posted by Stacy~ at 3/03/2011 08:31:00 AM
| 5 comments
Thursday, March 03, 2011:
Monday, November 01, 2010:
10. LSUReader!
15. Barbara E.
2. Lucy
24. Shaz
13. CrystalGB
11. jcp
8. Mollie
17. Danielle
4. PinkStuff28
5. Maija
20. Zach H.
18. JenM.
16. Orannia
22. A.J. Larrieu
14. Spav
1. Misha1989
19. Marg
9. Tori_aka_ggs_closet
21. ClaudiaGC
23. Rachel S.
12. Ina
7. Leontine
6. Blodeuedd
3. Kelly M.
10. LSUReader!
Congrats! I sent you an email notifying you, so please keep an eye out for that. Just a reminder, if I don't hear back by Monday, November 8th, I will select another winner. Hope to hear for ya soon :)
15. Barbara E.
2. Lucy
24. Shaz
13. CrystalGB
11. jcp
8. Mollie
17. Danielle
4. PinkStuff28
5. Maija
20. Zach H.
18. JenM.
16. Orannia
22. A.J. Larrieu
14. Spav
1. Misha1989
19. Marg
9. Tori_aka_ggs_closet
21. ClaudiaGC
23. Rachel S.
12. Ina
7. Leontine
6. Blodeuedd
3. Kelly M.
Labels: Jill Shalvis, winner
posted by Stacy~ at 11/01/2010 07:26:00 AM
| 2 comments
Monday, October 25, 2010:
Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.
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.
I loved Jill's book so much (quite possibly my favorite JS book to date), I decided that some lucky reader who hasn't read it yet should get the opportunity to do so.
Just answer my question no later than noon CST on Sunday, October 31st, and you are entered to win. It's just that simple! Open to anyone who can receive mail :)
What are your favorite hero names?
Good luck!
Labels: contest, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 10/25/2010 06:55:00 AM
| 25 comments
Monday, October 18, 2010:
Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.
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.
I know I've said this before, but Jill Shalvis is one of my top favorite contemporary romance authors. She effortlessly blends humor, sexual tension, and romance with her own unique sense of the adorable to create stories that most readers can easily relate to. And while I love me some urban fantasy and paranormal romance, sometimes you just need a dose of the simple and real to make you happy.
I know I've said this before, but Jill Shalvis is one of my top favorite contemporary romance authors. She effortlessly blends humor, sexual tension, and romance with her own unique sense of the adorable to create stories that most readers can easily relate to. And while I love me some urban fantasy and paranormal romance, sometimes you just need a dose of the simple and real to make you happy.
Maddie Moore has come to Lucky Harbor with the hopes of starting fresh. She never really got to know her mother, a fact that deep-down makes her feel a bit resentful. But she's determined to make the most of what she's been left, even if it's going to take more than a little elbow grease and some tough negotiating with her sisters. Thing is, Maddie's always considered herself a mouse, so going up against her opinionated sisters is not as easy as it sounds, especially since it's been awhile since they've seen each other. But armed with her knitting needles and a recently discovered stubborn streak, she's determined to try.
Enter one very hot 'n sexy fantasy of a man by the name of Jax, and Maddie's got her hands full with getting her life back on track without losing her heart in the process. But before she knows it, Maddie finds herself getting to know her sisters, gaining a confidence she thought she never possessed, and falling for a wonderful man who does she her value. Maybe, just maybe, it's time to have faith in her heart and just take that leap....
My thoughts:
This time around, I really have to commend Jill for taking a stand in her books without getting preachy. She continues to write her really fun, sexy romances, but she's also exploring more serious topics, such as verbal and physical abuse. In Maddie's case, fortunately it didn't get really ugly, though any level of abuse is bad, and we see the afteraffects abuse can have on a person, how it can tear down their confidence and make them feel like they are the one at fault, and not the actual abuser. It takes Maddie awhile - and some time on her own - to finally feel like she can trust her instincts and let herself fall in love with a really great guy.
And that is exactly what Jax is. Not perfect by any means, Jax has his own demons to contend with, but from their first encounter, Jax has seen something in Maddie that draws him, and it isn't long before he's falling in love. It both hurts and angers him that Maddie was in an abusive relationship, but rather than being impatient with her, he takes his time, gaining her trust and showing her what it means to be treasured. He doesn't treat her like a fragile piece of china, but rather as a woman with needs and a strong will of her own, so at times he pushes her to get her to push back. I think Jax ranks up there with one of my favorite heroes of all time. He's gorgeous, smart, and possesses a generous and caring heart that he can't help but share with those he cares deeply about. Having once lived a life devoid of meaning, Jax is grateful he got out before he crossed a line and completely lost his soul.
It's also touching to see Maddie reconnect with her sisters again. Sharing the same free-spirit mother but different fathers, the three young women haven't really spent a lot of time around each other, and have pretty much gone on to live their own lives. Their mother's death forces them to get together and make decisions that will affect each of them, and finding out about themselves in the process. This opportunity gives them a chance to perhaps become friends as well as sisters, and though they go through a series of growing pains, it's pretty evident that all will work out in the end.
I think "Simply Irresistible" is now my favorite Jill Shalvis book, and THAT is saying something. But it was just the perfect balm to make me smile and sigh, and maybe even believe in love a lil bit. It left me feeling exactly the way a wonderful romance story should, and I am absolutely dying to go back and visit Lucky Harbor again very soon!
Rating: ***** out of *****
I'm also jonesing for more of Jill's Pacific Heat baseball series. So I hope many of you will buy a copy of "Simply Irresistible" so that we can get Gage's book! Let's tweet and tell @PenguinUSA how much we love Jill's books!!!!!
Labels: Jill Shalvis, review
posted by Stacy~ at 10/18/2010 08:14:00 AM
| 9 comments
Tuesday, July 06, 2010:
9780425239810
ISBN-10: 0425239810
Publisher: Berkley
Date: February 2011
ISBN-10: 0425239810
Publisher: Berkley
Date: February 2011
“A Jill Shalvis hero is the stuff naughty dreams are made of.”—New York Times Bestselling Author Vicki Lewis Thompson
This alpha male is going to bring out her wild side…
Sunshine, Idaho, is a small and sunny town—the perfect home for man and beast. Well, maybe not for man, as pilot-for-hire Brady Miller discovers when his truck is rear-ended by what appears to be Noah’s Ark.
The co-owner of the town’s only kennel, Lilah Young has good reason to be distracted behind the wheel—there are puppies, a piglet, and a duck in her Jeep. But, she doesn’t find it hard to focus on the angry, gorgeous stranger she’s collided with.
