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Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1)

by Jill Shalvis (Goodreads Author)

3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 · rating details · 11,136 ratings · 920 reviews

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother--a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over wo

...more

Paperback, 311 pages

Published October 1st 2010 by Forever (first published September 25th 2010)

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Dec 05, 2011 Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone wanting a sexy, humorous, and makes you happy Contemporary Romance

Recommended to Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* by: Zosia

Shelves: romance-contemporary, owned-read, reviewed

5 Stars - Also reviewed at: Lady Jayne's Reading Den

Do. Not. Resist. This. Book! READ IT. NOW!!! FOR THE SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE JAX CULLEN, ALONE! JILL SHALVIS ROCKS!!!
(I decided to repeat this straight up top, instead of waiting till near the end of my review. LOL)

Zosia, Thanks for your review of this, which made me want to read it!

After the amazing yet emotionally intense and tumultuous experience of The Bronze Horseman Trilogy, I needed a light and humorous yet-still-touch-me-emotionally kind of...more

47 likes · like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, jill-shalvis, 4-star, delightful, endearing-heroine, fabulous-hero, fabulous-characters, family-dynamic, feel-good-read, fluffy-fun-read, frustrating-heroine, girl-next-door, highly-recommended, humorous, scrumptious-hero, steamy, sweet-romance, witty-and-clever, read-series-in-order

Review posted on: Swept Away By Romance

4 to 4 1/2 stars

I loved this book! Loved it!

Simply Irresistible is my first experience reading a Jill Shalvis book and it certainly won't be my last! I'm still baffled by how long it's take me to read one of her books.

Simply Irresistible is a sweet, flirty, feel good romance overflowing with wonderful characters, humor, romance, and a swoonalicious hero that deserves to be called a hero.

Oh, how I love Jax! He's everything I admire in a hero! The heroine,...more

40 likes · like · see review

Sep 22, 2012 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-jill-shalvis, first-in-series, format-paperback, starts-with-q-thru-t, feel-good-read, funny-sexy-romantic, contemporary-romance, 2011-reads, 5-stars, reviewed-for-netgalley, reviewed-by-me

Do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time reading reviews. Just skip them and go buy this book. Just do it. But if you just can’t help yourself, if you simply must read a review, I’ll give you a little something more.

Simply Irresistible is the first book in the Lucky Harbor series and such a great story. I'm sitting here with this silly grin on my face because it's been a long time since I've read a book, any book, that had me smiling, giggling, sighing and fanning myself as much as this on...more

44 likes · like · see review

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

Shelves: contemporary-romance

I am no stranger to the dynamite writing of Jill Shalvis. One of my favorite books ever is a little Harlequin Temptation titled Aftershock. Admittedly, it's been a while since I've read any of her books. Mostly because it seemed as if I always had something else to read.

Listen up! I'm only going to say this once. It pains me to confess any such flaw in my character, but I will sacrifice myself if I can get even one person to give this book a read. I was wrong! I appreciate all the slack-jawed...more

11 likes · like · see review

Dec 14, 2011 Jae rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-star, contemporary, favorites, first-read-by-author, hot-shagging-action, 2011, lovvit, silly-lol

Holy tool belt! What a wonderful read. My eyes were glazed and I had a stupid grin on my face the whole time reading this book. A very HOT Jax Cullen would do that to you. Then again so will Ford or Sawyer.

Maddie the Mouse kinda reminds me a bit of Sandra Bullock in 'While You Were Sleeping'. She was all klutzy, shy and awkward but in a cute way of course. Maddie, Tara and Chloe together were a lethal combination, they just cracked me up.

Simply put, I loved this book. Heading out to Tara's stor...more

28 likes · like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Brittany B. rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Girls with sisters!!

Recommended to Brittany B. by: Buddy Read with Dija

Shelves: great-series, my-first-of-author, buddy_read, rom_contemp, rom_guilty-pleasures, rom_pink_steamy, recs-by-friends

Buddy Read with Dija:

I will consult with my buddy on the review. I think she had trouble connecting to the characters, which I understand.
But here are some of my initial thoughts:

I have lots of issues, and many have to do with my expectations. My end total rating is 3.5.
** I wasn't able to read this uninterrupted. And I'm trying to take that into consideration. But I feel like a lot of nothing happened until the last 10% of the book.

