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Lucky Harbor #5
At Last
HER LOVE HAS COME ALONG . . .
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.
A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.
A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.
314 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 26, 2012
About the author
Jill Shalvis
399 books12.6k followers Multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is … mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning heartwarming and full of humor novels wherever books are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures. Her newest Sunrise Cove novel, THE BACKUP PLAN, is out now, and THE SWEETHEART LIST comes out in June!
Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Connect with Jill:
http://instagram.com/jillshalvis
http://facebook.com/JillShalvis
http://twitter.com/jillshalvis
Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Connect with Jill:
http://instagram.com/jillshalvis
http://facebook.com/JillShalvis
http://twitter.com/jillshalvis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 766 reviews
October 16, 2012
It's always such a treat to read a book by Jill Shalvis because I know I'm guaranteed to love it! Time after time, she weaves tales that sweep me up and set me down in a place I'd love to live, with people I want to call friends, family, or the love of my life.
And sometimes when I'm reading a book, I try to imagine what it's like for the author when writing the story. Do they bite their nails, fiddle with their hair, or gaze out the window? Well, whatever it is Jill Shalvis does, it works, because book after book, story after story, without fail, she makes magic happen.
Amy Michaels loves her new life in Lucky Harbor. A waitress in the local diner, she's looking forward to her first weekend hike through the mountains. But when a wrong turn takes her off the trail, she finds herself up close and personal with forest ranger Matt Bowers. And even though she's tempted to kiss that sexy smile right off his face, she won't make the mistake of getting involved with the town heartthrob.At Last is the fifth book in the incredibly popular Lucky Harbor series and just like the previous books is filled with excitement, laughter and plenty of steamy goodness. But I have to say... wow… even more than the previous books, this one is filled with poignant moments that can only happen when people we care about hurt. And trust me on this, Matt and Amy are definitely people we come to care about, and they definitely hurt. Their lives before Lucky Harbor were certainly not easy, but their tragic pasts, all that heartache and vulnerability made their happily ever after, once they reached it, so beautiful that I couldn't help but close the book with a smile on face and a warm, happy feeling inside.
A former cop whose life went south, Matt doesn't let anyone get too close. But something about the feisty beauty caught his eye the moment he first saw her in the diner. After a hot night under a starry sky, Matt can't deny their attraction-or the fact that for the first time in a long time, he feels the stirrings of something more. Now it's up to Matt to help Amy see that, no matter what is in their past, together they can build a future in Lucky Harbor.
This book was provided by netgalley.com and Grand Central Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2012
I adore Jill Shalvis as an author, she has niche for writing books that pull you in by the strength of her characters and in a continuation of her amazing Lucky Harbor series she gives us the story of the second member of the Chocoholics Amy Michaels, pairing her up with Supervisory Forest Ranger Matthew Bowers.
We have met Amy in the previous books and she works at the diner and is closed off and tough as nails and not much is known about her past and she prefers it that way. She is a survivor and is in Lucky Harbor trying to connect with her grandmother and through her journals, hoping to find the same peace and heart her grandmother did, so it is a pain that she gets lost in the process and has to ask for help, something she hates to do. Her friend Mallory sends Matt.
Matt has a thing for Amy, but she ignores him even though she serves him at the diner everyday. He goes to rescue her and knows that she won't like it and she doesn't. They both end up spending the night camping and demonstrating their sizzling chemistry.
Matt came to Lucky Harbor for some peace. He joined Chicago SWAT after spending some time in the Navy, where he met Ty, but left the force after things went to hell, his partner was on the take and doing the right thing cost him his peace of mind and marriage. His ex blamed him and his job and walked off and Matt lost all taste for commitment, so when Amy tells him that in case they do give in to the hormones between them, it will be just sex, he laughs his head off, since that suits him perfectly.
Matt also has a name "Ranger Hot Buns" and as always Lucille and her Facebook page is up and running, giving us laughs along the way. I have to say this book was darker than the previous books in the series because Amy has a lot of baggage and the presence of Riley, a teenage runaway with things to hide, somehow brings Amy's past to the surface and brings along with it a chance for her to help someone out, someone who reminds her of her old self, stubborn to the extreme, refusing to accept help.
The book is filled with moments that will bring a smile to your face, like when Amy goes on her first ever date because of Matt and even when Amy starts to connect with her mom over the phone. The book in many ways chronicles Amy's growth, her trying to find something to center herself through her grandmother's journals and in the end realizing that she has found her own hope and happiness in Lucky Harbor.
Both Matt and Amy from not wanting to get involved, find themselves involved and at separate moments try to pull away, for Amy when the sex felt so much more emotional and Matt, when he realized that he had only told Amy the good parts of himself and not what happened in Chicago.
That Amy wanted to believe and help Riley was so evident. Amy had been a messed up teenager, her grandmother died at 12, leaving her with a mother she didn't know and Amy self-destructed, lying, manipulating, using sex as a tool and that all came to bite her when her stepfather wanted her and no-one believed her so she ran away at 16 and it took her a couple of years to turn things around, to stop using sex and become her own person. But we see at the end that she had come so far from the person she used to be, forgiving her mom, opening herself up by telling Matt about her past.
Amongst all the books of this series, Amy was the heroine with the maximum number of issues and I liked her emotional pay-off at the end and how Riley played a role in it. Matt was as always a great Shalvis hero, hot and sexy as hell and protective.
I enjoyed the book but somehow this still ended up being my least favorite book of the series, the romance worked a little less for me since the focus of the book I felt was more on Amy's journey. Now, the question will I recommend At Last to others? My answer is yes but this is not the best of the series.
*ARC provided by Grand Central & Netgalley
We have met Amy in the previous books and she works at the diner and is closed off and tough as nails and not much is known about her past and she prefers it that way. She is a survivor and is in Lucky Harbor trying to connect with her grandmother and through her journals, hoping to find the same peace and heart her grandmother did, so it is a pain that she gets lost in the process and has to ask for help, something she hates to do. Her friend Mallory sends Matt.
Matt has a thing for Amy, but she ignores him even though she serves him at the diner everyday. He goes to rescue her and knows that she won't like it and she doesn't. They both end up spending the night camping and demonstrating their sizzling chemistry.
Matt came to Lucky Harbor for some peace. He joined Chicago SWAT after spending some time in the Navy, where he met Ty, but left the force after things went to hell, his partner was on the take and doing the right thing cost him his peace of mind and marriage. His ex blamed him and his job and walked off and Matt lost all taste for commitment, so when Amy tells him that in case they do give in to the hormones between them, it will be just sex, he laughs his head off, since that suits him perfectly.
Matt also has a name "Ranger Hot Buns" and as always Lucille and her Facebook page is up and running, giving us laughs along the way. I have to say this book was darker than the previous books in the series because Amy has a lot of baggage and the presence of Riley, a teenage runaway with things to hide, somehow brings Amy's past to the surface and brings along with it a chance for her to help someone out, someone who reminds her of her old self, stubborn to the extreme, refusing to accept help.
The book is filled with moments that will bring a smile to your face, like when Amy goes on her first ever date because of Matt and even when Amy starts to connect with her mom over the phone. The book in many ways chronicles Amy's growth, her trying to find something to center herself through her grandmother's journals and in the end realizing that she has found her own hope and happiness in Lucky Harbor.
Both Matt and Amy from not wanting to get involved, find themselves involved and at separate moments try to pull away, for Amy when the sex felt so much more emotional and Matt, when he realized that he had only told Amy the good parts of himself and not what happened in Chicago.
That Amy wanted to believe and help Riley was so evident. Amy had been a messed up teenager, her grandmother died at 12, leaving her with a mother she didn't know and Amy self-destructed, lying, manipulating, using sex as a tool and that all came to bite her when her stepfather wanted her and no-one believed her so she ran away at 16 and it took her a couple of years to turn things around, to stop using sex and become her own person. But we see at the end that she had come so far from the person she used to be, forgiving her mom, opening herself up by telling Matt about her past.
Amongst all the books of this series, Amy was the heroine with the maximum number of issues and I liked her emotional pay-off at the end and how Riley played a role in it. Matt was as always a great Shalvis hero, hot and sexy as hell and protective.
I enjoyed the book but somehow this still ended up being my least favorite book of the series, the romance worked a little less for me since the focus of the book I felt was more on Amy's journey. Now, the question will I recommend At Last to others? My answer is yes but this is not the best of the series.
*ARC provided by Grand Central & Netgalley
March 29, 2018
3.5 Stars.
What’s this I hear about panties and Ranger Hot Buns?”
Not my favourite of the series so far—picking up the baton from Mallory and Ty was never going to be an easy feat as they’re up there as one of my favourite couples EVER—but it was mainly down to a storyline which I thought just had a wee bit too much going on. I still fell in love with Amy and Matt though.
...this is the stuff that chick flicks are made of...”
What’s this I hear about panties and Ranger Hot Buns?”
Not my favourite of the series so far—picking up the baton from Mallory and Ty was never going to be an easy feat as they’re up there as one of my favourite couples EVER—but it was mainly down to a storyline which I thought just had a wee bit too much going on. I still fell in love with Amy and Matt though.
...this is the stuff that chick flicks are made of...”
June 29, 2012
4 stars – Contemporary Romance
Three words should be incentive enough to read this...Ranger Hot Buns! Okay...that and Jill Shalvis pens wonderful contemporary romances, evident with another great addition to the Lucky Harbor series.
Matt, former Navy and Chicago SWAT officer and Lucky Harbor’s resident Forest Ranger (Hot Buns) is a sexy, swoonalicious hero, but Sawyer from Head Over Heels is still my favorite.
I’m looking forward to the next book, Forever and a Day.
Three words should be incentive enough to read this...Ranger Hot Buns! Okay...that and Jill Shalvis pens wonderful contemporary romances, evident with another great addition to the Lucky Harbor series.
