At Last (Lucky Harbor, #5)

Oct 15, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, books-for-review, reviewed-by-me, reviewed-at-blithelybookish, reviewed-for-netgalley, author-jill-shalvis, series-lucky-harbor, forest-rangers, ex-swat-cops, artist, chocoholics, waiter-waitress-matre-d, contemporary-romance, must-read-series, must-read-more-by-author, auto-buy-author

It's always such a treat to read a book by Jill Shalvis because I know I'm guaranteed to love it! Time after time, she weaves tales that sweep me up and set me down in a place I'd love to live, with people I want to call friends, family, or the love of my life.

And sometimes when I'm reading a book, I try to imagine what it's like for the author when writing the story. Do they bite their nails, fiddle with their hair, or gaze out the window? Well, whatever it is Jill Shalvis does, it works, becau...more
It's always such a treat to read a book by Jill Shalvis because I know I'm guaranteed to love it! Time after time, she weaves tales that sweep me up and set me down in a place I'd love to live, with people I want to call friends, family, or the love of my life.

And sometimes when I'm reading a book, I try to imagine what it's like for the author when writing the story. Do they bite their nails, fiddle with their hair, or gaze out the window? Well, whatever it is Jill Shalvis does, it works, because book after book, story after story, without fail, she makes magic happen.

Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.

At Last is the fifth book in the incredibly popular Lucky Harbor series and just like the previous books is filled with excitement, laughter and plenty of steamy goodness. But I have to say... wow… even more than the previous books, this one is filled with poignant moments that can only happen when people we care about hurt. And trust me on this, Matt and Amy are definitely people we come to care about, and they definitely hurt. Their lives before Lucky Harbor were certainly not easy, but their tragic pasts, all that heartache and vulnerability made their happily ever after, once they reached it, so beautiful that I couldn't help but close the book with a smile on face and a warm, happy feeling inside.

This book was provided by netgalley.com and Grand Central Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
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Jun 26, 2012 Saly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cops-law-enforcement-security, single-titles, rom-contemporary, read-in-2012

I adore Jill Shalvis as an author, she has niche for writing books that pull you in by the strength of her characters and in a continuation of her amazing Lucky Harbor series she gives us the story of the second member of the Chocoholics Amy Michaels, pairing her up with Supervisory Forest Ranger Matthew Bowers.

We have met Amy in the previous books and she works at the diner and is closed off and tough as nails and not much is known about her past and she prefers it that way. She is a survivor a...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Kelly22 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of the series/anyone looking for a good romance

Shelves: 2012-releases, 2012-contemporaries, advanced-review-copies-arc, brooding-dangerous-hero, contemporary-romance, cop-lawbody-army-bodygrd-hero, jill-shalvis, small-town-setup, witty-humerous-funny-comedy, 1st-marriage-or-lover-was-disaster, 5-stars, alpha-hero, beloved-favorites, favorite-hero, favorite-couple, favorite-heroine, favorite-story, gorgeous-handsome-attractive-hero, hero-accomplished-lover, hero-gods-gift-to-woman, hero-i-am-crazy-abt, heroine-wild-child-unconventional, hottest-love-scenes-ever, opposites-attract, tortured-hero, traumatized-abused-heroine, favorite-series

4.00 Stars - Contemporary/Small Town Romance!

A cute story with sweet protagonists very much in love. Very happy to read this one since it was another winner. No surprise! It had a generous spell of triumphant romance, catching humor and red-hot passion attached to it from beginning to end. The writing was so good and authentic, that you are bound to feel like knowing these characters for real. It re-visits some of the previous people of our favorite town Lucky Harbor along its path and introduc...more 4.00 Stars - Contemporary/Small Town Romance!

A cute story with sweet protagonists very much in love. Very happy to read this one since it was another winner. No surprise! It had a generous spell of triumphant romance, catching humor and red-hot passion attached to it from beginning to end. The writing was so good and authentic, that you are bound to feel like knowing these characters for real. It re-visits some of the previous people of our favorite town Lucky Harbor along its path and introduces some more both interesting and crucial personalities accordingly.

The story is beautiful and blissfully romantic. Jill Shalvis has always proved to be a magician in creating chemistry among her hero-heroines and she didn’t fail to nudge her wand on this one either. Matt Bowers is one good-looking sexy forest ranger with a laid-back and easy-going personality. He always has a charming smile on him and always knows to do the right thing. A pretty much popular guy around the ladies, Matt, didn’t fail to notice the beautiful waitress, Amy Michaels, working in the only town diner, serving his table for six months now. Amy is one extremely beautiful but aloof (apart from her two best friends, the chocoholics) female, who has done her share of screw-ups in her twenty-eight years of life and is in search for some hope and peace in Lucky Harbor. Alone. So she doesn’t do complications, doesn’t do relationships, doesn’t do men, and hence won’t do the certified town-hottie, Matt, whom she’s been painfully attracted to for quite some time!

The story begins when this two finally bumps into each other when Amy lost her way out in the woods and Matt comes to the rescue. It could have been a very clichéd situation, but Shalvis pulls it out so beautifully that you never even can think for a second to put this down for a minute!

The chemistry between this two was sweet while the love scenes were exceptionally hot and romantic. Matt Bowers will certainly blow your mind away in proving his expertise in the bedroom and having said that it is imperative to remind you that he, after all, is up against some other previous superior town hotties like Jax Cullen Simply Irresistible Lucky Harbor 1 Ford Walker The Sweetest Thing Lucky Harbor 2, Sawyer Thompson Head Over Heels Lucky Harbor 3 and Ty Garrison Lucky in Love Lucky Harbor 4!
That is itself saying a lot!

