, that snippet at the end, I have never fallen so hard for a hero in such a short time. If you read that snippet and don’t think Caleb Parker is THE BEST, I’ll be very surprised.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I live with three males and at times I think my life is TOUGH!! Poor Molly, her whole office is male and what I thought was tough is nothing compared to what she puts up with. My guys are hubby, teen and pre-teen, while Molly’s are MEN of the Alpha, Badass, Scary, Fit and Bossy variety. Now, I’m thinking, I love my boys, but geez, I wouldn’t mind swapping for a couple of hours. Only a couple of hours mind you. That much testosterone, sweat, and gross boy stuff could get OLD…and disgusting, but boy would they LOOK good.
I loved Hot Winter Nights, and Jill Shalvis has again left me with a big goofy grin at the end. I knew a little about Molly and Lucas before I started but I enjoyed getting to know them better. These two have dealt with heartbreak and loss, injuries and challenges that left them a little wary of looking for love. Molly keeps everyone at arm’s length to avoid being disappointed and Lucas has shut down his heart to protect what’s left. Neither wants what is happening between them, but they can’t deny there are sizzle and sparks.
Molly walks with a limp after a serious accident when she was 14. She suffers from extreme pain that is exacerbated in the cold. But, Molly is a determined lady and refuses to be seen as weak or looked on with pity. Her brother and close friends try to protect her, but that protection makes her feel useless and undervalued. Even in her job, she knows that Archer, her boss, is hesitant to let her take risks. Molly just wants to show everyone she’s capable of more than what they think and prove that she’s smart and fit enough to work in their world and be an investigator.
Lucas is recovering from a gunshot wound and not allowed to head back to active duty until he’s fully recovered. He’s bored and will do anything to get back to work. After making the mistake of mixing alcohol and pain meds, Lucas wakes up next to a brunette. That particular brunette is on a mission to help a few Christmas Elves catch Bad Santa. Thanks to Archer and Joe (Molly’s over-protective brother), Lucas is tasked with keeping an eye on Molly as she delves deeper. This should be fairly easy…he just has to keep his hands to himself if he wants to stay alive.
The pacing was excellent in this one. I wasn’t getting impatient waiting for things to happen. There were intense scenes that were nicely balanced with some extremely funny ones. The connection between Lucas and Molly was easy to see and I was convinced that they were perfect for each other. I loved that Lucas understood Molly’s insecurities, and though he got frustrated at times, he never gave up. Completely oblivious as to why, Molly always managed to know when Lucas was suffering or needed a helping hand. They were together before they were even together. The sexy times were HOT but didn’t overtake the storyline.
Hot Winter Nights was an excellent instalment to the Heartbreaker Bay series. I LOVE all the people we meet in this one, especially Lucas’s loving big family. I know I say this with every new instalment, but I think this was THE ONE!! The best one, funniest one, sexiest one…since the last one. 😉
Oh my lordy, that snippet at the end, I have never fallen so hard for a hero in such a short time. If you read that snippet and don’t think Caleb Parker is THE BEST, I’ll be very surprised.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Read
October 31, 2018I literally could not (and did not!) put this one down. It's not only my favorite of the Heartbreaker Bay series, but quite possibly my favorite Jill Shalvis book ever.
A rambling list of what I loved:
1. Molly is strong, snarky, flawed yet so fiercely loyal, passionate, smart and loving. And, as a special bonus, she adores criminal investigations as much as I do :)
2. Lucas, while not necessarily that different from Jill Shalvis's many other alpha heroes on the surface, really stole my heart. He strikes that elusive combination between relatably flawed yet still lovable and desirable. In other words, he's definitely not perfect (Molly even says so at one point in the book, which is great, because perfect heroes are dull and perfect people don't exist!). But nor is he one of those all too common romance "heroes" who has you cringing for at least 90% of the novel and thinking "argh, in real life I would advise any woman I knew to stay the heck away from this jerk." He's strong, 'tough' yet a little socially awkward in a way I found endearing (I can't do small talk with strangers either, Lucas!), seemingly stoic yet very deeply loving, brave and confident yet vulnerable. He may be my favorite 'book boyfriend' of all of Jill Shalvis's heroes.
3. Jill Shalvis's humor is particularly on point in this one. There's a line about one's life crumbling like a Nature Valley Granola bar that I'll be quoting in real life conversation and a bunch of other clever one-liners. Molly and Lucas spar and banter in a way that's sharp and which amuses and challenges each other yet never crosses the line to cruel, "do these two people even LIKE each other?!" fighting. The author also has fun with the absurdity of the book's setup: a crime involving senior citizens and Christmas elves. Speaking of which...
4. I really loved the enjoyable yet not excessive element of mystery and suspense in this one! I felt like the investigative storyline allowed our hero and heroine to get to know each other in amusing and interesting ways while giving the book an overall plot and structure beyond the usual 'will they/won't they/just get on with it already' issues between the two main characters.
5. I'm always paranoid about including spoilers, so hopefully this doesn't count as one: I love that Lucas was actually ready to commit to Molly before she had conquered her trust and pride issues enough to admit she truly loved him as well. I feel like the genders are often reversed in that scenario, and this made for a lovely change.
6. We get glimpses into the upcoming romance between Sadie and Caleb, who I already love.
7. I'm not as much a fan of sex scenes as most romance readers, but even I thought the kissing/more-than-kissing/etc. scenes in this one were great---genuinely sexy without being too crass.
8. Joe and Molly's father is such an interesting character. He was probably my favorite part of About that Kiss, the previous installment of this series, and I loved his scenes in this one as well. And speaking of the characters' family members, I really adored Lucas's family and how deeply he loved them despite sometimes keeping a self-protective distance from them. They added so much to the book for me.
9. I can be annoyingly picky, and a lot of the time I don't even buy into romance couples as truly 'happy for now', let alone as meant to be together forever. Molly and Lucas, though, struck me as such a great combination of similarities that make them compatible and complementary differences. I can truly see them together throughout their lives, solving mysteries and verbally sparring while loving each other fiercely and passionately until he end of time. *sappy sigh*
Are there minor details that I'd change? Probably, but this was such a warmhearted, funny, sexy, engaging, empowering and genuinely delightful read that the nitpicks I had ceased to matter. I very enthusiastically recommend this one!
A rambling list of what I loved:
1. Molly is strong, snarky, flawed yet so fiercely loyal, passionate, smart and loving. And, as a special bonus, she adores criminal investigations as much as I do :)
2. Lucas, while not necessarily that different from Jill Shalvis's many other alpha heroes on the surface, really stole my heart. He strikes that elusive combination between relatably flawed yet still lovable and desirable. In other words, he's definitely not perfect (Molly even says so at one point in the book, which is great, because perfect heroes are dull and perfect people don't exist!). But nor is he one of those all too common romance "heroes" who has you cringing for at least 90% of the novel and thinking "argh, in real life I would advise any woman I knew to stay the heck away from this jerk." He's strong, 'tough' yet a little socially awkward in a way I found endearing (I can't do small talk with strangers either, Lucas!), seemingly stoic yet very deeply loving, brave and confident yet vulnerable. He may be my favorite 'book boyfriend' of all of Jill Shalvis's heroes.
3. Jill Shalvis's humor is particularly on point in this one. There's a line about one's life crumbling like a Nature Valley Granola bar that I'll be quoting in real life conversation and a bunch of other clever one-liners. Molly and Lucas spar and banter in a way that's sharp and which amuses and challenges each other yet never crosses the line to cruel, "do these two people even LIKE each other?!" fighting. The author also has fun with the absurdity of the book's setup: a crime involving senior citizens and Christmas elves. Speaking of which...
4. I really loved the enjoyable yet not excessive element of mystery and suspense in this one! I felt like the investigative storyline allowed our hero and heroine to get to know each other in amusing and interesting ways while giving the book an overall plot and structure beyond the usual 'will they/won't they/just get on with it already' issues between the two main characters.
