Once in a lifetime

by Jill Shalvis

Shalvis is a contemporary author who can always be counted on for a story that will make you laugh more than you cry.  I'm a sap, though, so I always have a tear shimmering for a moment, too.  She's back in Lucky Harbor with two individuals readers have been getting to know in previous titles. Ben and Aubrey have known each other since high school, but there's always been a laundry list of reasons to keep apart.

Aubrey's got quite a reputation in Lucky Harbor.  As a teen, she was forever in mild trouble, and walked with a deep chip on her shoulder.  More recently, she quit her job after finding her boss was embezzling, and cheating on her with two other women.  In an effort to outrun Ben, she stumbles across an idea that making amends will give her what she's been missing.

Ben's back after several years of philanthropic work around the world.  He tells himself he was doing good, but everyone knows Lucky Harbor was a painful place after his wife's death.  Thanks to Aubrey's uncle, he takes on a job renovating her new business.  He knows he's on Aubrey's list, but he has no idea why.

These two bring a little heat to Lucky Harbor's winter, and entertain the locals along the way.  I still wish there was a real facebook page of the exploits Lucille and the other senior citizens use to trump one another.  Instead, we can all follow Ms. Shalvis on Facebook. 

Always on my mind

by Jill Shalvis

The people of Lucky Harbor are ready to watch another couple get lost in love.  Not only, that, they will happily write about it on any social media site they can find.

Leah is back in the town she couldn't leave fast enough.  Lucky for her there are a few great people making it a lot more happy this time around.  She's got great new friends you've seen in other Shalvis titles like Ali and Aubrey (I hear she's getting a story, too).  She's also got great old friends like Ben and Jack.

Yeah, Jack.  He was always the one she ran to when things got rough at home.  He was older, wilder, and just protective enough to be a perfect fit.  Too bad she panicked way back then.  Even when she was gone, he was her rock. That rock has grown up to be the town's hottest firefighter.

Now Jack's mom is battling illness, and Leah slips up with a little white lie.  Surely, she and Jack can pretend to be together if it will bring Dee some happiness.  Surprisingly, Jack goes along with the sham, and the citizens of Lucky Harbor get to watch real sparks fly in the made up relationship.

Shalvis has reunited her readers with a favorite community.  She threw in just enough suspense to keep this reader guessing as Jack tried to solve the string of arsons plaguing his hometown. 

It had to be you

by Jill Shalvis

Return to Lucky Harbor with another couple destined to settle in for the long haul.  Ali Winters is the kind of woman who often feels like she is just treading water; she just cannot catch a break.  Her boyfriend cheated on her, she's been accused of theft, and oh yeah, some guy catches her trespassing in her underwear.  
Mr. Random turns out to be her ex-landlord, Luke Hanover.  He's a bad-ass cop in San Francisco who had hoped to find some peace and quiet in the house he inherited. 
Fate, and the people of Lucky Harbor, have plans for these two.  Luke has all the skills Ali needs to clear her name.  Surprisingly, she has a few talents that help him achieve his original goal as well.  Yes, and then there is the mutual attraction.  You didn't think there would be a dead sexy, bad ass and some boring lump, did you?  Ali's got the kind of eyes that stop Luke in his tracks, and she's fun. 
It's a cute and sassy story that will warm your heart as you return to one of your favorite fictional communities.  A few favorite characters from previous novels make repeat appearances.