Matt, former Navy and Chicago SWAT officer and Lucky Harbor’s resident Forest Ranger (Hot Buns) is a sexy, swoonalicious hero, but Sawyer from Head Over Heels is still my favorite.
I’m looking forward to the next book, Forever and a Day.
June 25, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
At last we get Matt Bowers’ story. I have been waiting for his book for a long time. And when I’m eagerly anticipating a book, my expectations begin to rise. Fortunately, Jill Shalvis continues to write stories that touch reader’s hearts and create laughter in the most unexpected times. The Lucky Harbor series has been a complete thrill to read!
Amy Michaels is on the hunt. Prepared with hiking gear, her grandmother’s journal and her kickass boots, Amy sets foot in Matt’s territory searching for her heart and the answers to her long unanswered questions.
I have to say that I loved the slightly darker tone to this book. It was a nice change of pace in the Lucky Harbor series, but I liked that the additional drama didn’t weigh the rest of the story down. Amy has her grandmother’s journal and as she tries to decipher bits and pieces of her grandmother’s words, she is on a search to find happiness for herself. Her dark past has required her to toughen up a bit, so in this book, readers see a much more serious side to Amy.
Glimpses of that past are exposed through the presence of Riley, a runaway teen whose own life is troubled. As Amy and Matt try to veer her life onto the right path, their share a journey that brings them closer and closer.
I loved the fact that Shalvis made the story come full circle. In the beginning, Amy needs rescuing from Matt as she gets lost, but in the end, Matt requires a helping hand to get out of the mess he is in. It just shows how well this relationship works because both sides are able to count on the other in times of distress.
Ty and Mallory, as well as Grace and Dr. Josh Scott are very involved in this book! It’s always nice to read about familiar characters and Shalvis has a way of making you adore her characters to bits. There’s even a little bit of Sawyer! Yay!
But for me, the best part of this book is Ranger Hot Buns! Matt Bowers packs some serious heat and he sizzled off the pages for me! Ranger Hot Buns is giving Sawyer a run for his money! I loved his determination and his possessiveness. He was caring and kind but also kind of grumpy too. Shalvis always writes the best heroes and Matt Bowers is definitely in my hottie harem now!
I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Josh and Grace. We don’t really know much about them, so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out!
At last we get Matt Bowers’ story. I have been waiting for his book for a long time. And when I’m eagerly anticipating a book, my expectations begin to rise. Fortunately, Jill Shalvis continues to write stories that touch reader’s hearts and create laughter in the most unexpected times. The Lucky Harbor series has been a complete thrill to read!
Amy Michaels is on the hunt. Prepared with hiking gear, her grandmother’s journal and her kickass boots, Amy sets foot in Matt’s territory searching for her heart and the answers to her long unanswered questions.
I have to say that I loved the slightly darker tone to this book. It was a nice change of pace in the Lucky Harbor series, but I liked that the additional drama didn’t weigh the rest of the story down. Amy has her grandmother’s journal and as she tries to decipher bits and pieces of her grandmother’s words, she is on a search to find happiness for herself. Her dark past has required her to toughen up a bit, so in this book, readers see a much more serious side to Amy.
Glimpses of that past are exposed through the presence of Riley, a runaway teen whose own life is troubled. As Amy and Matt try to veer her life onto the right path, their share a journey that brings them closer and closer.
I loved the fact that Shalvis made the story come full circle. In the beginning, Amy needs rescuing from Matt as she gets lost, but in the end, Matt requires a helping hand to get out of the mess he is in. It just shows how well this relationship works because both sides are able to count on the other in times of distress.
Ty and Mallory, as well as Grace and Dr. Josh Scott are very involved in this book! It’s always nice to read about familiar characters and Shalvis has a way of making you adore her characters to bits. There’s even a little bit of Sawyer! Yay!
But for me, the best part of this book is Ranger Hot Buns! Matt Bowers packs some serious heat and he sizzled off the pages for me! Ranger Hot Buns is giving Sawyer a run for his money! I loved his determination and his possessiveness. He was caring and kind but also kind of grumpy too. Shalvis always writes the best heroes and Matt Bowers is definitely in my hottie harem now!
I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Josh and Grace. We don’t really know much about them, so it will be interesting to see how it all plays out!
October 6, 2019
Doi oameni cu răni din trecut care încă nu s-au cicatrizat. Matt și Amy sunt două personaje simpatice, credibile, care te cuceresc fiecare in felul său. Cei doi pornesc într-o călătorie aparte, ce-i poartă spre un final la care nu se aștepta nici unul dintre ei. Dar drumul este greu, anevoios și plin de piedici, doar sentimentele lor și încrederea reciprocă putându-i salva.
O poveste ușoară și plină de emoție, o delectare.
O poveste ușoară și plină de emoție, o delectare.
December 10, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Jill Shalvis, I said before I was all packed and ready to move to Lucky Harbor. Well, I'm still waiting on those instructions you promised!
Though, I wouldn't mind getting, er, lost! Especially if lost means getting rescued by "Ranger Hot Buns" himself...
This story was all about following the good trail...
Ooops, my bad, I really meant trail.
... to find the right path.
Jill Shalvis, I said before I was all packed and ready to move to Lucky Harbor. Well, I'm still waiting on those instructions you promised!
Though, I wouldn't mind getting, er, lost! Especially if lost means getting rescued by "Ranger Hot Buns" himself...
This story was all about following the good trail...
Ooops, my bad, I really meant trail.
... to find the right path.
July 29, 2012
This is one of the best books I've ever read. Totally, completely loved it. The awesome characterization, the mega-hot love scenes, the laugh-out-loud humor, all the emotion, the plot, *everything!*
Just ordered the next one for my iPad so I can read it as soon as it's available.
Really great stuff!
Just ordered the next one for my iPad so I can read it as soon as it's available.
Really great stuff!
June 12, 2012
5/5 Stars
Ok where do I start, I think the first point to make is that I loved it and thought it much better than the previous one. When I saw that the next 3 books in the series were ready to be released I was over the moon as I love reading about Lucky Harbor and some of the side characters we meet – especially Lucille, she sure is a tough and game old bird :)
We first met Amy in the first 3 books and we always knew that she had emotional scars but was never told much about her and knew that she would get her own book at some time or another. Ms Shalvis does not completely let us in straight away, Amy’s layers are peeled back layer by layer, one strip at a time and we find that she had a really awful childhood and found it surprising that she seems to be a well-balanced nice person who really does deserve a man that loves her and deserves Matt Bowers if only she would open up and let him in!
Matt Bowers is ex-SEAL and an ex-SWAT team member from the Chicago Police Department and is now the Forest Ranger. We saw a few sparks fly between them in the previous book (Mallory’s story) and knew that Matt wanted Amy, but he was determined that it could only be a temporary thing. He didn’t do heavy relationships anymore, as he felt that he had let his ex-wife down and never wanted to be in that position again.
Despite both Matt and Amy desperately trying not to have their emotions get involved it inevitably happens and they get their HEA.
I loved both Matt and Amy. On the outside Amy was a self-sufficient strong woman but underneath was a person desperately crying out to be loved and accepted for who she was. Matt was a funny, witty and sexy alpha male who, at times had me salivating over him and I would have seriously liked to peek to see if his nickname of ‘Ranger Hot Buns’ was justified :)
As in the previous book we were treated to chocolate dittys at the beginning of each chapter and here are a few of my favourites.
- If God had meant for us to be thin, he wouldn’t have created chocolate.
- A day without chocolate is like a day without sunshine
- A balanced diet is a chocolate in each hand.
- Flowers and champagne might set the stage, but it’s chocolate that
steals the show.
- God gave the angels wings and the humans chocolate.
- One of life’s little mysteries is how a two-pound box of chocolate
can make a person gain five pounds.
Next up we have sexy Dr Josh & Grace who is new to Lucky Harbor.
ARC courtesy of Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley
Ok where do I start, I think the first point to make is that I loved it and thought it much better than the previous one. When I saw that the next 3 books in the series were ready to be released I was over the moon as I love reading about Lucky Harbor and some of the side characters we meet – especially Lucille, she sure is a tough and game old bird :)
We first met Amy in the first 3 books and we always knew that she had emotional scars but was never told much about her and knew that she would get her own book at some time or another. Ms Shalvis does not completely let us in straight away, Amy’s layers are peeled back layer by layer, one strip at a time and we find that she had a really awful childhood and found it surprising that she seems to be a well-balanced nice person who really does deserve a man that loves her and deserves Matt Bowers if only she would open up and let him in!
Matt Bowers is ex-SEAL and an ex-SWAT team member from the Chicago Police Department and is now the Forest Ranger. We saw a few sparks fly between them in the previous book (Mallory’s story) and knew that Matt wanted Amy, but he was determined that it could only be a temporary thing. He didn’t do heavy relationships anymore, as he felt that he had let his ex-wife down and never wanted to be in that position again.
Despite both Matt and Amy desperately trying not to have their emotions get involved it inevitably happens and they get their HEA.
I loved both Matt and Amy. On the outside Amy was a self-sufficient strong woman but underneath was a person desperately crying out to be loved and accepted for who she was. Matt was a funny, witty and sexy alpha male who, at times had me salivating over him and I would have seriously liked to peek to see if his nickname of ‘Ranger Hot Buns’ was justified :)
As in the previous book we were treated to chocolate dittys at the beginning of each chapter and here are a few of my favourites.
- If God had meant for us to be thin, he wouldn’t have created chocolate.
- A day without chocolate is like a day without sunshine
- A balanced diet is a chocolate in each hand.
- Flowers and champagne might set the stage, but it’s chocolate that
steals the show.
- God gave the angels wings and the humans chocolate.