5. I'm always paranoid about including spoilers, so hopefully this doesn't count as one: I love that Lucas was actually ready to commit to Molly before she had conquered her trust and pride issues enough to admit she truly loved him as well. I feel like the genders are often reversed in that scenario, and this made for a lovely change.
6. We get glimpses into the upcoming romance between Sadie and Caleb, who I already love.
7. I'm not as much a fan of sex scenes as most romance readers, but even I thought the kissing/more-than-kissing/etc. scenes in this one were great---genuinely sexy without being too crass.
8. Joe and Molly's father is such an interesting character. He was probably my favorite part of About that Kiss, the previous installment of this series, and I loved his scenes in this one as well. And speaking of the characters' family members, I really adored Lucas's family and how deeply he loved them despite sometimes keeping a self-protective distance from them. They added so much to the book for me.
9. I can be annoyingly picky, and a lot of the time I don't even buy into romance couples as truly 'happy for now', let alone as meant to be together forever. Molly and Lucas, though, struck me as such a great combination of similarities that make them compatible and complementary differences. I can truly see them together throughout their lives, solving mysteries and verbally sparring while loving each other fiercely and passionately until he end of time. *sappy sigh*
Are there minor details that I'd change? Probably, but this was such a warmhearted, funny, sexy, engaging, empowering and genuinely delightful read that the nitpicks I had ceased to matter. I very enthusiastically recommend this one!
September 25, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Hot Winter Nights is the sixth book in Jill Shalvis' Heartbreaker Bay series but in my opinion can be read as a standalone without any spoilers from the previous books. Following Molly Malone, the office manager at Hunt Investigations, as she tries to prove that she can handle more than just office work. Seeing that she's trying to push out of the office and into more field work her brother brings in Lucas Knight, one of his close friends, and asks that he watch over Molly. What no one expected though was the feelings that start to develop between Lucas and Molly.
I really enjoyed this story and actually thought that it had a little more suspense than the previous book. It was still pretty light and definitely a fun read but it kept me on the edge more than I was expecting. And that was something I really enjoyed along with seeing how Molly and Lucas handled all of that suspense. I thought they were a great couple and I was glad that Lucas never tried to baby Molly and instead sat back and watched as she did her best to prove to her brother and the rest of Hunt Investigations that she was more than just the office girl. That trust he had in her was the best part of their relationship and what had me swooning over him.
Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend reading. It was a lighthearted read with those hints of suspense that were enough to keep me captivated without taking over the sweetness of the romance between Molly and Lucas.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Hot Winter Nights is the sixth book in Jill Shalvis' Heartbreaker Bay series but in my opinion can be read as a standalone without any spoilers from the previous books. Following Molly Malone, the office manager at Hunt Investigations, as she tries to prove that she can handle more than just office work. Seeing that she's trying to push out of the office and into more field work her brother brings in Lucas Knight, one of his close friends, and asks that he watch over Molly. What no one expected though was the feelings that start to develop between Lucas and Molly.
I really enjoyed this story and actually thought that it had a little more suspense than the previous book. It was still pretty light and definitely a fun read but it kept me on the edge more than I was expecting. And that was something I really enjoyed along with seeing how Molly and Lucas handled all of that suspense. I thought they were a great couple and I was glad that Lucas never tried to baby Molly and instead sat back and watched as she did her best to prove to her brother and the rest of Hunt Investigations that she was more than just the office girl. That trust he had in her was the best part of their relationship and what had me swooning over him.
Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend reading. It was a lighthearted read with those hints of suspense that were enough to keep me captivated without taking over the sweetness of the romance between Molly and Lucas.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2018
5 - "...You're officially on the naughty list." Stars!
My love affair with Jill Shalvis’ words continues with Hot Winter Nights; the sixth book in the hugely enjoyable Heartbreaker Bay series, giving us Lucas and Molly’s story. Brother’s best friend is definitely one of my favourite tropes, and Jill once again nailed it (and then some) with the story she gave this couple.
He’d long ago learned to ignore the undercurrent of electricity between them because he had zero interest in mixing business and pleasure, and even less interest in hurting her…
It’s safe to say I am on a bit of a Shalvis kick this year, with Hot Winter Nights being the eighteenth book I have devoured by her, and although I have adored pretty much each and every one I have read, this and Rainy Day Friends as newer additions to her overall back catalogue, rank highly in my top ten for the year overall.
"I don’t know if you realize this or not, but when someone tells me no, I tend to rebel for rebelling sake…"
And that is mainly because she delivers, in every sense of the word, with plenty of heat, tugs on the heart-strings, and knife-sharp humor, not forgetting the overall story line, and the emotional depth of the characters, the series in general has just grown and grown with each new book that releases, so much so that I feel like I am spending time with old (and new) friends now, rather than just fictional characters in books.
"About last night…"
Famous last words if ever there were! Especially when Lucas, still recovering from injuries sustained a few weeks previously wakes up to find Molly in his bed, with no idea how, or whether they did anything together whist sharing mattress space.
"I’m in trouble with you…"
Who knew, but pain meds and spirits from a shot glass do not mix, so much so that Lucas has complete amnesia for the events that led to Molly ending up wrapped in his duvet. All he does know for sure is that her brother, his best friend; Joe will likely have his nuts in a vice, and his head on a platter should he find out, especially after repeatedly warning him to stay away from her.
There weren’t many people who rendered him stupid. But she managed it effortlessly.
But Lucas’s feelings for Molly run a lot deeper than his usual superficial, yet mutually beneficial relationships with women in general, and although both of them deny looking for any kind of commitment at the beginning, it’s not long before all bets are off, and being forced to work in close proximity with each other doesn’t help the fact that their crazy hot chemistry together translates to a blazing hot inferno when they get it on between the sheets, on the floor, or on and over any available surface really.
"I thought you were done..?"
"...I thought so too, but apparently my brain and my body aren’t in accord…"
The vulnerability you see from these two as well, while they get to know each other on a deeper level was what really pulled me in. You know a lot of what Molly has had to deal with, because Joe revealed it hist book, but this is from her perspective and you get too see how everything that happened to them as children and then later on impacted her personally.
"I really don’t want to want you… but I do."
Lucas in the previous books, has pretty much kept his cards very close to his chest, so getting to know him on a deeper level and to be in his head, while he worked through is growing feelings for Molly had me 100% invested in the story between them, from start to finish.
It had been a long time since she’d allowed herself to trust a guy to see past her flaws… it was as if he didn’t see them at all. He simply saw her, as a whole, and that was incredibly freeing.
Another winner, and I don’t think Jill Shalvis really releases anything less than perfection in general, and with that in mind I cannot wait for Playing for Keeps the next book in this series to be released in February, a great start to 2019, and hopefully the beginning of another year full of exceptional releases from this author.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
My love affair with Jill Shalvis’ words continues with Hot Winter Nights; the sixth book in the hugely enjoyable Heartbreaker Bay series, giving us Lucas and Molly’s story. Brother’s best friend is definitely one of my favourite tropes, and Jill once again nailed it (and then some) with the story she gave this couple.
He’d long ago learned to ignore the undercurrent of electricity between them because he had zero interest in mixing business and pleasure, and even less interest in hurting her…
It’s safe to say I am on a bit of a Shalvis kick this year, with Hot Winter Nights being the eighteenth book I have devoured by her, and although I have adored pretty much each and every one I have read, this and Rainy Day Friends as newer additions to her overall back catalogue, rank highly in my top ten for the year overall.
"I don’t know if you realize this or not, but when someone tells me no, I tend to rebel for rebelling sake…"
And that is mainly because she delivers, in every sense of the word, with plenty of heat, tugs on the heart-strings, and knife-sharp humor, not forgetting the overall story line, and the emotional depth of the characters, the series in general has just grown and grown with each new book that releases, so much so that I feel like I am spending time with old (and new) friends now, rather than just fictional characters in books.