Matt Bowers according to me :)

This is such a wonderful series. For those who haven’t started reading it yet, I’ll request you to please be a dear and pick this up and you won’t be disappointed.
Having said that, this can also be read as a stand alone!

This book was provided to me by Net Galley for an honest review.
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Jun 25, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, books-i-go-rabid-over, ebooks, drinks-on-me, favorites, genre-contemporary-romance, my-hottie-harem, netgalley, read-in-2012, review-requests, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers

Posted on Under the Covers

At last we get Matt Bowers’ story. I have been waiting for his book for a long time. And when I’m eagerly anticipating a book, my expectations begin to rise. Fortunately, Jill Shalvis continues to write stories that touch reader’s hearts and create laughter in the most unexpected times. The Lucky Harbor series has been a complete thrill to read!

Amy Michaels is on the hunt. Prepared with hiking gear, her grandmother’s journal and her kickass boots, Amy sets foot in Matt’...more Posted on Under the Covers

At last we get Matt Bowers’ story. I have been waiting for his book for a long time. And when I’m eagerly anticipating a book, my expectations begin to rise. Fortunately, Jill Shalvis continues to write stories that touch reader’s hearts and create laughter in the most unexpected times. The Lucky Harbor series has been a complete thrill to read!

Amy Michaels is on the hunt. Prepared with hiking gear, her grandmother’s journal and her kickass boots, Amy sets foot in Matt’s territory searching for her heart and the answers to her long unanswered questions.

I have to say that I loved the slightly darker tone to this book. It was a nice change of pace in the Lucky Harbor series, but I liked that the additional drama didn’t weigh the rest of the story down. Amy has her grandmother’s journal and as she tries to decipher bits and pieces of her grandmother’s words, she is on a search to find happiness for herself. Her dark past has required her to toughen up a bit, so in this book, readers see a much more serious side to Amy.

Glimpses of that past are exposed through the presence of Riley, a runaway teen whose own life is troubled. As Amy and Matt try to veer her life onto the right path, their share a journey that brings them closer and closer.

I loved the fact that Shalvis made the story come full circle. In the beginning, Amy needs rescuing from Matt as she gets lost, but in the end, Matt requires a helping hand to get out of the mess he is in. It just shows how well this relationship works because both sides are able to count on the other in times of distress.

Ty and Mallory, as well as Grace and Dr. Josh Scott are very involved in this book! It’s always nice to read about familiar characters and Shalvis has a way of making you adore her characters to bits. There’s even a little bit of Sawyer! Yay!

But for me, the best part of this book is Ranger Hot Buns! Matt Bowers packs some serious heat and he sizzled off the pages for me! Ranger Hot Buns is giving Sawyer a run for his money! I loved his determination and his possessiveness. He was caring and kind but also kind of grumpy too. Shalvis always writes the best heroes and Matt Bowers is definitely in my hottie harem now!

I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Josh and Grace. We don’t really know much about them, so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out!(less)

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Jun 22, 2012 Tori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Update #2:
When I got the email from NetGalley telling me that I had a copy of At Last ready to download I was thrilled! Not only because it’s the first book I’ve gotten approval for in awhile, but because I love Jill Shalvis, and I love her Lucky Harbor series almost better than any other series she has written.
This is the story of Matt AKA Ranger Hot Buns and Amy the cranky waitress. I knew it would be good after all the little teases in Lucky in Love, but their story was so much more! Amy, t...more Update #2:
When I got the email from NetGalley telling me that I had a copy of At Last ready to download I was thrilled! Not only because it’s the first book I’ve gotten approval for in awhile, but because I love Jill Shalvis, and I love her Lucky Harbor series almost better than any other series she has written.
This is the story of Matt AKA Ranger Hot Buns and Amy the cranky waitress. I knew it would be good after all the little teases in Lucky in Love, but their story was so much more! Amy, turned out to be a total teddy bear under her prickly armor and Matt… oh my he was to die for and showed a lot more depth than we were first lead to believe. I loved the way he was so immediately and completely smitten even though I’m not sure he realized it at first.
I loved the way they bantered, and I have to say the hot scenes were HOT placing Matt firmly in my Book Boyfriend Harem! Especially that first one. Whew! The man knew what he was doing!
The side stories were perfect. Both of them tied to Amy, and explained a lot of the mystery that surrounded her.
All in all this was a great read. And as much as I enjoyed Mallory's story, this one was even better! It’s going to be hard to top, but I’m glad that we won’t have to wait too long to find out what is going to happen with Grace and Josh.

Favorite quotes:

(view spoiler)

Update 6/9/2012:
Finished. I loved it!! It was even better than Lucky in Love. Review to come...

Woohoo! Here I go. So excited to have an ARC of this one!(less)

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Jun 29, 2012 Shawna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Contemporary romance fans

Shelves: contemporary-romance, jill-shalvis, series-lucky-harbor, small-town-lovin, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, favorite-romance-series, rt-book-reviews-4-stars, 2012-reads, 4-stars, best-secondary-characters-ensemble, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, hero-alpha, hero-brooding, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-military-war-veteran, hero-mix-of-alpha-beta, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-badgirl-improper-scandalous, heroine-bad-reputation-fallen, heroine-beautiful-bombshell, heroine-miss-independent, heroine-sassy-full-of-attitude, hh-divorcee, hh-love-commitment-marriage-phobic, hh-resist-cause-im-no-good-for-you, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, i-read-library, steam-3-hot

4 stars – Contemporary Romance

Three words should be incentive enough to read this...Ranger Hot Buns! Okay...that and Jill Shalvis pens wonderful contemporary romances, evident with another great addition to the Lucky Harbor series.