- One of life’s little mysteries is how a two-pound box of chocolate
can make a person gain five pounds.
Next up we have sexy Dr Josh & Grace who is new to Lucky Harbor.
ARC courtesy of Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley
January 5, 2013
Jill Shalvis has done it again!! What a fantastic story this was! This one had me smiling from the first page to the last. It was funny, warm, charming, hopeful, and downright sexy! Shew! These two had chemistry, let me just say. I loved it, from beginning to end!
5 Happy Stars!
5 Happy Stars!
July 17, 2012
At Last by Jill Shalvis
Book # 5 in the Lucky Harbor Series
Read: 7/14/2012
Heat Factor: 4/5 – Sizzling - Combustible - Hot!
My Rating: 5/5
With the fifth installment in her very popular Lucky Harbor series, Jill Shalvis doesn’t disappoint! Once again she has given us a fun, sexy and entirely appealing contemporary read!
This is by far one of my favorite contemporary romance series and I highly recommend them to all who love this genre. Shalvis never fails to give me the kind of hero I love! I can hardly wait to read sexy Dr. Josh and Grace's story in the next book, Forever and a Day!
My sincerest thank you to netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, it's been a pleasure.
Book # 5 in the Lucky Harbor Series
Read: 7/14/2012
Heat Factor: 4/5 – Sizzling - Combustible - Hot!
My Rating: 5/5
With the fifth installment in her very popular Lucky Harbor series, Jill Shalvis doesn’t disappoint! Once again she has given us a fun, sexy and entirely appealing contemporary read!
Amy Michaels came to Lucky Harbor searching for the qualities in life that each of us long for...hope, peace and heart. Her journey takes us along the path of her beloved grandmother where we not only get a deeper look into the magnificent beauty of this small coastal town but are given a sensual, poignant love story.Amy is one of the three Chocoholic friends and works at the Eat Me Diner. This feisty young waitress has spent most of her life running, never forming roots of any kind, drifting and surviving. She’s certainly made her fair share of mistakes and has also suffered from deep betrayal. Determined to follow her Grandma Rose’s footsteps, she sets off on her first hike. Before nightfall this city girl finds herself lost and in need of rescuing! And very soon, sexy as sin forest ranger Matt Bowers is there lending a helping hand.
Amy may be “safe from bears, coyotes and creepy crawlies,”… but she wasn’t safe. Matthew Bowers is lethal to her piece of mind and the hunger flowing through her cannot be denied! Even his voice is sexy and pure sin!Matt Bowers aka Ranger Hot Buns came to Lucky Harbor searching for peace and quiet and to forget the hell his life had become. His former career working SWAT for the Chicago police department as well as his marriage had all fallen apart. He’s completely satisfied with his life now and no longer interested in romantic relationships. He still feels like he failed his ex-wife and believes he’s better off alone. But these beliefs are put into question once he meets Amy Michaels. He cannot deny the sizzling chemistry and his need for her.
Matt Bowers is another beautiful, sexy, alpha male and I loved most everything about him. He’s witty, charming and utterly adorable! Amy is elusive, independent, wounded and one of the most endearing characters introduced in this series. Hiding behind her tough exterior is a heart needing love and someone to care and trust in her. These two may be avoiding commitment but they are combustible together! And even though they both tried to keep it just sex, the deep intimacy is felt and cannot be denied.I completely enjoyed the journey Amy took in her quest for Hope, Peace and Heart! Once I started reading, I did not want to put it down until finished. It is sexy! It is Hot! And it is Good! I came away feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and very glad that two of my favorite characters had found happiness together.As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a runaway teen, Riley, and through Amy’s compassion and understanding assistance, we get to the heartache of Amy’s past. Lucille is once again present throughout and gives many a laugh with her Facebook page. We also get a tiny glimpse into Dr. Josh’s life and visit again with Amy’s friends Mallory and Grace.While this is another fun, sexy romance there are plenty of truths embedded within its pages! There is forgiveness, the magic of first love, and the important lesson learned that just because you make a mistake, doesn’t mean you are a mistake!
This is by far one of my favorite contemporary romance series and I highly recommend them to all who love this genre. Shalvis never fails to give me the kind of hero I love! I can hardly wait to read sexy Dr. Josh and Grace's story in the next book, Forever and a Day!
My sincerest thank you to netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, it's been a pleasure.
June 22, 2012
Update #2:
When I got the email from NetGalley telling me that I had a copy of At Last ready to download I was thrilled! Not only because it’s the first book I’ve gotten approval for in awhile, but because I love Jill Shalvis, and I love her Lucky Harbor series almost better than any other series she has written.
This is the story of Matt AKA Ranger Hot Buns and Amy the cranky waitress. I knew it would be good after all the little teases in Lucky in Love, but their story was so much more! Amy, turned out to be a total teddy bear under her prickly armor and Matt… oh my he was to die for and showed a lot more depth than we were first lead to believe. I loved the way he was so immediately and completely smitten even though I’m not sure he realized it at first.
I loved the way they bantered, and I have to say the hot scenes were HOT placing Matt firmly in my Book Boyfriend Harem! Especially that first one. Whew! The man knew what he was doing!
The side stories were perfect. Both of them tied to Amy, and explained a lot of the mystery that surrounded her.
All in all this was a great read. And as much as I enjoyed Mallory's story, this one was even better! It’s going to be hard to top, but I’m glad that we won’t have to wait too long to find out what is going to happen with Grace and Josh.
Favorite quotes:
Update 6/9/2012:
Finished. I loved it!! It was even better than Lucky in Love. Review to come...
Woohoo! Here I go. So excited to have an ARC of this one!
When I got the email from NetGalley telling me that I had a copy of At Last ready to download I was thrilled! Not only because it’s the first book I’ve gotten approval for in awhile, but because I love Jill Shalvis, and I love her Lucky Harbor series almost better than any other series she has written.
This is the story of Matt AKA Ranger Hot Buns and Amy the cranky waitress. I knew it would be good after all the little teases in Lucky in Love, but their story was so much more! Amy, turned out to be a total teddy bear under her prickly armor and Matt… oh my he was to die for and showed a lot more depth than we were first lead to believe. I loved the way he was so immediately and completely smitten even though I’m not sure he realized it at first.
I loved the way they bantered, and I have to say the hot scenes were HOT placing Matt firmly in my Book Boyfriend Harem! Especially that first one. Whew! The man knew what he was doing!
The side stories were perfect. Both of them tied to Amy, and explained a lot of the mystery that surrounded her.
All in all this was a great read. And as much as I enjoyed Mallory's story, this one was even better! It’s going to be hard to top, but I’m glad that we won’t have to wait too long to find out what is going to happen with Grace and Josh.
Favorite quotes:
Update 6/9/2012:
Finished. I loved it!! It was even better than Lucky in Love. Review to come...
Woohoo! Here I go. So excited to have an ARC of this one!
August 26, 2016
I enjoyed Amy and Matt's story. Amy is tough but sweet and Matt is HOT.
I love when we get the chocoholics together they are so funny lots of LOL moments. The bromance between the guys Ty, Matt & Josh I also love just imagining them in the gym WOW.
“Matt hit the floor with a wheeze, and then it was Ty's turn to be smug. "Gotcha."
Hell, no. They'd been at it for thirty minutes, and Matt was exhausted to the bone, but the last one down had to buy breakfast. Kicking out, he knocked Ty's feet from beneath him. Then it was Ty's turn to land with a satisfying thud.
"Jesus," Josh muttered from the weight bench.
Josh was also a good friend, but he didn't know much about having fun. He was a doctor, which left his taste for occasional recreational violence greatly diminished.
"You keep going at each other like that," Josh said, "and you'll end up in my ER."
Breathless, Matt rolled to his back. "Sorry, I only play doctor with the ladies.”
Moving onto the next book in this series, these books are full of great characters and sweet stories
I love when we get the chocoholics together they are so funny lots of LOL moments. The bromance between the guys Ty, Matt & Josh I also love just imagining them in the gym WOW.
“Matt hit the floor with a wheeze, and then it was Ty's turn to be smug. "Gotcha."
Hell, no. They'd been at it for thirty minutes, and Matt was exhausted to the bone, but the last one down had to buy breakfast. Kicking out, he knocked Ty's feet from beneath him. Then it was Ty's turn to land with a satisfying thud.
"Jesus," Josh muttered from the weight bench.
Josh was also a good friend, but he didn't know much about having fun. He was a doctor, which left his taste for occasional recreational violence greatly diminished.
"You keep going at each other like that," Josh said, "and you'll end up in my ER."
Breathless, Matt rolled to his back. "Sorry, I only play doctor with the ladies.”
Moving onto the next book in this series, these books are full of great characters and sweet stories
July 5, 2012
I'm a full-fledged and loyal member of the Chocoholics! I can't seem to get enough of Lucky Harbor or the charming characters that Jill Shalvis has introduced readers to in this marvelous series. Each visit is filled with wonderful hours of reading pleasure.
Readers can always count on super characters, a fantastic romance, and an all-around captivating storyline from this author. Her stories make you believe in love, They put a smile on your face and bring tears to your eyes. Her characters are always fun to get to know, the kind of people you'd like to be friends with, and delightful to cheer towards their Happily Ever After!
AT LAST continued the tradition. Ranger Hot Buns a/ka/a Matt, who carries some dark memories but remains a strong alpha male with a great sense of humor and personality has finally fallen hard for the "tough girl" who is the waitress at "Eat Me" cafe. Amy, who really has a marshmallow heart as proven by her interaction with Riley, the runaway teenager introduced in this book, can't seem to fight her attraction to the hunky Ranger either. It's a fun romp through the forest with these two and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Readers can always count on super characters, a fantastic romance, and an all-around captivating storyline from this author. Her stories make you believe in love, They put a smile on your face and bring tears to your eyes. Her characters are always fun to get to know, the kind of people you'd like to be friends with, and delightful to cheer towards their Happily Ever After!