Lilah has lived in Sunshine all her life, and though Brady is just passing through, he has her abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire. It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie—both animal and human—that keeps him coming back for more…
Praise for the novels of Jill Shalvis
“The perfect romance!”—New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster
“A fun, sexy story of the redemptive powers of love…red-hot!” —New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross
This alpha male is going to bring out her wild side…
Sunshine, Idaho, is a small and sunny town—the perfect home for man and beast. Well, maybe not for man, as pilot-for-hire Brady Miller discovers when his truck is rear-ended by what appears to be Noah’s Ark.
The co-owner of the town’s only kennel, Lilah Young has good reason to be distracted behind the wheel—there are puppies, a piglet, and a duck in her Jeep. But, she doesn’t find it hard to focus on the angry, gorgeous stranger she’s collided with.
Lilah has lived in Sunshine all her life, and though Brady is just passing through, he has her abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire. It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie—both animal and human—that keeps him coming back for more…
Praise for the novels of Jill Shalvis
“The perfect romance!”—New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster
“A fun, sexy story of the redemptive powers of love…red-hot!” —New York Times bestselling author JoAnn Ross
Labels: bookcovers, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 7/06/2010 07:15:00 AM
| 1 comments
Tuesday, May 11, 2010:
From Publisher's Weekly:
From Publisher's Weekly:
Jill Shalvis’s SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE (10/10), begins the Lucky Harbor novels, a fiction series centering around three estranged sisters and the falling down on its axis beach inn they inherit, where they find hope, home and … love, to Beth de Guzman and Alex Logan at Grand Central, in a three-book deal, by Jenny Bent at The Bent Agency (world).
From Jill's blog: "So. Three sisters who don’t like each other all that much. A falling down on its axis beach resort that they have to fix up or go bankrupt. And the good part … three very sexy guys to go with.
The first, Simply Irresistible, is coming in October.
The second, Sweetest Thing, arrives in April 2011. If I ever stop eating cheese cake and sit my butt in the chair and finish it …"
From Jill's blog: "So. Three sisters who don’t like each other all that much. A falling down on its axis beach resort that they have to fix up or go bankrupt. And the good part … three very sexy guys to go with.
The first, Simply Irresistible, is coming in October.
The second, Sweetest Thing, arrives in April 2011. If I ever stop eating cheese cake and sit my butt in the chair and finish it …"
Squee!
Labels: Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 5/11/2010 07:06:00 AM
| 2 comments
Wednesday, April 14, 2010:
Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover..
Lookie lookie what Jill Shalvis has coming!
Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover..
In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddies leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother - a ramshackle inn nestled in the 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.
I'm sufficiently hooked!
Labels: bookcovers, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 4/14/2010 06:36:00 AM
| 3 comments
Tuesday, March 30, 2010:
T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he's about to reconnect with the one woman he's never been able to forget...
Get Your Pulse Racing
To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who's invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley's career is riding on this trip, and she doesn't need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise-just like he's done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that's been smoldering all these years.
T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he's damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he's always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he'll finally have a chance to prove it-over and over again...
T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he's about to reconnect with the one woman he's never been able to forget... Get Your Pulse Racing
To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who's invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley's career is riding on this trip, and she doesn't need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise-just like he's done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that's been smoldering all these years.
T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he's damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he's always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he'll finally have a chance to prove it-over and over again...
Oh man, I am a total broken record here, but y'all know how much I adore the books of Jill Shalvis. They are funny and sexy and hot and just plain ole wonderful in a "sigh with happiness" kinda way. Nothing but two people falling in love and having naughty, explosive sex in the process (somebody sign me up!) Rugged, alpha heroes who make me weak in the knees and heroines I envy for the good fortune.
Harley has had a crush on T.J. for what seems like forever, but he's only ever looking for a good time, and Harley knows she can't and won't do casual, not even with the hottest guy she's ever known. Still, that doesn't prevent her from lusting after the maddeningly irresistible man, no matter how much she wishes otherwise. Harley intends to find a safe, stable man to settle down with, and T.J. is just getting in the way, messing up her plans. It's best if she avoids him altogether. Damn the man for ruining her plans...
T.J. is well aware that he and Harley have been tip-toeing around each other for years, but T.J. is getting a little tired of it, especially when he sees how open and affectionate she is with his family and friends. He doesn't understand why she doesn't like him, so when he has the opportunity to get her alone, he's determined to find out the truth, once and for all. It might not change anything, but at least then he'd finally know.
T.J. is well aware that he and Harley have been tip-toeing around each other for years, but T.J. is getting a little tired of it, especially when he sees how open and affectionate she is with his family and friends. He doesn't understand why she doesn't like him, so when he has the opportunity to get her alone, he's determined to find out the truth, once and for all. It might not change anything, but at least then he'd finally know.
So when Harley goes on a short solo expedition into the wilderness to study a rare coyote, T.J. determinedly follows her, knowing that no matter how independent the sexy blonde is, she's not the type to prepare for every possible outcome, plus she's rather endearingly disorganized, which makes him rather nervous. And, what the hell, he figures maybe he'll get some answers out of her for once....
My thoughts:
Oh that T.J. is one sexy alpha. While it's rather difficult to choose which is the sexiest brother, T.J. might actually get my final vote. I'm a sucker for a guy hung up on the heroine, even if he doesn't fully realize it. It's like deep down he knows, but doesn't think he wants or can have anything permanent, so he shoves it down where he doesn't have to think about it, and believes that casual sex and fun times are all he's capable of. But after awhile even that gets old, and he's look for something different.
Harley cannot wait to get out of Wishful and finally start having a life. Taking care of her loving yet irresponsible family and paying her own bills has left Harley flat broke, and she needs to get this job in Colorado so she can finally break free and follow her dream. Not to mention get her away from T.J. She's been crushing on the eldest Wilder brother since they were in school, and never once has he looked at her as more than a friend. Besides if he ever did, it would be a one-time deal, no strings, and Harley wants the strings. I liked that she had definite ideas about that, and just because she wanted T.J. didn't mean she was willing to blindly follow him and end up heartbroken when he eventually left. It frustrated the hell out of him, but she stubbornly stood her ground.
So these two are circling each other. And kissing. And circling. And there's the bickering. And more circling. And finally naughty touching. Let's go back to circlng. At first it was rather hot. But when it relentlessly went on and on, I was getting reeeaalllly fed up. Delayed gratification has never been my strong suit, but this was getting rather ridiculous. Things would be heating up and inevitably something would happen to interrupt the sexxin' stuff. I teetered on a very thin "throw the book against the wall" ledge for a bit, and that is a very scary place to be, especially when it involves an author you love. Just when it looked like we'd reached a meltdown of epic proportions, the book got back on track and bone-jumping commenced. Crisis averted. Whew.
