Aloha to Jill Shalvis and LUCKY IN LOVE

Your heart just breaks, that’s all.  But you can’t judge, or point fingers.  You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.  - Audrey Hepburn

Gary Cooper and Audrey Hepburn in
LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON

Jill Shalvis kicks off a “series within a series” in Lucky Harbor.   She’s already published three “Lucky Harbor" books - three sisters find each other, then love, in a coastal town south of Seattle.  Plus a companion cookbook!

  

This summer, Forever is publishing three more books in Lucky Harbor about three unconnected women who find friendship with each other and love on their own.

In LUCKY IN LOVE, Mallory (ER nurse), Amy (waffling waitress), and Grace (unemployed banker) find themselves trapped in the town’s diner during a severe snow storm.   Consoling themselves with chocolate cake, the situation turns grim when a tree branch crashes the diner's window and “Mysterious Cute Guy” wanders by with a head injury.   The gals, lead by Mallory’s medical instincts, render aid to him.   In the aftermath of what happened, these new friends  decide to meet weekly (if not on demand when necessary) to eat chocolate and dish about life.  

The day you decide to do it is your lucky day. – Japanese Proverb

Amy and Grace encourage Mallory to stop looking for Mr. Right and have fun with Mr. Wrong, i.e., “Mysterious Cute Guy.”   Mallory uncharacteristically makes the move on “Mysterious Cute Guy” without knowing his name.   This kicks off a charming romance between Mallory and Ty Garrison, a former Navy SEAL recovering from a leg injury.   While the local doctor is monitoring his physical progress, Ty is ignoring the emotional pain from his last mission as a SEAL.

Hawaii's favorite SEAL - Steve McGarrett

A man on a date wonders if he’lll get lucky.  The woman already knows.  – Monica Piper

Ty offers Mallory the opportunity to break out of her “good girl” image.  Mallory offers Ty a sanctuary from his pain.   Together they dance around long term commitment and the town’s interest in their growing passion. 

Luck affects everything; let your hook always be cast; in the stream where you least expect it, there will be a fish. – Ovid

Indeed, Ty teaches Mallory to care for herself before she seeks to save the world.   Likewise, Mallory helps Ty to address his grief.    They find love with each other when they least expect it.

I commend Shalvis for how she reveals Ty’s PTSD, Mallory’s response to it, and Ty’s eventual acceptance of it.   Shalvis addresses a timely issue with compassion.   Yet the subject does not weigh down the overall story of friends, family, community, and love.   Shalvis keeps it light by opening each chapter with a quote about chocolate - you know how much I love chocolates and quotes!

I recommend LUCKY IN LOVE to readers who enjoy offbeat characters, female camaraderie, opposites attract, competent heroine, and a sexy Alpha hero who is man enough open his heart to love.  I requested to review LUCKY IN LOVE.  The publisher provided an ARC for this review.  

Forever is giving away a print copy of LUCKY IN LOVE to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about Lady Luck - has she come through for you?

I am very lucky, and thankful, to live in Hawaii!  Plus Hawaii comes with chocolate covered macadamia nuts!

2.  Forever's giveaway is open to US residents only.   I will give away a print copy of LUCKY IN LOVE to one international reader.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, May 26, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 27.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

To learn more about Jill and her books, including links to purchase, check out her website at www.jillshalvis.com.