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It Had to Be You
(Lucky Harbor #7)
by
Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....
After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for s ...more
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Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Published
May 28th 2013
by Grand Central Publishing
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Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor #7)
It Had to Be You, the latest addition to my Lucky Harbor addiction, further solidifies Jill Shalvis’ place on my list of top contemporary romance authors. Like all the books in the series, It Had to Be You is romantic, funny, and sexy, with a story that pulls you in and characters who keep you coming back for more, first page to the last.
On the Cover:...more
Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her h
WWHHHAAATTT???? WE GET MORE?!?!?! OHHH YEAAAHHHHH BUDDY!
...more
...more
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
GENRE: Adult Contemporary Romance
HEAT LEVEL: Medium
ANGST LEVEL: Drama free! This is a feel-good book!!
NOTE: This is book #7 in the Lucky Harbor series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I always suggest reading the whole series.
RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2013
4.5 Stars!
I think I've said it before, but brace yourselves because I'm about to say it again. Jill Shalvis books are my comfort food. When I'm feeling off, feeling blue, feeling scared or worried...I gra ...more
GENRE: Adult Contemporary Romance
HEAT LEVEL: Medium
ANGST LEVEL: Drama free! This is a feel-good book!!
NOTE: This is book #7 in the Lucky Harbor series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I always suggest reading the whole series.
RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2013
4.5 Stars!
I think I've said it before, but brace yourselves because I'm about to say it again. Jill Shalvis books are my comfort food. When I'm feeling off, feeling blue, feeling scared or worried...I gra ...more
I'm a big fan of this series and have really liked every story...until this one. I LOVED it!
It's one of those rarities where you have equally strong feelings for both main characters. Ali Winter has had a tough life but through it all, she's held her head up high and believed life would get better, not in a sappy way but more resolute. You couldn't help admiring her spirit. The town loves her.
Luke Hanover is one of the good guys, the person you can count on to do the right thing but underneath ...more
It's one of those rarities where you have equally strong feelings for both main characters. Ali Winter has had a tough life but through it all, she's held her head up high and believed life would get better, not in a sappy way but more resolute. You couldn't help admiring her spirit. The town loves her.
Luke Hanover is one of the good guys, the person you can count on to do the right thing but underneath ...more
A cute, sweet, lighthearted read from Jill Shalvis. I feel like I always say the same things about her books. She's a good contemporary romance author but never my favorite. I don't feel the emotional punch that I get from authors like Kristan Higgins or Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I think that's just a random personal preference, as I know a lot of die hard fans of hers. I like a little more depth to the protagonists and more time spent with them in their pasts, possibly just more headspace explo
...more
Apr 09, 2013
KatLynne
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
g-contemporary-romance,
2013-reads
3.5 Stars
It Had To Be You brings us the story of Ali Winters and Detective Luke Hanover. Ali is warm and caring, always ready to offer a helping hand. She’s very optimistic but the latest events have her stressed and fraught with worry. Not only did her douchebag of a boyfriend dump her, but most of the town now believe she’s a thief. How could they not when all evidence points to her guilt.
Detective Luke Hanover is in need of a little R&R after a high profile case goes bad. After years of being ...more
It Had To Be You brings us the story of Ali Winters and Detective Luke Hanover. Ali is warm and caring, always ready to offer a helping hand. She’s very optimistic but the latest events have her stressed and fraught with worry. Not only did her douchebag of a boyfriend dump her, but most of the town now believe she’s a thief. How could they not when all evidence points to her guilt.
Detective Luke Hanover is in need of a little R&R after a high profile case goes bad. After years of being ...more
Apr 09, 2013
Paula
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporary-romance
In case you weren’t aware – Jill Shalvis is one of my all-time favorite contemporary authors. She knows how to write sexy alpha heroes that make you weak in the knees. She excels at writing funny, lighthearted, exciting, and steamy romantic contemporaries that make me excited for her next book every time. And I can always count on Miz Shalvis to put a cheesy smile on my face, make me laugh out loud, and make me happily sigh as I fall in love with her characters.
Ali Winters has been completely s ...more
More of the same from Jill Shalvis.