Most of my regulars here know I'm a pretty forgiving reader. It's just who I am. I have my definite hot buttons, over which I can get quite vocal, but for the most part, I can let things go if I feel the rest of the story can be saved. And that's exactly what happened here. T.J. learns some things about his past that he didn't realize, and Harley learns to take a leap of faith. And together the two made my mushy heart go awwwww.
And damn that Jill, she kept teasing me with glimpses of T.J.'s lean, muscular, sexy body. His shirt would ride up, or he'd bend over and show off that cute butt. Or his well-worn jeans would hint at treasures beneath. I was drooling from those scrumptious visuals and had to wonder if these are the kinds of men she sees in her neck of the woods. If so, I think I'm moving...
So we still have Jill's trademark humor and sexy teasing. We still get mouth-watering heroes who fall for the type of women we all could be friends with. And last but not least, we get a sigh-worthy love story that makes it worth the minor aggravation I was experiencing. As always, it's sad to say good-bye. I will miss those Wilder men and the women lucky enough to be loved - and bedded - by them.
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: Jill Shalvis, review
posted by Stacy~ at 3/30/2010 07:08:00 AM
| 8 comments
Friday, February 12, 2010:
These two books are some of Jill Shalvis' best work, as far as I'm concerned. I really liked both of them, and thought hey, I bet you would too. So I am having a contest for one random winner to get a copy of BOTH books. Believe me, if you've never read a Shalvis book, now is your chance, because they are awesome. Baseball, sexy men, likeable & smart heroines, sexy men, humor, emotion and oh yeah, SEXY men.
Contest ends Monday, February 15th, at 2pm CST.
In order to be entered into the drawing, you must answer at least 2 of the following questions:
- What is your favorite sports movie?
- What is your favorite sports team?
- What sport do you/did you play?
- If you could play any sport, what would it be?
- Have you ever met a sports figure and if so, who?
- Who is your favorite or who do you think is the cutest sports figure?
- Do sports figures make too much money?
One entry per person, so answering more questions will not increase the number of chances. So please, just choose the questions you want to answer and have fun with it. GOOD LUCK!
Labels: contest, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 2/12/2010 02:54:00 PM
| 40 comments
Tuesday, February 09, 2010:
After a woman claims she's pregnant with Wade O'Riley's love child, Major League Baseball's most celebrated catcher and ladies' man is slapped on the wrist by management and ordered to improve his image. His enforcer is the team's publicist, the tough and sexy Samantha McNead.
After a woman claims she's pregnant with Wade O'Riley's love child, Major League Baseball's most celebrated catcher and ladies' man is slapped on the wrist by management and ordered to improve his image. His enforcer is the team's publicist, the tough and sexy Samantha McNead.When Wade needs a date for a celebrity wedding, Sam steps up to the plate as his "girlfriend." But given her secret crush on him and that one awkward night a year ago in a stalled elevator with too much Scotch, the whole thing is an exercise in sexual tension.
Wade is thrilled when the pretense turns into an unexpected night of hot passion. But the next day Sam is back to her cool self. As a catcher, Wade's used to giving the signals, not struggling to read them. Now, to win the love of his "pretend" girlfriend, he needs a home run -- even if it involves stealing a few bases...
I've been impatiently waiting for Sam's & Wade's story since way before I finished Jill Shalvis' "Double Play", and let me tell you, it was well worth the wait.
I love stories about characters that have this incredible attraction but either refuse to act on it or, if they do inevitably act on it, pretend it didn't mean anything. They are usually really hot, and blended with the perfect mix of intense emotion. Can't get enough of that.
As the Heat's publicist, Sam McNead is determined to give a good impression to the public about the team. Sam and Wade agree to be "pretend" girlfriend and boyfriend to clean up his outrageous ladies' man image so they can focus on what's really important: winning games. She knows that throwing herself into an intimate situation with Wade will only add to the simmering attraction between them that wasn't quite satisified by their steamy encounter in an elevator a year ago, but she's nothing if not a professional, and she can handle a little heat, as long as it doesn't burn out of control.
Wade, on the other hand, couldn't be more pleased by his current circumstances. Despite what the public thinks about his lifestyle, Wade is not the "player" everyone seems to think he is, and he's not quite done with exploring this attraction he has for Sam. He can't help it if she floats his boat, and uses every opportunity to get his hands - and mouth - on the tantalizing woman acting as his girlfriend. And is Sam succumbs, all the better.
Eventually their incredible chemistry leads to several naughty and satisfying encounters, and Sam feels more and more like this isn't just physical between, them, at least not on her side. She's discovering a side of Wade she never thought existed, and she really likes it. When her young nephew comes to live with her for awhile, Wade really takes him under his wing and looks out for him when Sam can't always manage. It's a huge adjustment for both of them, but Sam finds herself falling for the two men in her life: her tough, smart nephew who is in serious need of live, and the sexy, tender baseball player that's managed to sneak his way past her defenses. Just what is a girl to do?
My thoughts:
I liked this story even more than "Double Play", which is really saying something. It had a bit more heart, and I immediately found myself falling for Wade and hoping Sam would open her eyes and see what a great guy he was. He wasn't quite "there" when it came to getting the idea of commitment, but his actions spoke louder than words. It's pretty obvious Wade has strong feelings of affection for Sam, he's just not familiar with what they are or how to handle them. On top of that, he's trying to deal with a father who refuses to be ignored any longer. Having his father now in his face instead of hundreds or thousands of miles away is not easy for Wade to deal with, and he struggles with the bitterness and ugly memories from his childhood.
Sam is dealing with her own family issues. She's the only female working in her family business, and the men in her family tend to either yell at her or roll their eyes and ignore her ideas. She tends to put up with a lot of their behavior without fighting back, which is frustrating to watch, because it usually means they are taking advantage of her in some way, and she just takes it. However when she ends up with her nephew Tag, I think it as one of the best things that could have happened to her. It brings out a side of her that she usually keeps hidden, and her relationship with Tag is difficult at times, but also sweet and affectionate and normal. It opens up her heart.
Which means she's even more vulnerable to her growing feelings for Wade, but at least now she's not running from them anymore. She acknowledges to herself that she loves him, and while it hurts to think he doesn't love her back, at least she's taken that step and accepted it into her own life. The more I got to know her and watch her grow, the more I ended up liking Sam.
And wow, do these two have combustible chemistry! In a restroom, in a car, wherever the urge may take them. It's incredibly hot and sexy, and boy was Sam a lucky girl ;) I love how Wade can't keep his hands off Sam, even if it's just to show affection. And what woman could resist such a luscious, attractive, charming man focusing solely on her? Me? I wouldn't even try.
