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kathydavie's review
3.0
First in the Lucky Harbor romance series set in a small coastal town in Washington. The couple focus is on Maddie and Jax.
My Take
Yet another first book in a romance series that, luckily [for me] I read a later book in the series that I enjoyed. This one was cute and dorky, trying a little too hard to set the series up, although I did like how Shalvis dragged out the sisters' issues until the truth finally slips out. This is where Shalvis finally pulled me into the story.
I do like the characters. They're warm, some take a little longer to warm up to, but you will be intrigued by them. Of course, inheriting a resort and "having" to do it up also intrigues me---I think it would be fun, which tells you what kind of nut I am!
Um, if you're gonna get fired, I'd rather be fired after year-end bonuses too...better than getting fired before…
Shalvis is good about teasing out characters' backgrounds; it'll keep you wondering right along with Maddie.
Do read the quotes before the chapters begin...they're good!
The Story
Three estranged sisters whose hippie mother dumped them all off on various caregivers have reunited, temporarily, over their mother's bequest of the Lucky Harbor Resort to the three of them. And it's only Maddie who wants to keep the place, the other two want out. But there are all sorts of reasons to keep the place, to stay in Lucky Harbor. Jax Cullen being one of those reasons.
Then the truths come out, and even the Christmas tree lights can't turn 'em out.
The Characters
Maddie Moore, a.k.a., the Mouse, has been raised by her set-designer dad. That was the deal he made with her mother. She's just been fired from her job and I think it was the best thing that ever happened to her. Alex is her ex, another lawyer, but a smarmy one.
Tara (the Steel Magnolia), the food snob with her perfect life and perfect hubby, Logan the race car driver, and Chloe, the Wild Child who wouldn't think of refusing a dare, are Maddie's half-sisters. Chloe is extremely asthmatic and very keen on whipping up her beauty products. Phoebe Traeger is the girls' mother and a total flake, but a flake with a surprise for her girls.
A disaffected, former lawyer, Jax Cullen has his own construction business and is mayor of Lucky Harbor. He only looks like a bad boy with that motorcycle. Izzy is his part Lab, part possum dog---well, there's gotta be some reason for Izzy's lazy attitude toward life. He's also part-owner of the Love Shack with Ford Walker, a soon-to-be former best friend who lives to sail. Sawyer makes up the third in their triumvirate of united misfits; he's now the town sheriff. Jeanne is Jax's part-time office worker. Jackson Cullen II is his jerk of a lawyer father who keeps trying to jerk him back into the law life.
Lucille is a cleaner at the inn, well, when they can afford her. She also owns an art gallery. Anderson runs the local hardware store. Sandy is the town clerk and manager. The Eat Me Café needs a new cook. Peter Jenkins is a pushy renter at the Resort. Tucker and Lance run the ice cream shop. Ty Roberts is an EMT. Benny Ramos is an insurance adjuster.
The Cover
The cover is cute with the heart tromped into the snow, and Jax and Maddie at its point. Both are in sweaters, jeans, and boots, and in each other's arms.
The title is Jax, he's Simply Irresistible, as Maddie is for him.
My Take
Yet another first book in a romance series that, luckily [for me] I read a later book in the series that I enjoyed. This one was cute and dorky, trying a little too hard to set the series up, although I did like how Shalvis dragged out the sisters' issues until the truth finally slips out. This is where Shalvis finally pulled me into the story.
I do like the characters. They're warm, some take a little longer to warm up to, but you will be intrigued by them. Of course, inheriting a resort and "having" to do it up also intrigues me---I think it would be fun, which tells you what kind of nut I am!
Um, if you're gonna get fired, I'd rather be fired after year-end bonuses too...better than getting fired before…
Shalvis is good about teasing out characters' backgrounds; it'll keep you wondering right along with Maddie.
Do read the quotes before the chapters begin...they're good!
The Story
Three estranged sisters whose hippie mother dumped them all off on various caregivers have reunited, temporarily, over their mother's bequest of the Lucky Harbor Resort to the three of them. And it's only Maddie who wants to keep the place, the other two want out. But there are all sorts of reasons to keep the place, to stay in Lucky Harbor. Jax Cullen being one of those reasons.
Then the truths come out, and even the Christmas tree lights can't turn 'em out.
"Our gene pool could use some chlorine."
The Characters
Maddie Moore, a.k.a., the Mouse, has been raised by her set-designer dad. That was the deal he made with her mother. She's just been fired from her job and I think it was the best thing that ever happened to her. Alex is her ex, another lawyer, but a smarmy one.
Tara (the Steel Magnolia), the food snob with her perfect life and perfect hubby, Logan the race car driver, and Chloe, the Wild Child who wouldn't think of refusing a dare, are Maddie's half-sisters. Chloe is extremely asthmatic and very keen on whipping up her beauty products. Phoebe Traeger is the girls' mother and a total flake, but a flake with a surprise for her girls.
