It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor, #7)

May 09, 2013 BamaGal rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cont-romance, netgalley-edelweiss

Ali Winters has a nice little life in Lucky Harbor, barely scraping by working in the local flower shop, and in a relationship with the good-looking town clerk Teddy. Unfortunately, things go really bad, really fast. Not only does Teddy dump her, he accuses her of stealing money from his office. Now the whole town is divided over did-she-or-didn't-she steal the money.

Luke Hanover is a detective from San Francisco, visiting Lucky Harbor for a short vacation after a case gone wrong; and staying in...more

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Apr 30, 2013 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, 2013-reads, series-lucky-harbor, author-jill-shalvis, contemporary-romance, small-town-life, cops-detectives-agents, blackmail, stolen-money, great-supporting-cast, funny-old-folks, by-the-sea, reviewed-for-gcp-via-netgalley, must-read-series, must-read-author

It Had to Be You, the latest addition to my Lucky Harbor addiction, further solidifies Jill Shalvis’ place on my list of top contemporary romance authors. Like all the books in the series, It Had to Be You is romantic, funny, and sexy, with a story that pulls you in and characters who keep you coming back for more, first page to the last.

On the Cover:

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her h

...more
It Had to Be You, the latest addition to my Lucky Harbor addiction, further solidifies Jill Shalvis’ place on my list of top contemporary romance authors. Like all the books in the series, It Had to Be You is romantic, funny, and sexy, with a story that pulls you in and characters who keep you coming back for more, first page to the last.

On the Cover:

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

Whenever I pick up a Lucky Harbor book I’m guaranteed to get a feel good story with people I care about. They make me smile, make me laugh, make me sigh, and sometimes they even make me cry. Without a doubt, the time I spend reading is time well spent.

There are many things to love about It Had to Be You, but I think my favorite part of this story is how Luke and Ali, both people who are used to taking care of others and taking nothing for themselves, come together and give to each other exactly what they didn’t even know they were missing. I love their passion, their trials, their triumphs, but most importantly, I love their love!

The bottom line: If you haven’t yet read this series, stop whatever it is you’re doing, pick up the first book, Simply Irresistible, and find out for yourself what makes these stories so special. You don’t have to read them in order but so much of the pleasure that comes from these books is getting to know the people and places of Lucky Harbor, and then revisiting them all, time and time again. Trust me on this, you won’t be disappointed!

My thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this wonderful story in exchange for an honest review. As always, my visit to Lucky Harbor has been an absolute delight!
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May 03, 2013 Elizabeth (Liz) - Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jill-shalvis-bookaholics-club, arc-from-author-read, arc-from-publisher-read, contemporary-romance-read

Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance

GENRE: Adult Contemporary Romance
HEAT LEVEL: Medium
ANGST LEVEL: Drama free! This is a feel-good book!!
NOTE: This is book #7 in the Lucky Harbor series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I always suggest reading the whole series.
RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2013

4.5 Stars!

I think I've said it before, but brace yourselves because I'm about to say it again. Jill Shalvis books are my comfort food. When I'm feeling off, feeling blue, feeling scared or worried...I gra...more

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May 28, 2013 Paula (Romantic Book Affairs Blogspot) added it · review of another edition

Shelves: ng-edel-arc, 2013-release, contemporary-romance

In case you weren’t aware – Jill Shalvis is one of my all-time favorite contemporary authors. She knows how to write sexy alpha heroes that make you weak in the knees. She excels at writing funny, lighthearted, exciting, and steamy romantic contemporaries that make me excited for her next book every time. And I can always count on Miz Shalvis to put a cheesy smile on my face, make me laugh out loud, and make me happily sigh as I fall in love with her characters.

Ali Winters has been completely s...more

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Jun 10, 2013 Jenny E rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

More of the same from Jill Shalvis. I really liked her stories at first, but they're all the same. I spent the first quarter of this book trying to convince myself I hadn't read it already! It's always the florist/baker/spa girl and the cop/firefighter/doctor guy, one's a commitment-phobe and/or leaving soon with a messed up past and a poor-me or guilt-ridden attitude... Yeah, I think I'm done with Lucky Harbor.

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May 21, 2013 Tasty Book Tours/ A Tasty Read/ Sweet Reads Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, first-reads, favorites, gifted-by-publisher, netgalley

As if the LUCKY HARBOR Series could GET any better....Well....Jill ya did it! I LOVED IT HAD TO BE YOU!! Luke and Ali....well....they stole my heart from their first meeting and took me on quite the Wild Ride!! OMG!!

Ali and Luke are definitely making TOP FIVE COUPLES of 2013 at A Tasty Read!! Ali....favorite Shalvis heroine....close competition...but she kinda ROCKS!!

Full Review

Jill Shalvis does Romance like Betty Crocker does Cake: Sweet, Satisfying and Can be devoured in One Sitting!