"About last night…"
Famous last words if ever there were! Especially when Lucas, still recovering from injuries sustained a few weeks previously wakes up to find Molly in his bed, with no idea how, or whether they did anything together whist sharing mattress space.
"I’m in trouble with you…"
Who knew, but pain meds and spirits from a shot glass do not mix, so much so that Lucas has complete amnesia for the events that led to Molly ending up wrapped in his duvet. All he does know for sure is that her brother, his best friend; Joe will likely have his nuts in a vice, and his head on a platter should he find out, especially after repeatedly warning him to stay away from her.
There weren’t many people who rendered him stupid. But she managed it effortlessly.
But Lucas’s feelings for Molly run a lot deeper than his usual superficial, yet mutually beneficial relationships with women in general, and although both of them deny looking for any kind of commitment at the beginning, it’s not long before all bets are off, and being forced to work in close proximity with each other doesn’t help the fact that their crazy hot chemistry together translates to a blazing hot inferno when they get it on between the sheets, on the floor, or on and over any available surface really.
"I thought you were done..?"
"...I thought so too, but apparently my brain and my body aren’t in accord…"
The vulnerability you see from these two as well, while they get to know each other on a deeper level was what really pulled me in. You know a lot of what Molly has had to deal with, because Joe revealed it hist book, but this is from her perspective and you get too see how everything that happened to them as children and then later on impacted her personally.
"I really don’t want to want you… but I do."
Lucas in the previous books, has pretty much kept his cards very close to his chest, so getting to know him on a deeper level and to be in his head, while he worked through is growing feelings for Molly had me 100% invested in the story between them, from start to finish.
It had been a long time since she’d allowed herself to trust a guy to see past her flaws… it was as if he didn’t see them at all. He simply saw her, as a whole, and that was incredibly freeing.
Another winner, and I don’t think Jill Shalvis really releases anything less than perfection in general, and with that in mind I cannot wait for Playing for Keeps the next book in this series to be released in February, a great start to 2019, and hopefully the beginning of another year full of exceptional releases from this author.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
September 11, 2018
Title: Hot Winter Nights
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #6
Author: Jill Shalvis
Release date: September 25, 2018
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
Returning to the Heartbreaker Bay series is like catching up with old familiar friends, and once again they did not disappoint. This was such a fun and entertaining comfort read! Jill Shalvis always delivers the laughs and sexy romance that makes my heart go pitter patter. Hot Winter Nights was no exception. From page one, I had a huge smile on my face as I slipped effortlessly into the story starring this lovable, tight-knit group of friends.
Molly and Lucas work together at Hunt Investigations, a security company that can take on some pretty dangerous cases. Molly is the office manager who keeps everyone organized, sitting on the sidelines while her brother and the rest of the guys work in the field. She hasn't been content in the office for some time, but no one is willing to put her safety at risk as a security specialist. She's hungry to prove herself capable, but her pleas to take on a case repeatedly get shut down and ignored. It doesn't help that her brother Joe still can't let go of his guilt and overprotectiveness towards her. If you read his story, About That Kiss, you're familiar with the painful events in the siblings' pasts. What they survived made them both stronger and closer as a result, but they still had wounds that hadn't completely healed.
Molly lived through a traumatic experience as a teen that left her with physical and emotional scars. She doesn't let it control her life though, she works hard to keep her body as strong as possible, and chooses to focus on her strengths rather than her weaknesses. For the most part. She has her insecurities just like any woman does. And when you have people look at you with pity or revulsion, you tend to close in on yourself and lock your vulnerabilities away. She's every bit the tough, intelligent, unflappable woman that throws sass back just as hard as she receives it. Then there's that other side of her that she doesn't allow anyone to see. It's where she hides her own regret over ancient history, and the hurt over the pain it still causes.
Lucas has been fighting a secret attraction for his partner Joe's sister for some time. Pursuing that attraction was WAY out of the realm of possibility for more than one reason. Mixing business and pleasure, Joe's almost certain disapproval, and his own relationship hangups was enough to kill temptation stone dead. Then he wakes up with Molly next to him in bed with no memory of the night before. Cue the panic. Can I just say that I wanted to give her the highest of fives for messing with his head over it? With her pride smarting over his reaction to their "one night stand" she of course decides she must at least get some laughs out of the whole thing. It was so funny to see him so uncomfortable and out of sorts over his supposed loss of self-restraint.
An opportunity comes up for Molly to prove her case solving abilities, and she grabs it with both hands. Lucas reluctantly partners with her after being given orders to keep an eye on her. Everyone knows she'll investigate whether she has approval or not, so he becomes her designated back up. One thing I loved was that he had faith in her pretty much from the beginning. He saw how much it meant to her, and never fails to stand up for her and be her champion at work.
He knew people sometimes saw Molly as a fragile little flower, but in his mind she wasn’t fragile like a flower at all. Not even close. She was fragile like . . . a bomb.
The Santa mystery added a bit of a suspense element in with the romance, but it was a really fluffy one with low intensity. If anything, the Bad Santa and his elderly, cheeky elves provided extra entertainment value. The Santa suspect had ties to the Mafia, but it was a little hard to take him seriously if I'm being honest. Picture an elderly, pervy guy dressed in the red and white suit, putting the moves on Molly while she's dressed up in a tight elf outfit. There were games of money laundering BINGO, and covert snooping missions in offices. Don't get me wrong, there were some bad characters involved in some very real criminal activity. They were putting their lives on the line together. But Jill Shalvis never lets an opportunity go by for a good laugh through all of their investigations.
When they're almost caught outside the office, and he pushes her up on a railing to kiss her and create a reason for being there:
Lucas turned back to Molly, who was still balanced on the railing, dazed. “Did you just . . . put the elf on the shelf?” she asked. He gave a disbelieving head shake.
Not only did Lucas stand up for her abilities with the guys at work, he also supported her as she went undercover and didn't try to take control. He put his trust in her and showed her that he knew she could handle each challenge. Even with her physical handicap. Though he was against getting romantically involved with her early on, it didn't take very long for him to start opening his mind to the possibility of more.
In that moment, Lucas knew he’d do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, wherever she wanted. Because in spite of his determination to hold back from the smartest, most resilient, most resourceful, most incredible woman he’d ever been with, he was in. All in.
On the other hand, Molly was bound and determined to conceal her body insecurities, and the story of her injury. She didn't want to define their feelings, or create labels in any way. There was one instance where she said he was less than a one-night stand which I thought was unnecessarily hurtful. It was 100% untrue. They'd slept together numerous times, and deeper feelings were involved beyond chemistry. She was firmly set in denial mode. I wanted to shake her for saying that to him at that point in the book! I got that she needed more time to let her walls down, but I wanted her to start reciprocating the trust he had put in her. It didn't frustrate me too badly, but it did bother me.
Her trust issue was a fifteen-foot-thick brick wall around her heart, and not much penetrated.
I love that family and friends play a big part in Shalvis' novels. It gives you that warm sense of community and camaraderie with the secondary characters that draws you into all of their lives equally. Every time I finish, I'm always immediately anticipating a different couple finding their own HEA. Overall, I loved spending more time in Heartbreaker Bay. If you're looking for a funny and light holiday romance that's low on angst, this one is definitely for you!
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November 16, 2025
Contemporary romance enthusiasts will be delighted with the perfect symmetry between the romance, humor, suspense, family and friends achieved by Jill Shalvis in Hot Winter Nights. Hot Winter Nights is a strong and entertaining lighter romantic suspense.
I received this ARC copy of Hot Winter Nights from Avon. This is my honest and voluntary review. Hot Winter Nights is set for publication Sept. 25, 2018.