One thing I have to make sure I mention is just how well Jill writes the "guy" stuff. You can totally picture the conversations really taking place from a guy's point of view because they are so believable, and I've heard plenty of guys talk in that way. I believe it's one of the reasons her heroes are so incredibly sexy: because they sound like actual guys and don't say things a women would say.
I had read Holly's review before drafting mine, and I have to agree on everything she said. Especially the part about the ending of the book. I think this is the first time I was seriously disappointed in something I read - or perhaps I should say "didn't read" - in a Shalvis novel. The conclusion of the book was so abrupt and I was not prepared for it. I was like "what, that's IT???????" I'm sorry Jill, you know I adore the heck out of you, but why, oh why was Sam & Wade cheated out of their ending in such a quickie manner? It's like getting the only and only bites of the most decadent, to-die-for desserts in existence and being told "hey, that's it, no more." But I want more! Much more. At least another page. That would have made this the perfect book.
However I have not forsaken Jill, and hope we see Gage's story next. He's quite yummy. But even if it's not Gage's story, I'll still be buying more Shalvis novels. I can't give up completely on my addiction ;)
Btw, I'm holding a contest on Friday of this week to win a copy of both Double Play & Slow Heat, so stay tuned....
Rating: ****1/2 out of *****
Labels: Jill Shalvis, review
posted by Stacy~ at 2/09/2010 07:54:00 AM
| 5 comments
Monday, February 01, 2010:
I had some time to kill yesterday before meeting a friend for dinner & a movie, so I headed over to Barnes and Noble with the fervent wish that some of the February releases might have been shelved early. No such luck. I've heard B&N is strict about keeping to release day, which is cool and all, but I am all about instant gratification, so I was severely disappointed in not finding my treasures. However that didn't mean I didn't buy any books. In fact I picked up 3 other books, which made up for it a little.
I had some time to kill yesterday before meeting a friend for dinner & a movie, so I headed over to Barnes and Noble with the fervent wish that some of the February releases might have been shelved early. No such luck. I've heard B&N is strict about keeping to release day, which is cool and all, but I am all about instant gratification, so I was severely disappointed in not finding my treasures. However that didn't mean I didn't buy any books. In fact I picked up 3 other books, which made up for it a little.But I wasn't willing to give up. On my way home, I realized I still had an hour before Borders closed, which was right on the way, so I swung into the parking lot and made my way to the lovely romance section, and there they were! Oh Borders, how I do LOVE you!!!!
What are some of your most anticipated February releases?
Labels: Beth Kery, Jess Michaels, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 2/01/2010 06:49:00 AM
| 10 comments
Monday, August 31, 2009:
Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He's got the arm, the experience, and the wins. He's also got the pain, the pressure, and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.
Jill Shalvis, oh how do I love thee, and thy books? Oh, just more than words can say.
Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He's got the arm, the experience, and the wins. He's also got the pain, the pressure, and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful, tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.Holly Hutchins knows a good story when she sees one, and the tall, dark, and slightly attitude-challenged Pace Martin fits the bill. But when she realizes there's more at stake than just a win, she starts to see the handsome, broad-shouldered jock in a different light.
Pace and Holly begin a seductive game, but in the face of unexpected betrayal and challenges, they'll have to find the courage to swing for the fences...
Jill Shalvis, oh how do I love thee, and thy books? Oh, just more than words can say.
Writing about sports heroes has got to be very challenging, because we don't see a lot of them out there, and because there's got to be such a stigma attached to them. Let's face it, the majority of these players make more money than us regular folk will ever see in our lifetime, and many of them live and party like there's no tomorrow. There's the women in every city, those groupies; there's the instant recognition and adulation from the fans. Who wouldn't get a swelled head with all that attention and instant access to the hottest clubs and events? But probably the biggest strike against sports players these days are all those drug scandals.
Jill addresses each of these issues here in her recent Berkley release. Pace Martin is one drop-dead sexy player, in every sense of the word, and he's used to having all the advantages that fame and money can buy. But lately he's been feeling the physical strain his body has endured by being in such a competitive sport. Despite all the exercise and therapy, the downtime and relaxation, there's very strong chance that he'll need to have surgery, and this is a big deal, not something Pace takes lightly. Depending on the damage to his arm, he may end up with a procedure that will end his career, and that is just not acceptable to a man who's lived and breathed baseball ever since he could remember.
Holly Hutchins is a reporter who sniffs out the dirt and reports on it. She's not a tabloid reporter, but rather an investigative journalist who prides herself on telling both sides of a story, regardless what her research uncovers. When her latest assignment involves reporting on the Heat, Holly's not exactly thrilled, but a job is a job, and she doesn't have much of a choice. Besides, she senses a story waiting to be uncovered, and trusting her instincts, she'll dig it up no matter what it takes.
As to be expected, Pace is reluctant to be interviewed by the perky yet persistent reporter. In fact the first time he sees her, he mistakes her for just wanting his autograph. But Holly isn't one to give up easily, and despite her unwanted attraction to a man who earns his living with his brawn, not his brains, she nevertheless dogs his every step until he figures out it will be less painful to just give in. Of course that's when he thinks this is a one-time deal. Before too long Holly is writing a series of articles all about the Heat, which means she'll be sticking around. Which means that despite how much they both might try to deny it, they're very attracted to each other, and all those moments of close proximity are bound to lead to something crazy and explosive that neither one of them could have counted on....
My thoughts:
"Double Play" is a fun, sexy, inside look into the world of major league baseball and the men and women who love and live the game. We see the toll it takes on the players who are under tremendous pressure, the endless temptations that are thrown their way everytime they turn around. There's the curse of steroid use, the fanatical fans, the unrelenting need to win. The legends to live up to, the superstitions that tend to make even the most rational of people a little crazy.
Pace initially seems like your typical baseball star, armed with stunning good looks, a golden arm and money to burn. But as we get to see more closely into his daily life, we see that he has problems just like everyone else. His relationship with his father pretty much sucks, he's got an overzealous fan who thinks they're soulmates, his shoulder hurts like a bitch, and he can't stop thinking about an irritating yet irresistible woman who's not fooled by his charm. We see his softer side in the way he responds to a group of young kids who love baseball like he used to. Pace is a bit of a teddy bear, but he's not a sappy fool. He's still a guy, and really, would we want him any other way? Not in our books, we wouldn't.