I thought...more As if the LUCKY HARBOR Series could GET any better....Well....Jill ya did it! I LOVED IT HAD TO BE YOU!! Luke and Ali....well....they stole my heart from their first meeting and took me on quite the Wild Ride!! OMG!!

Ali and Luke are definitely making TOP FIVE COUPLES of 2013 at A Tasty Read!! Ali....favorite Shalvis heroine....close competition...but she kinda ROCKS!!

Full Review

Jill Shalvis does Romance like Betty Crocker does Cake: Sweet, Satisfying and Can be devoured in One Sitting!

I thought after the Chocoholics Trilogy, that the Lucky Harbor Series couldn't get any better and BOY WAS I WRONG! Luke and Ali have secured a spot on the Tasty Favorite Couples of 2013...I loved them...loved them...loved them!

Ali is probably one of my favorite heroines of all time, and that is saying A LOT! She was sweet, kind, slightly quirky with a HUGE heart. I felt for her, I wanted her to find that HEA, especially with Luke, and Luke....Whoa Momma...Talk about Sex on a Stick...No really...he is THAT SEXY...especially in his board shorts, and when he is being soft towards Ali, even if getting involved with her is the last thing he wants...Mega SWOON...

"Don't, " she said.

"Don't what?"

"Don't be nice to me right now. I'll lose it."

With surprising gentleness, he pushed the hair from her face, then clicked open her seatbelt. It was all the invitation she was going to get, and all the invitation she needed. Turning to him, she burrowed in as steady, strong arms closed around her.

Um...yeah...he does A LOT of "nice" stuff like that and I will warn you now...Luke Hanover will be your NEW BOOK BOYFRIEND the second he walks into the kitchen, be ready to FALL IN LOVE!! And the one liners....he's funny too!

Luke and Ali will grab onto your heartstrings and Wham Bham...it's over and you will want to read it ALL OVER AGAIN!!

IT HAD TO BE YOU was funny, sweet, heartbreaking, and utterly amazing...One of Top Favorites of 2013. The secondary characters are just as much fun as the hero and heroine, and I am DYIN to read the next in the series, Jack and Leah's romance...they got some sizzlin chemistry and I can't wait to see it combust!
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Apr 17, 2013 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, favorites

OK, I got the ARC of this book since I am a Bookaholic! I am thrilled because I love this author, love all her books and particularly love this series which is how I started reading Jill Shalvis.

So I am going to review honestly but non-spoilerish. I typically don't repeat the blurb and am not too spoilery so I may or may not update this after the book is released.

What I love about her books is very clear to me. I love the characters. She makes them real to me, people I care about and feel like...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Susana Gil portell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone

I received an ARC as part of the author´s Bookaholics Club (I know, so lucky) and a promise to review it. I was eager yet nervous to read it. And what I have to say is I pre-ordered a copy myself I loved it so much and want to do my part to keep it all going. What can I say? This was a fantastic read and everything one expects from Jill Shalvis: warm, funny, sweet...I have come to love Lucky Harbor and all the people in it, and like always, it felt like you’re part of Lucky Harbor. I do not want...more I received an ARC as part of the author´s Bookaholics Club (I know, so lucky) and a promise to review it. I was eager yet nervous to read it. And what I have to say is I pre-ordered a copy myself I loved it so much and want to do my part to keep it all going. What can I say? This was a fantastic read and everything one expects from Jill Shalvis: warm, funny, sweet...I have come to love Lucky Harbor and all the people in it, and like always, it felt like you’re part of Lucky Harbor. I do not want to go into specifics to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say it has sweet romance, a little bit of intrigue, humor, “I Love Lucy” moments, some hot loving action and every single character, main or not, has depth and dimension, and the senior citizens are just wacky enough to be lovable on their own, add in a sweet, loyal, selfless, strong, resilient heroine, with a well meaning but a bit crazy family and a steadfast hero who is just as strong, loyal and selfless, a little bit of crime-solving and you have a great book. When I downloaded my ARC copy I was nervous because I was not sure it would live up to my expectations. And I was right, it went beyond it. There is nothing I can say that would do justice to the book, really; you just have to read it, it will not disappoint. I know because when began reading it, I was in a funky kind of mood, in which no book prior really grabbed my attention and actually I was more into fantasy romance at that moment, from another book I had read. However, from sentence one I was hooked. I am so glad I discovered this author through another author’s FB page (Kristan Higgins) because she has turned out to be an invaluable find and a must-read so I recommend wholeheartedly not only this book, but every Lucky harbor or Animal Magnetism book. Even when you are not too sure about the storyline, the book turns out to be awesome. The only draw-back: that it ended. I was left a little sad to leave Lucky Harbor, but at the same time with sweet smile on your face because it was so wonderful, which is a good indication for a good read anyway. (less)

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May 29, 2013 Annie (Under the Covers Book Blog) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, author-jill-shalvis, favorites, drinks-on-me, books-i-own, books-i-go-rabid-over, genre-contemporary-romance, king-of-the-harem, my-hottie-harem, review-requests, read-in-2013, series-lucky-harbor, assholes

In the highly anticipated seventh book of the Lucky Harbor series, IT HAD TO BE YOU, Jill Shalvis brings readers a sweet, determined and independent heroine in Ali Winters. Life hasn’t been too kind to Ali in recent months. Her boyfriend is a first-class jerk, she is low on cash, and she becomes the prime suspect of a robbery case. Add to that the fact that she is nearly homeless and if she can’t find a new place soon, she will be in big trouble.