A disaffected, former lawyer, Jax Cullen has his own construction business and is mayor of Lucky Harbor. He only looks like a bad boy with that motorcycle. Izzy is his part Lab, part possum dog---well, there's gotta be some reason for Izzy's lazy attitude toward life. He's also part-owner of the Love Shack with Ford Walker, a soon-to-be former best friend who lives to sail. Sawyer makes up the third in their triumvirate of united misfits; he's now the town sheriff. Jeanne is Jax's part-time office worker. Jackson Cullen II is his jerk of a lawyer father who keeps trying to jerk him back into the law life.
Lucille is a cleaner at the inn, well, when they can afford her. She also owns an art gallery. Anderson runs the local hardware store. Sandy is the town clerk and manager. The Eat Me Café needs a new cook. Peter Jenkins is a pushy renter at the Resort. Tucker and Lance run the ice cream shop. Ty Roberts is an EMT. Benny Ramos is an insurance adjuster.
The Cover
The cover is cute with the heart tromped into the snow, and Jax and Maddie at its point. Both are in sweaters, jeans, and boots, and in each other's arms.
The title is Jax, he's Simply Irresistible, as Maddie is for him.
melly2966's review
5.0
Really really good. Loved Maddie and Jax. I also loved the sisters and his best friends. Can't wait for their books.
bookeen_la_rouquine's review against another edition
4.0
Oh ben c'était bien mignon cette petite lecture. juste ce dont j'avais besoin, plein de coeurs partout!!!^^ je lirai la suite avec plaisir en tout cas. et je déménage à lucky harbor, ça a l'air très sympa!!
steph01924's review
3.0
For what it was, it wasn't as bad as some cheesy romances I've read. It wasn't completely over the top, the writing wasn't sophomoric, and it had a fairly linear plot. There were a bit too many 'sexy' scenes...which seems like it would defeat the purpose of a romance novel, but sometimes it felt it was just Jax and Maddie making out in this room, they walked a few steps and started making out in this room. After awhile, there's only so much you can read about a 'perfect butt' and want to just get on with your life. But it was a fast and easy read.
mamabears_fabulous_book_finds's review
4.0
Nice beginning to the series. This is a short book, as most first books in a series are, so it felt a little rushed. Overall though, it was a sweet book and I am definitely going to read the rest of the series. Sometimes you just need a regular romance about regular people...something to sigh over...
ingrid6's review
Normally I love the inherited inn trope I won’t lie. But this one was boring. Uninteresting characters, pacing was weird to me. Also I don’t like tribal tattoos lol
sherrill's review
4.0
Totally adorable. Quick paced in the falling-in-love department, but sometimes we need that, don't we.
A very good, light hearted story you should read.
A very good, light hearted story you should read.
charms1976's review
4.0
I just love the writing of Jill Shalvis! After reading her Animal series, I went out and purchased the first book in the Lucky Harbor series. Simply Irresistible was just that -- Irresistible!
I loved Jax and the whole town of Lucky Harbor. Plus who can go wrong for a rich and sexy man who is sweet at heart? Maddie and her sisters were also a fun group to read about. They each had their own personality and they were described as The Steel Magnolia, The Mouse, and The Wild One. Each description fit each character perfectly! I liked how Maddie -- The Mouse -- was trying to turn her life around. When the half sisters inherit the inn after their Mother dies, they realize it is going to take a lot of work and money to bring the inn back to its former glory. With secrets involved for the family members, secrets in Jax's past, and obstacles to overcome that are from each characters past, we get to see the journey unfold in a sweet story.
The only problem I had with this book was the constant wavering from Maddie. One minute she was happy to have Jax, then she would change her mind and not want him. I understand she had some issues to work out from a previous relationship, but the reason behind it was not believable. Even with that issue, I still can't wait to pick up a copy of the next book in the series. I want to learn more about Maddie's sisters and their adventure in Lucky Harbor.
I loved Jax and the whole town of Lucky Harbor. Plus who can go wrong for a rich and sexy man who is sweet at heart? Maddie and her sisters were also a fun group to read about. They each had their own personality and they were described as The Steel Magnolia, The Mouse, and The Wild One. Each description fit each character perfectly! I liked how Maddie -- The Mouse -- was trying to turn her life around. When the half sisters inherit the inn after their Mother dies, they realize it is going to take a lot of work and money to bring the inn back to its former glory. With secrets involved for the family members, secrets in Jax's past, and obstacles to overcome that are from each characters past, we get to see the journey unfold in a sweet story.
The only problem I had with this book was the constant wavering from Maddie. One minute she was happy to have Jax, then she would change her mind and not want him. I understand she had some issues to work out from a previous relationship, but the reason behind it was not believable. Even with that issue, I still can't wait to pick up a copy of the next book in the series. I want to learn more about Maddie's sisters and their adventure in Lucky Harbor.
rebroxannape's review
2.0
Couldn't finish it. Sorry. Got 2 chapters in, cardboard stock characters and uninteresting romance.