Matt, former Navy and Chicago SWAT officer and Lucky Harbor’s resident Forest Ranger (Hot Buns) is a sexy, swoonalicious hero, but Sawyer from Head Over Heels is still my favorite.

I’m looking forward to the next book, Forever and a Day.

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Jan 04, 2013 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance-read, 5-star-reads, ebook-gift-read, from-kp-read, ebook-read, favorites

Jill Shalvis has done it again!! What a fantastic story this was! This one had me smiling from the first page to the last. It was funny, warm, charming, hopeful, and downright sexy! Shew! These two had chemistry, let me just say. I loved it, from beginning to end!

5 Happy Stars!

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Jun 27, 2012 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary

At Last is book five in the Lucky Harbor series, but it is really book two of three in this second set of trilogies. While I liked the previous book, I think At Last really brings back that great chemistry and sexual tension that I loved in the original three books of this series.

Amy Michaels has lived in Lucky Harbor for about six months. She works as a waitress in the Eat Me Café and has become fast friends with Mallory (heroine from book one) and Grace (heroine in the next book). She has had...more At Last is book five in the Lucky Harbor series, but it is really book two of three in this second set of trilogies. While I liked the previous book, I think At Last really brings back that great chemistry and sexual tension that I loved in the original three books of this series.

Amy Michaels has lived in Lucky Harbor for about six months. She works as a waitress in the Eat Me Café and has become fast friends with Mallory (heroine from book one) and Grace (heroine in the next book). She has had a hard childhood, running away from home at sixteen. She now has in her possession a journal written by her grandmother when she spent time in Lucky Harbor many years ago. This journal details a spot deep into the woods where her grandmother and her lover engraved their initials into a rock. Her grandmother writes about how she found ‘hope, peace and heart,’ during the time she spent in this town, and that is exactly what Amy is looking for.

Unfortunately, she gets lost hiking by herself, and decides to call for help before it gets too dark. Who shows up, is the hottie forest ranger, Matt Bowers. Matt has had eyes for Amy ever since she moved into town, often eating at her diner just to catch a glimpse of her. Matt used to be a cop, before things went south with his job and his marriage. Although his job is demanding here, he has found a peace of some sorts, although his past haunts him just like Amy’s does.

By the time Matt gets to Amy, it is getting dark and he gets word that a tree has fallen across the only road to get them out of the woods. Luckily he has camping gear with him at all times, and he sets up camp for the night. While he is greatly attracted to Amy, she is a very tough nut to crack. She has a huge tough girl image, and it takes Matt a long time to slowly work his way into her life.

As I mentioned at the beginning, At Last has such great sexual tension. Matt is just a sexy beast. He is alpha, a little grumpy, and just seeming like he is always ready to burst when he is around Amy. Jill Shalvis builds up their romance so well in this one. In the previous book, I wasn’t too sure about Amy, but I ended up really liking her. She is very tight-lipped about her past, always telling people she is fine, always trying to keep that tough girl image going. She totally has the hots for Matt too, but she has trust issues which push her to keep him away.

But Amy’s eyes were on Matt. Because if Josh looked good, Matt looked amazing, and way too sexy.
Why was he still so sexy to her?
Matt pushed his dark sunglasses to the top of his head and searched her out. There was no other word for it. His eyes roamed over the diner until he found her. He looked her over, making her every nerve ending tingle with awareness, though his gaze was more inquisitive than sexual, as if making sure she was okay, though she had no idea why she wouldn’t be.
Then he smiled, and oh, how her misbehaving nipples loved that predatory smile. If his intense, concerned once-over had done things to her, his smile just about undid her from the inside out.

But Matt is not one to give up. When they do start sleeping together, the romance scenes are as hot as the build up to them. They do start with the ‘let’s just have sex, no strings attached,’ which isn’t a favorite theme of mine. We are reading a romance book, obviously there are going to be many strings attached. But in this book it didn’t bother me too much.

I really liked that we see much more friendship between Ty (hero from book one), Matt and Josh (hero in next book) in this one. I think it was lacking in book one. While this is a great romance, Jill Shalvis also writes great scenes between friends. The girls got a lot of page time in the previous book, but they boys make up for it in this one. I love male camaraderie, and in here they make fun of each other, beat each other up in the gym and are just there for some really amusing times. I do think Matt is a little overdramatic at times, when secrets things are revealed about Amy. She kind of lies to him about some things and it is very predictable that he is going to stomp off towards the end, feeling a little bit like forced conflict. But again, those are just nit-picky details.

At Last has great chemistry between all of the characters. I’m so intrigued by the next book, where we get Grace and Josh’s story. We really don’t know these two that well. They both seem a little more reserved, which makes me excited to uncover their secrets.

Rating: B(less)

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Jul 17, 2012 KatLynne rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone who loves a sizzling hot contemporary romance!