But trouble finds her instead in the form of a ho...more

In the highly anticipated seventh book of the Lucky Harbor series, IT HAD TO BE YOU, Jill Shalvis brings readers a sweet, determined and independent heroine in Ali Winters. Life hasn’t been too kind to Ali in recent months. Her boyfriend is a first-class jerk, she is low on cash, and she becomes the prime suspect of a robbery case. Add to that the fact that she is nearly homeless and if she can’t find a new place soon, she will be in big trouble.

But trouble finds her instead in the form of a hot bodied, gun-toting, brooding and protective detective named Luke Hanover. Who just happens to be her landlord as well. Searching for an escape, Luke returns to Lucky Harbor to escape the prying eyes and questions of the media after a case has gone wrong. Though Ali and Luke don’t start off on the right foot, their chemistry is potent and will light a bonfire that readers can snuggle up to and enjoy.

Shalvis takes a different approach to this book. Using Luke’s profession as a way to create an interesting plot, Shalvis creates a mystery that slowly unfolds itself in the book. I loved the idea, but felt that it was resolved a little too quickly in the end. I don’t think it will diminish reader’s enjoyment of the book though because there is plenty of antics to keep you entertained – quirky characters and hot sex are there in spades!

I am DYING for more of Jack. He stomped right into this book and made a huge impression on me. With his protective ways and his little crush on Leah, I’m interested to see what Shalvis has up her sleeve. That being said, Ben also sounds like an interesting one. Shalvis is keeping him in the dark and if she continues her pattern, Ben’s book might just be the one readers have been waiting for!

Jill Shalvis has easily become my favorite author of this genre. With her unique ability to breathe life into her characters, she has single handedly rejuvenated the genre and has become a force to be reckoned with!

I forgot one last thing…. I CLAIM LUKE FOR MY HAREM!!! Hands off, hussies! *crazy eyes*

*ARC provided by publisher(less)

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May 29, 2013 Mandy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jill-shalvis

4.5
I have to say that Luke will be pretty high on my list of JShalvis men that I love. Luke was equal parts gruff, sexy and sweet and affectionate. Ali was awesome in that she wasn't pitiful or wallowing in her bad luck and she rolled with the whole situation between her and Luke (until they both woke up realized what was going on between them)
As always, the seniors played a fun role in this one. I really like the 3 guys, Luke, Jack and Ben that have been introduced and am looking forward to Jac...more

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Jun 10, 2013 Angie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: good-uns, romance

Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

I have to laugh when I realize I've only actually reviewed one book by an author I glommed onto quite awhile back. Jill Shalvis first came to my attention through her well-known (and loved) Lucky Harbor series. I really enjoyed the first book, Simply Irresistible, and proceeded to blow my way through the rest of the series. I originally thought it would be just a trilogy, but it has turned into quite the expansive series. Interestingly, the series as a whole...more Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

I have to laugh when I realize I've only actually reviewed one book by an author I glommed onto quite awhile back. Jill Shalvis first came to my attention through her well-known (and loved) Lucky Harbor series. I really enjoyed the first book, Simply Irresistible, and proceeded to blow my way through the rest of the series. I originally thought it would be just a trilogy, but it has turned into quite the expansive series. Interestingly, the series as a whole is informally broken up into sets of three mini-trilogies if you will, within the larger whole. IT HAD TO BE YOU is the first book in the third trilogy. I find readers tend to fall all over the map when it comes to their favorite Lucky Harbor installments, a fact which delights me. When recommending them to new readers, I usually tell them to start with Simply Irresistible, but that it's anyone's guess which ones will wind up being theirs. As for me, the first book in each trilogy sits on my keeper shelf. Maddie from Simply Irresistible, Mallory from Lucky in Love, and now Ali from IT HAD TO BE YOU are my girls. The ones I connected with immediately and that I can tell I will return to in the future.

Ali Winters doesn't let much get her down but, given the events of the last 24 hours, she's starting to wonder if it maybe isn't time to throw in the towel. Cause when the guy you thought was your boyfriend turns out not to be, the house you thought was your home turns out not to be, and the job you thought was going somewhere turns out not to be, well . . . it's kind of more than a pint of Ben & Jerry's and a pedicure can fix. Add to that the fact that the non-boyfriend has accused her of theft and the local police department is breathing down her neck, and Ali's forced to rethink her adopted home of Lucky Harbor. But then the actual owner of the house she's been squatting in for the past few months arrives fully intending to occupy it. Alone. Detective Lieutenant Luke Hanover left Lucky Harbor a long time ago and hasn't been back since. He wouldn't be back now except his high profile case in San Francisco went bad fast, and the only thing he could think of was retreat to his old home to attempt some sort of recovery before burnout claims him for good. Neither one of them is looking for a roommate, but they also neither one have anywhere else to go. And so Luke and Ali find themselves cohabiting just until Ali can find another place. Determined to clear her name, she also embarks on a campaign to find the real culprit. A reluctant Luke gets sucked into the search, and before long they're well on their way to being something more than roommates.