I received this ARC copy of Hot Winter Nights from Avon. This is my honest and voluntary review. Hot Winter Nights is set for publication Sept. 25, 2018.
September 28, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by Jill Shalvis. I have wanted to read her books for quiet a while and I even have a signed copy of one of her books (I never read signed copies so always but the Kindle version too.) However I had not found the time to read one and then the opportunity arose for me to read Hot Winter Nights on a blog tour. This particular book called to me on 3 fronts. Firstly, the author, secondly, the season and finally the synopsis had me gripped! (I had not seen the cover at the time, but that would have been number 4)
Lets talk characters. I really liked what I saw of the staff at Hunt Investigations. They were not in the forefront of this book but I still got a sense of what they are about. Molly’s friends sound wonderful. They are the girl tribe that every woman wants. Feisty fun and supportive. Lucas’ family sound like a boisterous wonderfully loving family and I really liked the family atmosphere that they added to this book.
The two main focus characters of Hot Winter Nights are the feisty, brave, intelligent and wonderful Molly and the Equally brave, intelligent, caring and strong Lucas. Two wonderful characters that I could happily read about all week long.
The Plot was wonderful, Molly is the office manager at Hunt investigations. Due to her brothers protective nature, she has not been allowed to take on field work. His over protectiveness, while frustrating, was understandable given the family history and dynamic, but Molly has had enough and when the company won’t take on the case of the ‘Elf ladies’ (or as I like to think of them, knitting nanna’s) Molly decides to take on the case herself.
Aided by Lucas in their spare time, they go into the bad Santa’s den (Bingo hall and Santa village) to find out whether the Santa is as bad as he appears.
With dashes of humour, adventure, romance and tension, this book was exactly what I hoped it would be and it delivered on all fronts. This was a definite five star read for me.
Thank you to Jill Shalvis and Social Butterfly PR for providing me with a review copy of Hot Winter Nights. This is my honest review.
Lets talk characters. I really liked what I saw of the staff at Hunt Investigations. They were not in the forefront of this book but I still got a sense of what they are about. Molly’s friends sound wonderful. They are the girl tribe that every woman wants. Feisty fun and supportive. Lucas’ family sound like a boisterous wonderfully loving family and I really liked the family atmosphere that they added to this book.
The two main focus characters of Hot Winter Nights are the feisty, brave, intelligent and wonderful Molly and the Equally brave, intelligent, caring and strong Lucas. Two wonderful characters that I could happily read about all week long.
The Plot was wonderful, Molly is the office manager at Hunt investigations. Due to her brothers protective nature, she has not been allowed to take on field work. His over protectiveness, while frustrating, was understandable given the family history and dynamic, but Molly has had enough and when the company won’t take on the case of the ‘Elf ladies’ (or as I like to think of them, knitting nanna’s) Molly decides to take on the case herself.
Aided by Lucas in their spare time, they go into the bad Santa’s den (Bingo hall and Santa village) to find out whether the Santa is as bad as he appears.
With dashes of humour, adventure, romance and tension, this book was exactly what I hoped it would be and it delivered on all fronts. This was a definite five star read for me.
Thank you to Jill Shalvis and Social Butterfly PR for providing me with a review copy of Hot Winter Nights. This is my honest review.
September 27, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I just loved Molly and Lucas! I think that I had a big old silly grin on my face the whole time I was reading this book. I went into this book with some pretty high expectations since I have enjoyed each of the previous installments in this series. I have to say that I think that this might be my favorite book in the series so far. I really found this book to be an absolute delight.
This book is the sixth book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I really do think that this book would work perfectly well as a stand-alone. Some of Molly's history is dealt with in the previous book in the series but anyone new to the series could easily learn the details right along with Lucas without impacting the enjoyment of the story. Readers of the series will enjoy getting the opportunity to check in with all of the characters from this wonderful series.
This book in a very entertaining manner. Lucas wakes up to find a woman in his bed but has no memory of what happened or who is actually snuggled under his blankets. Of course, it was Molly and she has some fun with it. Molly really wants to work cases instead of just being stuck in the office so she takes a case on her own pitched to her by a group of senior citizen elves working for a questionable Santa. Lucas is given the task of keeping an eye on her to make sure she is safe.
I just loved Lucas and Molly together. Everything about their relationship felt authentic to me. I really liked that they were playful at times and serious during others. They both just seemed to understand the other and paid attention to details that others seemed to miss. They have both dealt with some pretty horrible things in their past which has caused them to guard their heart a little more than most. Molly has a lot of insecurities in regards to her previous physical injury and resulting limitations but Lucas doesn't see weakness, instead focusing on her strength.
I thought that the mystery element of this book was really well done. They do spend quite a bit of time working the case which ends up being a lot more involved than originally thought. There were a few pretty suspenseful moments and just enough humor to keep things really interesting. By the end of the book, I was cheering Molly and Lucas on as they got to the bottom of the bad Santa situation.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. Jill Shalvis has crafted a wonderful tale that has the perfect balance of romance, suspense, and humor with this book. I cannot wait to read more from this excellent series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
Oh my gosh, I just loved Molly and Lucas! The case that they were working on was actually a lot of fun but the best part of this book was these two together. They have both been through a lot in their lives and I thought that they fit perfectly with each other.
I just loved Molly and Lucas! I think that I had a big old silly grin on my face the whole time I was reading this book. I went into this book with some pretty high expectations since I have enjoyed each of the previous installments in this series. I have to say that I think that this might be my favorite book in the series so far. I really found this book to be an absolute delight.
This book is the sixth book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I really do think that this book would work perfectly well as a stand-alone. Some of Molly's history is dealt with in the previous book in the series but anyone new to the series could easily learn the details right along with Lucas without impacting the enjoyment of the story. Readers of the series will enjoy getting the opportunity to check in with all of the characters from this wonderful series.
This book in a very entertaining manner. Lucas wakes up to find a woman in his bed but has no memory of what happened or who is actually snuggled under his blankets. Of course, it was Molly and she has some fun with it. Molly really wants to work cases instead of just being stuck in the office so she takes a case on her own pitched to her by a group of senior citizen elves working for a questionable Santa. Lucas is given the task of keeping an eye on her to make sure she is safe.
I just loved Lucas and Molly together. Everything about their relationship felt authentic to me. I really liked that they were playful at times and serious during others. They both just seemed to understand the other and paid attention to details that others seemed to miss. They have both dealt with some pretty horrible things in their past which has caused them to guard their heart a little more than most. Molly has a lot of insecurities in regards to her previous physical injury and resulting limitations but Lucas doesn't see weakness, instead focusing on her strength.
I thought that the mystery element of this book was really well done. They do spend quite a bit of time working the case which ends up being a lot more involved than originally thought. There were a few pretty suspenseful moments and just enough humor to keep things really interesting. By the end of the book, I was cheering Molly and Lucas on as they got to the bottom of the bad Santa situation.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. Jill Shalvis has crafted a wonderful tale that has the perfect balance of romance, suspense, and humor with this book. I cannot wait to read more from this excellent series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
Oh my gosh, I just loved Molly and Lucas! The case that they were working on was actually a lot of fun but the best part of this book was these two together. They have both been through a lot in their lives and I thought that they fit perfectly with each other.
September 25, 2018
Hot Winter Nights was sexy, hilarious, heartwarming and made my heart beat faster. I loved this book with my whole heart and soul. And while it can easily be read as a standalone, I'm a little preferential to this fabulous group of friends and recommend picking up all of the previous books too. It's so much fun watching their lives intertwine, see what everyone is up to and falling in love with each couple in this series!