Jill Shalvis' seventh addition to her Lucky Harbor series. Ali Winters works at the florist shop in Lucky Harbor and lives with boyfriend, Teddy Marshall. Well, she did until he texted her and told her they were through and the lease was expired on the rental house. And she discovers he was cheating on her. Then she discovers the owner of the rented house, Luke Hanover, has come home for some needed rest. Then the police want to arrest her for stealing 50K. And through it all Ali keeps her optim
...more
In theory, Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series should be an all-time favorite of mine. There's the requisite cozy and quirky small town setting, a liberal dose of humor in lieu of overwrought angst, adorable pets, and heroes who are strong and protective without being the scarily angry, controlling headcases who pass for "alphas" in many other series. So I keep trying to fall in love with these books, but am always left mysteriously underwhelmed. I think it primarily comes down to my just not connectin
...more
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Contemporary Romance
Series : - 7th in the series (1st in the "3rd" trilogy of the Lucky Harbour series)
Love triangle? - (view spoiler)
Cheating? - (view spoiler)
HEA? - (view spoiler)
Would I read more by this author? - Yes
Rating - 5
★Review★
It has been awhile since I visited Lucky Harbour, and again an excellent addition to the series.
I again loved both main characters, and love how there is ...more
Genre : - Contemporary Romance
Series : - 7th in the series (1st in the "3rd" trilogy of the Lucky Harbour series)
Love triangle? - (view spoiler)
Cheating? - (view spoiler)
HEA? - (view spoiler)
Would I read more by this author? - Yes
Rating - 5
★Review★
It has been awhile since I visited Lucky Harbour, and again an excellent addition to the series.
I again loved both main characters, and love how there is ...more
Mar 24, 2013
Ⓐlleskelle - teamSøren♗ ⊲I like big b00ks⊳
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE.
Shelves:
humor,
contemp,
romance,
series,
00-on-my-ipad,
hea,
03-i-loved-like-a-lot,
hello-mister-police-officer
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I know I'm giving this series a lot of —okay, only— 5 stars, but it really works for me. It is maybe not the most original, it certainly do not compete for novelty, but the recipe is SOLID. If you are looking for romance, sexy times and humor, look no further, Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series is what you need!
I'm enjoying myself book after book, wishing Lucky Harbor existed, wishing to stay there, wishing for the smile it puts on my face would never falter.
All the s ...more
I know I'm giving this series a lot of —okay, only— 5 stars, but it really works for me. It is maybe not the most original, it certainly do not compete for novelty, but the recipe is SOLID. If you are looking for romance, sexy times and humor, look no further, Jill Shalvis' Lucky Harbor series is what you need!
I'm enjoying myself book after book, wishing Lucky Harbor existed, wishing to stay there, wishing for the smile it puts on my face would never falter.
All the s ...more
I read this one awhile ago, but after recently completing Once in a Lifetime, I was thinking about how much I enjoyed reading Ali's story as well. Ali is a terrific heroine: spirited, lively and determinedly optimistic yet not at all obnoxiously 'perky' or a Mary Sue.
I appreciated the minor element of mystery around who stole the community center's money, because even though it wasn't particularly well plotted nor even a very large part of the overall story, it did give the book a focus and str ...more
I appreciated the minor element of mystery around who stole the community center's money, because even though it wasn't particularly well plotted nor even a very large part of the overall story, it did give the book a focus and str ...more
Another fun-to-read addition to the Lucky Harbor series from Jill Shalvis. Though not my favorite of the lot, it's always an easy and delightful visit with a town full of great characters. Luke and Ali clicked and the dynamics between them worked well. With each visit, I'm always eager to see what the seniors have up their sleeves. Luke's granddad made me laugh, cheer and even tear up a bit. One thing for sure, Jill never fails to provide a great story that ends in happily-ever-after.
...more
Funny, quirky, sexy and just down right fun to read....I love Jill Shalvis!
Mar 08, 2014
Jane Stewart
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
contemporary-romantic-mystery
2 ½ stars. It was ok, but I wanted it to be over. That’s not a good sign.
The author had some good ideas and interesting characters. But when it came to filling in 300 pages, it just wasn’t special enough. At the end a small thing bothered me because it was predictable.
(view spoiler) ...more
The author had some good ideas and interesting characters. But when it came to filling in 300 pages, it just wasn’t special enough. At the end a small thing bothered me because it was predictable.