It was surprisingly good to be back, you guys. I mean, this being the first in the latest set of three, I kind of had a feeling it would work for me. And maybe I was in precisely the right mental space, but I just thoroughly enjoyed this seventh Lucky Harbor novel. It felt slower to me than its previous two siblings, unrushed and content to allow its likable protagonists the space they needed to figure things out. You always know what you're getting with Lucky Harbor, but some setups and characters simply bear more weight than others. For me, Ali and Luke hit that perfect pitch of adequately complicated backgrounds and understandably conflicted presents. I felt for them both very soon after making their acquaintance, and had no trouble at all wanting to spend as much time with them as possible. The mystery plot folded into the story nicely without ever getting annoying, and the very real ways in which these two came to rely on each other made their slow incline toward one another that much more appealing. They were two very self-aware people, acquainted with tragedy and familiar with the coping mechanisms required to carry on. That's why I liked them both so, I think. They did just that--they carried on. Mutual admiration and solid affection came to make up so much of their attraction, adding an extra layer of emotion for me as a reader. Watching them individually and collectively realize what really lay between them and just not believe that they could hold onto it kept me up late turning pages. I can tell I am sliding into full-on summer reading mode, and IT HAD TO BE YOU was such a great read, full of heart and light and all things summer.(less)

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Jun 08, 2013 Sue rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jill Shalvis does not disappoint with this next installment in her Lucky Harbor Novel! I didn't think it was possible, but her writing just keeps getting better and better!!

Ali is scraping by in Lucky Harbor, working in a florist shop, making her pottery, and volunteering with the seniors to name a few things! She is also in a relationship (or so she thinks!) with Teddy. Then before she knows it within 24 hours she's been dumped by Teddy, needs to find a new place to live, and is accused of stea...more Jill Shalvis does not disappoint with this next installment in her Lucky Harbor Novel! I didn't think it was possible, but her writing just keeps getting better and better!!

Ali is scraping by in Lucky Harbor, working in a florist shop, making her pottery, and volunteering with the seniors to name a few things! She is also in a relationship (or so she thinks!) with Teddy. Then before she knows it within 24 hours she's been dumped by Teddy, needs to find a new place to live, and is accused of stealing a lot of money!

Luke, a detective who lives in San Francisco but has roots in Lucky Harbor, comes home to what he expects to be an empty house, looking for privacy, peace and quiet after a case goes drastically wrong. He hasn't been back to Lucky Harbor in 10 years when he felt like he let both his sister then his grandmother down. He craves a sense of home now but instead, in his kitchen he finds a mostly naked Ali, reporters trying to find him, and the local police arriving to question Ali about the missing money.

Ali is proud, honest and strong. She has grown into a terrific woman who doesn't let life get her down no matter how rough things got when she was growing up. She really doesn't carry her baggage around, letting things get her down. But all that's happening now she's finding it harder and harder to be strong and alone. Before they both know it, Luke finds himself wanting to help her. Not only her, but the little things other people are coming to him for.

Neither of them are looking for a relationship, especially one that can't go anywhere since Luke is leaving again soon. Ali and Luke spend a lot of time together though and soon it is harder to resist the magnetic pull they feel towards each other. Both of them insist to themselves and to each other that it can only be temporary, but can they keep their hearts out of their relationship?

As they get to know each other better, the mystery of the missing money and trying to clear Ali's name keeps them busy. Can they help the local police find the missing money before Ali ends up in jail due to only circumstantial evidence? If the air clears and Luke goes back to his job in San Francisco can they move on apart?

The more time Luke spends in Lucky Harbor and with Ali, the more he starts to feel whole again...to love again. Leaving will be the hardest part for both of them.

I loved, loved It Had to Be You!!! Jill's writing is flawless, filled with humor and love that had the book glued to my hands!

I really enjoyed both Luke and Ali. Both of them were refreshingly honest. It was so great to read a romance that didn't have any of those little games some characters sometimes play when they hide parts of themselves. Luke and Ali fit really well together. Both of them have had a rough go at different times of their lives...Luke needs a little more help moving on and seeing things in perspective, and Ali is just the woman for him!

It was great to see some of the secondary characters again (for example Lucille and her posse!!). It's a small town so they were an integral part of It Had To Be You, but they weren't overwhelming either.

The storyline was great, Jill develops it smoothly and we are always right there with the characters. I can totally visualize Lucky Harbour in my mind and Luke out on the water!!