Shelves: 2012-reads, g-contemporary-romance, netgalley, can-be-read-as-stand-alone, favorite-treasures, hero-alpha-warrior, hero-favorite-smokin-hot-sexay, hero-i-adored, hero-sheriff-ranger-police-or-pi, heroine-domestic-or-child-abuse, heroine-i-loved, heroine-tormented-flawed, heroine-with-backbone-smart-strong, keeper, made-me-laugh, one-of-my-favorite-series, one-of-my-fav-authors, part-of-a-series, seaside-location, sensual-steamy, small-town-livin, smokin-hot-steamy

At Last by Jill Shalvis
Book # 5 in the Lucky Harbor Series
Read: 7/14/2012
Heat Factor: 4/5 – Sizzling - Combustible - Hot!
My Rating: 5/5

With the fifth installment in her very popular Lucky Harbor series, Jill Shalvis doesn’t disappoint! Once again she has given us a fun, sexy and entirely appealing contemporary read!

Amy Michaels came to Lucky Harbor searching for the qualities in life that each of us long for...hope, peace and heart. Her journey takes us along the path of her beloved grandmothe

...more At Last by Jill Shalvis
Book # 5 in the Lucky Harbor Series
Read: 7/14/2012
Heat Factor: 4/5 – Sizzling - Combustible - Hot!
My Rating: 5/5

With the fifth installment in her very popular Lucky Harbor series, Jill Shalvis doesn’t disappoint! Once again she has given us a fun, sexy and entirely appealing contemporary read!

Amy Michaels came to Lucky Harbor searching for the qualities in life that each of us long for...hope, peace and heart. Her journey takes us along the path of her beloved grandmother where we not only get a deeper look into the magnificent beauty of this small coastal town but are given a sensual, poignant love story.

Amy is one of the three Chocoholic friends and works at the Eat Me Diner. This feisty young waitress has spent most of her life running, never forming roots of any kind, drifting and surviving. She’s certainly made her fair share of mistakes and has also suffered from deep betrayal. Determined to follow her Grandma Rose’s footsteps, she sets off on her first hike. Before nightfall this city girl finds herself lost and in need of rescuing! And very soon, sexy as sin forest ranger Matt Bowers is there lending a helping hand.

Amy may be “safe from bears, coyotes and creepy crawlies,”… but she wasn’t safe. Matthew Bowers is lethal to her piece of mind and the hunger flowing through her cannot be denied! Even his voice is sexy and pure sin!

Matt Bowers aka Ranger Hot Buns came to Lucky Harbor searching for peace and quiet and to forget the hell his life had become. His former career working SWAT for the Chicago police department as well as his marriage had all fallen apart. He’s completely satisfied with his life now and no longer interested in romantic relationships. He still feels like he failed his ex-wife and believes he’s better off alone. But these beliefs are put into question once he meets Amy Michaels. He cannot deny the sizzling chemistry and his need for her.

Matt Bowers is another beautiful, sexy, alpha male and I loved most everything about him. He’s witty, charming and utterly adorable! Amy is elusive, independent, wounded and one of the most endearing characters introduced in this series. Hiding behind her tough exterior is a heart needing love and someone to care and trust in her. These two may be avoiding commitment but they are combustible together! And even though they both tried to keep it just sex, the deep intimacy is felt and cannot be denied.
As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a runaway teen, Riley, and through Amy’s compassion and understanding assistance, we get to the heartache of Amy’s past. Lucille is once again present throughout and gives many a laugh with her Facebook page. We also get a tiny glimpse into Dr. Josh’s life and visit again with Amy’s friends Mallory and Grace.
While this is another fun, sexy romance there are plenty of truths embedded within its pages! There is forgiveness, the magic of first love, and the important lesson learned that just because you make a mistake, doesn’t mean you are a mistake!

I completely enjoyed the journey Amy took in her quest for Hope, Peace and Heart! Once I started reading, I did not want to put it down until finished. It is sexy! It is Hot! And it is Good! I came away feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and very glad that two of my favorite characters had found happiness together.

This is by far one of my favorite contemporary romance series and I highly recommend them to all who love this genre. Shalvis never fails to give me the kind of hero I love! I can hardly wait to read sexy Dr. Josh and Grace's story in the next book, Forever and a Day!

My sincerest thank you to netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, it's been a pleasure.(less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: challenge-2012, cops-fbi-dea-cia-etc, dreamy-heroes, favorites, contemporary-romance, military-or-ex-military, my-5-star-romances

It will be a sad day indeed if Ms Shalvis ever decides to quit writing. At Last is the 5th installment of the Lucky Harbor series and, of course, another winner. How can one town have so many hunk-alicious men? I'm packing my bags, girls, and moving to Lucky Harbor! Well, I would if my hubby would let me.

Amy Michaels is searching for something and she is pretty sure it isn't Matt Bowers, the resident Ranger Hot Buns. Matt is former Navy and Chicago SWAT and came to Lucky Harbor to forget the pas...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Jenny E rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: on-my-kindle, re-read-potential, romance

Re-read December 1, 2012 and still amazing!

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First read June 3, 2012
5+++ stars ... Many imitate...few compare...AMAZING!!

After recently finishing (and loving) Lucky in Love, I was so eager to find out what the deal was with Matt and Amy. Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group/Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this book early!

Jill Shalvis definitely worked her special brand of magic in Lucky in Love. My love for all t...more Re-read December 1, 2012 and still amazing!

-------------------------------------------------------
First read June 3, 2012
5+++ stars ... Many imitate...few compare...AMAZING!!

After recently finishing (and loving) Lucky in Love, I was so eager to find out what the deal was with Matt and Amy. Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group/Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this book early!