I flucuated back and forth with my feelings for Holly. At first I liked her, but then when she was in her all hard-ass reporter mode, I didn't. I've never been a fan of reporters/journalists/hacks, whatever. No, I've never been a fan of the relentless drive to follow a story to its inevitable conclusion, no matter where that road may lead or who might be run over in the process. I don't like the invasion of privacy. But despite my personal hang-up, as I got to "know" Holly, and saw what made her tick, and what realizations she came to about the way she's lived her life, the little stinker wormed her way past my defenses, much like I'm sure she did with Pace.
There relationship was a bit rocky at times, but they became friends, and eventually lovers. Despite how they were both unused to opening up to people, their feelings for each other made it impossible to keep their usual safe distance for long. It could be painful at times, and it probably would have been easier if they could just walk away, but both of them had done that too many times in the past. But could they figure it out before their pride had them both walking away? Well duh, of course they could, and they did, and they pretty much will be living happily ever after for as long as they both shall live. Because that's what happens in a romance. But despite the predictability of our HEA books, it's the journey that makes it so much fun to get to that obvious destination. I love a romance that deals more than just the sexual attraction, but isn't too heavily mired in serious issues. Pace especially was having to struggle with the possible loss of a career he's dreamed about his entire life, while Holly faced the realization that she's never let anyone in, not really. So both of them were dealing with demons that scared them silly.
I loved this glimpse into the world of baseball, even though it's not my favorite sport, or even my second favorite. I liked the players, their close-knit version of family. I liked their passion for the game, watching how they interacted, what it was like for them to live on the road. I'm sure somewhere out there, there are players that do it just for the love of the game, players who have families they care about and go home to, rather than living for the next booty call. Until then, there are books like "Double Play" to read and savor.
The next book, "Slow Heat", will be out February 2010, and yep, I'm sooo gettin' it!
Rating: **** 1/2 out of *****
Labels: Jill Shalvis, review
posted by Stacy~ at 8/31/2009 06:46:00 AM
| 9 comments
Saturday, August 01, 2009:
'nother winner!
Stop by Jill's blog for an excerpt. Wow.
Have you read the first book, Double Play?
What did you think of it?
Labels: bookcovers, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 8/01/2009 04:13:00 PM
| 4 comments
Wednesday, July 08, 2009:
THE DOCTOR IS IN DEEP
THE DOCTOR IS IN DEEP Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book…
When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here—in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist…
Dr. Emma Sinclair is in Wishful filling in for her dad after his heart attack, and she cannot wait to get back to New York, where she's comfortable with bad attitudes, taxicabs, and caffeine IV's. You just can't find a decent Thai restaurant anywhere in Wishful, and Emma's jonesing big-time for city life. It's already been 2 months and she's climbing the walls. Patients are few are far between, and the ones who do come to the Urgent Care center are dubious about her credentials. Besides that, they pay in food currency versus cold, hard cash, and Emma cannot imagine how her father has survived her all these years living like this. There's nothing to look forward to...well nothing except a big, sexy mountain bum who gets under her skin and knows how to fill out a tight pair of jeans....
Stone Wilder may seem like your common, everyday slacker, but beneath the laid-back attitude is the heart of a working man. Injured while on a brief expedition, Stone insists he doesn't need medical care, at least not the kind that can be treated with a needle. But if that uptight yet beautiful doctor wants to lay her hands on him in another capacity, he's more than willing to take his medicine. Stymied by his attraction to such a buttoned-up spoilsport, Stone nevertheless cannot stop thinking about Dr. Emma Sinclair, or dreaming about her, or wanting her. It's just too bad she's got a stick up her ass the size of a fencepost. Maybe if she learned to relax and not take everything so seriously from time to time, she might have a little fun, and actually see all of what Wishful has to offer. And even better, she might take him up on his offer to get nekkid...
Then Emma learns her father's hiatus might not be so temporary, and Stone is not the guy she thought he was, and her life is turned upside down. Fighting her growing attraction for a blue-collar guy and trying not to let the people of Wishful sneak under her defenses and work their small-town charm on her, Emma remains determined to return back to New York, even if she discovers her heart might not be in it. In fact, her heart is very much stuck in Wishful....
My thoughts:
Though this one didn't grab my heart quite as much as "Instant Attraction" did, it was still a great story, made even moreso by the appealing and surprisingly wonderful Stone Wilder. Here was the kind of hero where I thought I knew what to expect, and he turns out to be more amazing that I would have thought. He's a bit arrogant, a lot stubborn, and a whole heap of sexy. But what really makes him so incredible are all those hidden layers. Stone's not your typical slacker, no matter that he makes it look like he's only out having fun. Underneath it all, he's a dedicated employee of Wilder Adventures, and the most important thing in his world is his family. Even they acknowledge that he is the glue that holds them all together. And he seems to do so effortlessly, out of love. I have to admit, I fell hard for Stone.
Emma on the other hand is harder to read. She has a lot of likable qualities, yet at the same time she's just a shade too stubborn for me to warm up to her completely. I did like that as she learned more about her father and the circumstances surrounding him and her mother, who recently passed away, she began to realize that maybe her father wasn't the apathetic person she thought he was, and that he truly didn't abandon her all those years ago. That belief really did a number on her, and it shows in the way she tries to push people away instead of letting them in. But Stone wasn't having it. When she pushed him, he'd push back. He wanted to be a part of her life, even knowing she was going to leave someday soon, and he was willing to put his heart on the line and be with her for as long as she was in town. He definitely confounded Emma, which was rather sweet. Here was an independent woman who had her set boundaries that no one dared break through until Stone came along, and she didn't know what was what. By this time, the townspeople began to work their way into her heart, so this made Emma a big, ole emotional mess. Nothing was like it used to be, and she was having a hard time coming to terms with that.
Then they both did the crazy thing and fell in love. Stone was much more accepting of his fate while Emma pretty much fought it every step of the way. But based on the way she lived her life, she really didn't know any better. I liked how once she listened to Stone's words about her lack of people skills, she really took a step back and saw what others did. She was a good doctor, a very competent one, but she didn't have a way with people like her best friend, Dr. Spencer, did. She forgot the human element, and realized how that carried over into her personal life. Once she figured it out, she knew things were never going to be the same.
If there was one person I wished I could have smacked upside the head, it was Emma's mother. Not to speak ill of the dead, but that woman did her own job on her daughter, and I really hate stuff like that. I was even more frustrated that she was no longer living because she deserved a good talking to. I know, I know, life doesn't work that way, and she did love her daughter, blah, blah, blah. It still aggravated the heck out of me that things could have been a whole lot different if mommy dearest hadn't been quite so manipulative. I'm just glad Emma finally saw the big picture and was able to resolve some issues that were a result of her mother's machinations. And let herself love and be loved.
