Always on My Mind: A Lucky Harbor Novel

I loved it ! Jill Shalvis does not disappoint. The characters are witty and funny! It's a lovely romantic story! Where the characters develop and grow and get to terms with their issues without compromising who they are.

Extremely hot! This book makes you so angry at the characters, but they are so enchanting that you can't stay mad for long. Stubbornness at its finest. Jill Shalvis is an amazing author and she keeps everyone begging for more.

Another great, funny, sweet book by Jill Shalvis! Loved both Jack and Leah and the chemistry between them! Could not put this book down. Jill Shalvis is one of my favorite authors and Lucky Harbor is one of my favorite places to visit!

I love the characters of lucky harbor! The characters always hold such real qualities. I get pulled into the love affair as it every time. Great chemistry and pulling in characters impervious novels in the series. I want to move to Lucky Harbor!!!

is there anything bad you can say about jill shalvis???????? i mean seriously.. she has the most amazing books ever!!!!! i love all her work!!! i own all her books on kindle!!! sexy romantic novels are her thing!!!!

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the Bookaholics Club.

Leah and Jack have known each other forever, best friends. Leah moves back to her hometown to help her grandma out in her bakery and give herself a place to be while she waits out the showing of a reality cooking show in which she is a contestant.

Jack and Leah are thrown together as a couple when Leah fibs to Jack's mother, who is recovering from cancer, that they are a real couple to cheer her up.

Now, this sounds like a good story. The reality show storyline grabbed me, but it was a background byline and never came to fruition till the very end. The real story was between Jack and Leah, but unfortunately, the story was more a separate one about Jack and a separate one about Leah. It took forever for them to get any heat going! (much less share any pages together) This book was odd, because I usually find Shalvis' female leads highly-entertaining, strong women. But Leah was so full of self-doubt and low self-esteem, that she was annoying.

And there was a mystery to be solved--fires are popping up around Lucky Harbor. This was a good part of the book.

I look forward to more Lucky Harbor books--hopefully Jack's best friend Ben will be next!

My take on this is that the characters’ actions and words do not fit their motivations. The main story is the romantic relationship between Leah and Jack. The entire book is full of I don’t want you. I don’t like you. This is just pretend. Lets have sex. The next day Leah says that was a mistake. We can’t do that any more. Then she buys condoms. Then they have sex again. This goes round and round for the whole book.

Jack’s thoughts are I’m not going to fall for her because if she leaves me it will kill me. Then he kisses her and keeps seeing her.

There were many misunderstandings, but the worst one was when Jack heard that Leah was leaving town, so he breaks up with her. He thinks she is leaving for good. She doesn’t tell him it’s temporary. She is just silent.

These things frustrate me. The unusualness here was that Leah had issues with perfection and failure. This caused her to never finish anything - to always be a quitter whether it’s school, work, or Jack. I guess that’s why every day she is quitting her relationship with Jack - but he’s the love of her life. Bottom line - it was not a good story for me.

The best part was Kevin the dog.

There are many books in the series. This is book 8. And even though I did not like this story, there is something valuable and enjoyable. It’s like you’re there, living in a small town on the ocean, being part of the community, knowing everyone. There’s fun in that.

AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
The narrator Annie Greene was very good as a performer/narrator, but she says contractions in a way that jars me. Instead of couldn’t, hadn’t, etc., she says couldet and hadet. If speaking slowly she says couldunt, hadant, woulden. Every time she did this my mind went “what’s she doing?” I’m sorry for complaining, but I really prefer generic TV anchor speak.

DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hrs and 29 mins. Swearing language: strong including religious swear words but rarely used. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 7. Setting: current day Lucky Harbor, Washington. Book copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary romance.

Anything by Jill Shalvis is on my automatic buy list, and Always on My Mind (A Lucky Harbor Novel) was no exception. Jack is a fire fighter in Lucky Harbor when we revisit this small town but this time we check In with Leah, a reality cooking star and a pastry chef from a french culinary school and a best friend of Jack's who left town (him) a long time ago. She is in town pinch hitting for her grandma's bakery while her grandma is recovering from knee surgery on a temporary basis.
This is my favorite kind of romance, between best friends with more to the story than you would think, there is strong emotion, tears, and smiles, some angst, steam, and a little suspense. She also includes Kevin, a goofy great dane that adds warmth and humor to the story.
Ms Shalvis has a way of pulling you into the story, and has a wonderful way of bringing the surroundings to life. The secondary characters are brought into the story as well, and there is a lead-in for the next book in the series, Aubrey, one of her two best friends referred to in the story, and Ben, Jack's cousin. I gratefully thank Ms. Shalvis and Grand Central Publishing for sending me a copy of this ebook via NetGalley for a preview. 5 Stars.