Jill Shalvis definitely worked her special brand of magic in Lucky in Love. My love for all things Lucky Harbor was re-ignited with Ty and Mallory’s story in Lucky in Love, where we were first introduced to Matt and Amy circling/avoiding each other as secondary characters. It was obvious there was something going on between the two, but it was Ty and Mallory’s turn at a love match, and so we got to know the Amy and Matt through interactions with the main characters of that book. Jill has a special talent for creating secondary characters that are interesting and compelling, and I was waiting with bated breath to get my hands on Amy and Matt’s story!

All I have to say is: YOUWILLNOTBEDISAPPOINTED!!! I sound like a broken record, because looking back at past reviews I keep saying “Contemporary romance doesn’t get better than this!” – but honestly Jill Shalvis keeps outdoing herself. I absolutely adored this book. Matt and Amy were perfect for each other, and I think that Jill Shalvis as an author is sort of branching out in her storytelling by tackling some tough issues in her plot, which only adds to her immense talent in creating characters that jump off the page.

I don’t want to give anything away, because it was truly a pleasure to unfold Matt and Amy’s character throughout the book, but Matt is just … just… there are no words… he’s dreamy. Shalvis is my #1 FAVORITE author because of the heros she creates. She has a direct line to my man meat meter…seriously…no one does it better. I only wish she could create my real life dream guy in the flesh!! And Amy is really very special in her own right and SO relatable that you can’t help but root for her through her journey of self-discovery, going full circle with the help of her grandmother’s journal. Long live the Chocoholics and their good girl/bad girl lessons!! Don’t we all wish we had such supportive friends! They are just fantastic, and Jill Shalvis expertly weaves a chemistry between all the characters that is so genuine you want to jump in the book and be a part of it all!

The other thing that really struck me about this book was that there was a real sense of intimacy between Matt and Amy that makes this book, in particular, standout. I think it was one of the hottest Jill Shalvis has written in that respect. Anyone can write sex scenes, but the feeling and emotion that she was able to convey between these two characters was truly stellar and make this one of the most memorable in that area for me.

This is the fifth book in the Lucky Harbor series. You don’t want to miss any of the books, but this could stand alone and still make sense.

This book is being published June 26, 2012, and YOU are in a for a TREAT!

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Jul 29, 2012 Lori Foster rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of the best books I've ever read. Totally, completely loved it. The awesome characterization, the mega-hot love scenes, the laugh-out-loud humor, all the emotion, the plot, *everything!*
Just ordered the next one for my iPad so I can read it as soon as it's available.
Really great stuff!

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Dec 30, 2012 Tammie (certified bed reader) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

This review really needs only three words: Ranger Hot Buns! That's it, dears. Run along and get your copy of Jill's At Last now because I know you're asking yourself if the man lives up to his nickname. He does, oh boy does he EVER! Matt's the kind of hero I can get behind (or under, or over, or in front of, or...umm, you get the idea)! It's so easy to fall for him. Love let him down in the past, so he's certain he doesn't want another round with it. That is, until he realizes he's fallen for Lu...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Bri rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: supposed-to-make-me-swoon-boys, romance, chick-lit, book-boyfriends, favorites, 2012-favorites, recs-for-jamiej

4.5 stars, but this time I'm rounding up.

I don't know how she does it, but Jill keeps managing to create these swoony, lovable, hot as hell heroes for us to fall in love with. And, Matt? Unf. Matt is definitely up there in my favorites. With his gruffness and his humor and his undeniable affection for Amy? I'm a goner. And Amy, the heroine, was wonderful. She was a tough as nails woman, trying to make her own way. I loved that her softness came out with her friends and with Matt; it allowed us t...more

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May 23, 2012 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, romance-series

More of my reviews at www.obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com

At Last by Jill Shalvis is the 5th book in the Lucky Harbor series by the wonderful Jill Shalvis and was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Grand Central (Forever) Publishing.

Amy Michaels is a waitress at the Eat Me diner with a passion for drawing and a past she has tried hard to forget. She is following a journal written by her late grandmother which outlined a journey she undertook in Lucky Harbor to find Hope – Peace – Heart, Amy h...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Wminbc rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My review is up!
http://www.nocturnereads.com/2012/06/...

Currently reading and really liking it so far!
Soooo cute...loved the HEA!

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Jun 17, 2012 Cocktails and Books rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: publisher-provided, blog-tour, contemporary-romance, 2012-reading-challenges, netgalley

Just when I thought I couldn't find another man in Lucky Harbor to love or one to dethrone Sawyer as my Lucky Harbor boyfriend, Ranger Hot Buns (aka Matt Bowers) proves he should be at the top of the list.

Matt Bowers left Chicago and his disaster of a life behind to seek solace in the quiet of the National Parks surrounding Lucky Harbor. While the memories still affect him, he's moved on to build a life that makes him mostly happy. What would make him even happier was if "Eat Me" waitress Amy Mi...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Christine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: galley, adult

Whenever I see that Jill Shalvis has written another book, I don’t even bother reading the summary anymore because I know it’s going to be 1) well-written, 2) include a sexy leading guy, and 3) hot, hot, hot.