I highly recommend this book to any romance reader, it's perfect!(less)

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Jun 08, 2013 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-books-read, 2013-men-in-uniform-challenge, romance, other-uniformed-hero

I love my trips to Lucky Harbor and this was no exception. I loved Ali. She's had a difficult life. Her mom raised her and her sister alone. Mom and sis are pretty flaky, so Ali has been the practical one all her life. She came to Lucky Harbor for a fresh start. She's been working at the local florist shop, where she has lots of ideas to improve business, but her boss just isn't interested. She teaches ceramics to the local senior citizens. She's been dating a local guy and is living with him. S...more I love my trips to Lucky Harbor and this was no exception. I loved Ali. She's had a difficult life. Her mom raised her and her sister alone. Mom and sis are pretty flaky, so Ali has been the practical one all her life. She came to Lucky Harbor for a fresh start. She's been working at the local florist shop, where she has lots of ideas to improve business, but her boss just isn't interested. She teaches ceramics to the local senior citizens. She's been dating a local guy and is living with him. She finds out he's cheating on her, then he's moving out and hasn't renewed the lease on the house. To top it all off, she's suspected in the theft of a lot of money. Even with all of this, she manages to keep a smile on her face. Luke's appearance creates another set of problems. There is an immediate attraction between the two, but Ali doesn't want an involvement. She's had lousy luck with men and just doesn't want to risk herself again. But this attraction won't be denied, as much as they both try to fight it. Ali is a woman with a big heart. I loved the way that she saw beneath the brooding exterior and was able to relieve some of his misery. Even though he kept reminding her what a bad bet he was, it didn't do much to bring her down. “I care, but I’m not going to let what I feel for you- no matter how it turns out – define my happiness. No one but me can do that.” I loved that attitude.

Luke has come back to Lucky Harbor to get away for awhile. He's a police detective in San Francisco and just had a case go really bad on him. He's trying to escape the guilty feelings and the media attention. He just wants to be left alone. That turns out to be impossible when he finds Ali living in his house. Luke is the kind of guy who just can't help looking out for people. He won't kick Ali out, and when he finds out about the theft, he's determined to help Ali prove her innocence. He fights his attraction to her really hard. He doesn't want to take responsibility for someone else's happiness, and lets her know that he's leaving and doesn't do commitments. I loved the way that as much as he says he wants to be alone, he can't help getting involved, not just with Ali but with others in the town. He comes across as a brooding, grumpy man, but underneath there is a kindness that just can't stay hidden. I loved the way that Ali brings that out in him. Her optimistic personality sent some sunshine into the dark corners of his soul.

The role of the Lucky Harbor seniors in the book is lots of fun. Edward does just the right amount of interfering to get Luke to realize his feelings. Lucille and her facebook page play a smaller role than usual, but they are still there. I also enjoyed seeing more of Jack and am really looking forward to his book.(less)

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Jun 04, 2013 Clio rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: wrongly-accused-convicted, contemporary, alpha-hero

Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series is a consistently good bet for light, fun, contemporary romance. That very consistency, though, is what left me feeling a little let down by this book. All the the Lucky Harbor characters are cut from the same cloth: the women are sweet, funny, loyal, and stronger-than-they-knew even when down on their luck (and they are always down on their luck). The men are always the strong, silent type, pathologically commitment-phobic but unable to resist love when it com...more

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Jun 03, 2013 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Review copy provided for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

Every time I read a Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor book I feel like I’m going home. There is just something about that town and its residents that grabs me in and doesn’t let me go. This one is no different but I’ll admit I was a little disappointed in how quickly some of the residents judged our heroine, Ali Winters, despite the fact they stood behind her and loved her enough to practically bribe...more Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Review copy provided for an honest review.

4.5 Stars

Every time I read a Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor book I feel like I’m going home. There is just something about that town and its residents that grabs me in and doesn’t let me go. This one is no different but I’ll admit I was a little disappointed in how quickly some of the residents judged our heroine, Ali Winters, despite the fact they stood behind her and loved her enough to practically bribe an off duty vacationing police detective and our hero, Luke Hanover, to help her. No matter how hard he tries, Luke doesn’t want to get involved in Ali’s business or the town. He’s in Lucky Harbor licking his wounds after a case he was working when bad in San Francisco. He just wants to rest, relax, and rewind….unfortunately he comes home to find a semi naked woman hurling a bowl at his head and the nosey older residents refusing to leave him be.

I really liked Ali’s spunk and outlook on life. Considering her upbringing and all the pretty awful things that have happened to her she doesn’t lose hope and that tells me a lot about her character. It’s like she’s eternally optimistic and she’s just someone who you would love to have around. She works incredibly hard but in addition she gives back by volunteering at the senior center and they love her and I love how she calls them “my seniors.” While she obviously hasn’t had the best track record with men, I think some of that stems from her overly trusting nature. I also find it amazing how easily she is able to make friends and even turn acquaintances in to allies. She just has this way about her that makes it hard not to like her. I sort of imagine her with this aura of sunlight around her body; she’s just that amazing of a person.