AT LAST continued the tradition. Ranger Hot Buns a/ka/a Matt, who carries some dark memories but remains a strong alpha male with a great sense of humor and personality has finally fallen hard for the "tough girl" who is the waitress at "Eat Me" cafe. Amy, who really has a marshmallow heart as proven by her interaction with Riley, the runaway teenager introduced in this book, can't seem to fight her attraction to the hunky Ranger either. It's a fun romp through the forest with these two and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
April 25, 2015
It's no secret that I've become a massive fan of Jill Shalvis since I started reading the Lucky Harbor series so of course I couldn't wait to start reading the fifth instalment At Last. I have been looking forward to finding out more about Ranger Hot Buns Matt for ages now and he didn't disappoint!
Amy has been making regular appearances throughout the series but it was only in the last book that we started to get to know her a little better. Although she has become good friends with Mallory and Grace she still holds herself back, she is reluctant to discuss her past and always tries to put on a front that everything is fine and she doesn't need any help. As we find out more about her troubled past and how she has been on her own since running away from home at 16 you start to understand why she feels the need to have her tough girl persona always in place. Amy is a survivor and has been through difficult times but underneath the surface she is also surprisingly sweet and vulnerable. She cares deeply about her new friends and is working hard to build a life for herself in Lucky Harbor. Amy arrived in the town following in the footsteps of her grandmother who had written in her journal about finding hope, peace and her heart when she visited the mountains there as a teenager. Amy is desperately in need of hope and peace, she thinks she can do without her heart but longs to find the first two so decides to try and find the trail her grandmother took through the mountains.
A city girl though and through it shouldn't come as a surprise that Amy finds herself lost on a trail as dark approaches. Who should come to the rescue but Matt - the sexy ranger she has been trying to avoid the attentions of ever since she arrived in Lucky Harbor. Matt has been drawn to Amy from the moment he saw her and comes into the cafe where she works almost daily just to get a glimpse of her. After leaving the Navy Matt was a SWAT Officer for the Chicago Police Department but his job cost him everything and he moved to Lucky Harbor to start again. He works long hours as a Forest Ranger and spends his spare time with his friends but after the break up of his marriage he isn't looking to find love again. The chemistry between him and Amy is impossible to resist though and although they both go into things agreeing to keep it just a fling that isn't going to be an easy promise to stick to.
I love the way their relationship develops and how they are both slowly forced to face their issues and come out stronger on the other side. The addition of homeless teen Riley added a nice extra element to the story that helped to show Amy's caring side and give an outside view of what her past must have been like. I hope we get to see more of Riley in the future as I'd really like to see her settle in and find a home for herself. Matt and Amy just make the perfect couple, they bring out the best in each other and fit together really well. They are smokin' hot but also sweet, tender and protective and every time they are together sparks fly. It looks like Amy might just find her heart in Lucky Harbor after all but will she find hope and peace too?
One of the things I love most about this series is the friendships that the author forms between characters that continue to build and grow throughout each book. In Lucky in Love Amy and Grace were giving Mallory bad girl lessons but now that they've decided it is Amy's turn to sort her life out I loved the fact that they turned it around on her and started giving her good girl lessons. I can't wait to see what they decide Grace needs in the next book. We didn't see quite as much of the male bonding between Ty, Matt and Josh in the last book but that was more than made up for this time around and we get to see much more of them bantering and generally messing around together. I still feel like Grace and Josh are pretty unknown entities though so I'm looking forward to getting to know them both better in their book Forever and a Day.
Amy has been making regular appearances throughout the series but it was only in the last book that we started to get to know her a little better. Although she has become good friends with Mallory and Grace she still holds herself back, she is reluctant to discuss her past and always tries to put on a front that everything is fine and she doesn't need any help. As we find out more about her troubled past and how she has been on her own since running away from home at 16 you start to understand why she feels the need to have her tough girl persona always in place. Amy is a survivor and has been through difficult times but underneath the surface she is also surprisingly sweet and vulnerable. She cares deeply about her new friends and is working hard to build a life for herself in Lucky Harbor. Amy arrived in the town following in the footsteps of her grandmother who had written in her journal about finding hope, peace and her heart when she visited the mountains there as a teenager. Amy is desperately in need of hope and peace, she thinks she can do without her heart but longs to find the first two so decides to try and find the trail her grandmother took through the mountains.
A city girl though and through it shouldn't come as a surprise that Amy finds herself lost on a trail as dark approaches. Who should come to the rescue but Matt - the sexy ranger she has been trying to avoid the attentions of ever since she arrived in Lucky Harbor. Matt has been drawn to Amy from the moment he saw her and comes into the cafe where she works almost daily just to get a glimpse of her. After leaving the Navy Matt was a SWAT Officer for the Chicago Police Department but his job cost him everything and he moved to Lucky Harbor to start again. He works long hours as a Forest Ranger and spends his spare time with his friends but after the break up of his marriage he isn't looking to find love again. The chemistry between him and Amy is impossible to resist though and although they both go into things agreeing to keep it just a fling that isn't going to be an easy promise to stick to.
I love the way their relationship develops and how they are both slowly forced to face their issues and come out stronger on the other side. The addition of homeless teen Riley added a nice extra element to the story that helped to show Amy's caring side and give an outside view of what her past must have been like. I hope we get to see more of Riley in the future as I'd really like to see her settle in and find a home for herself. Matt and Amy just make the perfect couple, they bring out the best in each other and fit together really well. They are smokin' hot but also sweet, tender and protective and every time they are together sparks fly. It looks like Amy might just find her heart in Lucky Harbor after all but will she find hope and peace too?
One of the things I love most about this series is the friendships that the author forms between characters that continue to build and grow throughout each book. In Lucky in Love Amy and Grace were giving Mallory bad girl lessons but now that they've decided it is Amy's turn to sort her life out I loved the fact that they turned it around on her and started giving her good girl lessons. I can't wait to see what they decide Grace needs in the next book. We didn't see quite as much of the male bonding between Ty, Matt and Josh in the last book but that was more than made up for this time around and we get to see much more of them bantering and generally messing around together. I still feel like Grace and Josh are pretty unknown entities though so I'm looking forward to getting to know them both better in their book Forever and a Day.
October 24, 2021
A wonderful addition to Jill Shalvis’ Luck Harbor series.
Amy is trying to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps to find peace, hope and heart. Matt is trying to heal from his previous job and marriage. Neither want a relationship, but both feel the tug for more. In the midst of them trying to figure out their chemistry, we have the usual gang of Mallory, Grace, Lucille, Ty and Josh. I haven’t looked at the next book so I’m not sure who is next, but I was surprised that Shalvis didn’t give us a bit more of a prelude in this book. I am assuming it will be about Josh and Grace, but they didn’t actually spend time together in this book.
Shalvis introduced a new character – Riley. I liked her a lot. I excited about her being added to Lucky Harbor and hope she gets her own book, but I wonder who she will be pared with. Maybe Lance’s brother?
Amy is trying to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps to find peace, hope and heart. Matt is trying to heal from his previous job and marriage. Neither want a relationship, but both feel the tug for more. In the midst of them trying to figure out their chemistry, we have the usual gang of Mallory, Grace, Lucille, Ty and Josh. I haven’t looked at the next book so I’m not sure who is next, but I was surprised that Shalvis didn’t give us a bit more of a prelude in this book. I am assuming it will be about Josh and Grace, but they didn’t actually spend time together in this book.
Shalvis introduced a new character – Riley. I liked her a lot. I excited about her being added to Lucky Harbor and hope she gets her own book, but I wonder who she will be pared with. Maybe Lance’s brother?
June 20, 2012
I've been eagerly awaiting this book ever since reading Lucky in Love. Matt and Amy had excellent chemistry in the first book of this trilogy, although they seemed to just be circling around one another for the greater portion of that book.
At Last begins with a bang as Amy is lost in the woods during a hike and Matt is brought in to rescue her. These two share unbelievable chemistry, and as tough as Amy is, Matt definitely has the ability to chip away at the many layers of protection that she has constructed around her heart.
I, quite simply, fell in love with Matt's character. He had the perfect mix of protective instincts combined with humor and sensitivity. He affectionately refers to Amy as "tough girl", which I found endearing and very sweet. Matt is concerned about Amy from the opening pages, and his care and concern continue throughout the book. As someone who's never really been cared for, Amy resists this for a time, but these attempts are futile. It would simply be impossible not to fall for Matt, and when Amy finally falls, she definitely falls hard!
Amy was a sympathetic character that I came to care for. A runaway teen, Riley, is introduced in this book, and this character is instrumental in helping Amy come to grips with her past. By helping Riley, Amy is able to come to terms with her own past and find healing.
I loved this book and enjoyed it more than the first book. Dr. Sexy (aka Josh Scott) and Grace are up next, and I for one can not wait for this M.D.'s story. Yum!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley for providing me with this ARC!
At Last begins with a bang as Amy is lost in the woods during a hike and Matt is brought in to rescue her. These two share unbelievable chemistry, and as tough as Amy is, Matt definitely has the ability to chip away at the many layers of protection that she has constructed around her heart.
I, quite simply, fell in love with Matt's character. He had the perfect mix of protective instincts combined with humor and sensitivity. He affectionately refers to Amy as "tough girl", which I found endearing and very sweet. Matt is concerned about Amy from the opening pages, and his care and concern continue throughout the book. As someone who's never really been cared for, Amy resists this for a time, but these attempts are futile. It would simply be impossible not to fall for Matt, and when Amy finally falls, she definitely falls hard!
Amy was a sympathetic character that I came to care for. A runaway teen, Riley, is introduced in this book, and this character is instrumental in helping Amy come to grips with her past. By helping Riley, Amy is able to come to terms with her own past and find healing.