I also hoped for less of the appearance/weight obsessed/co...more

7 likes · like · see review

Aug 23, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Contemporary Romance Lovers

Recommended to Julie by: One Wicked Romance A Week Book Group

Shelves: contemporary-romance, favorites

Maddie Moore is the middle sister of three and feels all the angst of an "invisible" middle sibling. Known as "the mouse," Maddie realizes she has totally lived up to the timid, little image everyone has always assigned to her, especially when she thinks of the recent disastrous events of her life. However, Maddie has determined to set her life on a new path, a stronger more self-assured path. She will be the determiner of her own destiny. On her way to a small coastal Washington town to meet h...more Maddie Moore is the middle sister of three and feels all the angst of an "invisible" middle sibling. Known as "the mouse," Maddie realizes she has totally lived up to the timid, little image everyone has always assigned to her, especially when she thinks of the recent disastrous events of her life. However, Maddie has determined to set her life on a new path, a stronger more self-assured path. She will be the determiner of her own destiny. On her way to a small coastal Washington town to meet her other two sisters after the death of her mother, destiny takes a sharp turn and literally flings her into the path of a disturbingly handsome, bad-boy biker. Jax is anything but what Maddie knows she needs right now. If she could just escape this most embarrassing and harrowing scene with her pride intact after almost running him off the highway into an early grave, she will THEN start on her new path. Jax is more than slightly amused not only at this very attractive woman, but at his response to her, especially since her unique driving skills tried to escort him into the heavenly everafter. Maddie becomes more than just a pleasant lingering thought when her very cute bum stumbles across the threshold and into "The Love Shack," Jax's own domain. He wastes no time in pursuing his puzzling interest. Jax's unique past has taught him to be a very skillful people reader, and he immediately realizes that Maddie hides a very troubling past that has had damaging results. Jax has his own closet of skeletons, but he can't help this innate force that draws him to Maddie, and he realizes that his life is no longer the content, happy-go-lucky existence he has thought it to be. It suddenly feels devoid of something he can't place, except when he is in Maddie's presence.

This author and series was a goodreads book group recommendation by some wonderful wicked women, and it has been one momentously pleasant read! I love the written voice of this author that is catchy, witty, and just overall entertaining as hell. She has woven characters who are funny, emotionally real, and off-the-charts sexy! They are so lust inspiring without being too perfect. They are characters that a reader can imagine running into any day of the week on any spontaneous road trip to a small coastal town. They have real problems with real failings and faults, but you love them anyway. Jill made me laugh, bite my lip in anxiety, and sigh in compassion. Very talented author with a very rich storytelling tool belt, and I can't wait to read her next book in this series. (less)

8 likes · like · see review

Jan 29, 2011 Maldivianbookreviewer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of contemporary romance

Shelves: jill-shalvis, contemporary-romance, commitment-phobic-heroine, commitment-phobic-hero, emotional-wrangler, endearing-hero, endearing-heroine, explosive-passion, family-drama, favorites, favorite-alpha-heroes, good-for-nothing-ex-fiance, haunted-by-the-past-heroine, good-for-nothing-ex-boyfriend, haunted-by-the-past-hero, hot-as-sin-hero, hottest-sex-scenes-ever, hottest-first-kiss, laugh-out-loud-moments, lawyer-hero, shower-smexing, sizzling-sexual-tension, should-be-made-into-a-movie, tortured-heroine, tattoed-hero, unforgettable-hero, sexy-tool-belt-clad-hero

5 Star Contemporary Romance

This was one of the most difficult reviews I have had to write not because I didn't enjoy the book but because of it. I wanted my review to do justice to a book that I had enjoyed immensely and would recommend to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance that would leave your inner self smiling towards the end.

Review:

Simply Irresistible is a book that lives up to its title, yes, its simply irresistible and I found myself so engrossed in the world of Lucky Harbo...more

5 likes · like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Dija rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of small town romances

Shelves: 2010, awww, buddy-slash-group-read, cotton-candy-fluff, cr, meh, read-in-2012, my-reviews

*Buddy read with Brit! You can read her review here.*

I generally tend to love small town romances, but I had a lot of trouble connecting with the characters in Simply Irresistible and that mostly ruined my enjoyment of the story.

Maddie is, simply put, a doormat. She regained some of her inner strength by the end, but throughout the story, I didn't really develop any feelings for her. I didn't like her, didn't hate her, she was just there. The only thing we have in common is our love for chips.

J...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Limeminearia rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book is incredibly dumb. Why is the protagonist so obsessed with her love interest's henley (a long sleeved t-shirt) that she mentions specifically that he's wearing a henley at least four times? I thought that I'd made it past the last henley mention, then BOOM, the stupid henley/jeans outfit description popped up again in the last few pages. Sometimes he even wears a "graphic henley." Also, why must they run into each other every thirty seconds so that he can discuss the depth of his feel...more This book is incredibly dumb. Why is the protagonist so obsessed with her love interest's henley (a long sleeved t-shirt) that she mentions specifically that he's wearing a henley at least four times? I thought that I'd made it past the last henley mention, then BOOM, the stupid henley/jeans outfit description popped up again in the last few pages. Sometimes he even wears a "graphic henley." Also, why must they run into each other every thirty seconds so that he can discuss the depth of his feelings. Was it not sexy enough that he is physically perfect, but he also has to be a contractor (who makes all the furniture and stained glass in his homes himself, by hand) and a lawyer and a bartender and THE MAYOR of the effing town and part owner of most businesses? At one scene in the local diner the townspeople literally call out his virtues including that he personally bought flak jackets for the police from his own wallet. HE IS SELFLESS. HE IS HOT. GET IT??????????????