Returning to Lucky Harbor was exactly what Leah Sullivan needed. After dropping out of pastry school in France and ruining her chances of winning on the reality show Sweet Wars, Leah needed the tranquility of her hometown and to be surrounded by the people she loved most. Leah's childhood was devastating growing up with a father that never stopped yelling and was always putting her down. Now she was always trying to live up to her father's words by never finishing anything and believing she didn't deserve anything good in her life. She had quit pastry school, dropped the ball on Sweet Wars and walked away from the best thing that had ever happened to her, Jack Harper. Jack was the one constant thing in her life. When her father tore her down it was always Jack that picked up the pieces. The only problem was Leah was afraid to give him the one piece of her he wanted--her heart.

Sexy, hunky firefighter, Jack Harper, can have any woman he wants. The women are lining up to date him but Jack knows there's only one woman he really wants. Jack has loved Leah Sullivan for what seems to be his whole life. All he wants is for Leah to realize that, despite the cruel words of her father, she does deserve to be happy. When Leah tells Jack's mom Dee that they are dating, word spreads throughout Lucky Harbor like wildfire. The whole town is talking and Jack is in shock. Severely afraid that this ruse will lead to another broken heart¾his. Leah has walked out on him once before and chances are good that she will do it again. But, despite the risks, he can't seem to stay away from the one woman that is always on his mind. Can Jack make Leah realize that she is not defined by the cruel words of her father? Can he protect his heart from the one woman that has the ability to shatter it in a million pieces?

I had a love/hate relationship with Leah. One minute I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her and the next I would read the awful ranting of her father and I wanted to hug her. Leah was a complex character, to say the least. She loved but didn't realize it. She pulled away when she really wanted to draw closer. She was so afraid to say the words "I Love You" that the first time she said them to her grandmother she responded, "Ah, Honey, and you didn't even choke on it." The more I learned of her childhood the more I came to love Leah and totally "got her". I got why she never finished thing. I got why she pulled away. And I got why she never thought she deserved to be happy.

Jack. Oh boy, Jack. This is a guy I could totally LOVE. He is so loyal and takes care of everyone around him. He has a giant oaf of a dog named Kevin, whose antics were hilarious. But the one thing I love about Jack is he never gives up. Even when he appears to be giving up, he still doesn't. The thing that endeared me to him most was knowing that when Leah's father pounded her with words and she snuck in his bedroom window, he held her and comforted her while she cried and after she fell asleep he cried a little too. That touched my heart and just showed why Jack was the hero of this book.

This was book 8 in the Luck Harbor Series and, after reading it, I am sorry I missed the previous books and can't wait for book 9! Always on My Mind had me smiling and crying and sometimes both at the same time. I loved the fact that Jack was a firefighter. Always saving lives and joining the cause. This story is full of love and romance and even a little mystery. If you like sexy love scenes you won't be disappointed because there are plenty. Just don't read it in public or you might be embarrassed when you start panting. LOL Seriously, I LOVED this book and I know you will too. Jill Shalvis has a winner and I highly recommend it!

**I received a copy of the book for free from the Author for my true and honest review**

★★★★★ 5 Stars

My Opinion:

Like all books in the series - I loved it!

Leah and Jack have been friends forever - she's always been there for him - and when you forget about the thing that almost happened - nothing romantically ever happened between them.

Now Leah is back in Lucky Harbor.

Lucky Harbor sat nestled in a rocky cove between the Olympic Mountains and the coast, the architecture an eclectic mix of old and new. She'd been to a lot of places since she'd left here, but there'd been nowhere like this small, cozy, homey town.
She needs to help in her grandma's bakery. She also brings a few secrets and sorrows with her. Like for example: Did she or did she not win the Pastry-Chef-TV-Show?? Why is she back in Lucky Harbor? Will she stay this time?

Jack is still the same H.O.T. firefighter!

Jack's mother has breast cancer - and she desperately wants Jack to find a good girl before she dies. Jack has always had problems with relationships. Because he believes that once he loves someone they will die - like his firefighter-hero Dad.

But then one day - kind of accidentally - Leah tells Jack's mom that they're together - just to make the older woman feel better - and be stronger to face the Chemo.