I loved this book and enjoyed it more than the first book. Dr. Sexy (aka Josh Scott) and Grace are up next, and I for one can not wait for this M.D.'s story. Yum!
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley for providing me with this ARC!
June 23, 2012
4.00 Stars - Contemporary/Small Town Romance!
A cute story with sweet protagonists very much in love. Very happy to read this one since it was another winner. No surprise! It had a generous spell of triumphant romance, catching humor and red-hot passion attached to it from beginning to end. The writing was so good and authentic, that you are bound to feel like knowing these characters for real. It re-visits some of the previous people of our favorite town Lucky Harbor along its path and introduces some more both interesting and crucial personalities accordingly.
The story is beautiful and blissfully romantic. Jill Shalvis has always proved to be a magician in creating chemistry among her hero-heroines and she didn’t fail to nudge her wand on this one either. Matt Bowers is one good-looking sexy forest ranger with a laid-back and easy-going personality. He always has a charming smile on him and always knows to do the right thing. A pretty much popular guy around the ladies, Matt, didn’t fail to notice the beautiful waitress, Amy Michaels, working in the only town diner, serving his table for six months now. Amy is one extremely beautiful but aloof (apart from her two best friends, the chocoholics) female, who has done her share of screw-ups in her twenty-eight years of life and is in search for some hope and peace in Lucky Harbor. Alone. So she doesn’t do complications, doesn’t do relationships, doesn’t do men, and hence won’t do the certified town-hottie, Matt, whom she’s been painfully attracted to for quite some time!
The story begins when this two finally bumps into each other when Amy lost her way out in the woods and Matt comes to the rescue. It could have been a very clichéd situation, but Shalvis pulls it out so beautifully that you never even can think for a second to put this down for a minute!
The chemistry between this two was sweet while the love scenes were exceptionally hot and romantic. Matt Bowers will certainly blow your mind away in proving his expertise in the bedroom and having said that it is imperative to remind you that he, after all, is up against some other previous superior town hotties like Jax Cullen Simply Irresistible Lucky Harbor 1 Ford Walker The Sweetest Thing Lucky Harbor 2, Sawyer Thompson Head Over Heels Lucky Harbor 3 and Ty Garrison Lucky in Love Lucky Harbor 4!
That is itself saying a lot!
Matt Bowers according to me :)
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This is such a wonderful series. For those who haven’t started reading it yet, I’ll request you to please be a dear and pick this up and you won’t be disappointed.
Having said that, this can also be read as a stand alone!
This book was provided to me by Net Galley for an honest review.
A cute story with sweet protagonists very much in love. Very happy to read this one since it was another winner. No surprise! It had a generous spell of triumphant romance, catching humor and red-hot passion attached to it from beginning to end. The writing was so good and authentic, that you are bound to feel like knowing these characters for real. It re-visits some of the previous people of our favorite town Lucky Harbor along its path and introduces some more both interesting and crucial personalities accordingly.
The story is beautiful and blissfully romantic. Jill Shalvis has always proved to be a magician in creating chemistry among her hero-heroines and she didn’t fail to nudge her wand on this one either. Matt Bowers is one good-looking sexy forest ranger with a laid-back and easy-going personality. He always has a charming smile on him and always knows to do the right thing. A pretty much popular guy around the ladies, Matt, didn’t fail to notice the beautiful waitress, Amy Michaels, working in the only town diner, serving his table for six months now. Amy is one extremely beautiful but aloof (apart from her two best friends, the chocoholics) female, who has done her share of screw-ups in her twenty-eight years of life and is in search for some hope and peace in Lucky Harbor. Alone. So she doesn’t do complications, doesn’t do relationships, doesn’t do men, and hence won’t do the certified town-hottie, Matt, whom she’s been painfully attracted to for quite some time!
The story begins when this two finally bumps into each other when Amy lost her way out in the woods and Matt comes to the rescue. It could have been a very clichéd situation, but Shalvis pulls it out so beautifully that you never even can think for a second to put this down for a minute!
The chemistry between this two was sweet while the love scenes were exceptionally hot and romantic. Matt Bowers will certainly blow your mind away in proving his expertise in the bedroom and having said that it is imperative to remind you that he, after all, is up against some other previous superior town hotties like Jax Cullen Simply Irresistible Lucky Harbor 1 Ford Walker The Sweetest Thing Lucky Harbor 2, Sawyer Thompson Head Over Heels Lucky Harbor 3 and Ty Garrison Lucky in Love Lucky Harbor 4!
That is itself saying a lot!
Matt Bowers according to me :)
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This is such a wonderful series. For those who haven’t started reading it yet, I’ll request you to please be a dear and pick this up and you won’t be disappointed.
Having said that, this can also be read as a stand alone!
This book was provided to me by Net Galley for an honest review.
May 23, 2012
More of my reviews at www.obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com
At Last by Jill Shalvis is the 5th book in the Lucky Harbor series by the wonderful Jill Shalvis and was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Grand Central (Forever) Publishing.
Amy Michaels is a waitress at the Eat Me diner with a passion for drawing and a past she has tried hard to forget. She is following a journal written by her late grandmother which outlined a journey she undertook in Lucky Harbor to find Hope – Peace – Heart, Amy has high hopes of achieving the same life changing experiences.
Matt Bower (swoon) is Lucky Harbor’s supervisory forest ranger; he is former military and SWAT and left Chicago and his ex wife behind to move on to a more peaceful life. Dubbed ‘Ranger Hot Buns’ he is known for his laid-back, easy going nature and carefree attitude. He has been attracted to Amy since she first arrived in town.
Amy and Matt’s chemistry was off the charts; I adored their banter and loved the way she slowly opened up to him about her past. She had erected barriers around her heart but he was breaking them down bit by bit which I loved to read about.
The plot revolved not only around Amy and Matt but also a run-away teen, Riley who Amy could certainly relate to. I enjoyed this aspect of this story as we not only learn more about Amy’s past but also see her more compassionate and caring side. The drama surrounding the delinquent teens causing havoc for Matt was also an interesting aspect of this storyline.
The secondary characters are developed perfectly; Lucille’s antics always leave me laughing and Mallory and Grace were wonderful – I thoroughly enjoyed their good girl lessons. I am eager to learn more about Dr. Josh Scott – reading the first chapter from Forever and a Day has left me intrigued.
I have come to rely on Ms Shalvis to provide me with a fun and entertaining contemporary romance; her characters are always enjoyable to read about and the HEA always sweet. At Last wasn’t as light as the other books in this series but enjoyable none the less and Ms Shalvis’s writing is always perfect.
Books in Order:
1. Simply Irresistible
2. The Sweetest Thing
3. Head Over Heels
4. Lucky In Love
5. At Last
6. Forever and a Day
All in all, the Lucky Harbor series is one of my all time favorites and definitely worth reading. I am eager to get hold of the next book, Forever and a Day which has an anticipated August 2012 release date.
At Last by Jill Shalvis is the 5th book in the Lucky Harbor series by the wonderful Jill Shalvis and was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for Grand Central (Forever) Publishing.
Amy Michaels is a waitress at the Eat Me diner with a passion for drawing and a past she has tried hard to forget. She is following a journal written by her late grandmother which outlined a journey she undertook in Lucky Harbor to find Hope – Peace – Heart, Amy has high hopes of achieving the same life changing experiences.
Matt Bower (swoon) is Lucky Harbor’s supervisory forest ranger; he is former military and SWAT and left Chicago and his ex wife behind to move on to a more peaceful life. Dubbed ‘Ranger Hot Buns’ he is known for his laid-back, easy going nature and carefree attitude. He has been attracted to Amy since she first arrived in town.
Amy and Matt’s chemistry was off the charts; I adored their banter and loved the way she slowly opened up to him about her past. She had erected barriers around her heart but he was breaking them down bit by bit which I loved to read about.
The plot revolved not only around Amy and Matt but also a run-away teen, Riley who Amy could certainly relate to. I enjoyed this aspect of this story as we not only learn more about Amy’s past but also see her more compassionate and caring side. The drama surrounding the delinquent teens causing havoc for Matt was also an interesting aspect of this storyline.
The secondary characters are developed perfectly; Lucille’s antics always leave me laughing and Mallory and Grace were wonderful – I thoroughly enjoyed their good girl lessons. I am eager to learn more about Dr. Josh Scott – reading the first chapter from Forever and a Day has left me intrigued.
I have come to rely on Ms Shalvis to provide me with a fun and entertaining contemporary romance; her characters are always enjoyable to read about and the HEA always sweet. At Last wasn’t as light as the other books in this series but enjoyable none the less and Ms Shalvis’s writing is always perfect.
Books in Order:
1. Simply Irresistible
2. The Sweetest Thing
3. Head Over Heels
4. Lucky In Love
5. At Last
6. Forever and a Day
All in all, the Lucky Harbor series is one of my all time favorites and definitely worth reading. I am eager to get hold of the next book, Forever and a Day which has an anticipated August 2012 release date.
June 18, 2012
Just when I thought I couldn't find another man in Lucky Harbor to love or one to dethrone Sawyer as my Lucky Harbor boyfriend, Ranger Hot Buns (aka Matt Bowers) proves he should be at the top of the list.
Matt Bowers left Chicago and his disaster of a life behind to seek solace in the quiet of the National Parks surrounding Lucky Harbor. While the memories still affect him, he's moved on to build a life that makes him mostly happy. What would make him even happier was if "Eat Me" waitress Amy Michaels would fall to his charms.
Amy has been on the run since she was sixteen years old. First from her family and then from life in general. With her grandmother's journal, she hopes she'll be able to find the peace and happiness her grandmother wrote of while hiking the same trails and viewing the same vistas. She doesn't expect Matt Bowers to upend her world and make her want a relationship with a man or to build a permanent life in this small Pacific Northwest town.