Luke was a little harder for me to figure out and like. He was such a grump ass for a good portion of the book and while I sympathize with the circumstances that drove him to Lucky Harbor I kept waiting and waiting for his good side to come out. We’d see flashes of it but then it would go into hiding again. It wasn’t that I hated him, not by a long shot but he was just hard to love. There is no doubt he is one sexy brooding man, but he was so closed off it was hard to figure him out. I had to laugh at how he kept getting involved in helping the seniors with their various “problems” and how he immediately felt the need to help and defend Ali. I love the fact that he always believed her innocence even when most of the town didn’t. I also admire the fact that he tried, really hard to do the right thing and not get involved with her because he knew he’d be returning to San Francisco eventually.

Luke and Ali set out to prove her innocence by finding the person responsible for the crime. Along the way they end up finding out a lot about each other and spending a lot of time trying to deny the growing feelings between them. They finally do give in even though they both agree it will be short term unfortunately they both find themselves feeling way more than they know they should. Their road is pretty bumpy mainly because Luke can’t wrap his head around what he’s thinking and feeling. It doesn’t help that they both are being pressured from outside sources making their lives just that more difficult.

A life threatening experience, another round of police questioning, and some good friends all help Ali and Luke see their way to each other. It Had To Be You is another stellar offering from Jill Shalvis and in this one we are gifted with glimpses of the couples from the previous books, the senior gang, and we get a really nice hint about what’s to come in the next book. I simply loved being back in Lucky Harbor, it’s like taking a vacation without having to leave my couch and that my friends, it a very good thing!

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Jun 03, 2013 Anica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Thank you Net Galley for a great free read.

Somehow, Jill Shalvis only now popped on my to-read list, and it has proven to be such a delightful surprise. The way I see it, this is the quintessential romance, having all it takes, and a little bit more.
It was as if reading a romance by Agatha Christie, with all the wittiness and ingeniousness of the plot, keeping us on our toes, while warming our hearts with love emerging in unexpected setting.
The ironic distance of the author makes up for the con...more

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May 31, 2013 Jillian rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In theory, Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series should be an all-time favorite of mine. There's the requisite cozy and quirky small town setting, a liberal dose of humor in lieu of overwrought angst, adorable pets, and heroes who are strong and protective without being the scarily angry, controlling headcases who pass for "alphas" in many other series. So I keep trying to fall in love with these books, but am always left mysteriously underwhelmed. I think it primarily comes down to my just not connectin...more

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May 30, 2013 CAL rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Ali is a girl who finds love in all wrong place yet this she has to have it right, yes? The guy she's dating and living with no less is the city manager soon to become the newest mayor she's sure of it. When she loves she loves she loves she loves with her whole heart. So when he needs help with the fund raiser that has been keeping him out all kinds of late hours for months, she is happy to help. You see he has so much work he even set up a room in another one of the bedrooms so not to disturb...more

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Jun 01, 2013 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: may

This book was so charming and gave me quite a few giggles and I loved every minute of it.

Full review to come.

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May 27, 2013 Mary Gramlich rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Love is always a surprise regardless of where you find it

Luke needs a break from the stress of his police life in San Francisco and Ali just needs a break period. Ali lost her boyfriend, place of residence, and the job she loves all in the same day, boding the question what is next. It turns out Luke owns the place Ali was residing in and despite any sensible decision he should be making he lets her stay with him as he sorts his life out. Luke is a police officer in San Francisco and coming to L...more

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May 24, 2013 Paranormal Haven rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews-by-ronnie-guest-reviewer

I discovered Jill Shalvis late last year and since then, she’s become one of my favorite go-to contemporary romance authors. She writes fabulous dialogue, with fantastic sexual tension, and multifaceted characters. It Had To Be You is her latest within the Lucky Harbor series and features Ali Winters, a woman who manages to maintain a bright outlook despite the troubles that come her way.

Ali discovers that her live-in boyfriend, Teddy, has been cheating on her, and finds that he’s moved out all...more I discovered Jill Shalvis late last year and since then, she’s become one of my favorite go-to contemporary romance authors. She writes fabulous dialogue, with fantastic sexual tension, and multifaceted characters. It Had To Be You is her latest within the Lucky Harbor series and features Ali Winters, a woman who manages to maintain a bright outlook despite the troubles that come her way.

Ali discovers that her live-in boyfriend, Teddy, has been cheating on her, and finds that he’s moved out all of his belongings, while informing her that their lease is up, and she has to leave immediately. Ali meets her landlord, Detective Lieutenant Luke Hanover, while leaving a furious message for her ex dressed in nothing but her underwear. Luke, meanwhile, has come to Lucky Harbor for a much needed rest after a stressful, high profile case involving a senator and his pretty aide. Ali is accused of theft by Teddy, and Luke reluctantly finds himself becoming involved in helping to clear Ali’s name.