And that's where the whole story starts ☺

Jack is SO not happy that he now has an official girlfriend. Sure, Leah is sexy and he has always liked her - but he doesn't want a relationship. But - he's happy that this whole Leah-thing makes his mom feel a little better.

Before Jack and Leah can even discuss or argue about their 'relationship' - the whole town already knows - because it's on Facebook of course!! And on Pinterest too.Thanks to Lucille and her geriatric posse ☺

When they finally find the time for a little chat - it's on the beach - in the middle of the night. They talk about the rules of this pretend relationship and of course ;) they KISS for the first time.

I don't want to tell you too much - I don't want to spoil anything...

Leah and Jack will face a few problems - she wants to leave town as soon as her grandma can work again - Jack doesn't want to be in a relationship - and he isn't really happy with his job either.

There will be sexy moments ;)

and sad and moving moments...

oh - and a few really funny moments:

Someone is afraid of.......

GREEN TOE-NAIL-POLISH!!!! ☺

and ☺ 2 funny Quotes ...

Ben shudders: "Dee is with Lucille. They've got MAGIC MIKE on DVD....
I vacated the premises."

Jack: " Everything you say here will be repeated and posted on Facebook."
"And tweeted," Lucille called out. "I've found the Twitter."

but that's all I'm telling you ☺

I REALLY LOVED THE BOOK!!!

I loved all the Lucky Harbor books - I would be happy to have a new Lucky Harbor book every months for the next 20 years!

It was a really sexy and moving romance - there was even a little suspense in there - because there's a fire-setting-idiot going around town - setting fire to a few buildings!

It takes a while for Jack and Leah to admit that they - of course - love each other - but we enjoy every second of that time!

Oh and I totally forgot to mention the real HERO of the story - KEVIN - the dog!
He's in almost every scene - and he's adorable! Huge and drooling and jumping everyone he comes across - but he's sooo sweet!

Now I can't wait for the next book - Ben and Aubrey's story - they already have a few moments in this book ☺

Book #9 Once in a Lifetime will be out February 11th 2014

4.5 stars
When Leah Sullivan returns to Lucky Harbor, she is carrying the weight of a secret on her shoulders. Everyone in town is excited about her being on a TV cooking completion show and they are all convinced she has won. Leah can't say how it ended but she isn't acting like a happy winner. One of the people who is really concerned about her is her lifelong friend Jack Harper. Jack is a hunky, serial dating, fireman who has been the one Leah has always gone to in difficult times.

While working at her grandmother's bakery, Leah loses her mind and tells Jack's ailing mother that she is dating Jack and they are a couple. This little bombshell causes all kinds of difficulty for both Jack and Leah and causes problems between them. When the pretend relationship become hot sexy fun between them, Leah makes her plans to escape. Jack isn't too happy about Leah planning to leave and he tells her a few hard truths about herself. While all of this romantic angst is going on, an arsonist is setting fires all over the town which adds to Jack's stress.

I love this series and have read every book in it. This book isn't as emotional as some in the series but the romance is still there and I wanted this relationship to work! Jack and Leah are running from life in their own way and need to stop and decide what the thing they desire most in their life is. I enjoyed the interaction with Leah's friends Ali and Aubrey and Jacks snarky cousin Ben. I really liked Jack's dog, a big lug of a Great Dane named Kevin. I especially enjoyed the description of his sleep position which reminded me of the dead horse in Animal House. It looks like the next book in the series will feature Ben and Aubrey which should be an interesting matchup.

Leah is back in Lucky Harbor working in her Grandmother's bakery while her hometown watches her on Reality TV every week in a cooking show. She is under contractual obligation not to reveal the results of the show but has promised herself that she will be out of Lucky Harbor before the season finale comes on television.

Jack is following in his late father's footsteps as a hometown hero, aka fireman. He's been juggling his job while trying to make his mom his number one priority while she is undergoing treatment for cancer. Having his best friend, Leah, back in town has been great. Until she tells his mom that they are dating and he is forced to give up his real love life to make his mom happy.

Leah did what she thought she had to in order to make his mother smile again. And so far her plan is working, although things are feeling a hell of a lot more real than she is prepared for.

This is one of those books where you laugh out loud, sigh out loud, and cry out loud. Kevin the dog and the senior citizens of this town kept me giggling. While the sweetness and the sincerity between Leah and Jack had me sighing and sobbing. Their friendship alone was brilliant, adding the romance to it made it spectacular.