I absolutely loved Matt and Amy together. He was the perfect Alpha male who would do anything to protect his woman, but was also aware of the type of person Amy was where he gave her space when she needed it. Amy was the perfect match for Matt as well, since she wouldn't allow him to take over her life and lead her around. They were both there to remind each of how good they were, individually and together, just when each of them needed to hear it.
I adore Jill Shalvis' books and have yet to meet one that disappoints me. She has the perfect blend of humor, emotion and exceptionally hot men. If only her fictional town was real, I'd pack my car in a hot minute and be on my way.
Matt Bowers left Chicago and his disaster of a life behind to seek solace in the quiet of the National Parks surrounding Lucky Harbor. While the memories still affect him, he's moved on to build a life that makes him mostly happy. What would make him even happier was if "Eat Me" waitress Amy Michaels would fall to his charms.
Amy has been on the run since she was sixteen years old. First from her family and then from life in general. With her grandmother's journal, she hopes she'll be able to find the peace and happiness her grandmother wrote of while hiking the same trails and viewing the same vistas. She doesn't expect Matt Bowers to upend her world and make her want a relationship with a man or to build a permanent life in this small Pacific Northwest town.
I absolutely loved Matt and Amy together. He was the perfect Alpha male who would do anything to protect his woman, but was also aware of the type of person Amy was where he gave her space when she needed it. Amy was the perfect match for Matt as well, since she wouldn't allow him to take over her life and lead her around. They were both there to remind each of how good they were, individually and together, just when each of them needed to hear it.
I adore Jill Shalvis' books and have yet to meet one that disappoints me. She has the perfect blend of humor, emotion and exceptionally hot men. If only her fictional town was real, I'd pack my car in a hot minute and be on my way.
June 21, 2012
At last is the fifth book in the Lucky Harbor series By Shalvis. It was slow getting started and at one point of the book I was saying yada yada same old tale I have heard before just differenct character names. A friend urged me to read a bit more and I am glad that she did. It was not predictable. At least it didn't go the route I expected at all. The deceased grandma plays a big part in the book and when you begin to see the several layers to the story it becomes very enjoyable to read. Complicated characters that are well suited.
Amy and Matt the Ranger. Grumpy Amy has her reasons to not trust or involver her self. Her Chocolate loving friends give her reason to like others and herself once again. They start the walls crumbling. Girlfriends playing an important role is an under used author's tool that Shalvis wields well.
Matt too had his unpleasant memories forced to the fore in this story and when faced in a supportive environment can be finally handled in a better fashion.
Not as good as the sister's books in my opinion, but hot, well written and when given a fair chance a very good read.
Amy and Matt the Ranger. Grumpy Amy has her reasons to not trust or involver her self. Her Chocolate loving friends give her reason to like others and herself once again. They start the walls crumbling. Girlfriends playing an important role is an under used author's tool that Shalvis wields well.
Matt too had his unpleasant memories forced to the fore in this story and when faced in a supportive environment can be finally handled in a better fashion.
Not as good as the sister's books in my opinion, but hot, well written and when given a fair chance a very good read.
August 22, 2012
4 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Barometer: 4 out of 5 hearts
Love this series, and this is another comfortable, very sexy read from Shalvis. Well written, hot chemistry, wonderful characters, and some darker topics in the heroine's younger life, but there wasn't major exploration of the problems to damage the fun playfulness of the story or series. Amy, the h, had a hidden past she was ashamed of and therefore was very closed and standoffish. Matt, a forest ranger, has a definite attraction to Amy, but he is your typical commitment phobic alpha male. The sexual chemistry was off the charts and Matt was sooo sexy. I wanted to be naked, eating grilled cheese with Ranger Hot Buns right along with Amy.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat Barometer: 4 out of 5 hearts
Love this series, and this is another comfortable, very sexy read from Shalvis. Well written, hot chemistry, wonderful characters, and some darker topics in the heroine's younger life, but there wasn't major exploration of the problems to damage the fun playfulness of the story or series. Amy, the h, had a hidden past she was ashamed of and therefore was very closed and standoffish. Matt, a forest ranger, has a definite attraction to Amy, but he is your typical commitment phobic alpha male. The sexual chemistry was off the charts and Matt was sooo sexy. I wanted to be naked, eating grilled cheese with Ranger Hot Buns right along with Amy.
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June 10, 2012
3 Stars
I’m a huge fan of Jill Shalvis, but for me, this story fell a bit flat. I’m not exactly sure why, all the normal formula elements were there. We have Lucky Harbor and it is my kind of fictional place. We have Matt who we have really enjoyed watching evolve. We have Amy and her mysterious story. We learn more about her this time around and we really want her to find her Hope, Peace, her Heart and her place to be. I think the story just didn’t evolve as planned. Not sure if it was poor planning, but something didn’t click for me. This is the lowest rating I’ve given a story is this series.
Matt and Amy have equal billing in this one. We’ve met them both before, but very briefly. So, in this one we have to build the backstory for each. Matt is a former Chicago SWAT team leader and when his world falls apart, he heads to Lucky Harbor. He is a friend of Matt [from book #4]. They went to Navy basic training together and have a history. Matt is now a forest Ranger. Amy is a waitress at the “Eat Me”; the only diner in Lucky Harbor. She came to town following information in her grandmothers diary written when she was 18. Amy’s grandmother raised her until she was 12. She lived with her mother after that and an episode with the mother’s current husband had her running away at 16. She has been on her own since then and something in her grandmother’s diary has her believing Lucky Harbor may be the place she can put herself back together; turn her life around. So the story begins and it evolves from here.
What did I like/not like about this book?
1. I liked Matt. Matt is a hottie, but more than this, he is a really nice person. You just love him immediately. Amy is a slow build and I never truly warmed to her. This book puts her in the forest searching quite a bit and for me, just doesn’t connect. I think Ms. Shalvis tried to make the forest a character in this book and it just doesn’t work well; for me anyway.
2. I like the town of Lucky Harbor, but in this book, they take a backseat and we don’t really have much of a chance to warm to them or get to know them. If this was the first book you read in this series, you wouldn’t have much of a clue. Just a pretty big disconnect and a shame because I love this town and its’ people.
3. I like Amy’s backstory. It has a serious social message. Amy was propositioned by her mother’s current husband when she was 16. After telling her mother and having her mother disregard her claim [too involved for a review .. long story], she ran away and has been on her own ever since. She has worked hard and had a tough road, but it brings her to this place; Lucky Harbor. We get to meet Riley. She and Matt find her in the forest [yep, I know …]. She is a young lady experiencing much of the same circumstances as Amy did when young. Amy reaches out to help her. I like weaving serious societal issues in a romance novel. It brings awareness, especially when done well. This wasn’t done well. It was either overly ambitious and the author ran out of time, or her heart wasn’t in it. Either way, the authors presentation falls way short.
Not the best Jill Shalvis book I’ve read, but enjoyable if you want a bit of romantic fluff and don’t have anything else to read. You may read this and think it the best thing ever. I hope you do. For me, not so much.
I hope you find this Happy Reading!
Thanks to the Netgally ARC provided by Hachette Book Group on 06/07/2012.
I’m a huge fan of Jill Shalvis, but for me, this story fell a bit flat. I’m not exactly sure why, all the normal formula elements were there. We have Lucky Harbor and it is my kind of fictional place. We have Matt who we have really enjoyed watching evolve. We have Amy and her mysterious story. We learn more about her this time around and we really want her to find her Hope, Peace, her Heart and her place to be. I think the story just didn’t evolve as planned. Not sure if it was poor planning, but something didn’t click for me. This is the lowest rating I’ve given a story is this series.
Matt and Amy have equal billing in this one. We’ve met them both before, but very briefly. So, in this one we have to build the backstory for each. Matt is a former Chicago SWAT team leader and when his world falls apart, he heads to Lucky Harbor. He is a friend of Matt [from book #4]. They went to Navy basic training together and have a history. Matt is now a forest Ranger. Amy is a waitress at the “Eat Me”; the only diner in Lucky Harbor. She came to town following information in her grandmothers diary written when she was 18. Amy’s grandmother raised her until she was 12. She lived with her mother after that and an episode with the mother’s current husband had her running away at 16. She has been on her own since then and something in her grandmother’s diary has her believing Lucky Harbor may be the place she can put herself back together; turn her life around. So the story begins and it evolves from here.
What did I like/not like about this book?
1. I liked Matt. Matt is a hottie, but more than this, he is a really nice person. You just love him immediately. Amy is a slow build and I never truly warmed to her. This book puts her in the forest searching quite a bit and for me, just doesn’t connect. I think Ms. Shalvis tried to make the forest a character in this book and it just doesn’t work well; for me anyway.
2. I like the town of Lucky Harbor, but in this book, they take a backseat and we don’t really have much of a chance to warm to them or get to know them. If this was the first book you read in this series, you wouldn’t have much of a clue. Just a pretty big disconnect and a shame because I love this town and its’ people.
3. I like Amy’s backstory. It has a serious social message. Amy was propositioned by her mother’s current husband when she was 16. After telling her mother and having her mother disregard her claim [too involved for a review .. long story], she ran away and has been on her own ever since. She has worked hard and had a tough road, but it brings her to this place; Lucky Harbor. We get to meet Riley. She and Matt find her in the forest [yep, I know …]. She is a young lady experiencing much of the same circumstances as Amy did when young. Amy reaches out to help her. I like weaving serious societal issues in a romance novel. It brings awareness, especially when done well. This wasn’t done well. It was either overly ambitious and the author ran out of time, or her heart wasn’t in it. Either way, the authors presentation falls way short.