Other crazycakes stuff in this book:
-The protagonist's southern sister is named Tara and her indie sister is named Chloe
-It only takes a few weeks to totally renovate a house with just one person working (stopping often to moan about the unspeakable, unprecedented, total emotional and sexual arousal the potato chip-eating main character constantly causes him)
-Each chapter starts with a supposedly witty or touching quote from the sisters' mom and they are all just the dorkiest possible cliches
-Even though this is a book for adults and people are sexin' it up somewhat explicitly, the author is maddeningly coy about mentioning lady body parts. "She felt a tug in that place below her belly button. Yoooooooooouu know the place. Yeah, that place. A few inches below the belly button. No, not that way. Straight down. If you know what I mean. Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiink."
-This is the first in a series

This is only sexy stuff if you think pushing paper dolls together and having them say ridiculous shit about how they can never trust again is hot. Then again, this is a bestselling author and the book has a great cheesy movie-type premise. So somebody must love it.

I had to read it for work and I'm glad I did. It highlighted for me that I need to read more romance novels so that I can find ones that I like better, to recommend.

ps- Why, if this town is the coziest, safest, most romantic little village in Washington State*, did the police need flak jackets? And if there really is a serious need for flak jackets why did a private citizen have to buy them with his own money? Shouldn't the mayor have helped take care of that? OH WAIT. The love interest is also the mayor. Perhaps he was too busy making stained glass and being emotionally available to apportion the funds.

ps thanks, Kelly, for pointing out that my original review had the setting wrong.(less)

8 likes · like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone!

Recommended to Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* by: Publisher

Shelves: books-i-own, genre-contemporary-romance, blog-winnings, my-hottie-harem, read-in-2011, review-requests, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, netgalley, favorites

Posted on Under the Covers

Welcome to Lucky Harbor - a small town populated by people with big hearts and personalities! Sounds fun, right?

Except Maddie Moore isn’t too pleased about returning to Lucky Harbor. Freshly fired and still feeling the sting, Maddie is Miss Moping as she drives herself into the town where her mother lived. Upon her mother’s death, Maddie and her half-sisters Tara and Chloe are forced to return and fix up the Lucky Harbor Resort that their beloved mother left for them....more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 25, 2011 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-romance-contemporary, auto-buy-author, m-pb-paperback, theme-small-town-lovin, animal-dog-in-story, sweet♡with-a-little-spice, holiday-christmas-perfect, genre-romance-rita-award, season-winter, zzcover-white, reviewed-by-me, authors-s, authors-j, xyzcover-ice-snow-snowflake, all-time-favorites, genre-romance-love-laughter

Washington State Pacific Coastline

★★★★½ Wonderful book and just what I needed right now after reading about the murder of -- not one -- but two beloved characters in another series. Ms. Shalvis has long been a favorite author, and she knocks it out of the ball park with this one, a story of three sisters who inherit an inn. With plenty of humor and hilarity; frustration, fights, fears, and tears; secrets and sizzling sex.

But, it is not all that chick-lit-ish. It’s a romance! Both Maggie and Jax...more

21 likes · like · see review

Jul 22, 2011 Bekah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, top-10-heroes, 5-star-reads

When I read a great book, it's almost as if I become incoherent. I lose the ability to adequately express to you how good it was in an articulate manner because what I really want to do is jump up and down clapping my hands in glee. Not helpful, but the excitement should translate. I LOVED this book. More accurate, I LOVED the hero Jax. He shoots up to probably third in my top ten. Which I'm still developing btw, so if any of you out there have heroes you want me to add, send them my way!!!

Madd...more When I read a great book, it's almost as if I become incoherent. I lose the ability to adequately express to you how good it was in an articulate manner because what I really want to do is jump up and down clapping my hands in glee. Not helpful, but the excitement should translate. I LOVED this book. More accurate, I LOVED the hero Jax. He shoots up to probably third in my top ten. Which I'm still developing btw, so if any of you out there have heroes you want me to add, send them my way!!!

Maddie is arriving to a small town in Washington to take over an inn that her recently deceased mother has left her and her two half sisters, when she almost runs Jax, our fab hero on a motorcycle, off the road. Once she ensures he is ok, she carries on to the inn and her sisters who she barely knows. They must decide whether to stay and run the dilapidated and money pit of an inn or sell and go their separate ways.