While healing from a gunshot wound, Lucas Knight found Molly Malone in his bed the next morning. Even though nothing happened, Lucas couldn't remember anything thanks to alcohol and his pain meds, and Molly had way too much fun making Lucas think otherwise. You see, not only did they work together, but Molly was Lucas' best friend's little sister. There had always been this addicting sexual tension running between them. And they were about to spend even more time together! When a bad Santa case ended up in Molly's lap, she secretly took it on. She would love to go from office manager to private investigator and this could help her get what she wanted. Thankfully she had Lucas who would help her along the way.
I. Loved. Lucas! If you are addicted to alpha males, you have to meet him. He was honest, trustworthy and also sexy as sin. He put his whole heart in his job, even if it was broken from the past. But thankfully he had this fabulous, loud, meddling family that I fell head over heels for. They added so much heart from just the few scenes they were in. And he also had Molly filling up his life with light and laughter.
I adored Molly, she was brave, fierce, loyal yet she heavily guarded her heart. Her past had physically and emotionally scarred her and even though Molly and I didn't seem to have anything in common, I clicked with her right away. While Lucas and Molly worked on the bad Santa case they spent more and more time together. I loved how they joked around and that it was beyond obvious that they wanted each other. But it wasn't all fun and games for Molly since she kept putting on the breaks. I got it, but oh it pained my heart. I just kept my fingers crossed that they'd figure it out because together they were something spectacular.
It got to the point where they definitely couldn't ignore what was happening between them. One thing led to another and words turned to touches, sigh. And through it all I kept finding myself smiling, sighing, laughing and clutching my heart. Not to mention there were a few scenes that had me screaming while giggling and others where I found myself with tears in my eyes. This book put me through the emotional wringer. So of course I definitely recommend Hot Winter Nights. If you adore alpha males, mysteries, bad Santa's, strong heroines and a fabulous group of friends then definitely pick his one up!
PS The Friends references, in some of the titles for the chapters, oh my gosh I loved it!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” he said very seriously.
“I’m not going to rate your performance last night.”
“That’s not—” He paused, his eyes sharpened. “Wait. What does that mean?”
“Nothing.”
“So you’re saying I did suck.”
She had to laugh. “Well, if you can’t remember it, how good could it really have been, right?”
While healing from a gunshot wound, Lucas Knight found Molly Malone in his bed the next morning. Even though nothing happened, Lucas couldn't remember anything thanks to alcohol and his pain meds, and Molly had way too much fun making Lucas think otherwise. You see, not only did they work together, but Molly was Lucas' best friend's little sister. There had always been this addicting sexual tension running between them. And they were about to spend even more time together! When a bad Santa case ended up in Molly's lap, she secretly took it on. She would love to go from office manager to private investigator and this could help her get what she wanted. Thankfully she had Lucas who would help her along the way.
“Molly,” he breathed and shifted so that his forehead rested against hers. Sliding his hands into her hair, his fingertips against her scalp, he held her in place. “Do that again,” he demanded, his voice soft steel.
I. Loved. Lucas! If you are addicted to alpha males, you have to meet him. He was honest, trustworthy and also sexy as sin. He put his whole heart in his job, even if it was broken from the past. But thankfully he had this fabulous, loud, meddling family that I fell head over heels for. They added so much heart from just the few scenes they were in. And he also had Molly filling up his life with light and laughter.
“And one more thing. No talking.”
“How about dirty talk?” he asked. “That doesn’t count, right?”
She surprised him by laughing and lightened his heart.
“Dirty talk is allowed,” she decided, and right then and there, he fell in love.
I adored Molly, she was brave, fierce, loyal yet she heavily guarded her heart. Her past had physically and emotionally scarred her and even though Molly and I didn't seem to have anything in common, I clicked with her right away. While Lucas and Molly worked on the bad Santa case they spent more and more time together. I loved how they joked around and that it was beyond obvious that they wanted each other. But it wasn't all fun and games for Molly since she kept putting on the breaks. I got it, but oh it pained my heart. I just kept my fingers crossed that they'd figure it out because together they were something spectacular.
He was taking a chance.
On purpose.
He was putting himself out there and it was fucking terrifying.
It got to the point where they definitely couldn't ignore what was happening between them. One thing led to another and words turned to touches, sigh. And through it all I kept finding myself smiling, sighing, laughing and clutching my heart. Not to mention there were a few scenes that had me screaming while giggling and others where I found myself with tears in my eyes. This book put me through the emotional wringer. So of course I definitely recommend Hot Winter Nights. If you adore alpha males, mysteries, bad Santa's, strong heroines and a fabulous group of friends then definitely pick his one up!
PS The Friends references, in some of the titles for the chapters, oh my gosh I loved it!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
September 24, 2018
What a fun romance, with a twist on the fountain, and a suspenseful mystery surrounding some disgruntled elves and a bad Santa. Molly Malone, is the office manager at Hunt Investigations and has secretly had a crush on Lucas Knight. When she unexpectedly ends up falling asleep in Lucas's bed and he can't remember what happen.. it's her turn to be a little naughty. I loved the setup to this romance. It's a best friend's little sister/co-worker troupe and I easily slipped in and began rooting for a happily ever-after.
Molly wants to be more than the office manager and has been asking for an investigative case. Hunt Investigations can't take on the Bad Santa Case, and the boss knows Molly will investigate on her own, he tasked Lucas, still on injured reserve, to keep an eye on Molly. He is also given explicit instructions not to get involved. Ooops.
Both have some serious baggage and I loved how Shalvis shared their backstory allowing the reader to understanding these strong, complex characters as they got to know each other, traded barbs and let down their guard. Wickedly hot chemistry and an investigation involving Christmas Village, soon had me slipping into the story and leaving the outside world behind.
I loved these characters and their chemistry felt genuine. Poor Lucas isn't looking for more, but that is exactly what he finds. The romance while sizzling had a slow burn feel as the two worked the case, grew to admire each other and shared some truly touching moments. The drama/angst was kept to a minimum thanks to the case and Lucas's persistence.
Secondary characters from Molly's brother to our local homeless guy added interest, some laughter and rounded out the tale. All in all this was a heartfelt, swoon-worthy holiday romance that certainly left me wishing for a little mistletoe.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Molly wants to be more than the office manager and has been asking for an investigative case. Hunt Investigations can't take on the Bad Santa Case, and the boss knows Molly will investigate on her own, he tasked Lucas, still on injured reserve, to keep an eye on Molly. He is also given explicit instructions not to get involved. Ooops.
Both have some serious baggage and I loved how Shalvis shared their backstory allowing the reader to understanding these strong, complex characters as they got to know each other, traded barbs and let down their guard. Wickedly hot chemistry and an investigation involving Christmas Village, soon had me slipping into the story and leaving the outside world behind.
I loved these characters and their chemistry felt genuine. Poor Lucas isn't looking for more, but that is exactly what he finds. The romance while sizzling had a slow burn feel as the two worked the case, grew to admire each other and shared some truly touching moments. The drama/angst was kept to a minimum thanks to the case and Lucas's persistence.
Secondary characters from Molly's brother to our local homeless guy added interest, some laughter and rounded out the tale. All in all this was a heartfelt, swoon-worthy holiday romance that certainly left me wishing for a little mistletoe.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 9, 2021
4.5 çünkü bu ay pek kitap okuyamadığım bir zamanda elimden tuttu resmennn. Çok tatlıydılar sorunsuz ilerledi kitap karakterlerin bayıldım 🥺 yazarın diğer kitaplarını da mutlaka bakarım valla iyi kş okumuşum yerimmm böyle kitapları smut olduğunu asla düşünmemiştim şok oldum 🙈🙈
September 17, 2018
I’ve have loved all of the books in this series, so while I didn’t look to see whose story it was before requesting, I was delighted to see it was Molly and Lucas.
I adored these two. She’s stronger than she thinks she is and he’s sweeter than he thinks he is. Together they’re a perfect fit of sass and gruff and I truly enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Of course it’s always fun to see the other couples.