(view spoiler) ...more
4.5 stars
I was starting to worry a little, Jill. The last book I read by you was a clear miss for me. Add in the fact that I've been getting tired of your tried and true plot formula and I thought perhaps our time together had run its course.
And then you gave me Luke.
And then I was happy.
Love, Bri
Above all else, I really truly loved both characters in this one. And not just the two main characters, but the secondary characters as well. One thing Jill does well is making those bromances real and ...more
I was starting to worry a little, Jill. The last book I read by you was a clear miss for me. Add in the fact that I've been getting tired of your tried and true plot formula and I thought perhaps our time together had run its course.
And then you gave me Luke.
And then I was happy.
Love, Bri
Above all else, I really truly loved both characters in this one. And not just the two main characters, but the secondary characters as well. One thing Jill does well is making those bromances real and ...more
This was an awesome book - loved it!
Whenever I read a book from the Lucky Harbor series it's like I'm visiting friends. The 7th book in the series is about Ali Winters, the coolest female MC I've read in a long time. She was all kinds of awesome with her kind ways, sense of humor and just common decency. I liked her a lot and she was the perfect match for the grumpy city detective Luke Hanover. Luke returns to Lucky Harbor in a much needed vacation. He doesn't want to get involved in anything, let alone a cute, adorable squatter A
...more
ok, I liked this one though I am currently a little torn. I thought it would be such a good idea to binge through this series and hopefully have it completed before I return back to school, but the more that I read them in rapid succession, the more the stories really start to feel the same.
though a different story, It Had To Be You felt very samey with the previous six books I've read. Heroine comes to Lucky Harbor from somewhere else. There is alot of emphasis and attention paid to whatever he ...more
though a different story, It Had To Be You felt very samey with the previous six books I've read. Heroine comes to Lucky Harbor from somewhere else. There is alot of emphasis and attention paid to whatever he ...more
In the highly anticipated seventh book of the Lucky Harbor series, IT HAD TO BE YOU, Jill Shalvis brings readers a sweet, determined and independent heroine in Ali Winters. Life hasn’t been too kind to Ali in recent months. Her boyfriend is a first-class jerk, she is low on cash, and she becomes the prime suspect of a robbery case. Add to that the fact that she is nearly homeless and if she can’t find a new place soon, she will be in big trouble.
But trouble finds her instead in the form of a ...more
As if the LUCKY HARBOR Series could GET any better....Well....Jill ya did it! I LOVED IT HAD TO BE YOU!! Luke and Ali....well....they stole my heart from their first meeting and took me on quite the Wild Ride!! OMG!!
Ali and Luke are definitely making TOP FIVE COUPLES of 2013 at A Tasty Read!! Ali....favorite Shalvis heroine....close competition...but she kinda ROCKS!!
Full Review
Jill Shalvis does Romance like Betty Crocker does Cake: Sweet, Satisfying and Can be devoured in One Sitting!
I thought ...more
Ali and Luke are definitely making TOP FIVE COUPLES of 2013 at A Tasty Read!! Ali....favorite Shalvis heroine....close competition...but she kinda ROCKS!!
Full Review
Jill Shalvis does Romance like Betty Crocker does Cake: Sweet, Satisfying and Can be devoured in One Sitting!
I thought ...more
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2pDm2ff
Ahhh Lucky Harbor. Best. Place. Ever. I had a fantastic time with It Had to Be You.
The Gist: Life sucks. Ali and Luke are both dealing with their own personal brands of 'oh, fuck me, come on!'. All Luke wants is an escape from his life as a cop after a case goes bad. So he heads to Lucky Harbor and the house his aunt left him. A couple weeks of peace and quiet are just what he needs. Instead he finds a wild woman standing ha ...more
Ali, a woman down on her luck ends up temporarily staying with Luke, the gruff detective owner of her house who's hiding from reporters after his last case took a wrong turn.
Neither of them is particularly happy about staying together, and things get more complicated, when Ali is accused of theft. She is innocent and determined to clear her name, and Luke gets involved, despite his misgivings.
The more time they spend together and the more they learn about each other, the more intrigued they both ...more
Neither of them is particularly happy about staying together, and things get more complicated, when Ali is accused of theft. She is innocent and determined to clear her name, and Luke gets involved, despite his misgivings.