The next in the Lucky Harbor series, At Last features Amy, the sarcastic, tough as nails waitress at the only diner in town, and Matt, the local forest ranger who starts fires just from walking around in a pair of tight pants. You could tell in Lucky in Love that Matt clearly feels something...more

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Aug 22, 2012 Splage rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read, alpha, contemporary, ebook, fight-their-connection, hero-heroine-law-enforcment-police, hero-military-ex-or-current, sex-medium-to-very-sexy

4 Stars

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Barometer: 4 out of 5 hearts

Love this series, and this is another comfortable, very sexy read from Shalvis. Well written, hot chemistry, wonderful characters, and some darker topics in the heroine's younger life, but there wasn't major exploration of the problems to damage the fun playfulness of the story or series. Amy, the h, had a hidden past she was ashamed of and therefore was very closed and standoffish. Matt, a forest ranger, has a definite attractio...more

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Jul 03, 2012 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: challenge-1

It's always a good day to start to read a book by Jill Shalvis because I know I'm guaranteed to love it! Well loved this one from beginning to end. All the chapter headers are in my published blogs notes and hi-lite. The way Lucille makes me crack up is just another reason to read on. She is so freakin hilarious. You feel like going home, just to a special place where they wear a shirts saying "Eat Me". OK seriously saying the journey of Amy's journals was so inspiring. A lot seems sort of crypt...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, for_review

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

He wore dark, wraparound Oakley sunglasses, but she happened to know that his eyes were light brown, sharp, and missed nothing. Those eyes were in complete contrast with his smile, which was all laid-back and easygoing, and said he was a pussy cat.

That smile lied.

Nothing about Matt Bowers was sweet and tame. Not one little hair on his sun-kissed head, not a single spectacular muscle, nothing. He was trouble with a capital T, and Amy had given up troubl...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

He wore dark, wraparound Oakley sunglasses, but she happened to know that his eyes were light brown, sharp, and missed nothing. Those eyes were in complete contrast with his smile, which was all laid-back and easygoing, and said he was a pussy cat.

That smile lied.

Nothing about Matt Bowers was sweet and tame. Not one little hair on his sun-kissed head, not a single spectacular muscle, nothing. He was trouble with a capital T, and Amy had given up trouble a long time ago.

Back during the days when I used to watch Grey's Anatomy, I remember Meredith often saying things were "dark and twisty" that's what came to mind with regards to Amy as I was reading this story, especially when her past and her struggles were detailed out. In addition to the two main leads, Amy and Matt, there was also one supporting character who grabbed my attention, a young girl named Riley, who Amy sees so much of herself in and her struggles as a runaway teen. Even with a story that felt a little darker and had more angst than prior books in the series, I found myself feeling for Amy and Riley and falling for Matt aka Ranger Hot Buns.

Amy's kept herself apart from other people. She's had a tough past and trust is a HUGE deal for her. She acted out enough in her teens and when she really needed someone to believe and trust in her, no one was there, including her mom. She ran away, lived on the streets and did what she needed to in order to survive. She found herself in Lucky Harbor, following her beloved Grandma's journal and hoped to follow her Grandma's path that included many hikes through the gorgeous mountains when she found her heart, and some peace. Amy wants and needs that badly.

Matt ran from Chicago, from a career where he called out his partner’s criminal activity and no one believed him and his law enforcement job also put his then wife's life in jeopardy. She couldn't handle it, blamed him for pretty much everything, so he took off, finding himself in Lucky Harbor as the forest ranger. He's felt an attraction to Amy since the first time he laid eyes on her, but she's so skittish that he's just biding his time until he makes a move...if she even lets him get that far. But one afternoon of being lost in the forest for Amy brings Matt to her rescue, as much as she hates that, and it's the start of a tentative relationship for them. What starts out as just sex, turns into so much more, but trust is a big issue for them both, and these two stubborn people have a long way to go for their HEA.

Lucille hitched a thumb at him. "You fell in Ranger Hot Buns's forest?"

This had Amy flashing a rare real smile. "What did you just call him?"

"Ranger Hot Buns," Lucille said. "Are you telling me you haven't seen the side poll on Facebook to rank the town's current hotties?"

Christ. Matt slouched in his seat.

The darker tone that came through because of Amy and Riley's pasts made the trust issues (between Amy and Riley and Amy and Matt) something that was a very real issue for them to overcome and kept it from being too frustrating from a story stand point. There were still times I wished that Amy and Matt had been honest with each other, but while it would have been a little smoother sailing for their relationship, it would have damaged the one that Amy was trying desperately to build with Riley. It's tough because I like my book couples to be honest and communicate with each other, but I got why Amy kept some details about Riley from Matt, as much as it hurt her to do so.

The ending felt a bit rushed and that's the reason I knocked my rating down a little. Matt's job is on the line due to some trouble-making teens and parents that have a little too much influence in the town. I wished this would have been detailed out a little more as the storyline wraps up quickly at the end. Even just one more chapter to wrap up Matt and Amy's HEA would have been nice to have. I wanted a little bit more for them at the end.

We also get a few more details about Dr. Josh and the crazy life he's in the middle of - taking care of his sister who's in a wheelchair from injuries suffered in a car accident that killed their parents and trying to raise his young son alone. It sounds like the sister needs to grow up and start helping instead of causing Josh more trouble, but there's no doubt much, much more to their story and I can't wait to see how Grace fits into his life. I enjoyed this latest story in the Lucky Harbor series and am giving it 4 stars. The relationship with Matt, who's a pretty patient man, and Amy was sweet and once they got past their fears of trusting someone and letting them get close, they were a nice couple to root for. (less)

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Aug 09, 2012 Alisia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Written for : Beyond Dreaming

At Last is Amy and Matt's story, and is very appropriately titled.I waited, with bated breath, to finally read first-hand the sizzling tension I could feel from a book away (seriously; check Lucky in Love). Anyway, I enjoyed it thoroughly, no disappointments from me. Lucky in Love had been my first and I hadn't expected it to be funny much less that funny (see review). Well, At Last just about knocked my socks off with some of the dialogue, both the humorous and the...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, review, romance, read-2012

Review originally posted on Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2012/06...