When I read the last sentence in this book, I wanted to immediately flip back to chapter one and start over. I fricken love this series and with each new book I find myself loving it more and more. I could happily live in the pages of Lucky Harbor, forever.

Cherise Everhard, August 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is book number 8 of Lucky Harbor series, this story is about two people Leah and Jack. Jack was someone that Leah confines into because of her father. Leah had a father that told her constantly that she would never amount to anything, and she never would finish anything that she started. When you are told this every day of your life you will never be anything or that you are good enough, that keeps you spirit down. Leah is back in town to help out her grandmother at her bakery while she is recovering from knee surgery. I have to stop here and now, because if I don't I will give away the story, and the ending. So what I would love for you to do is to get the book, and read the story for yourself.
What I love about Jill Shalvis is the fact that she brings you inside of each of her characters' lives. Jill has a way that draws you to each one of her character, where you either loved them or you hate them, or you just can't decide just how you feel about them. What I have been enjoying when reading Jill books is they have some strong emotion, tears, and smiles, and part where you just laugh out loud and also some suspense. Jill did something great in this story line she includes Kevin, a goofy Great Dane that adds warmth and humor to this story. If you like any of these things in a story then you need to read this one.
It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor)

This is book number 8 in the Lucky Harbor series. If you haven't read this series so far where have you been under a rock? Jill Shalvis somehow rocks it every time she puts out a book in this series and she doesn't disappoint this time either. Leah Sullivan had one of the crapiest childhoods. There were two bright spots her grandma Elsie and Jack Sullivan her best friend. When she fell apart one of the other was there to put her back together. Jack lived next door and heard firsthand the verbal abuse Leah had to take from her dad. When Jack's fireman dad died on the job Leah was there for him and his mom as well. Now years later she's back in town and hiding something. Both are in denial about their feeling for each other. Who will figure out the truth first? Will Leah run away again and will Jack figure out he doesn't have to fill in his dad's very big hero shoes. As always Jill Shalvis makes me laugh out loud with her awesome humor that always comes out in her writing. You get some glimpse's and mentions of past characters from previous Lucky Harbor books and when you make it to the very end you even get a glimpse of the next book. I won't tell you anything about that but if you read this book you'll be able to figure out who it's about and will wish you got more than just a two chapter preview. Always on my mind was a winner for me!

Always on my mind review

Jill Shalvis is one of my favourite authors and I was luckily enough to be chosen to be one of her bookaholics members. I read this book over a couple of days so it tells you how gripped I was with Jills magically story telling. Always On My Mind is about Leah a pastry chef running her grandmas bakery while she recovers from knee surgery and Jack a firefighter. The story evolves a lot around Leah who has never been able to stay in one place for long and who has been a contestant in a tv show called Sweet Wars, and she is not able to say if she won or not to her family and friends, however she plans to leave before the airing of the last program in order not to face them when they find out the result.

Jack and Leah have a known each other from being young and they have always looked out for one another from then, always there when the other needed it, and this leads Leah to telling Jacks mother (Dee Harper) who is fighting breast cancer a lie that she and Jack are an item in order for her to relax and help her to recover better instead of worrying about her son not having serious relationships. The story then goes on about the ups and downs of their 'pretend' relationship, sweet wars and their is an arsonist thrown in the mix too. This story is fun, smart and sexy and I can not wait for the next story. Congratulations once again Jill Shalvis, keep up the good work.

NUMBER OF STARS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
Jack & Leah have been the best of friends since they were kids. They did everything together. Leah was there for Jack when his dad died and Jack was there for every time that Leah's dad mistreated her. Both have loved each other forever, but Leah was scared and ran not only from a poor home life but from her best friend. Now Leah is back in Lucky Harbor, but only for a short time. Just to help her grandma get back on her feet.
When Leah slips up and tells Jack's mother that they are dating. She only said it to put Jack's mom's mind at ease Leah was not prepared for the follow out of a pretend relationship in Lucky Harper. Not only is the whole town talking about their upcoming wedding, but Jack is really mad at her.
Another great Lucky Harbor story. I so very much love my visits to Lucky Harbor. With each trip I fall more and more in love with this town, this series and Jill Shalvis.
I was so happy that I had the opportunity to read Always On My Mind early. The only bad part is that now I have to wait for the next book in the Lucky Harbor series.
Review will be posted at [...]

