Saturday, April 21, 2012

Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1) by Jill Shalvis

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover. In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.



Type: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 5 out of 5


Oh, I LOVED this one. It really did live up to it's title and was Simply Irresistible. Okay, that was kinda corny but it's so true. I got absolutely nothing done today. Read until my eyes burned then woke up and grabbed it right back up. The main characters and their individual struggles were wonderful, the town and secondary characters hilarious. The whole premise of sisters that have really never known each other getting a second chance at being a family and getting to know each other. The writing was excellent. From the hysterical first meet-up between Jax and Maddie to the oh-so-sweet ending. It was all very nicely done.



Maddie was a fantastic heroine and one I really enjoyed. She's "giving up all penis-carrying humans" and starting over after leaving an abusive relationship. I loved her determination and courage to change her life and find where she fit in the world. From wanting to have a real relationship with her sisters to overcoming her fears. Stepping out of her shell and shedding the label of being "the mouse" of the family. She's big on organization, a little bit quirky and a much stronger woman than she gives herself credit for. 
“Where did that flashlight come from?" Chloe asked.  
"My purse." 
Chloe looked at Tara. "She carries a flashlight in her purse." 
"For emergencies," Maddie said, trying to see into the yard. 
"You have any chocolate?" Chloe asked hopefully. "For emergencies?" 
"Of course. Side Pocket, next to the fork.” 
I loved the relationship between Jax and Maddie. She amuses him and he throws her a bit off kilter. Jax is such a sweet man. Generous, thoughtful, very talented in both business and construction, incredibly sexy. He's also very gentle and understanding about the fears Maddie still struggles with from her past relationship. He also has a way of encouraging her that I just loved. Their sweeter, emotional moments are so touching and the humor and teasing between them delightful.
“Sorry,” he said. “Let me drop the belt-" 
“No.” She held on when he would have pulled away. “Don’t. I like it.”  
Again, he lifted her face, and he smiled. “The tool belt turns you on.”  
“No.” She closed her eyes and thunked her forehead to his chest. “Little bit.”
Simply Irresistible was wonderfully sweet and charming, very funny and the perfect thing when you just need something to warm your heart and make you smile. It was a fantastic start to the series. My only complaint.... was that I didn't have book 2 already in my hands so I could pick it up the second this one ended. 

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for the lovey review!

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    1. Thanks for the lovely book :) I've grabbed up the rest of them and can't wait to get reading on them!

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  2. lol I love that book. I just re read that one the other day. Jills books are like chocolate. Sweet delicious goodness. Jill has a great ability to make you laugh.

    Lisa B

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    1. Isn't it great? It's one I'll be rereading I'm sure. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Thanks for dropping over :)

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