So yeah, another satisfying read from one of my favorite contemporary authors. I wish Jill could conjure me up my own Stone. And after seeing bits and pieces of TJ and Harley and the obvious past they share, I just know they are going to have quite the story of their own. Can't wait :)
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 7/08/2009 07:06:00 AM
| 8 comments
Wednesday, June 24, 2009:
I totally stole this from Jill's website because I want more of her devoted fans to suffer besides me LOL. Misery loves company, and we have quite a loooong wait til it's in stores. This is an April 2010 release, the 3rd book in her Wilder series. This appears to be Harley's and TJ's story. If you want a sneak peek, Jill has a rough draft of an excerpt up at her blog, so go check it out.
So what do you think: do these rugged men do anything for you? Being as directionally and coordinated-challenged as I am, I wouldn't mind having one of these guys around to keep an eye on me ;)
Labels: bookcovers, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 6/24/2009 06:41:00 AM
| 7 comments
Wednesday, April 01, 2009:
~ You can click on the box to go to the contest link ~
***************
AND, since I love contests so much, if you leave a comment here no later than noon on Friday, April 3rd, telling me your most anticipated upcoming book release, I will enter you in a drawing for a
$15 Amazon giftcard!
***
Good luck!
Labels: Alison Kent, blog contests, HelenKay Dimon, Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 4/01/2009 05:20:00 AM
| 24 comments
Thursday, February 05, 2009:
Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He’s got the arm, the experience and the wins. He’s also got the pain, the pressure, and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful,tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.
Holly Hutchins knows a good story when she sees one, and the tall, dark and slightly attitude-ridden Pace Martin fits the bill. But when she realizes there’s more at stake than just the win, she starts to notice the handsome broad-shouldered jock in a different light.
Pace and Holly begin a seductive game in which neither wants to drop the ball, but in the face of an unexpected betrayal and challenge, they’ll have to find the courage to swing for the fences…
Mass Market
Berkley
July 2009
GETTING TO FIRST BASE IS CINCH…BUT GETTING HOME WILL TAKE A GRAND SLAM.
Pace Martin is the ace pitcher for the Pacific Heat. He’s got the arm, the experience and the wins. He’s also got the pain, the pressure, and the possible end of his career looming over him. The last thing he needs now is a distraction, even if it comes in the form of a tough, beautiful,tell-it-like-it-is writer who sees past his defenses.
Holly Hutchins knows a good story when she sees one, and the tall, dark and slightly attitude-ridden Pace Martin fits the bill. But when she realizes there’s more at stake than just the win, she starts to notice the handsome broad-shouldered jock in a different light.
Pace and Holly begin a seductive game in which neither wants to drop the ball, but in the face of an unexpected betrayal and challenge, they’ll have to find the courage to swing for the fences…
Sigh....
Labels: Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 2/05/2009 05:42:00 AM
| 9 comments
Friday, January 02, 2009:
GET WILD . .. AND THEN GET WILDER . . .
Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl – working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that – and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed – that part defies explanation . . .
GET WILD . .. AND THEN GET WILDER . . .
Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl – working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that – and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed – that part defies explanation . . .
After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he’ll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie’s killer smile triggers something deep in his gut . . . among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a checkbook is the biggest rush he’s ever felt – and an adventure Katie’s wishing would never end.
If you visit my blog regularly, then you know I have a huge girl crush on Jill Shalvis and her writing. If you don't, well, now you know. And with her latest book, "Instant Attraction", Jill once again reigns supreme.
And just so you know, this book is more than the back cover blurb suggests. Much more, imo. Katie may have had a neat and orderly life at one time, but something happens to make her re-evaluate the safe choices she's made, and she realizes that life is an adventure to experience and savor, not to merely tip-toe through without experiencing all the world has to offer.
This realization brings her miles away from her life as an accountant in L.A.; it leads to a temporary job in Wishful, a beautiful town in the Sierras. Totally out of her element but loving it, Katie is working for Wilder Adventures, setting up hikes and winter events. There's snow, and cold, and darkness, but also clean air, and falling stars. And then there's Cam Wilder.
Cam has just returned home after a year away. Traveling the world in an effort to find something, anything to make him feel again after his accident, his journey finally brings him back to Wishful, where he finds a sleepy Katie in his bed. Under normal circumstances he'd welcome her with open arms, but he's dead tired, and doesn't need the complication right now. If he only knew...
Katie is intrigued by Cam, and the way he's handled his accident; so different than herself. Katie is determined to really live life, to face head-on all those things that scared her in the past, while Cam tends to avoid the truth and runs when things get tough. But despite that, she's drawn to him, and the two become closer as they work together. Cam finds himself helping Katie when she sets out to do all the things that she's never tried, things that Cam used to do himself without a fear in the world. He sees things for the first time through her eyes, and slowly, he begins to feel again. He's amazed by her strength, and he finds her optimism to be incredibly sexy. But he's convinced he should stay away from her. Partly because after a month, she'll be gone, but also because he knows she's not the one-night stand he thinks he wants. And when she finally leaves, he's not sure if he'll ever be the same...
My thoughts:
Jill's books are always sexy and fun, but this one was a bit more poignant that some of her previous stories. I found myself running through a gamut of emotion while reading "Instant Attraction", and that's a very good thing. I wanted to reach out and hug both Katie and Cam for being so brave and real. Facing their demons helped heal the wounds they've been carrying around, and while they could have survived just fine on their own, together they were stronger, happier, and that's what it's all about.
What's very evident here is Jill's obvious love of the Sierra Mountains, and despite the cold and snow, it almost made me want to experience it for myself. I could smell the crisp, stinging chill in the air, imagine the foggy breath, hear the abundant silence, and felt at peace picturing myself in Katie's footsteps. Here was a woman who knew how to play it safe, and now was learning now to have real adventures. Instead of giving up and curling into a ball, Katie wanted more than that for herself. She'd been given a second chance, and she wasn't going to screw it up.
Cam himself was trying to put his life back together after losing the exciting career that mattered the world to him. What he didn't expect was having that life turned upside-down by a cute and spirited whirlwind willing to take a chance on him, flaws and all. For the first time ever, Cam didn't think he could walk away this time, and that scared him more than anything. Losing was not an option this time.
What I loved about these characters is that they were real, human, flawed works-in-progress. Even coming to the realization that it was time to start living, Katie didn't have it all together. There were still issues she was dealing with, and not always very well. But she tried,and she didn't give up. I loved that she wasn't a quitter, even when it hurt. Unlike Cam, who panicked when things got a little tough. But eventually he can run anymore, and after a time, he figures out that he doesn't want to. He wants to face the hard stuff, because what he can have with Katie is more real than anything he's ever known, and in order to hold onto it, he has to let himself feel.