The more time they spend together and the more they learn about each other, the more intrigued they both ...more
Oct 10, 2013
LaFleurBleue
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance-contemp,
e-book
This book is in line with the previous in the series. It does not have anything very new, special, striking or deep-moving. I can't reach the 5 star for this book, or the other in the series, as it misses some heart-wrenching moments to make it unforgettable. However it just flows and reads very easily and very pleasantly from the first page to the last.
Though part of the Lucky Harbor series, this book is part of a sub-trilogy with 3 friends, Luke, Jack and Ben. I was slightly put off to realiz ...more
Though part of the Lucky Harbor series, this book is part of a sub-trilogy with 3 friends, Luke, Jack and Ben. I was slightly put off to realiz ...more
Apr 03, 2013
Shannon
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2016,
audiobook,
library-download,
stars-4,
zbook-7,
have-netgalley-copy,
zz02-2016,
series-lucky-harbor
It Had to Be You
The Characters:
Ali Winters
Luke Hanover
The Story:
Super cute, super fun, super hot. Luke and Ali had chemistry from page one (or whatever page they met on). A wonderful villain, a delightful mystery and the beginning of a beautiful relationship, what’s not to like.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
The Characters:
Ali Winters
Luke Hanover
The Story:
Super cute, super fun, super hot. Luke and Ali had chemistry from page one (or whatever page they met on). A wonderful villain, a delightful mystery and the beginning of a beautiful relationship, what’s not to like.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
Jun 17, 2013
Ian
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
lawyers (it will drive you insane)
After being unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend, Ali convinces a cleaner to let her into his office so she can retrieve an earthenware pen holder she made for him. When $50,000 dollars is stolen from his office she immediately becomes suspect number 1.
It Had to Be You is cute and fluffy contemporary romance, it's predictable but entertaining. It's very much Jill Shalvis painting by the numbers. Not bad but a long way from her best.
...more
It Had to Be You is cute and fluffy contemporary romance, it's predictable but entertaining. It's very much Jill Shalvis painting by the numbers. Not bad but a long way from her best.
...more
I'm pretty sure that I called it quite accurately in my BLopoly update post, when I said that I would probably end up finishing this whole book within the day. Jill Shalvis is an author I'm constantly returning to for a multitude of reasons, one being that sometimes, when I love her books and her characters, I really DO love her books and her characters.
I had started reading It Had to Be You with every intention of stopping after the first handful of chapters, then either switching back to anot ...more
I had started reading It Had to Be You with every intention of stopping after the first handful of chapters, then either switching back to anot ...more
Ali Winters's life hasn't been a fun ride. Men always came and went and growing up, her family didn't have lot of money. But she learned to rely on herself and how to shove the bad stuff and keep moving. In other words, she's a fighter and a tough woman. You would have think that life would give her a break of misfortunes, but think again. Going to the town big fundraiser, she caught her boyfriend cheating, and then he dumped her in a text message, and not so subtly ask her to move out without f
...more
This is such a great book! I have only read two others in the Lucky Harbor series, with intentions to read them all, and this is hands down my favorite so far! Ali Winters grew up on the 'wrong side of the tracks'. Always the strong one, pushing the bad stuff down and looking on the bright side of things. She moved to Lucky Harbor to start over. A very crafty and talented florist/ceramics maker and teacher, all she wants is to make a better life for herself. Luke Hanover is a somewhat jaded dete
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Irresistib...: It Had To Be You | 14 | 35 | Jun 20, 2013 07:56PM | |
Simply Irresistib...:
**New It Had to Be You Giveaway** June 10-17
|
13 | 27 | Jun 11, 2013 01:55PM |
Readers also enjoyed
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 daily blog detailing her city
...more
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“I'm not defined by what people think of me. My happiness comes from within.”
—
18 likes
“I know I might look like a ball of fluff," she said, "but I'm not. Not even close. And the fact that I get up each morning and put a damn smile on my face is the same as... Batman putting on his cape."
"I--"
"I'm not done. It's... protection. It's my shield. It's me waving my middle finger to the world because I choose to be happy. The bottom line, Luke, is that I know what matters and what doesn't.”
—
14 likes
More quotes…
"I--"
"I'm not done. It's... protection. It's my shield. It's me waving my middle finger to the world because I choose to be happy. The bottom line, Luke, is that I know what matters and what doesn't.”