I loved Maddie as well, her struggles were tangible and believable and I also thought she was sorta adorable in her clumsiness. I loved the relationship building that went on between her and her sisters and I related with her as the middle child, as that is where I am in my family as well. It's a unique spot...often very difficult which I found accurately expressed in the book.

But what I really want to talk about is Jax Jax Jax. OMG Jax. Jill Shalvis wrote his character masterfully. I hope that this is the norm for her books because as soon as I can I will be out purchasing her books for more of this 'perfect hero' fix! Every nuance of his character was a thrill to read because I felt as if I could see him so clearly in my mind, reach out and actually touch him, smell him and see the expression in his eyes as she described it. It was such a great reading experience. Especially as a woman to be reading about a man like that. Its hard to put into words how wonderful he was, so I'll just give a couple of examples of what made me fall in love with him.

1. He was always THERE. Every stinkin time Maddie needed him and she didn't even know it, Jax was there. To lend a hand, a shoulder, a wonderfully hot smelling leather jacket. He was just there. She turned around, there he was. She opened her eyes..there..staring deeply into hers. He didn't push, he supported and he was there. He was strong enough, man enough to just be there.

2. He was so loving, so romantic, and so intense and consumed with Maddie it was heart aching..my heart literally ached. It was beautiful. Jill Shalvis showed this intensity in all these great incredible romantic ways. My favorite was how Jax couldn't stop saying Maddie's name. He said her name all the time, over and over and over again. Happily, excitedly, reverently - Maddie Maddie Maddie. It was as if it was all he could do to *NOT* say her name. And when you love someone, really really love someone, don't you say their name all of the time? You can't help it you're so in love you say their name all the time you make friends sick with it. Jax said her name so many times, at the right times, and in oh so the right ways!

3. His love touches. Stroking the underside of her jaw. Cupping the back of her neck. Stroking her cheek. Kissing her forehead, constantly burying his face in her neck, licking and kissing her pulse points. Nibbling her ear, holding her tight. It never stopped with him it was so PERFECT! :-)

4. Sex appeal. Jax Cullen is sex. He walks it, he talks it, he smells like it, his eyes laser beam it into your brain, his hands imprint it into your skin and his mouth...oh the words he says. :-) Maddie's pleasure was more important to him than his own, and that in itself is a testament to the kind of perfect hero Jax is! His intensity with her when they made love was so palpable that I could almost kick Maddie out of the bed and replace her with me, the feelings were so strong! His insistence that she stay with him, feel him, stare into his eyes and acknowledge them, their love, and their union was so.damn.hot. He was utterly consumed with her and her happiness and that just made his sex appeal all the more potent.

Finally, this book was so extraordinarily funny! I laughed and laughed and laughed. I loved the dynamics between the sisters and I just can not wait for the remaining two stories. This is why I always read series when all books have been published. I HATE WAITING!

Off to find more Jill Shalvis books and find out if this one was a fluke or not. God I hope not!!

Check this one out...for the hero alone ladies!(less)

10 likes · like · see review

Oct 02, 2010 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, desert-island-keepers, dreamy-heroes, contemporary-romance, biker-boys-or-babes, construction-handyman-etc, own, klutzy-accident-prone, 1st-in-series, my-5-star-romances

Simply irresistible! Fun, entertaining and a little heart-wrenching. I fell hard for Jax! Can't wait for the rest of the series.

"Where did that flashlight come from?" Chloe asked.
"My purse."
Chloe looked at Tara. "She carries a flashlight in her purse."
"For emergencies," Maddie said, trying to see into the yard.
"You have any chocolate?" Chloe asked hopefully. "For emergencies?"
"Of course. Side Pocket, next to the fork."

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 19, 2010 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of funny, steamy, small town contemporary romance

Shelves: jill-shalvis, contemporary-romance, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, small-town-lovin, i-read-no-longer-own-sold-swapped, 2010-reads, dirty-talk-turns-me-on, bikers-sexy-as-sin, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hero-beta, hero-i-wanna-marry, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-curvy-plump-not-stick-thin, hh-politician-diplomat, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, lawyers-need-love-too, made-me-cry, sizable-packages, sweet-romance-left-smile-on-my-face, tattoos-piercings-body-art, series-lucky-harbor, holiday-reading, 4-to-5-stars, hero-too-yummy-perfect-to-be-true, favorite-romance-series, hero-expert-skilled-voracious-lover, hero-bedroom-bad-boy

4 ½-5 stars – Contemporary Romance

11 likes · like · see review

Feb 22, 2012 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, favorites

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Those of you who follow my blog may have noticed that I read mostly Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance titles. I love love love them but after reading quite a few in a row, I sometimes start to feel a little ‘heavy’ because let’s face it, titles in these genres tend to be intense in their stories, involved in their characters and dark in their themes. That is why I sometimes look for a contemporary romance book to read. Contemporary romances tend to sn...more Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Those of you who follow my blog may have noticed that I read mostly Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance titles. I love love love them but after reading quite a few in a row, I sometimes start to feel a little ‘heavy’ because let’s face it, titles in these genres tend to be intense in their stories, involved in their characters and dark in their themes. That is why I sometimes look for a contemporary romance book to read. Contemporary romances tend to snap me right out of my UF/PNR gloom – as long as they have all the elements I adore in a modern romance story. For a contemporary romance to really work for me it must be fun, funny, sweet, sexy and cute.