If you're already a fan of Jill's books, this is a must-read. If you've never tried her stories, well then this is a great place to start. It's sexy, charming, touching, and one that will surprisingly stay with you after you read that last page. I'm so glad to know that we'll be visiting this world again when the next installment, "Instant Gratification" is released in July. I can't wait!
Rating: ***** out of *****
And coming in July....
THE DOCTOR IS IN DEEP
Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book…
When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here—in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist…
Yum.
Labels: Jill Shalvis, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 1/02/2009 04:23:00 AM
| 4 comments
Monday, May 26, 2008:
BUCKLE UP. IT'S GOING TO BE QUITE A RIDE.
Despite his brooding bad-boy attitude, Brody knows life has treated him pretty well. His luxury charter airline, Sky High, has given him financial security and the means to take to the skies whenever things on the ground get complicated. And lately, things have become very complicated, thanks to the insanely passionate, or perhaps just insane, kiss he shared with Sky High's gorgeous, wisecracking concierge, Maddie. He's tried to keep his distance, but now Maddie desperately needs help, and it's triggering protective alpha-male urges Brody didn't even know he had.
For months, Maddie hid her crush on sexy, exasperating Brody behind a cool, kick-ass exterior and then blew that to smithereens by jumping him in the lobby. Yeah, real smooth. She's tried to break her ties with Sky High, but Brody won't let her walk away-especially now that he knows that Maddie and her twin sister Leena are in big-time trouble. To save Leena, Maddie and Brody must pose as husband and wife, and Maddie is amazed that the man she thought was oblivious to her existence knows her very well indeed. But that's nothing compared to the way she's about to get to know him-intimately, in depth, and over and over again.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Brava (May 27, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758221843
ISBN-13: 978-0758221841
Publisher: Brava (May 27, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0758221843
ISBN-13: 978-0758221841
When you want to fly the best, you fly Sky High Air. And when you want spectacular adventure and scorching seduction, Jill Shalvis's tantalizing, talented pilots Noah, Shayne, and Brody will get you there-fast, slow, or any way you want it.
BUCKLE UP. IT'S GOING TO BE QUITE A RIDE.
Despite his brooding bad-boy attitude, Brody knows life has treated him pretty well. His luxury charter airline, Sky High, has given him financial security and the means to take to the skies whenever things on the ground get complicated. And lately, things have become very complicated, thanks to the insanely passionate, or perhaps just insane, kiss he shared with Sky High's gorgeous, wisecracking concierge, Maddie. He's tried to keep his distance, but now Maddie desperately needs help, and it's triggering protective alpha-male urges Brody didn't even know he had.
For months, Maddie hid her crush on sexy, exasperating Brody behind a cool, kick-ass exterior and then blew that to smithereens by jumping him in the lobby. Yeah, real smooth. She's tried to break her ties with Sky High, but Brody won't let her walk away-especially now that he knows that Maddie and her twin sister Leena are in big-time trouble. To save Leena, Maddie and Brody must pose as husband and wife, and Maddie is amazed that the man she thought was oblivious to her existence knows her very well indeed. But that's nothing compared to the way she's about to get to know him-intimately, in depth, and over and over again.
Finally. I've been totally crushing on Brody since the very first book, when he and Maddie set the pages on fire with their barely contained attraction, and was incredibly lucky to win an ARC from the lovely ladies over at Book Binge. This was one of my most anticipated stories of 2008, and my girl Jill did not disappoint. You rock, Ms. Shalvis.
Maddie loved her life as the kick-ass, rockin' concierge of Sky High Airlines, and she adored the men she worked for, knowing they felt the same way about her. At the controls, Maddie owned the world, and she knew it. If there was any glitch in her life, in was her irritating but oh-so-hot attraction to Brody West, one of the owners and pilots of Sky High and a grumpy bad boy who completely flipped her switch, and drove her absolutely crazy. But now a bigger threat to her existence has been dumped into her lap and she's going to have to walk away from the best job she's ever had, and the hottest guy she's ever known, in order to protect the one person she loves more than anything, her sister Leena.
Brody can't believe Maddie is walking away from Sky High and him, Noah and Shayne. Not when they need her, and rely on her amazing concierge skills to keep things running smoothly. Maddie was the heart of the operation, and nothing was the same without her. She had to know how much they all cared about her, and thought of her as part of their rag-tag family. So now he's come to find her and bring her sassy self back home, right where she belongs.
But when he arrives at the isolated cabin, he knows right off something's up. Maddie isn't her usual self, in fact she's almost afraid of him, and keeps trying to send him away. But he's not having it. Barging into the cabin, he figures out what the weird deal is: Leena, her identical twin, was pretending to be Maddie in order to get rid of him. And Leena's in trouble. As in "could end up dead" kind of trouble. Turns out Leena is involved in something illegal, and she needs her sister's help.
Determined to get involved, Brody tries to take control of the situation, but Maddie is equally determined to leave him out of it and ditches him. Frustrated and confused, he follows her, and finally gets her to see that he's not going anywhere, so she might as well accept his help. Even if it means going to a place Maddie hasn't been to in over 10 years, and facing the past and overcoming the present. Because now Brody has truly seen inside Maddie's heart, and he wants it for his own, and there's no way he can let her go now, especially if it means she could end up hurt. Brody has finally found the one thing that he loves more than flying, and it's the sexy, crazy, loving woman who breaks his heart again and again, and he's willing to risk it all for the chance to be with her, any way he can.
My thoughts:
Anyone who's read my blog knows how long I've been jonesing for this book, and I know I've whined to Jill at least a hundred times, and, well, it was so worth the wait! I completely loved Maddie; she's super smart, tough, caring, capable, and puts the 3 guys she works for to shame. Plus she's not afraid to show off her feminine side and definitely plays up her assets with her clothes and makeup. She's not perfect, and she's a bit of a snob, but she's rather easy to identify with on an emotional level, and you gotta love a heroine who isn't all about being complete only when she finds a man. She doesn't all of a sudden blossom when she hooks up with Brody - she's been a vivid, intelligent, totally cool woman all along, and she doesn't try to hide it. Maddie also absolutely loves her sister, and would do anything to protect her, and who wouldn't identify with that?
Brody is the kinda totally hot bad boy I go for: a bit of a broody mechanic (love those blue-collar boys) with over-long hair, a casual dress code with a penchant for loud rock music (Note to Jill: if you know of any real life Brodys, please send 'em my way. Thanx). I love how Maddie gets him all flustered and unsure of himself, and also turns him on like no other woman around. It's also totally cool that he wants to protect her, but also steps back and lets her do her thing. He totally gets her, accepts her, and it's cool to see how he's not threatened by her aggressive personality.