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

The set up
Leah Sullivan returns to Lucky Harbor to help out her grandmother Elsie with her bakery as she recuperates from knee surgery. Leah dropped out of pastry school and participated in a reality TV show that's now airing. Everyone thinks she's the winner but Leah's bound by contract to keep the outcome secret and she plans to bail before the final show. Jack Harper, firefighter and her best friend since the 8th grade, gets caught up in her fib to his mother when Leah tells her they're now a couple. See, he's never lost his feelings for her but isn't willing to risk his heart only to have her run away again.

The issues
Jack's mother is recovering from her battle with cancer but has been pretty depressed. Leah told the lie to lift her spirits (it did, in a big way). Jack's got some history that's made him commitment shy but both he and Leah have another pretense...their "pretend" relationship is actually what they each secretly want with each other.

What I enjoyed about this story
I like this town and it's quirky residents and they don't disappoint in this story. In addition to Facebook being the source for the latest gossip, Twitter has finally found its way there, too. Leah's friend Aubrey and Jack's friend Ben were funny and perfectly set up for their story. The real scene stealer, though, was Jack's Great Dane Kevin who I'm convinced is just masquerading as a dog (who names a dog Kevin???).

Leah and Jack are two very complicated people and I liked them individually and what they were to the people in their lives. Her baking was an expression of her soul and she instinctively knew what her customers needed. Sometimes I felt like I could smell her concoctions. Jack is pretty honorable and conscientious and is surrounded by all the people he's touched. He's followed in his father's footsteps as a firefighter and is committed to his mother's well being, which was heartwarming. He had his family take in his best friend when he needed it and was Leah's solace when life with her father was unbearable.

What was missing
I wish I could better define it but something was missing in Leah and Jack's romance and they both were responsible. Friends to lovers stories are on my list of favorites but the spark just wasn't there. It may be because both of them had commitment issues and weren't even truthful to themselves when we got their private points of view. Their interactions were just too breezy and too much emphasis was placed on Jack's dating history. I liked them together but I kept thinking their own hearts weren't in it until the last scene (which was really very good).

The bottom line
I enjoyed the story and my return to this charming town. Jack and Leah are well defined characters with interesting lives and friends who kept things lively. There are lots of funny and steamy moments, especially whenever Kevin was in a scene. I actually was more intrigued with Aubrey and Ben and can't wait for the next book. There was a lot to like about this book even if the romance didn't captivate me.

(I received an ARC from NetGalley)

REVIEWED BY SUNNY

Leah is back in Lucky Harbor trying to help her ailing grandmother with her bakery. Since Leah is a pastry chef, she is a perfect solution to a problem. However, her problems grow when she returns to her hometown. She is reminded of things, some of which she likes but can't admit, and others she doesn't like and are unwelcome reminders. It is easy to understand Leah's frustrations with her life, and I loved Jill Shalvis's approach to writing this conflicted heroine. I found myself feeling sorry for Leah. Her tough upbringing has scarred her, yet her saving grace has always been her Grandma Elsie and friend Jack.

Jack runs the fire station and in my humble opinion sounds hot enough to start a fire that needs to be put out! Yep, he is yummy! Thanks to this hero, I have a newfound obsession with firefighters. Okay, back to the task at hand...

Can you tell I love Jack? He may be one of my favorite heroes to date (and I don't just mean in Lucky Harbor)! Here are some of the descriptors of his character that make me love him: hard worker, honorable, protector, savior, stubborn, picky. I appreciated all of these things about him, but what I loved most was his strong desire to save others, which works well for him because everyone needs him. On the other hand, he hates needing others in return. So when things get a little out of hand with Leah, boy does he get frustrated, and that leads to some spicy moments in Lucky Harbor!

Shalvis has both Leah and Jack in a holding pattern when Leah tells her whopper of a lie. I enjoyed how Leah, who is not usually a liar, has them rolling off her tongue to keep up the charade. This charade brings a lot of issues to the forefront and Leah and Jack are forced to deal with them. The tension this creates is perfectly written and it had me turning the pages as quickly as possible!

In true Lucky Harbor fashion, Leah and Jack are surrounded by great people--some who want the best for them, some who want to exploit them. Jack's mom, Leah's and Jack's friends, and Jack's cousin, Ben, all bring a critical element to the story. If you are familiar with the Lucky Harbor series, you will be thankful Lucille made her typical contributions to the story. For those of you new to the series, this old lady in track suits who prides herself on being the town gossip is hard not to love.