Plot wise, it was interesting. There wasn’t a lot of push and pull or angst. I loved the Christmas case with the elderly elves and seeing Lucas trust Molly and believe in her capabilities was fantastic.
Overall, it was a quick and cute read. I can’t wait to see who gets the next story.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I adored these two. She’s stronger than she thinks she is and he’s sweeter than he thinks he is. Together they’re a perfect fit of sass and gruff and I truly enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Of course it’s always fun to see the other couples.
Plot wise, it was interesting. There wasn’t a lot of push and pull or angst. I loved the Christmas case with the elderly elves and seeing Lucas trust Molly and believe in her capabilities was fantastic.
Overall, it was a quick and cute read. I can’t wait to see who gets the next story.
**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**
September 27, 2018
Pacific Pier is decorated for the Holidays and Jill Shalvis's prose + Christmas + bingo elves and a cozy mystery = the perfect remedy for a bad case of the flu. A great comfort book :)
Molly Malone and Lucas Knight both work at Hunt Investigations, a security and investigative firm. She's the office manager but wished she could follow the guys on the catching of thieves and scammers. The men in her life tend to be overprotective but despite a natural impulse to defend and protect, Lucas see her as the capable woman she is and teaming up with him on an "almost" secret inquiry about a bad Santa will only demonstrate it even more. They need to keep their distance (and not just because Molly's brother is Lucas's friend and coworker), not mix business with pleasure, not messing with feelings, but what about what they want ?
It's no secret I adore Jill Shalvis's writing style. I like how she can create emotions and make us feel and believe it with only a few simple words. And her heroes always instinctively highlight the heroines and vice versa. Molly and Lucas had a natural chemistry, they clicked right away and were comfortable working together and being together as well.
What else can I say ? That I can't wait for Sadie and Caleb's story ? That goes without saying because I'm always eager to read what this author wrote, whether it's a book, a Facebook post or a blog's entry :)
Molly Malone and Lucas Knight both work at Hunt Investigations, a security and investigative firm. She's the office manager but wished she could follow the guys on the catching of thieves and scammers. The men in her life tend to be overprotective but despite a natural impulse to defend and protect, Lucas see her as the capable woman she is and teaming up with him on an "almost" secret inquiry about a bad Santa will only demonstrate it even more. They need to keep their distance (and not just because Molly's brother is Lucas's friend and coworker), not mix business with pleasure, not messing with feelings, but what about what they want ?
It's no secret I adore Jill Shalvis's writing style. I like how she can create emotions and make us feel and believe it with only a few simple words. And her heroes always instinctively highlight the heroines and vice versa. Molly and Lucas had a natural chemistry, they clicked right away and were comfortable working together and being together as well.
What else can I say ? That I can't wait for Sadie and Caleb's story ? That goes without saying because I'm always eager to read what this author wrote, whether it's a book, a Facebook post or a blog's entry :)
August 28, 2021
Pacific Pier Binası bu kez de Lucas ve Molly'nin aşkına şahit oluyor...
Molly, serinin 5. kitabındaki Joe'nun kardeşi olduğu için bu kitabı dört gözle beklemiştim. Çünkü Lucas ile aralarındaki çekim daha o zamanlardan anlaşılıyordu.
İlaç ve alkolün karıştırıldığı bir akşam sonrasında yaşanan yanlış anlaşılmalar ve Archer'ın kabul etmediği bir dava sayesinde başlayan bir ortaklık sonucunda Molly ve Lucas'ın hikayesine tam gaz giriş yapıyoruz.
Bu binayı, içinde yaşayan/çalışan insanları, her şeyi çok seviyorum.
Bu nedenle seriyi sonuna kadar çevirecek olduğum için çok mutluyum. :))
Şimdiden herkese keyifli okumalar :)
Molly, serinin 5. kitabındaki Joe'nun kardeşi olduğu için bu kitabı dört gözle beklemiştim. Çünkü Lucas ile aralarındaki çekim daha o zamanlardan anlaşılıyordu.
İlaç ve alkolün karıştırıldığı bir akşam sonrasında yaşanan yanlış anlaşılmalar ve Archer'ın kabul etmediği bir dava sayesinde başlayan bir ortaklık sonucunda Molly ve Lucas'ın hikayesine tam gaz giriş yapıyoruz.
Bu binayı, içinde yaşayan/çalışan insanları, her şeyi çok seviyorum.
Bu nedenle seriyi sonuna kadar çevirecek olduğum için çok mutluyum. :))
Şimdiden herkese keyifli okumalar :)
November 24, 2020
Durante algun tiempo tuve aparcada esta saga por pura pereza, pero ahora me alegro de haberla retomado, no solo son lecturas ligeras y lindas, sino que ademas las estoy disfrutando mas de lo que imaginaba.
Este tomo en concreto me sorprendio para bien, es cierto que no dejan de ser novelas simples y un tanto predecibles, sin embargo, tienen algo que las hace encantadoras, tal vez es por el estilo de la autora, el cual me recuerda un poco al de Kristan Higgins, una de mis autoras predilectas, sea lo que sea, estoy pasando unas tardes geniales con estos libros.
La historia de Lucas y Molly es bonita, me fallo que su historia de amor no se desarrollara un poco mas en profundidad, pero a grandes rasgos, fueron muy agradables y con una chispa que no esperaba que tuvieran.
En conclusion, Noches De Invierno es un romance sin pretensiones y facil de leer que te mantendra entretenida y con una sonrisa.
2.75 Estrellas!
June 29, 2020
4 'More than partners' Stars!
Of course, as you all know, I love Jill Shalvis, I love her Heartbreaker Bay series and characters and that means I am always all over to read more of her stories! It was time for Molly and Lucas to find their HEA and I really enjoyed it. Molly is Joe's sister and Lucas is Joe's best friend (the hero of About That Kiss) and I loved to read how their relationship developed and their beautiful chemistry. As always, it was also great to catch up with the whole crew of characters and to have some suspense in it too.
I continue loving Jill Shalvis' books and I can't wait to read more! Again, if you still haven't checked her work, please do. It's so freaking worth it.
Of course, as you all know, I love Jill Shalvis, I love her Heartbreaker Bay series and characters and that means I am always all over to read more of her stories! It was time for Molly and Lucas to find their HEA and I really enjoyed it. Molly is Joe's sister and Lucas is Joe's best friend (the hero of About That Kiss) and I loved to read how their relationship developed and their beautiful chemistry. As always, it was also great to catch up with the whole crew of characters and to have some suspense in it too.
I continue loving Jill Shalvis' books and I can't wait to read more! Again, if you still haven't checked her work, please do. It's so freaking worth it.
September 4, 2018
Love, love, loved this book!!
December 31, 2021
Çok güzeldi. Diğer kitaplara göre daha dinamik ve heyecanlıydı. Başlangıçları çok güzeldi. 😍
December 7, 2019
Hot Winter Nights was a romantic heist full of Christmas cheer.
To start off, I didn't enjoy this book was much as I wanted to and I solely blame it on exam season. Unfortunately, I still need to read my worries away during exam time and typically those books don't cheer me up as much as they normally do. Jill Shalvis is an excellent writer and the thought behind this book is amazing!
This book is in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I have dabbled in Jill's other novels, but not Heartbreaker Bay yet (it's on my list, don't you worry). I saw this book at a local used book store (in perfect condition) and figured I might as well pick it up. I loved the last books I read by Jill so this would be a natural choice for me.
I found this book to be way more suspenseful than the average romance novel. It was super intriguing though. I really enjoyed following along with a story that I wasn't quite sure how it would end (the suspense part, not the romance. The romance was super predictable, as romance normally is). If you are going to read this as a standalone, go right on ahead! I found this book easy to jump into and I didn't need to know about the previous characters. I'm sure I would have liked this book more and understood it more if I had read the previous books, but don't you worry about it! You'll be just fine.