Simply Irresistible is the first book in Jill Shalvis’ Lucky Harbor series and it is just darling and fits each one of my criteria. I won’t bother going into what the book is about since the Goodreads summary pretty much says it all so let’s just get right into the characters.

Maddie I loved. Quirky, smart, funny… there were times I saw me in her. And not in her most flattering moments. *g* I could go on and on about everything I liked about her but I think it would take up the entire review. How she meets Jax was so funny and suited her perfectly. That right there was the hint of things to come from her and from this story. Really great.

Jax I loved. (Do you see a theme building here?) Used to be a lawyer and now is the handy-man/town hunk/overall great guy. To me he was the perfect contemporary romance hero. He was sweet and smart and funny and… Apparently this is another character I could just go on and on about, so I’ll stop here. Jax and Maddie make an amazing couple though. They are both warm and giving and loving people and they really deserve each other.

Maddie’s sisters, Tara and Chloe, were in this book just enough to make me want to know more about them. I didn’t love reading their disagreements but they were all part of their characters and it made them all coming together to reach their common goal all the more sweet. Actually, thinking back, I really want to know more about them. There is one thing in particular about Tara and this guy in town and all this animosity between them and… I am pretty sure I have that all figured out but I am going to have to wait until the next book to know for sure because The Sweetest Thing is Tara’s book.

Jax’s friends, Ford and Sawyer, were fun too. You didn’t see much of Sawyer but we did see quite a bit of Ford and he was a hoot!

I loved this book. Everything about it was just charming and lovely and sweet and sexy…and yeah. It was a wonderful contemporary romance read and it absolutely helped clear my head and my heart from the guns and paranormal creatures and world-changing situations that fuddle my head sometimes and replaced it with sunshine and rainbows. The story was good and the pacing was good too. Honestly, I can’t think of anything truly horrible about this book. It made me want to keep reading, it made me smile, it made me giggle and it made me swoon. The setting was great, the story was great, Maddie was great, Jax was great, the supporting characters were great…just great great great. I will definitely be recommending this one to others with gusto and will be devouring the other books in the series as soon as I have the chance.(less)

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Jan 09, 2012 ~V~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, favorites

If someone had asked me a year ago if i would be interested in reading this book i would have probably said no..simply because i didn't read contemporary romances at the time..i only read PNRs and Romantic suspense books because i thought i NEEDED the suspense and action with my romances...boy have i been proved wrong this year!! It all started with a book called the Sweet Gum Tree which, once again, came at the suggestion of my lovely friend Sharon!... i ended up absolutely loving it so i sough...more If someone had asked me a year ago if i would be interested in reading this book i would have probably said no..simply because i didn't read contemporary romances at the time..i only read PNRs and Romantic suspense books because i thought i NEEDED the suspense and action with my romances...boy have i been proved wrong this year!! It all started with a book called the Sweet Gum Tree which, once again, came at the suggestion of my lovely friend Sharon!... i ended up absolutely loving it so i sought out more of that author's books (all contemp. romances) again...loved them all. After seeing some of my GR friends and so many others raving about the Lucky Harbor series i decided to give Simply Irresistible a try and WOW!..i LOVED IT soooo much that i have now come to the realization that it is NOT the action and suspense that i need in a romance book in order to fully enjoy it...it's the ROMANCE period!! It really doesn't matter what genre it is..i'm just a sucker for a good romance...and the more emotional the better!!