I thought Teddy’s character and his subsequent actions were the weakest part of It Had to Be You. Other than being good-looking, there wasn’t much depth and I really didn’t see why Ali, along with multiple other women, were clamoring for this weak, lust filled guy. Ali does stand up to him, but she does it more gently and less self-righteously than what I may have preferred. Luke is admirable hero material, but there were no real surprises when it came to his character and actions. He keeps telling himself to not get involved with Ali, but unsurprisingly, that resolution goes quickly out the window.

Ali, for her part, is the most well drawn character in the entire novel. She doesn’t let her less than ideal upbringing color her outlook with cynicism and ugliness. She’s independent, but knows when she’s out of her depth and needs help. She’s smart and ambitious and is constantly asking her boss to let her try new arrangements for work (she’s a florist). She does something stupid in anger that leads to the police investigating her for theft, so she’s certainly not perfect. I believed in the romance whole heartedly, and this line from Ali sums it up perfectly.

“I care, but I’m not going to let what I feel for you- no matter how it turns out – define my happiness. No one but me can do that.”

This was a perfectly apt sentiment and it was demonstrated through Ali’s actions and feelings towards Luke. She loves him, but won’t give up on her own dreams and her way of doing things.

Ms. Shalvis does an excellent job crafting female characters, and It Had To Be You is filled with her trademark warmth and wit and left me eager for her next book in the Lucky Harbor series.
- Ronnie(less)

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May 20, 2013 Kelly Moran rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: my-reviews

Ali Winters came to Lucky Harbor to start over. What she got was a boyfriend who cheated before leaving, the town accusing her of being a thief, and kicked out of her home. Her only help? A sexy police detective who wants to be left alone. Luke Hanover returned to his hometown to momentarily escape a scandal. What he got was a cute brunette and a boatload of trouble. But this little fling is quickly becoming much, much more.

Though part of a series, these books are stand alone reads. I've loved t...more

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May 14, 2013 Book Reading Gals rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’m a huge fan of small town romances and Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor series is one of my favorites.

Ali and Luke are one of those couples you fall instantly in love with because they are so perfect for each other.

One of the things I love about this series is that while there are now nine books in the series they way that Jill has written them we aren’t overwhelmed by the past characters. We get little pieces of them because this is a small town but each set of books has it’s key characters and so...more I’m a huge fan of small town romances and Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor series is one of my favorites.

Ali and Luke are one of those couples you fall instantly in love with because they are so perfect for each other.

One of the things I love about this series is that while there are now nine books in the series they way that Jill has written them we aren’t overwhelmed by the past characters. We get little pieces of them because this is a small town but each set of books has it’s key characters and so that is what we see.

Luke is a guy who has the world on his shoulders, or so he thinks. When he escapes to Lucky Harbor he’s immediately drawn into Ali’s wreck of a life, though it’s not her fault, and bribed with pie to help her out. Not that he wasn’t going to anyways. Not only does he have Ali in his business, he has his best friend Jack, his grandfather who lives next door, and all the seniors at the senior center doing everything they can to keep him in Lucky Harbor.

Ali…when I think of Ali I think of the song from Annie, It’s a Hard Knock Life. She hasn’t had an easy life, but she refuses to let it make her miserable. Everyday she chooses to smile and be happy. No matter what life throws at her. And it has just thrown her an entire tub of rotten apples. The last thing she needs is her super sexy landlord feeling sorry for her. If it wasn’t for their explosive chemistry, and how at ease they are with each other she would ignore him.

This is another excellent addition to Jill’s Lucky Harbor series. The angst between Luke and Ali is heartfelt and hilarious at times. When you add in all the quirky characters from the past books, Lucille and her facebook updates, you get a story that makes you feel good and want to read it again when you’re done. You feel for Luke each time he says he’s not staying and can’t give anything to Ali, because you know he’s fighting himself and some demons from his past. You want to be Ali’s friend and help her figure out who framed her and tell her to be patient Luke will come around.

If you haven’t read the other books in the series you don’t need to as this book is the first in this set of three. If you’re looking for a fun, feel good, easy read then you will want to pick this book up. I also recommend reading the other books in the series as they are just as good.(less)

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May 13, 2013 Rita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It Had to Be You is a great book, and I absolutely loved the characters. The main character, Ali Winters, works at a flower shop in Lucky Harbor and is dating the town clerk who everyone thinks is a great guy, Teddy. One night, Ali realizes that Teddy is cheating on her. He later dumps her in a text message and lets her know that he did not renew his lease at the house he has been renting and where she has been staying. Things only continue to get worse for Ali when Teddy accuses her of stealing...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

IT HAD TO BE YOU, is the seventh book of the Lucky Harbor series. Let me first point out that I love the Lukcy Harbor series so far, to the point that each book is on my re-read list, and that I have read them multiple times. But, that being said, a book by Jill Shalvis does not automatically mean that I'll love it, I had high expectations going into this book, and luckily Shalvis did not disappoint.