Molly and Lucas are cute and hilarious at times. They may or may not have slept together right before the book starts, and that causes a fair bit of chaos between the two of them. The duo also work together, which makes things more interesting. When a Santa Clause may be stealing money from his elves, they go on a little mission to figure out what the mystery is behind the missing money.
The plot was definitely Hallmark-esque and my gosh, I loved it. It was awesome! I did think the book was a little longer than it needed to be, but it was still fun. To top it all off, this book is definitely an R rated, sexy book with hella chemistry. Totally worth it if you love sexy romance and want a dash of Christmas cheer. It's more sexy than Christmas-y though (not Hallmark in that sense...).
I loved that this book was a HEA romance. That's the type of reader I am so I totally adored the little epilogue that made sure I knew my new character friends had a great time in the book.
For my final statement, I will say that the titles of each chapter were hilarious and full of Christmas puns. I think that added a pinch of awesomeness to this story.
Three out of five stars.
To start off, I didn't enjoy this book was much as I wanted to and I solely blame it on exam season. Unfortunately, I still need to read my worries away during exam time and typically those books don't cheer me up as much as they normally do. Jill Shalvis is an excellent writer and the thought behind this book is amazing!
This book is in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I have dabbled in Jill's other novels, but not Heartbreaker Bay yet (it's on my list, don't you worry). I saw this book at a local used book store (in perfect condition) and figured I might as well pick it up. I loved the last books I read by Jill so this would be a natural choice for me.
I found this book to be way more suspenseful than the average romance novel. It was super intriguing though. I really enjoyed following along with a story that I wasn't quite sure how it would end (the suspense part, not the romance. The romance was super predictable, as romance normally is). If you are going to read this as a standalone, go right on ahead! I found this book easy to jump into and I didn't need to know about the previous characters. I'm sure I would have liked this book more and understood it more if I had read the previous books, but don't you worry about it! You'll be just fine.
Molly and Lucas are cute and hilarious at times. They may or may not have slept together right before the book starts, and that causes a fair bit of chaos between the two of them. The duo also work together, which makes things more interesting. When a Santa Clause may be stealing money from his elves, they go on a little mission to figure out what the mystery is behind the missing money.
The plot was definitely Hallmark-esque and my gosh, I loved it. It was awesome! I did think the book was a little longer than it needed to be, but it was still fun. To top it all off, this book is definitely an R rated, sexy book with hella chemistry. Totally worth it if you love sexy romance and want a dash of Christmas cheer. It's more sexy than Christmas-y though (not Hallmark in that sense...).
I loved that this book was a HEA romance. That's the type of reader I am so I totally adored the little epilogue that made sure I knew my new character friends had a great time in the book.
For my final statement, I will say that the titles of each chapter were hilarious and full of Christmas puns. I think that added a pinch of awesomeness to this story.
Three out of five stars.
September 25, 2018
I received a copy via the publisher. It does not impact my review.
I’ve really been in the mood for cute romances lately and Hot Winter Nights definitely fit the bill.
I liked both Molly and Lucas. I thought they really complemented each other well and made a good team. I thought they got together, physically at least, a little more quickly than I would’ve liked, but I did definitely ship them together. I enjoyed their banter and how they had each other’s backs. I also liked how Molly’s physical disability was portrayed. Though she had some struggles, she didn’t let it keep her from doing the things she wanted.
There were a couple of things I found a little odd. One thing I’ve noticed about this series is that all the chapters are titled with hashtags and for the life of me I can’t understand why. Social media is not really a part of the story at all and I just don’t get the hashtags. Speaking of social media, though, I also recognized a lot of the funny one-liners from Molly’s friends or the elderly elves were actually from memes I’ve seen on Pinterest. Other than those small things, the only thing I didn’t really like about the book were that there were a few more sexual scenes than I care to read, but from reading other Shalvis books I kind of expected it so it didn’t really hinder my enjoyment that much.
Overall, I enjoyed Hot Winter Nights. I thought it was a cute romance with likable lead characters. I liked that the investigation plotline brought a little bit of action and suspense, as well. I definitely recommend this one to Romance fans, especially fans of Jill Shalvis.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
I’ve really been in the mood for cute romances lately and Hot Winter Nights definitely fit the bill.
I liked both Molly and Lucas. I thought they really complemented each other well and made a good team. I thought they got together, physically at least, a little more quickly than I would’ve liked, but I did definitely ship them together. I enjoyed their banter and how they had each other’s backs. I also liked how Molly’s physical disability was portrayed. Though she had some struggles, she didn’t let it keep her from doing the things she wanted.
There were a couple of things I found a little odd. One thing I’ve noticed about this series is that all the chapters are titled with hashtags and for the life of me I can’t understand why. Social media is not really a part of the story at all and I just don’t get the hashtags. Speaking of social media, though, I also recognized a lot of the funny one-liners from Molly’s friends or the elderly elves were actually from memes I’ve seen on Pinterest. Other than those small things, the only thing I didn’t really like about the book were that there were a few more sexual scenes than I care to read, but from reading other Shalvis books I kind of expected it so it didn’t really hinder my enjoyment that much.
Overall, I enjoyed Hot Winter Nights. I thought it was a cute romance with likable lead characters. I liked that the investigation plotline brought a little bit of action and suspense, as well. I definitely recommend this one to Romance fans, especially fans of Jill Shalvis.
Overall Rating (out of 5): 3.5 Stars
November 21, 2018
What can I say? I just love this series!!!
This book was adorable, sexy, sweet, funny, heartbreaking, suspensy, mysterious, exciting, holidayish.
I love the city, the building, the people living and working there.
PERFECT SERIES!!! Can't wait to read Sadie & Caleb's book next!
♡
♡
♡
December 20, 2018
** 2.5 stars **
I made the mistake of listening to the audiobook, I wonder if I read a physical copy if I would have enjoyed it a little bit more. At least enough to give it 3 stars.
I made the mistake of listening to the audiobook, I wonder if I read a physical copy if I would have enjoyed it a little bit more. At least enough to give it 3 stars.
September 24, 2018
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
It’s never a bad time for holiday cheer, especially when you’ve got a story like Hot Winter Nights to read. Lucas and Molly’s romance is funny, heartwarming, and sensual. It’s impossible not to be swept away by this sweet confection of a tale.
Molly is a fighter. She’s got grit, strength, and a spine of steel and I loved that about her. As the office manager at Hunt Investigations, she knows she’s invaluable to the team. Yet she also knows she can and wants to do more, only her boss, brother, and the other members of the team are overprotective of her, in part because of the permanent nerve damage she has in one leg. But Molly is nothing if not clever and resourceful, so when a bad Santa case comes her way, she’s determined to take it on. She knows it isn’t safe to work alone, so she talks Lucas into helping her, not knowing her boss has already ordered him to keep an eye on her. Lucas is a hero you can’t help but love. He sees and respects Molly’s skills, knowledge, and abilities and even though he’s as protective as the rest of the Hunt investigators, he supports her in her quest to become an investigator. When it comes to his attraction to her, well, the sister of his best friend is off-limits. Except close quarters make it impossible for either of them to deny the pull between them…
Both Molly and Lucas have scars – physical and mental – from their past that make them put up walls around their hearts. Though it’s obvious to readers that they’re a perfect match, their road to happily ever after isn’t an easy one because insecurities and old ghosts aren’t easily overcome. Jill Shalvis perfectly balances their internal struggles with their otherwise bright and sexy romance and I was rooting for Molly and Lucas every step of the way.