And when they finally get busy, wow, it's scorching HOT! A mere kiss between them is way more incendiary than most the sex scenes in some of the erotic romances I've read, and that's because Jill knows how to totally amp up the tension and the emotion here. So much so that I got a bit teary-eyed at the end, but it was the sappy, sighing kind. Of course I was very sad to see it end, but kudos to Jill for ending the trilogy on a high note, and for giving Brody and Maddie a well-deserved and unforgettable HEA. I loved it.
Rating: ****1/2 out of *****
Labels: Jill Shalvis
posted by Stacy~ at 5/26/2008 12:06:00 AM
| 4 comments
Sunday, December 23, 2007:
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Brava (January 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0758221827
ISBN-13: 978-0758221827
Publisher: Brava (January 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0758221827
ISBN-13: 978-0758221827
Starring the wildly seductive heroes Noah, Shayne, and Brody, Jill Shalvis's exhilerating new series features a delectable concoction of sex appeal and adventure. Whether they're up in the air or between the sheets, these hot, hardy pilots know exactly where the action is...
BLOWING IT ALL SKY HIGH
In a family of serious over-achievers, Shayne Mahoney has always been the laid-back, easy-going rebel. But running Sky High Air - a charter airline catering to the rich and famous - is a dream come true, in-flight specials included. Like kissing his client's beautiful, brainy daughter in a coat closet. But before Shayne can say "Fasten Your Seatbelts,", Dani claims to witness a murder, gets stalked in her own apartment, and as added bonus, gets them both shot at by a mystery sniper. Normally Shayne would be running from the obviously crazy woman, and yet he finds himself trying to help her, leaving him to doubt his own sanity...
There's a reason Dani never attends her mother's high society parties. The fake people, the shallow conversation - and the fact that she doesn't fit in. She's a zoologist, not a starlet, and happy about it, even if she wishes men like ruggedly handsome Shayne Mahoney would spare her a second glance. Of course, dodging bullets isn't exactly what she'd call the perfect follow-up to their heated kiss, but Shayne makes it clear she can depend on him. All she has to do is hold on tight to his delicious hard body until the ride is over...
I enjoy Jill's books a lot. She writes fun, sexy stories with adorably imperfect heroines and breath-takingly sexy heroes who fall for said heroines. This is the 2nd book in her Sexy series, and tells the story of pilot Shayne, one of the three owners and pilots of Sky High Air. Shayne may seem like the laid-back kind of guy he pretends to be so well, but he's really the core of the airline, the one that brings in the airlines and kept it on its feet when him and his buddies first started out. There is definitely more to Shayne than meets the eye.
When we first meet Shayne, he's just spotted Dani at a party for one of his rich clients, a party the airline is hosting. He notices how she doesn't come across as fitting in with the rest of the confident, glamorous crowd gathered together, and that immediately intrigues him. To watch this lovely, feminine, curvy mess try to make herself invisible definitely catches Shayne's eye, even though he only dates confident, bold women who know how to walk in high heels. But with this one, he has a feeling he won't be bored around her.
Dani is a mess, but a determined one. Though she'd rather be at the zoo with the animals, she tries to make an appearance for her mother's sake. Nearly breaking her neck in those damn heels, Dani has capture the attention of one hot hunk of burnin' love. Oh, Dani knows right away she's out of his league, but that doesn't stop her from wanting some of that. And it appears he wants to give it to her. So when an opportunity presents itself and they end up in a supply closet, Dani lets nature take its course and kisses him. There are definitely sparks.
But before they can start a fire, Dani and Shayne are interrupted, and soon after, Dani decides to leave the party. Alone. And witnesses a murder. Frantic, she tries to get help, and runs into Shayne, who goes into instant take-charge mode and check out what happened, only...there's no dead body.
Knowing she saw what she saw, but also knowing that without evidence, it's pretty hard to argue her case, Dani lets Shayne takes her home. Since she's still pretty shaken up, Shayne stays with her for awhile, and before he leaves, he gives her his business card. Dani figures this is the last of him, and sad as that is to think about, she knows it's for the best. There's no way he's looking for more than just a temporary good time.
But then a series of events leads Dani to contact Shayne, and with all that raging attraction between them, they decide to go for a "one night only" sex special. Only the attraction and fascination doesn't end with one night, nor does the danger. With no one but Shayne to believe her, she's pretty much cemented her rep as a crazy chick. Not one to let that stop her, she maintains her "I can take care of myself" stance, as much as it drives Shayne crazy, and tries to keep her heart from getting involved. Easier said than done, especially when Shayne seems to care for her and won't let her be alone, not as long as there is a threat out there against her. But Dani is an expert at pushing people away, and no one, not even a sexy, caring, protective lover like Shayne, is going to take away her independence.
This is a cute, enjoyable continuation of the trilogy. Not as engaging as "Smart and Sexy", it's still a fun read, told in a bit of a madcap, light-hearted way. The attraction between Dani and Shayne is genuine, and it's obvious from the start that they belong together, even though they've only known each other for only a matter of days. But in a romance, it's about "twu luv", and that's never on a time table.
I will say that I would have liked to have seen more of Dani in action at work; even though her job might not be the most glamorous, it is rather unusual, and since her character is described as being brainy, I would have liked to have seen more evidence of that. Instead she comes across as being adorably flaky and clumsy, a very likeable, slightly insecure person. It also becomes evident that maybe part of her isolation from her family is not all one-sided, that maybe she contributed to that as well. It would have been interesting to see more of that aspect of her family life explored. And sometimes Dani pulls those "TSTL" stunts, but I still couldn't help but like her.
We hear a lot about Shayne's family, but don't get to find out too much about them either. Shayne was pretty much the black sheep of his family, and going into business with his two best friends was a risky venture his family did not support. But in the end, things turned out okay, and the business is doing well.
As much as I liked Dani and Shayne, I admit that I was more caught up in the developing relationship between Maddie and Brody. Maddie is this amazingly efficient, gorgeous wonderwoman of a concierge who works magic all day long, and brooding pilot Brody is completely crushing on her. Their story, "Superb and Sexy", comes out June 2008. I cannot wait!
So if you're looking for a fun, lighter, straight-up contemporary story, this is the bag of potato chips for you. With all the emotionally intense stories I've been reading lately, books like this one cleanse the palate and put a happy smile on my face. Jill Shalvis books are definitely a guilty pleasure for me, and I wouldn't give them up for anything.
Rating: **** out of *****
Labels: Jill Shalvis, reviews
posted by Stacy~ at 12/23/2007 07:58:00 AM
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