I loved EVERYTHING about this book!! It was sooo sweet and funny and def. emotional at times..oh!..and i will admit..i was a little bit nervous about the "steam factor"..i was afraid that it was going to be non existant...i am very happy to announce that was NOT the case! Jill Shalvis' sex scenes are definitely sexy and steamy! YAY! ;) I loved the bantering between the three sisters and between Jax and Maddie...there were so many times i was LOL!! I loved the little "life lessons/pieces of advise" at the beginning of each chapter that Phoebe left for her daughters. I LOVED Jax!!..holy cow was he YUMMY!!...his friend, Ford was also very yummy and sooo funny!...can't wait to find out what he and Tara are hiding!...and i loved the little town of Lucky Harbor..i want to live there!! I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances...even if your NOT someone who typically reads contemp. romances STILL give it a try...you'll be surprised at how this book might just change your mind!! :)

...and NOW...i'm on to book 2!! :)(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 26, 2010 KatLynne rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: g-contemporary-romance, part-of-a-series, favorite-treasures, 2010-reads, library-book, need-to-purchase

This is the first book in a new Trilogy by Shalvis about three sisters who inherit a seaside resort from their free-spirited mother. This is my 3rd book by Jill Shalvis and so far the best for me. This book grabbed me from the first page and I fell in love with Lucky Harbor and it's characters. Maddie and her two half sisters have not spent much time together, but now they are meeting in Lucky Harbor, Washington to claim the inheritance left by their mother. The Resort is in need of repairs and...more

11 likes · like · see review

Jun 20, 2011 Diana~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, 2011-reads, author-jill-shalvis

Oh man, if you're looking for a book that will definitely be tugging your heartstrings, look no further. Simply Irresistable is that book! With an irresistable and sexy hero name Jax and a clumsy, soft-spoken, and adorable heroine... I totally fell in love with this book and its characters. The book simply captured me from the very first page and I was dying to see the ending result of Jax and Maddie's relationship. Let's just say that the ending was definitely what I was looking for! *wink* For...more Oh man, if you're looking for a book that will definitely be tugging your heartstrings, look no further. Simply Irresistable is that book! With an irresistable and sexy hero name Jax and a clumsy, soft-spoken, and adorable heroine... I totally fell in love with this book and its characters. The book simply captured me from the very first page and I was dying to see the ending result of Jax and Maddie's relationship. Let's just say that the ending was definitely what I was looking for! *wink* For a contemporary romance novel, Jill Shalvis seriously knows how to pack a punch in the steam department. I mean, wowza. Every touch and moment between the H/hr was to die for and very hot ! I can not wait for Tara and Ford's book, The Sweetest Thing , heh.

The first book to this series is Maddie Moore's story of finally finding a family in her sisters who she cares and loves for... as well as meeting the love of her life in this little town called Lucky Harbor, Washington. After losing her job and finally breaking up with her ex-boyfriend, Maddie decides to start a new beginning in this town and meet up with her two step-siblings to inherit the inn that her mother, Phoebe Traeger, left behind. Too bad the inn happens to be in a terrible state and in serious need of repairs! This will certainly be a challenge when her half siblings don't even want to stay or have anything to do with this inn...

As for Jax and Maddie's first meeting, let's just say that the first time they actually had a conversation with one another, was when she almost ran over him while driving her car! How adorable. In my opinion, their relationship was so real and sweet... and I definitely understand that Maddie was going through. After getting out of a horrible relationship, she needed time before heading into another relationship. Except well, we all know that from the very start, she was doomed when she met Jax. For a small town like Lucky Harbor, he's practically everywhere she goes! Not to mention that he also happens to be the town's mayor? Whoo! Anyway, while going for a walk in town, she ends up meeting Jax again in front of a bar called Love Shack, hah! To make things short, they decided to walk around and Maddie eventually lands a kiss from him. ;)

I loved their relationship. I mean, Jax was sweet, sexy, and very loving towards Maddie. Heck! He was the first one to fall and tell her that he loves her. While Maddie... she did have some TSTL moments, but she eventually saw the light. You can't exactly blame her for being reluctant about being in another relationship since the last one she had was pretty ugly. The chemistry between these two was off the charts though! Wow, they definitely had some hot moments. Either way, for my first Jill Shalvis book, I truly enjoyed and loved it. This one was a 5/5 stars! Tara and Ford's book is next~ hehe.(less)

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Jul 26, 2012 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-contemporary, oooooooooooooooooooooooo, 4-stars-for-enjoyment, 4-stars-for-quality

This was my first Jill Shavis novel, and I really liked it :)

If you're in the mood for something light, romantic and funny, this is your book :)

The story - This is the first in the series, so we have introductions to all the characters, male and female. There are three sisters who inherited the Lucky Harbour Inn. They're estranged and want nothing to do with the place, all except Maddie. She's had some rough time in her past, an abusive ex, and a difficult job she got fired from. She wants to s...more This was my first Jill Shavis novel, and I really liked it :)

If you're in the mood for something light, romantic and funny, this is your book :)

The story - This is the first in the series, so we have introductions to all the characters, male and female. There are three sisters who inherited the Lucky Harbour Inn. They're estranged and want nothing to do with the place, all except Maddie. She's had some rough time in her past, an abusive ex, and a difficult job she got fired from. She wants to start life again, and thinks it's meant to be that her sisters and herself are left with the Inn. Jax, Ford and Sawyer are friends, actually something like blood brothers. They're gonna have their own books with the other sisters I think :) Anyway, comming to Lucky Harbour, Maddy almost ran over a biker guy, himself being Jax XD He likes her instantly and they bein to dance around each other :)

Maddy - She's "The Mouse" as they referr to in the novel XD Quite timid, a total klutz, she manages to trip over everything in and out of her way heheh She's swarn off men (yeah right lol) and doesn't want to give in to the attraction she feels with Jax. Of course, that doesnt't work. At all. In between her fighting their chemistry, she's fighting to save the Inn, even though her sisters want to sell it. As time passes they bond as well, and she wants them to finally be a family.