Family and friends bring additional warmth and good cheer to Hot Winter Nights and Heartbreaker Bay fans will be delighted to catch up with past heroes and heroines (though if this is your entry into this series, you won’t be lost). I adore this series with its quirky, welcoming characters and the friendships add some sparkle to the story without detracting from Molly and Lucas. The only downside to this book is that I finished it incredibly eager to read the next Heartbreaker Bay book, Playing for Keeps, and that’s not a bad problem to have.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It’s never a bad time for holiday cheer, especially when you’ve got a story like Hot Winter Nights to read. Lucas and Molly’s romance is funny, heartwarming, and sensual. It’s impossible not to be swept away by this sweet confection of a tale.
Molly is a fighter. She’s got grit, strength, and a spine of steel and I loved that about her. As the office manager at Hunt Investigations, she knows she’s invaluable to the team. Yet she also knows she can and wants to do more, only her boss, brother, and the other members of the team are overprotective of her, in part because of the permanent nerve damage she has in one leg. But Molly is nothing if not clever and resourceful, so when a bad Santa case comes her way, she’s determined to take it on. She knows it isn’t safe to work alone, so she talks Lucas into helping her, not knowing her boss has already ordered him to keep an eye on her. Lucas is a hero you can’t help but love. He sees and respects Molly’s skills, knowledge, and abilities and even though he’s as protective as the rest of the Hunt investigators, he supports her in her quest to become an investigator. When it comes to his attraction to her, well, the sister of his best friend is off-limits. Except close quarters make it impossible for either of them to deny the pull between them…
Both Molly and Lucas have scars – physical and mental – from their past that make them put up walls around their hearts. Though it’s obvious to readers that they’re a perfect match, their road to happily ever after isn’t an easy one because insecurities and old ghosts aren’t easily overcome. Jill Shalvis perfectly balances their internal struggles with their otherwise bright and sexy romance and I was rooting for Molly and Lucas every step of the way.
Family and friends bring additional warmth and good cheer to Hot Winter Nights and Heartbreaker Bay fans will be delighted to catch up with past heroes and heroines (though if this is your entry into this series, you won’t be lost). I adore this series with its quirky, welcoming characters and the friendships add some sparkle to the story without detracting from Molly and Lucas. The only downside to this book is that I finished it incredibly eager to read the next Heartbreaker Bay book, Playing for Keeps, and that’s not a bad problem to have.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 2, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (posting 11/28)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ME0LeL
Ah so good! Hot Winter Nights provided exactly that. Woo! Yes, it heat things up real nice and gave some good laughs along the way.
The Gist: Molly is tired of just being the office manager at a security firm. She wants to work a case just like the guys. And she has one-- her neighbor thinks something hinky is going on with the local Christmas village. And Lucas--poor dumb bastard--has been tasked with secretly keeping her safe.
Yes, I liked these two. Molly and Lucas are a handful. They give each other a bit of hell, turn each other on, frustrate and charm each other. Molly's a determined lady. She's overcome a lot in her life and is a force of nature. Lucas a strong silent (somewhat) type. A protector at heart and a good guy.
Their romance was fun, too. They have some fantastic chemistry and heat up the sheets. She did try to pull a runner, though. Lord help her because Lucas is not a man to run from. lol But they also work well together and it was nice seeing them grow closer as they tried to figure out what the 'bad Santa' was up to.
A little mystery and danger rounded things out nicely. They worked well together and it was fun watching them grow closer as they tried to figure out what was up with the "bad Santa" at the village.
Overall, a fabulous time was had. Hot Winter Nights was full of fun, sexy romance, wonderful friends, and a little Christmas goodness (complete with a hero in elf tights!). You really can't go wrong with a Jill Shalvis.
September 20, 2018
4.5*
This was only the third book in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Ms. Shalvis that I’ve read, and so far it’s my favorite of the three. I don’t recall if there was mention of Molly or Lucas in the two previous books I read, but even if there was this story developed in such a way that I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. That’s what I love about series like this- even though I usually prefer to read in order, I like that I can just jump in anywhere and know that the story I’m reading will be able to stand on its own.
Hot Winter Nights was a sweet and fun, sexy, and suspenseful story. I really loved Molly and Lucas. They are both such strong characters, yet left vulnerable from past events. Neither of them is really looking for a relationship, but as they work together on Molly’s first case the spark between them ignites, once they decide to let their guards down. This was a really heart-warming story. It was great seeing Lucas and Molly open up to each other and share the the tough parts of their lives.
The Bad Santa case that Molly takes on added an entertaining and suspenseful aspect to the story. It turned a little darker than I expected, but the quirky cast of characters kept it from getting too deep. I love when a book has the perfect mix of romance, humor, and mystery to keep you on your toes, and Hot Winter Nights had an abundance of all three. And now I think it's time to go back and read the rest of the books in the series that I've missed out on!
This was only the third book in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Ms. Shalvis that I’ve read, and so far it’s my favorite of the three. I don’t recall if there was mention of Molly or Lucas in the two previous books I read, but even if there was this story developed in such a way that I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. That’s what I love about series like this- even though I usually prefer to read in order, I like that I can just jump in anywhere and know that the story I’m reading will be able to stand on its own.
Hot Winter Nights was a sweet and fun, sexy, and suspenseful story. I really loved Molly and Lucas. They are both such strong characters, yet left vulnerable from past events. Neither of them is really looking for a relationship, but as they work together on Molly’s first case the spark between them ignites, once they decide to let their guards down. This was a really heart-warming story. It was great seeing Lucas and Molly open up to each other and share the the tough parts of their lives.
The Bad Santa case that Molly takes on added an entertaining and suspenseful aspect to the story. It turned a little darker than I expected, but the quirky cast of characters kept it from getting too deep. I love when a book has the perfect mix of romance, humor, and mystery to keep you on your toes, and Hot Winter Nights had an abundance of all three. And now I think it's time to go back and read the rest of the books in the series that I've missed out on!
September 25, 2018
This was so sweet, fun, and heartwarming! I love the way that Jill Shalvis tells a story. I always know what I'm going to get from the entertaining moments to the great friendships, and the awesome romance. Great read!
I loved Lucas and Molly and thought this was a great friends to lovers romance. It had such an adorable start, pulling me in. They were so sweet together, I liked their chemistry and their flirting. I loved their pull to one another even as they fought to stay away, it made for a great build as they came together. I loved their growing feelings, the obstacles they had in their way, the battles they were having within themselves, and watching everything come together. Lucas was awesome and gave me butterflies. I liked his protective nature and how he believed in Molly and was there for her. I loved Molly! I liked her tenacity and strength and how she fought for what she wanted.
I really liked the mystery element that was in play. That was super fun and kept things moving along nicely. The story was well written with a nice build, it was fast paced at times but really good. This was a pretty light and easy read that was low in the drama department but high in entertainment value.
All the characters and their interactions are so fun, especially the guys. There were just a lot of great moments between everyone. A total feel good, charming read! This was just outright delightful and entertaining. It left me happy and smiling and I loved the HEA! Great addition to the series!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
I loved Lucas and Molly and thought this was a great friends to lovers romance. It had such an adorable start, pulling me in. They were so sweet together, I liked their chemistry and their flirting. I loved their pull to one another even as they fought to stay away, it made for a great build as they came together. I loved their growing feelings, the obstacles they had in their way, the battles they were having within themselves, and watching everything come together. Lucas was awesome and gave me butterflies. I liked his protective nature and how he believed in Molly and was there for her. I loved Molly! I liked her tenacity and strength and how she fought for what she wanted.
I really liked the mystery element that was in play. That was super fun and kept things moving along nicely. The story was well written with a nice build, it was fast paced at times but really good. This was a pretty light and easy read that was low in the drama department but high in entertainment value.
All the characters and their interactions are so fun, especially the guys. There were just a lot of great moments between everyone. A total feel good, charming read! This was just outright delightful and entertaining. It left me happy and smiling and I loved the HEA! Great addition to the series!
Complimentary copy received for honest review.
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