Amy Michaels came to Lucky Harbor, WA looking for the three things her grandmother found in the small town: hope, peace, and heart. One day, Amy takes her grandmother's journal and sets off on a hike in search of those elusive feelings and instead winds up lost in the woods. And it so happens that her rescuer is none other than forest ranger Matt Bowers, aka "Ranger Hot Buns." Sparks have always flown between Amy an...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Paula (Romantic Book Affairs Blogspot) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, ng-edel-arc

I will read a Lucky Harbor book by Jill Shalvis any day. This is my favorite contemporary romance series to boot! They are the most delightful, funny, and sexy reads that leave me feeling all mushy inside. After devouring the first four books of the series, I’ve been highly curious about Amy Michaels and Ranger Hot Buns, Matt Bowers since reading Lucky in Love.

Amy is a strong and sassy heroine with a big heart. She's made mistakes growing up and survived being a teenage runaway. Following her g...more I will read a Lucky Harbor book by Jill Shalvis any day. This is my favorite contemporary romance series to boot! They are the most delightful, funny, and sexy reads that leave me feeling all mushy inside. After devouring the first four books of the series, I’ve been highly curious about Amy Michaels and Ranger Hot Buns, Matt Bowers since reading Lucky in Love.

Amy is a strong and sassy heroine with a big heart. She's made mistakes growing up and survived being a teenage runaway. Following her grandmother’s journal to Lucky Harbor, she is looking for hope, heart, and peace her grandmother once found a long time ago.

Matt Bowers is a to-die-for hero...carefree, laid back, and easy on the eyes. He is a former Navy and Chicago Swat officer. When an incident on the job causes him to lose everything, he moves his life to Lucky Harbor to find peace.

Matt and Amy have been circling each other for months until one day Amy gets lost in the woods and Matt rescues her. When they are forced to stay over night in the woods because a tree has fallen and blocked the road, they find themselves no longer able to resist the sexual attraction they have for each other.

I love the chemistry build up between these two. It's hot enough to ignite the pages.

“He looked her over, making her every nerve ending tingle with awareness, though his gaze was more inquisitive than sexual, as if making sure she was okay, though she had no idea why she wouldn't be.

Then he smiled, and oh, how her misbehaving nipples loved that predatory smile. If his intense, concerned once-over had done things to her, his smile just about undid her from the inside out.

This is such a sweet story about finding yourself. These two people are wounded. They both fight becoming too emotionally involved with one another. They have so many trust issues and hurts that they struggle to let go of their past mistakes. And watching both characters become unraveled by there strong feelings is a roller coaster ride of emotions.

This series would not be complete without the charismatic side characters. You have Lucille who is a seventy something, nosey lady who knows anything and everything about the residents in Lucky Harbor and then posts it all on Facebook. Amy, Mallory (Lucky in Love), and Grace (Forever and a Day)have formed a friendship and meet once a week where they bond over chocolate.Then you have the bromance between Matt, Ty, and Josh. They work out together, climb together, and look out for one another. Not to mention all the other characters from books one through three that sometimes make an appearance. I feel so at home with the Lucky Harbor residents.

I am crazy in love with the Lucky Harbor series. These books always make me smile and laugh. You don’t want to At Last. It’s another great edition to this adorable and sexy series.

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review

ARC provided by Netgalley(less)

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Nov 05, 2012 Britainy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, comtempary, kindle, love-story, needs-review, netgalley, romance, series

I really liked this book! At Last had the right mix of angst, love, and perseverance!

Oh, Matt Bowers, why are you so delicious? He's sweet, strong, and sexy, meeting the criteria of a delectable hero. He moved from Chicago where his career as a SWAT officer took a turn for the worst after he turned in his partner for being on the take. His dumb ex-wife did not like his job, especially after being stalked by a perp that Matt arrested. What a wuss! So, he hooked up with his old military buddy, Ty,...more I really liked this book! At Last had the right mix of angst, love, and perseverance!

Oh, Matt Bowers, why are you so delicious? He's sweet, strong, and sexy, meeting the criteria of a delectable hero. He moved from Chicago where his career as a SWAT officer took a turn for the worst after he turned in his partner for being on the take. His dumb ex-wife did not like his job, especially after being stalked by a perp that Matt arrested. What a wuss! So, he hooked up with his old military buddy, Ty, and moved to Lucky Harbor to be the Forrest Ranger. You remember Ty, right? The hunky hero from Lucky in Love.

Matt is going about his never-need-love-again routine when Amy Michaels dons the pink EAT ME apron and starts serving him truck loads of Dr. Pepper (I hope Dublin Dr. Pepper, but probably not) Matt does not want a relationship, he just wants some Amy nookie. So when he get's the "just sex" go ahead he pounces, and it's worth reading for sure!

Amy Michaels comes to Lucky Harbor through some heartbreaking life experiences. The product of teenage bumpin' and grindin', she lived with her grandmother until she died when Amy was 12. Her mother was remarried to a wealth board member so Amy went to live with them. Typical teenage rebellion and calls for attention garnered Amy no true friends and no real goals in life. By the time she was 16 she was, however, grabbing the attention of the boys at her school and her step-father, who tried to act on his feelings. She tells her mom but, as stupid as women can be about their partners, her mom does not believe her. Understandably, Amy runs away and makes her way of things for about 10 years. Finally she ends up in Lucky Harbor to retrace her grandma's life-fulfilling journey through the Pacific Northwest.