Not the best Jill Shalvis book I’ve read, but enjoyable if you want a bit of romantic fluff and don’t have anything else to read. You may read this and think it the best thing ever. I hope you do. For me, not so much.
I hope you find this Happy Reading!
Thanks to the Netgally ARC provided by Hachette Book Group on 06/07/2012.
March 10, 2014
I feel like I am just banging the same drum with all my reviews about this series! But once again, another great addition to the series!
Amy, who had taken a few detours through down-on-her-luck and then past Bad-Decisionville was on the right path now! That path did not include men! She loves her new life, she loves her new friends! But, she is closed off and tight lipped about her past!
But, Matt Bowers AKA Ranger Hot Buns, was lethal to her peace of mind.
Matt gives off the "laid back, easy going" vibe to most of those around him, but he moved to Lucky Harbour after his time in SWAT went bad, leading to his divorce. He is attracted to Amy, but does not do relationships!
They do not want to get involved in a relationship, yet cannot deny the attraction to each other. Against both their wills, they find themselves in a "relationship" and they both have times where they run scared and hurt the other due to their past demons raising their ugly heads!
Unlike previous books, that focused pretty much mainly on the "relationships" this book had more of a side story, with the young runaway Riley! As with Sawyers book though, which had a side story about drugs too, it fits, given the nature of Matt's job, and Amy's history. It worked well, in a way it would not have worked in any other books in the series! Jill Shalvis knows exactly when to keep a book simply about the "relationship" and when she can add a little bit extra drama to it.
Again, a great cast of secondary characters from Lucky Harbour!
I cannot put into words well enough how happy I am to have discovered this series and Jill Shalvis as an author!
(and I did not notice any of the detail and continuation errors in this book that I had the previous two books! Even in the previous books they were only tiny issues anyway)
Amy, who had taken a few detours through down-on-her-luck and then past Bad-Decisionville was on the right path now! That path did not include men! She loves her new life, she loves her new friends! But, she is closed off and tight lipped about her past!
But, Matt Bowers AKA Ranger Hot Buns, was lethal to her peace of mind.
Matt gives off the "laid back, easy going" vibe to most of those around him, but he moved to Lucky Harbour after his time in SWAT went bad, leading to his divorce. He is attracted to Amy, but does not do relationships!
They do not want to get involved in a relationship, yet cannot deny the attraction to each other. Against both their wills, they find themselves in a "relationship" and they both have times where they run scared and hurt the other due to their past demons raising their ugly heads!
Unlike previous books, that focused pretty much mainly on the "relationships" this book had more of a side story, with the young runaway Riley! As with Sawyers book though, which had a side story about drugs too, it fits, given the nature of Matt's job, and Amy's history. It worked well, in a way it would not have worked in any other books in the series! Jill Shalvis knows exactly when to keep a book simply about the "relationship" and when she can add a little bit extra drama to it.
Again, a great cast of secondary characters from Lucky Harbour!
I cannot put into words well enough how happy I am to have discovered this series and Jill Shalvis as an author!
(and I did not notice any of the detail and continuation errors in this book that I had the previous two books! Even in the previous books they were only tiny issues anyway)
February 24, 2016
A completely awesome read! Amy and Matt have been circling around one another for months. The sparks fly between the two of them, but as they have both been hurt and no longer trust themselves or in the power of love. But one day Amy ends up lost in the woods and since Matt being a forest ranger, he is the one on duty and rescues Amy much to her chagrin. Amy comes off has a hard-ass chic toward Matt, but it is all for show as she has a marshmallow heart against his sexy sweetness. Especially as they end up having to spend the night into the dark and bear-filled forest.
As they move deeper into their friendsds with benefitsts relationship and both continue to deny that there is anything other than sexy times, very soon the ice begins to melt around both their hearts. They both have to find a way to trust each other with their fragile love. This was a really great read as we watch Matt and Amy sparkle off one another. Young Riley was a nice addition to the town and there were alot of laugh out load moments between the guys and then again with the Chocoholics.
I love Lucky Harbor and enjoy the world that Jill Shalvis has created and can't wait to read Grace and Josh's story.
This was was an ARC provided by Netgalley.
As they move deeper into their friendsds with benefitsts relationship and both continue to deny that there is anything other than sexy times, very soon the ice begins to melt around both their hearts. They both have to find a way to trust each other with their fragile love. This was a really great read as we watch Matt and Amy sparkle off one another. Young Riley was a nice addition to the town and there were alot of laugh out load moments between the guys and then again with the Chocoholics.
I love Lucky Harbor and enjoy the world that Jill Shalvis has created and can't wait to read Grace and Josh's story.
This was was an ARC provided by Netgalley.
July 15, 2012
Jill Shalvis, hands down, write's the best heroes; EVER. Every time I think I have a favorite and that he just can't be topped, I am proved wrong again, and sexy forest ranger Matt is on the top of my list of all time fav's. His masculinity oozed off of the pages making the job of forest ranger equivalent to being a dragon slayer. Delicious!!
This book, as all of the rest in this fantastic series, features the characters we've all come to know and love and it just keeps getting better. I love how Jill makes the town and setting of Lucky Harbor as much of a character as the people themselves. Even the supporting cast of characters shine when there moments on the pages show up. If Lucky Harbor were a real town, I'd seriously consider moving there!
Another four star read from one of my favorite authors!
This book, as all of the rest in this fantastic series, features the characters we've all come to know and love and it just keeps getting better. I love how Jill makes the town and setting of Lucky Harbor as much of a character as the people themselves. Even the supporting cast of characters shine when there moments on the pages show up. If Lucky Harbor were a real town, I'd seriously consider moving there!
Another four star read from one of my favorite authors!
June 14, 2012
I read this book in a day (when I should be writing my own book, y'all!). What can I say? Jill's books hook me and I can't stop reading them. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. She has a smooth way of writing, and her characters--oh, her characters. How can you not love them? Amy has issues that make your heart clench and Matt--well, Matt is another to-die-for hero. You can't help rooting for their Happily Ever Atter. Their chemistry is off the charts and smoking hot and the romance makes you swoon. I loved this book. Another winner from Jill. :-)
June 27, 2012
At Last is book five in the Lucky Harbor series, but it is really book two of three in this second set of trilogies. While I liked the previous book, I think At Last really brings back that great chemistry and sexual tension that I loved in the original three books of this series.
Amy Michaels has lived in Lucky Harbor for about six months. She works as a waitress in the Eat Me Café and has become fast friends with Mallory (heroine from book one) and Grace (heroine in the next book). She has had a hard childhood, running away from home at sixteen. She now has in her possession a journal written by her grandmother when she spent time in Lucky Harbor many years ago. This journal details a spot deep into the woods where her grandmother and her lover engraved their initials into a rock. Her grandmother writes about how she found ‘hope, peace and heart,’ during the time she spent in this town, and that is exactly what Amy is looking for.
Unfortunately, she gets lost hiking by herself, and decides to call for help before it gets too dark. Who shows up, is the hottie forest ranger, Matt Bowers. Matt has had eyes for Amy ever since she moved into town, often eating at her diner just to catch a glimpse of her. Matt used to be a cop, before things went south with his job and his marriage. Although his job is demanding here, he has found a peace of some sorts, although his past haunts him just like Amy’s does.
By the time Matt gets to Amy, it is getting dark and he gets word that a tree has fallen across the only road to get them out of the woods. Luckily he has camping gear with him at all times, and he sets up camp for the night. While he is greatly attracted to Amy, she is a very tough nut to crack. She has a huge tough girl image, and it takes Matt a long time to slowly work his way into her life.
As I mentioned at the beginning, At Last has such great sexual tension. Matt is just a sexy beast. He is alpha, a little grumpy, and just seeming like he is always ready to burst when he is around Amy. Jill Shalvis builds up their romance so well in this one. In the previous book, I wasn’t too sure about Amy, but I ended up really liking her. She is very tight-lipped about her past, always telling people she is fine, always trying to keep that tough girl image going. She totally has the hots for Matt too, but she has trust issues which push her to keep him away.
But Amy’s eyes were on Matt. Because if Josh looked good, Matt looked amazing, and way too sexy.
Why was he still so sexy to her?
Matt pushed his dark sunglasses to the top of his head and searched her out. There was no other word for it. His eyes roamed over the diner until he found her. He looked her over, making her every nerve ending tingle with awareness, though his gaze was more inquisitive than sexual, as if making sure she was okay, though she had no idea why she wouldn’t be.
Then he smiled, and oh, how her misbehaving nipples loved that predatory smile. If his intense, concerned once-over had done things to her, his smile just about undid her from the inside out.
But Matt is not one to give up. When they do start sleeping together, the romance scenes are as hot as the build up to them. They do start with the ‘let’s just have sex, no strings attached,’ which isn’t a favorite theme of mine. We are reading a romance book, obviously there are going to be many strings attached. But in this book it didn’t bother me too much.
I really liked that we see much more friendship between Ty (hero from book one), Matt and Josh (hero in next book) in this one. I think it was lacking in book one. While this is a great romance, Jill Shalvis also writes great scenes between friends. The girls got a lot of page time in the previous book, but they boys make up for it in this one. I love male camaraderie, and in here they make fun of each other, beat each other up in the gym and are just there for some really amusing times. I do think Matt is a little overdramatic at times, when secrets things are revealed about Amy. She kind of lies to him about some things and it is very predictable that he is going to stomp off towards the end, feeling a little bit like forced conflict. But again, those are just nit-picky details.
At Last has great chemistry between all of the characters. I’m so intrigued by the next book, where we get Grace and Josh’s story. We really don’t know these two that well. They both seem a little more reserved, which makes me excited to uncover their secrets.