Shalvis is good at staying current with her writing. She has Lucille not only posting on the town's Facebook page, but also pinning ideas on Pinterest. Impressive. There is a bit of tweeting going on, and even Grandma Elsie blushes as she talks about her lover (aka her Kindle, the lover that will never leave her). This provided one of many fabulous laugh-out-loud moments! There are other senior citizens of Lucky Harbor that add a refreshing touch to the story as well.

Throughout the story, not only was I fully engaged in Leah and Jack's rules-based charade, I also enjoyed the mystery that presented itself and needed to be solved throughout ALWAYS ON MY MIND. It demonstrated the reality that is Lucky Harbor as well as the work ethic and life that is Jack. Have I mentioned I like Jack?

Finally, for all you dog lovers out there, Shalvis does an amazing job of incorporating an adopted Great Dane into the mix. Jack adopts him and many characters of the book are frequently annoyed by his ability to be "the destroyer of all things expensive." I love what this dog brought to the story! My only beef: his name is Kevin, not your typical dog name. For the first few chapters, I kept asking myself whose friend is Kevin? Then I would remember that it was Jack's dog until the next time Kevin was mentioned. But if the dog's name is the only issue I had while reading ALWAYS ON MY MIND, I think you can figure out how AWESOME it truly is! By the way, you don't have to be a current Lucky Harbor reader to enjoy ALWAYS ON MY MIND. Even though it is book 8 of the series, if you want to get started, I would suggest reading IT HAD TO BE YOU, then ALWAYS ON MY MIND, since it is the 2nd in a trilogy. Books 1-3 (The Sisters trilogy) and books 4-6 (The Chocoholics trilogy) are all excellent, but you wouldn't have to start from the beginning to enjoy her latest Lucky Harbor love stories.

BOTTOM LINE
ALWAYS ON MY MIND is another Lucky Harbor display of genius! Between the sexy firefighter and the conflicted pastry chef, I couldn't get enough! A sprinkle of mystery rounds out this contemporary romance and I would suggest buying and reading it AS SOON AS YOU CAN!

RATING: A

Note: I received a review copy of this title courtesy of the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

http://ripeforreader.blogspot.ca/2013/09/always-on-my-mind-by-jill-shalvis.html

Back in Lucky Harbor after being a favorite on a reality cooking show currently showing on TV, Leah Sullivan is having a hard time sticking to her contract and not answering the constant curious question whether she was the winner or not. She came back after all these years to help keep her grandmother's bakery going while she is recuperating from knee surgery. It feels good to be back, without her parent's pressure, but just being around her grandmother and her friends. Especially her best friend Jack, who has always had a special place in her heart.

Jack Harper set out to follow in his father's footsteps years ago, working as a firefighter. As of late, he has had his doubts as to whether that is truly his calling, especially since his knee doesn't seem too eager to cooperate anymore. He also worries about his mom, who really hasn't been the same since his father died on the job and now has to deal with treatment for her cancer. The one thing that has cheered him up is the return of Leah, she helps him out with his mom when she can, and always has had the ability to make his day brighter.

When Leah inadvertently allows Jack's mom to believe she and Jack are romantically involved, because it seemed to make her feel happy, she makes life in Lucky Harbor complicated for herself and Jack. The town gossip takes no time at all using Facebook to spread the word around town that the pretty baker and the hot firefighter are both off the market. Jack, who doesn't believe in long-term or permanent relationships, dates often and frequent and finds himself immediately cut off from all his regular go-to dates. He is not a happy camper.

Feelings that had been buried for years, spark to life, and before you know it Jack and Leah have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves . Both weary of losing their friendship, they agree to sustain a pretend relationship for the sake of Jack's mother, with sexual benefits, but also a whole list of rules and regulations that are supposed to ensure that there will be no feelings and no expectations.

Rules are meant to be broken, and both of them keep doing that, or at least changing them. Pretending is difficult and things are starting to feel too real. Leah is always afraid to show too much of herself and disappoint, but she can't stop herself from feeling. And Jack keeps telling himself that he doesn't want the strings, because having his heart broken once was enough. But in the end Leah was never able to hide anything from Jack anyway and Jack already had something permanent with the person who held his heart.

*****

Another fantastic Lucky Harbor novel by Jill Shalvis!!