Jax - He's got so many personas it's hard to remember them all XD he's a biker hot guy, bartender, construction worker, lawyer and mayor (I think I forgot something, but hell even this is enough) He's charismatic, loved him with Maddy, every scene was bursting with chemistry :) He knows she's been hurt in the past, and even though she constantly insists they don't start anything, he's very persistent (heheh, go Jax!), and soon even he changes his mind about long-term relationships.

Overall - It was a great read, very funny with a great romance, nothing serious or angsty about it, just pure romantic writing. At times it was extremly funny, I was bursting out laughing more than once, and boy, one scene brought tears to my eyes (from laughing, yes!). It was exactly what I needed to read, and it fulfilled my expectations completely. But still, it's 4 stars, don't know, it didn't rock my world or anything to get a shiny 5 from me, it was lovely and I really really liked it :)

Favorite scenes
- when she almost runs him over, than "talks" on her cellphone, only to recieve an actuall call, oh my I laughed at that hahah
- the sisters decorating the christmas tree hahahah man what an imagination - an eyelash curler as decoration hahahah
- when she calls Jax on the phone asking for his "mastery" hahahah that was just brilliant XDXDXD
- when she sits on the washer (or drier, forgot what it was) and Jax commes in XD
(less)

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Jan 28, 2012 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Simply Irresistible is the first book in the Lucky Harbor series and such a wonderful story. I'm impressed with this author. She has created a contemporary romance with strong characters and a great setting. This is the first book I've read in a long time that had me smiling and laughing out loud at any given moment. I rarely rate books as a 5 unless it really knocks my boots off and this one did. I am excited that this is a series. I can only hope that the other books in this series build off t...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 12, 2012 Quinn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

SQUEEE! I just won this one in the fabulous Lady Jayne's giveaway on her blog

Thank you soooo much, Jayne!

-------------------------------------------------------------

Excellent Contemporary Romance!

What was I thinking that it took me so long to read this? I could kick myself for suffering through all those Kindle freebies when I had this little gem safely tucked away waiting for me. Nevertheless, this is a case of definitely better late than never.

The start of Simply Irresistible had some of the...more

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May 11, 2012 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own-it

Teetered very close to the cloying small town preciousness that I just don't like in contemporaries, but it had a better romance after getting past all the silliness. I just wish these small town contemporary heroines didn't have so many tics - and all the same ones! Why are they all so adorably clumsy? Ugh. The tee shirt sayings and the chick lit style longings for potato chips and milkshakes? Oy. It could have been far more compelling - she had enough going on in her life to draw a reader in t...more

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Jun 09, 2012 Carrie Lim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Carrie by: Diana

Shelves: angsty-drama, can-t-get-enough, characters-made-of-win, chick-lit, contemporary-romance, deserves-all-the-stars-in-the-sky, domestic-bliss, epic-first-kiss, families, favorite-couples, favorite, favorite-heroes, favorite-heroines, hero-gentleman, humor, journey, knight-in-shining-armor, lmfao, lines-of-the-best-kind, love-between-the-lines, melt-worthy-scenes, momentous-moments, opposites-attract, overcoming-oneself, part-of-series, past-that-haunts, plot-has-plot, quotes-of-the-best-kind, real-love-is-real, romance, saving-grace, so-real-it-hurts, tears-all-over-the-place, sweet-and-fluffy, that-much-stronger, thoughts-are-real-thoughts, thought-provoking, heroine-tormented, tragical-plots, traumatic-events, unputdownable, what-lies-beneath, witty

Read this after the second book, The Sweeting Thing. I think reading the series out of order doesn't hurt. Actually, I found myself far more invested in learning how the characters were introduced after having already getting a feel for them.

The characters are witty, lovable and so very real! This book, Simply Irresistible, touched close to home as I really felt like I could identify with Maddie. (And that has never happened before!) Maddie, the mediator, the middle child, oh, my heart reached o...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Ginger (GReads!) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, adult-contemporary

Originally posted at GReads: http://www.greadsbooks.com/2012/09/si...