She likes Matt, a lot, but is reluctant to act on her feelings because of the way she used to engage with men in her past. She used sex as a tool and, as a self-prescrbed moratorium, she has not had relations in a very long time to cure her of that destructive behavior. But she can not resist Ranger Hot Buns! The "just sex" arrangement commences and my romance-educated brain realizes the beginning of the end for both of them.

There is hardly any mention of the original sisters, which was a little disheartening. Sawyer makes a respectable appearance helping Matt with sheriff/ranger things. Lucille is front and center with her blue-haried Facebook shenanigans. Riley, a new comer to Lucky Harbor, is introduced and makes a heartfelt impression on Amy as a troubled teenage homeless runaway. The chocoholics make my day. Mallory's good girl lessons crack me up and of course lesson #1 is never tease about chocolate! Hang tight Grace, your life's purpose and HEA are right around the corner. Did some one call for a doctor?

At Last could have been a 5 Floozies show stopper if not for all the Hh indecision. "He's gonna hate me if he knows, so I won't tell him." "She will never truly love me if she knows what I really did." Self-doubt is an integral part of tortured soul romance but too much is just annoying. Thankfully Ms. Shalvis kept the hemming and hawing to a minimum and saved any more Floozies from running away.

At Last is a must read and the Lucky Harbor series continues to keep me entertained and wanting more. On to Forever and a Day!! I can't wait to read about Dr. Josh and Grace. There was just enough teasing in At Last to make me giddy with anticipation!

This review and many others can be found at Fairytale Floozy!

Thank you NetGalley.com for providing me with this ebook!(less)

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Jun 24, 2012 Danielle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jill Shalvis makes falling in love with the men of Lucky Harbor a true dream come true.

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to love At Last, but in the end I did so very much. Matt Bowers has left his Chicago life to come build a life in the National Parks that surround the beautiful Lucky Harbor. What would make his time so much better here is if Amy Micheals would finally give him a chance.

Amy hasn't had such an easy life. She has been on the run since she was 16 years old. Now with the help...more

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Aug 14, 2012 MountainKat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-challenge-books, audio, ebook, books-read-in-2012

*4 1/2 Stars*

Like everything I've read by Jill Shalvis, I really enjoyed this one. But it wasn't my favorite. It could have been that I listened to this one, like I did the previous one, but it had a different narrator and this one wasn't as good. The narrator didn't make the characters distinguishable and didn't seem to put much emotion into the reading. I have read that she does better in the next, so I might give her another chance. She didn't do anything terribly negative, but it just wasn't...more

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Dec 19, 2012 Marulett rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Marulett by: Aly (Lothaire) Daciano and Sarah

Shelves: adult, contemp-romance, epic-5, great-in-betweens, great-side-characters, hea, hero-heroine-pov, kick-ass-heroines, kick-ass-male-lead, normal, romance, series-i-love, series-i-will-love, super-yummy-alpha-male, yummy-male-lead, rec-by-aly

Can't pick a favorite...I love this series even more after each book :))))

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Aug 16, 2012 Bibliojunkies rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From Grand Central:
HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.

A former cop whose life went south,...more

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Aug 05, 2012 Viviane Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amy Michaels is a waitress in the small town of Lucky Harbor in Washington Street. It's a terrific small town surrounded by rugged beautifully scenic sites which draws many hikers and others with different motives. Amy is a waitress and is off for a long walk or hike, a time to be free of all the burdensome thoughts that so trouble and exhaust her.

For Amy has a troubled past that she's not proud of but which have made her the strong, compassionate person she is. While on one of her first hikes,...more Amy Michaels is a waitress in the small town of Lucky Harbor in Washington Street. It's a terrific small town surrounded by rugged beautifully scenic sites which draws many hikers and others with different motives. Amy is a waitress and is off for a long walk or hike, a time to be free of all the burdensome thoughts that so trouble and exhaust her.

For Amy has a troubled past that she's not proud of but which have made her the strong, compassionate person she is. While on one of her first hikes, she gets lost and needs help but her past won't allow her to beg for it. And wow is she annoyed when the local forest ranger and former cop Matt Bowers shows up and knows she is lost. But Amy is stubborn and comically gets herself in deeper trouble before grudgingly admitting she needs help from this sexy-looking, fit, more than capable guy who wants to give her some helping presence but not the kind she's thinking about in her shameful loss of face caused by her getting lost.

Matt is not just amused by Amy, however, but also willing to give her enough slack to save face, not to mention he's doing anything to avoid what looking at her body is doing to his own. They meet several times and little by little they begin opening up to each other, physically at least for sure, but it takes a longer time for the trust to develop.

Ironically, it's the presence of another troubled teen, Riley, whom Amy meets and then both are desirous of being helpful without appearing obvious. Amy "knows" what this gal has been through, but things turn notoriously dangerous as someone is after Riley and this tough gal is determined not to reveal any secrets about the matter. Sooner or later, they will figure it out but what happens in the interval keeps the reader flipping the pages and tensely wondering if Riley will escape her pursuer and how Matt and Amy fit into this fragile situation.

At Last is a terrific story with at least some meat added to the passionate scenario in most of the book to provide an engaging, fascinating novel about "letting go" and showing others it is not only okay but necessary to do so to become totally who one can freely be!(less)

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At Last (Lucky Harbor #5)

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