Leah has no faith in herself whatsoever. She grew up being told she could never amount to anything, so every time she is about to finish something, or do something positive, she finds a way to sabotage herself, just to give credence to the low expectations put on her in childhood and adolescence. She has never yet broken that cycle, but is very good at hiding the pattern. Only perhaps her grandmother and for sure Jack, can see the corners she paints herself into. The importance here is for Leah to break through the pattern herself, which she ultimately does, by making choices based on her own needs and not on someone else's expectations.

Jack has spent his life trying to fill his father's shoes. By dying a hero's death in the line of duty, his father set a bar that is virtually impossible to meet. His mother's devastation and subsequent decline after his father's death, sealed Jack's conviction that a long term relationship would not be a healthy choice for him. He also based his life on the experiences of others and not on his own needs or wants. When his body starts letting him down, and he is forced into the pretend relationship with Leah, he starts looking at other options. And when an arsonist makes the rounds in Lucky Harbor and Jack involves himself in the investigation, he finally finds where his heart truly lies.

Loved the storyline and the dynamic between Leah and Jack. Their sexual chemistry creates some heat! Perhaps because there is something a tad illicit about best friends crossing that invisible line, but whatever it is, it works extremely well for these two!! Muy caliente!

✨Stand back from the fireworks, when friends become lovers!✨

**ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing in return for an honest review.**

Jill Shalvis brought together in-depth characters, incredible dialogue and mixed it with suspenseful undertones in this astoundingly well-written contemporary romance.

I have been looking forward to reading Jack Harper's story ever since he was first introduced in It Had to Be You . He is absolutely adorable - in that sexy...rip his uniform off kind of way. However, it is his internal monologue that makes him truly sexy --
"Thinking about how she'd looked in the throes of her sex dream made him hard all over again. He'd told her she'd been moaning and hot and sweaty. What he hadn't told her was that she'd whispered a name. His."
The author selected the prefect combination of characteristics for his heroine, Leah Sullivan. Both are haunted by the legacies of their fathers. It makes their journey for a HEA challenging, yet worth every struggle.

Lucky Harbor is filled with remarkable secondary characters including Jack's cousin, Ben, whose story is coming next in... Once in a Lifetime.

Disclosure: This ebook was provided to BBMoreB free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.

What is it about firefighters that make them such iconic alpha heroes? Could it be because they risk their lives to protect ours? The fact that they have to be pretty strong and in shape to do the work they do? The knowledge that they have to be extremely wise to know what risks can be taken? Hmmm, probably a little of all of the above, plus all those popular charity calendar images certainly spur the imagination too.

In her eighth book of the Lucky Harbor series, Always on My Mind, author Jill Shalvis gives us the story of Jack, a firefighter hero we could all fall in love with. What could be better? Well the love recipe is stirred up by adding in the sweetest heroine, Leah, Lucky Harbor's amazingly compassionate baker.

Sweet Leah, in order to set firefighter Jack's mother's mind at ease as she goes through cancer treatment tell her that their relationship is now more than just friendship. Well, with that statement, player Jack loses his many friends with benefit hookups and perhaps Leah and Jack's friendship might move on from platonic to…extraordinary heat. Along the way, Leah deals with her return to Lucky Harbor from her stint on a Top Chef-like reality contest and Jack deals with moving on to a possible serious relationship.

Yes, you can see where this story might go, but it's far from a formulaic read as with each of these Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor novels, Shalvis infuses the characters with real feeling. Each of her heroes and heroines have issues that they have to overcome and while the novels could be standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series if you haven't already. It should be on your must-read shelf.

I fell in love with Lucky Harbor from the first page of Simply Irresistible (book 1 on sale for $2.99) when I first read it a few years ago. Since then I've laughed and cried with the stories of the really fabulous characters Shalvis has created and feel a sense of kinship with them.

I highly recommend Always on My Mind and am looking forward to new Lucky Harbor stories from Shalvis, including "Dream a Little Dream" in A Christmas to Remember collection (about firefighter Ian and salon favorite Melissa).

Fab Fantasy Fiction
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I received and eARC from the publisher through NetGalley for use in this review.

This was my first Jill Shalvis novel, and it definitely won't be my last! Always on My Mind is book #8 in the Lucky Harbor series. I will be checking out the other 7 if they are as sexy and funny as this one was. It kept my attention from start to finish, never leaving me bored. When it wasn't being smexy, it was funny! I swear, Kevin steals the show with his dirty habits. You'll know what I mean by then when you read the book. And if smexy and funny weren't enough, we have a bit of a mystery happening in the lovely town of Lucky Harbor. Where are Scooby and Shaggy when you need them? In this case, we don't need those crazy kids, or their Mystery Machine ~ we have super hunky firefighter Jack Harper on the case!