Ali Winters, our heroine, is have a bad day, with being kicked out of her home, accused of being...more IT HAD TO BE YOU, is the seventh book of the Lucky Harbor series. Let me first point out that I love the Lukcy Harbor series so far, to the point that each book is on my re-read list, and that I have read them multiple times. But, that being said, a book by Jill Shalvis does not automatically mean that I'll love it, I had high expectations going into this book, and luckily Shalvis did not disappoint.

Ali Winters, our heroine, is have a bad day, with being kicked out of her home, accused of being a thief and her boyfriend leaving her, Meanwhile, Luke Hanover is in Lucky Harbor for some R and R. I found that both Ali and Luke were multifaceted characters. Luke was not just an angst ridden, brooding detective that just wants to be left alone. Over the course of the book, Shalvis went into great lengths of Luke's background and why he was so reluctant to return home to Lucky Harbor. Ali on the other hand, was shown to be courageous and a true survivor with a big heart. Also thrown into the mix is a "who did it" mystery, that does play a major part in the book, however does not take away from the Luke and Ali story; enhancing their interactions rather than deterring.

For those who have read the previous Lucky Harbor books, Lucille, her posse and, of course, Facebook make an appearance in It Had To Be You. At this point, it wouldn't seem like a Lucky Harbor series with out her or her obsession with posting on Facebook.

One thing I did like about this book (along with the others in this series) is that Shalvis has the ability to create situations and one liners that tend to make you smile and laugh out loud.
For example, in this scene Ali had just been confronted by her ex boyfriend in her home, while Luke overhears:

"She'd have given just about anything to be holding the new key pot she was making so she could wing it at the back of his (her ex boyfriend's) thick skull. In fact, she whirled around looking for something, anything to bean him with.
"Later," Luke said, joining her on the porch after clearly having listened to the whole exchange. "I'll hold him down for you."
"When?" she demanded.
"When you don't have witnesses."
She followed his gaze to Mrs. Gibson, who lived on the other side of Luke's grandfather's house. Fifty-something, she was a local teacher, soaking up the spectacle on her doorstep.
Luke waved at her.
Mrs. Gibson returned the wave and went inside.
"We'll make Facebook before the hour's up," he muttered.
(Page 136 in the ebook)

Overall, I found this to be a great addition to the Lucky Harbor series, even if it did not top my favourite in the series. During this book, we were introduced to the characters that will star in the Shalvis' next book 'Always On My Mind', and I'm excited to read her next one! September can't come soon enough!

As a side note, while this is the seventh book of the series, you do not necessarily have to read the prior books in order to understand It Had To Be You. I also recieved this book early, prior to the release.
(less)

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May 31, 2013 Abadak rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Yes

Shelves: easy-and-happy

Jill Shalvis is just an author that I respect and hold all her stories dear in my heart! She delivers the best narrative.

This is such an easy read that will fulfill your heart and will have you relate to the characters. It is about my favorite town, I wish it really existed: Lucky Harbor.

The author writes on 3rd person which gave me a break on being on the thoughts of the characters. I love her style she describes things not being over the top. The sex scene gives you just the perfect ideas.

Meet...more

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May 31, 2013 Misty rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Who would have thought that the Lucky Harbor series from Jill Shalvis could get any better? Well it happened; Jill has managed to once more knock it out of the park with It Had to Be You! Jill proves that she is quickly becoming one of the top writers in the contemporary romance genre. She knows how to write characters which draw the person who is reading her books right in.
If it wasn’t for bad luck Ali Winters would have no luck at all. She catches her current boyfriend cheating, he’s moved ou...more

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Apr 18, 2013 M.b Nakashima rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received a free ARC because I'm a bookaholic. First of all, let me just say that I've read the entire Lucky Harbor series and LOVED them! I don't know how Jill does it?! Every couple is so distinct, you don't feel like you're reading the same story over and over again. With that said, I HATE to say this, but I felt this story was formulaic - been there, done that. I'm so sorry! It kills me to say that! But! It's a pretty darn good formula, isn't it. You will still like this book, and I just go...more

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May 18, 2013 SOS Aloha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've wandered around, finally found somebody who could make me be true. – Frank Sinatra, IT HAD TO BE YOU.

Jill Shalvis returns to Lucky Harbor with Book 7 in the series, IT HAD TO BE YOU. Shalvis kicked off the series with three sisters who run the B&B - Maddie, Tara, and Chloe – in Books 1, 2, and 3. Readers loved the characters from this charming coastal town, so Shalvis delivered three strangers-turned-friends – Mallory, Amy, and Grace – in Books 5, 6, and 7. This time, Shalvis kicks off...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Paula Gardner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jill Shalvis has done it again! The Lucky Harbor series is wonderful and this latest addition is no exception. The sparks between Luke and Ali start the moment they meet. This book has everything we expect from a Jill Shalvis novel. There’s a great mystery, a hunky Alpha detective who’s got issues from his past, a spunky woman with her own issues, in a great setting of a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business thanks to the local Facebook addict. I love the characters because th...more

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It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor #7)

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