Rating: B
Amy Michaels has lived in Lucky Harbor for about six months. She works as a waitress in the Eat Me Café and has become fast friends with Mallory (heroine from book one) and Grace (heroine in the next book). She has had a hard childhood, running away from home at sixteen. She now has in her possession a journal written by her grandmother when she spent time in Lucky Harbor many years ago. This journal details a spot deep into the woods where her grandmother and her lover engraved their initials into a rock. Her grandmother writes about how she found ‘hope, peace and heart,’ during the time she spent in this town, and that is exactly what Amy is looking for.
Unfortunately, she gets lost hiking by herself, and decides to call for help before it gets too dark. Who shows up, is the hottie forest ranger, Matt Bowers. Matt has had eyes for Amy ever since she moved into town, often eating at her diner just to catch a glimpse of her. Matt used to be a cop, before things went south with his job and his marriage. Although his job is demanding here, he has found a peace of some sorts, although his past haunts him just like Amy’s does.
By the time Matt gets to Amy, it is getting dark and he gets word that a tree has fallen across the only road to get them out of the woods. Luckily he has camping gear with him at all times, and he sets up camp for the night. While he is greatly attracted to Amy, she is a very tough nut to crack. She has a huge tough girl image, and it takes Matt a long time to slowly work his way into her life.
As I mentioned at the beginning, At Last has such great sexual tension. Matt is just a sexy beast. He is alpha, a little grumpy, and just seeming like he is always ready to burst when he is around Amy. Jill Shalvis builds up their romance so well in this one. In the previous book, I wasn’t too sure about Amy, but I ended up really liking her. She is very tight-lipped about her past, always telling people she is fine, always trying to keep that tough girl image going. She totally has the hots for Matt too, but she has trust issues which push her to keep him away.
But Amy’s eyes were on Matt. Because if Josh looked good, Matt looked amazing, and way too sexy.
Why was he still so sexy to her?
Matt pushed his dark sunglasses to the top of his head and searched her out. There was no other word for it. His eyes roamed over the diner until he found her. He looked her over, making her every nerve ending tingle with awareness, though his gaze was more inquisitive than sexual, as if making sure she was okay, though she had no idea why she wouldn’t be.
Then he smiled, and oh, how her misbehaving nipples loved that predatory smile. If his intense, concerned once-over had done things to her, his smile just about undid her from the inside out.
But Matt is not one to give up. When they do start sleeping together, the romance scenes are as hot as the build up to them. They do start with the ‘let’s just have sex, no strings attached,’ which isn’t a favorite theme of mine. We are reading a romance book, obviously there are going to be many strings attached. But in this book it didn’t bother me too much.
I really liked that we see much more friendship between Ty (hero from book one), Matt and Josh (hero in next book) in this one. I think it was lacking in book one. While this is a great romance, Jill Shalvis also writes great scenes between friends. The girls got a lot of page time in the previous book, but they boys make up for it in this one. I love male camaraderie, and in here they make fun of each other, beat each other up in the gym and are just there for some really amusing times. I do think Matt is a little overdramatic at times, when secrets things are revealed about Amy. She kind of lies to him about some things and it is very predictable that he is going to stomp off towards the end, feeling a little bit like forced conflict. But again, those are just nit-picky details.
At Last has great chemistry between all of the characters. I’m so intrigued by the next book, where we get Grace and Josh’s story. We really don’t know these two that well. They both seem a little more reserved, which makes me excited to uncover their secrets.
Rating: B
December 2, 2012
Re-read December 1, 2012 and still amazing!
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First read June 3, 2012
5+++ stars ... Many imitate...few compare...AMAZING!!
After recently finishing (and loving) Lucky in Love, I was so eager to find out what the deal was with Matt and Amy. Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group/Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this book early!
Jill Shalvis definitely worked her special brand of magic in Lucky in Love. My love for all things Lucky Harbor was re-ignited with Ty and Mallory’s story in Lucky in Love, where we were first introduced to Matt and Amy circling/avoiding each other as secondary characters. It was obvious there was something going on between the two, but it was Ty and Mallory’s turn at a love match, and so we got to know the Amy and Matt through interactions with the main characters of that book. Jill has a special talent for creating secondary characters that are interesting and compelling, and I was waiting with bated breath to get my hands on Amy and Matt’s story!
All I have to say is: YOUWILLNOTBEDISAPPOINTED!!! I sound like a broken record, because looking back at past reviews I keep saying “Contemporary romance doesn’t get better than this!” – but honestly Jill Shalvis keeps outdoing herself. I absolutely adored this book. Matt and Amy were perfect for each other, and I think that Jill Shalvis as an author is sort of branching out in her storytelling by tackling some tough issues in her plot, which only adds to her immense talent in creating characters that jump off the page.
I don’t want to give anything away, because it was truly a pleasure to unfold Matt and Amy’s character throughout the book, but Matt is just … just… there are no words… he’s dreamy. Shalvis is my #1 FAVORITE author because of the heros she creates. She has a direct line to my man meat meter…seriously…no one does it better. I only wish she could create my real life dream guy in the flesh!! And Amy is really very special in her own right and SO relatable that you can’t help but root for her through her journey of self-discovery, going full circle with the help of her grandmother’s journal. Long live the Chocoholics and their good girl/bad girl lessons!! Don’t we all wish we had such supportive friends! They are just fantastic, and Jill Shalvis expertly weaves a chemistry between all the characters that is so genuine you want to jump in the book and be a part of it all!
The other thing that really struck me about this book was that there was a real sense of intimacy between Matt and Amy that makes this book, in particular, standout. I think it was one of the hottest Jill Shalvis has written in that respect. Anyone can write sex scenes, but the feeling and emotion that she was able to convey between these two characters was truly stellar and make this one of the most memorable in that area for me.
This is the fifth book in the Lucky Harbor series. You don’t want to miss any of the books, but this could stand alone and still make sense.
This book is being published June 26, 2012, and YOU are in a for a TREAT!
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First read June 3, 2012
5+++ stars ... Many imitate...few compare...AMAZING!!
After recently finishing (and loving) Lucky in Love, I was so eager to find out what the deal was with Matt and Amy. Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group/Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this book early!
Jill Shalvis definitely worked her special brand of magic in Lucky in Love. My love for all things Lucky Harbor was re-ignited with Ty and Mallory’s story in Lucky in Love, where we were first introduced to Matt and Amy circling/avoiding each other as secondary characters. It was obvious there was something going on between the two, but it was Ty and Mallory’s turn at a love match, and so we got to know the Amy and Matt through interactions with the main characters of that book. Jill has a special talent for creating secondary characters that are interesting and compelling, and I was waiting with bated breath to get my hands on Amy and Matt’s story!
All I have to say is: YOUWILLNOTBEDISAPPOINTED!!! I sound like a broken record, because looking back at past reviews I keep saying “Contemporary romance doesn’t get better than this!” – but honestly Jill Shalvis keeps outdoing herself. I absolutely adored this book. Matt and Amy were perfect for each other, and I think that Jill Shalvis as an author is sort of branching out in her storytelling by tackling some tough issues in her plot, which only adds to her immense talent in creating characters that jump off the page.
I don’t want to give anything away, because it was truly a pleasure to unfold Matt and Amy’s character throughout the book, but Matt is just … just… there are no words… he’s dreamy. Shalvis is my #1 FAVORITE author because of the heros she creates. She has a direct line to my man meat meter…seriously…no one does it better. I only wish she could create my real life dream guy in the flesh!! And Amy is really very special in her own right and SO relatable that you can’t help but root for her through her journey of self-discovery, going full circle with the help of her grandmother’s journal. Long live the Chocoholics and their good girl/bad girl lessons!! Don’t we all wish we had such supportive friends! They are just fantastic, and Jill Shalvis expertly weaves a chemistry between all the characters that is so genuine you want to jump in the book and be a part of it all!
The other thing that really struck me about this book was that there was a real sense of intimacy between Matt and Amy that makes this book, in particular, standout. I think it was one of the hottest Jill Shalvis has written in that respect. Anyone can write sex scenes, but the feeling and emotion that she was able to convey between these two characters was truly stellar and make this one of the most memorable in that area for me.
This is the fifth book in the Lucky Harbor series. You don’t want to miss any of the books, but this could stand alone and still make sense.
This book is being published June 26, 2012, and YOU are in a for a TREAT!
July 27, 2012
Very good book. Amy is a waitress in the local diner. She came to Lucky Harbor because her grandmother had visited when she was young and had told Amy wonderful stories of her time there. She has her grandmother's journal and is planning to follow in her footsteps, looking for the same peace that her grandmother had found. Unfortunately, she is not an outdoors type of person and gets lost on her first attempt. A call to her friend Mallory gets forest ranger Matt coming to her rescue. She had noticed Matt when he came into the diner, but she has no intention of getting involved with any guy, especially one as good looking as Matt. Meanwhile, Matt had also noticed Amy and would like to get to know her better, but Amy doesn't allow anyone to get that close. Amy doesn't want to need rescuing, but she knows she has to accept the help. When they end up spending the night in the woods, the attraction becomes even more of an issue. Matt and Amy end up spending more time together as she follows her grandmother's journal entries. They also find a teenage girl living in the woods, who Amy tries to befriend and help. She recognizes what Riley is going through, having been there herself. Amy and Matt decide to follow the attraction and have some fun together, but make no commitments for the future. Matt knows he likes Amy, and they are certainly combustible when they get together. But he doesn't let anyone get too close, as things always seem to go wrong when he does. Amy has trust issues from her time on the streets, and it takes a long time for her to realize that she can trust him. Some things go wrong when she keeps a couple secrets trying to protect one person, while she angers Matt by not trusting him. I really liked the way that, although they had decided on "just sex" the more time they spent together, the more they actually liked each other. I loved seeing how Mallory and Grace work to help Amy get the life she deserves, and how Ty and Josh help Matt see what he needs to do. And yet again I love the people of Lucky Harbor and how they take care of their own.
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