I want to give Leah Sullivan a giant hug! She is sweet and kind and had a crappy childhood. Growing up with a father that always talked down to her leaves her with some serious self-esteem issues. That doesn't stop her from from trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. After changing careers several times, she goes back to her love, baking. She's even made it onto a reality cooking show. With Leah back in her hometown, Lucky Harbor, and taking care of her grandmothers bakery shop, she's dodging questions about her reality show that's currently airing on TV. Everyone is so sure she's won the entire thing, but Leah is sworn to secrecy. While she's figuring out how to deal with what everyone is going to witness happen to her on TV, she's got Jack Harper to keep her occupied!

Jack is your ultimate sweetheart! He loves his mom, fights fires, and will make you swoon your panties off. He and Leah have been best friends since childhood. He knows everything about Leah, including her habit of quitting when things tough. Jack has a bad habit too, he doesn't get into serious relationships. Jack and Leah obviously like each other, though they both don't realize how the other feels. It should be obvious to them, because it's obvious to everyone else in Lucky Harbor. Leah tells a little lie to Jacks mom, who is sick, in order to make her feel better. Personally, I think Leah does it because she wishes it were true. When the lie comes out, Leah does her best to avoid Jack, which is pretty comedic. When Jack finally corners Leah, sparks fly! I love how Jill wrote the love scenes. You get the whole scene without cutting out the best parts, but it's not graphic. It's tastefully done and sexy!

Lucky Harbor seems like the kind of place you want to go to get away for the weekend. I enjoyed the mystery that was happening as the love story unfolded. It added depth to the story. The secondary characters in AoMM were great supporters to the story and entertaining to read. We get to know their friends, Ben and Aubrey, and what we are in store for in the next Lucky Harbor book, Once in a Lifetime. (hint, hint ... there's a preview at the end!) And Kevin, well Kevin deserves his own book. That big guy knows how to steal a scene and make you laugh! Everyone needs a Kevin in their life! I can't wait to get my hands on the other 7 books! Always on My Mind releases on September 24, 2013, so get your 1-clicking fingers ready!

My rating: 4 smexy stars!

Witty, sexy, and down right fun! Jill Shalvis' newest Lucky Harbor book will have you hooked from start to finish. Leah Sullivan hasn't had the best life in the world, and she's got the self-esteem to go with it. The last place she wants to go is back home to Lucky Harbor. But when she drops out of school with one semester left to go and then blows her chance on a reality cooking show, she ends up back home running her grandmother's bakery while her grandma recovers. Leah never perches anywhere for long, so she's looking forward to heading out of town again, soon. Especially now that she's gone and made things a little more complicated by telling the biggest "fib" of her life.

Jack Harper is happy with his life, just the way it is. Lots of dates, no commitments and plenty of action at the local fire station. That is until Leah shows back up in town and tells his mom, and the rest of the town, that they are in a relationship. Jack can't believe his luck that the sexy, girl of his dreams, has come back into town and proclaimed that they are together after leaving him with a broken heart so many years ago. Determined not to let Leah get to close, he agrees to the fake relationship for the sake of his mother's health, only to find that keeping his distance from Leah is much harder than he thought it would be, especially since Leah seems determined to turn it into something more. As Leah and Jake begin to realize that their feelings for each other still run much deeper than friendship, Jake decides he wants more. But can he convince Leah that a life with him in Lucky Harbor is what she really wants or is she going to run away with his heart once again?

This book is a MUST READ! I couldn't put it down. I loved the sexy chemistry and unique past between Leah and Jake. And who can resist a story about a hot firefighter? Leah's self-esteem issues make her character very realistic and leave you wanting her to finally see that she is deserving of a happy, love filled, stable life. The book was well written, the characters are well developed and the plot and action are fast-paced. I also enjoyed the bit of mystery involving the fires around town, it just helped to add another dimension to the story. Even though this book is Book 8 in the Lucky Harbor Series, this was my first book by Jill Shalvis and I could not tell that I had missed the other 7 books. It is a great stand-alone read, though I can't wait to go back and catch up on this series! Pick up your copy today and enjoy this dynamic love story by Ms. Shalvis!

Rating: 4.5

Heat Rating: Hot

Reviewed by AprilP

Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More