I have been on a quest to find the perfect Adult Romance for myself. Nothing too cheesy, and nothing too embarrassing (let's be real -- Ginger covers her eyes and gets red cheeks when certain body parts are given silly names). Thanks to my good friend Jess for recommending this book to me, I've found just the right mix of passion and depth within this contemporary adult romance. She knows my tastes all too well.

The first thing...more Originally posted at GReads: http://www.greadsbooks.com/2012/09/si...

I have been on a quest to find the perfect Adult Romance for myself. Nothing too cheesy, and nothing too embarrassing (let's be real -- Ginger covers her eyes and gets red cheeks when certain body parts are given silly names). Thanks to my good friend Jess for recommending this book to me, I've found just the right mix of passion and depth within this contemporary adult romance. She knows my tastes all too well.

The first thing that captured my attention with this particular story was the setting. I could totally visualize the small beach side town of Lucky Harbor. It reminded me of such places that I see in movies. With the fall/winter season approaching quickly, I welcomed the change of season in my reading material as well. Though Texas never sees snow like the Pacific Northwest, I still enjoy experiencing it through vividly told stories such as this one.

The other dynamic of this story which really won me over is the story line. I love the idea of starting over when you feel as though you've hit rock bottom. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Well, lots of things in Maddie's case. But there's always that silver lining somewhere and I really connected with Maddie, her sisters, and the various people in Lucky Harbor who continuously searched for it.

And then there was the passion. Oh my. Maddie meets Jax within the first few pages; however, their tension builds for quite some time after that. It's not just about the physical connection though, there's something richer, deeper there, and as the reader you instantly feel it. Experiencing their encounters one after the other was a treat for me to read about. Yes, there were moments when I blushed like crazy, but there were also more sweet, mature moments that I could identify with.

I know that there are several books in this series, and have been told they follow various characters and their stories. I've already picked up the second book and plan to make my way through all of them, eventually. I have a desire to read more contemporary romance novels, but they have to be the perfect fit for me. The Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis definitely captured my interest! (less)

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Sep 25, 2011 Maggie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

I was so in the mood for this book. I loved the main characters and I enjoyed the story a lot. Steamy steamy at times, I can't wait until book 2 comes out.

Re-read: September 2011 on Audio. The audio version is very good.

4 likes · like · see review

Feb 28, 2012 Jacob Proffitt rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: people who like romance and steamy sex scenes

Shelves: romance, steamy

This book started out rather rocky. The dialog seemed stilted, particularly between the sisters and the character motivations were obscure to the point of straining credibility. Fortunately, that evened out relatively quickly and dropped you into a sweet story about sisters, unexpected kindness, and new beginnings. Just take the premise of the sisters being bound by the inheritance of the inn and you'll be fine.

Maddie's reactions after being physically abused by her former boyfriend were particu...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Paige rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own, nook, 2012-books

3.5

I’ve heard a lot about the Lucky Harbor series, but never took the chance on buying them. When Barnes & Nobles featured SIMPLY IRRESSITIBLE for .99, I jumped on it.

I have to say, I wasn’t disappointed. SIMPLY IRRESISTABLE was a fun love story with so many great qualities. It a strong sense of family, honesty and love within that all connected them to each other.

Maddie Moore sees inheriting her mother’s inn as a new beginning. Time to stop being the ‘mouse’ her mom called her and start s...more

1 like · like · see review

May 25, 2012 Nitzan Schwarz rated it 3 of 5 stars

To read more reviews and fun things go to my blog; Drugs Called Books!

This was so damn cute. I was grinning stupidly half of the book, with my heart clenching the other half.
There were just so many things I liked about this book. First of all, the writing style. I don't know exactly what it is, but I loved it.
Second, the characters. Each and every one of them were just plain awesome. I loved Maddie and Jax, I loved Tara and Chloe and Ford (didn't get too much of the sheriff guy to have an opin...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 05, 2012 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beach-summer-love

What I Loved:
1. Tara's expressions "funny sayings"
2. Chloe's uncensored mouth
3. Maddie- always the peacemaker
4. The hilarious group of guys: Jax, Ford and Sawyer
5. Jax- such a good, caring, sweet & loving guy
6. The sisters "Christmas Tree" & decorations. lol
7. The sisters finding themselves and learning to work together

Maddie, Tara and Chloe find themselves owners to a run down Inn in Lucky Harbor. Their late mother left them the Inn in her Will. The sisters had no idea about this place...more

2 likes · like · see review

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About Jill Shalvis

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky animals. Any resemblance to the quirky animals in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a completely booklist and daily blog detailing her ci...more

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Quotes from Simply Irresistible

“If I looked like him,” Tara said. “I’d want to have sex with myself. All the time.” — 120 people liked it

“Just when you think you’ve hit rock bottom, someone will hand you a shovel.” — 79 people liked it

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Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor #1)

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