Lucky in Love (A Lucky Harbor Novel)

ER Nurse Mallory Quinn is the quintessential good girl, which means she's always taking care of everyone around her and the men she goes out with fit the bill for being Mr. Right. At the urging of her friends and fellow chocoholics, Mallory decides to take a walk on the wild side with a Mr. Wrong. And sexy Lucky Harbor mystery man Ty Garrison is the perfect Mr. Wrong for Mallory to let loose with. As hot as the sparks are that fly between her and Ty, Mallory knows that his stay in Lucky Harbor is only temporary. But the more time Mallory and Ty spend together, the closer they get. Will Mallory come to regret her decision to have a fling with Mr. Wrong when he turns out to be the perfect-for-her Mr. Right?

Return to the lively town of Lucky Harbor in the charming, sensual Lucky in Love. I fell in love with the town and people Jill Shalvis introduced in her first three Lucky Harbor books (Simply Irresistible, The Sweetest Thing, and Head Over Heels), so I had high expectations coming into Lucky in Love. Ms. Shalvis did not disappoint! Mallory is a bright, fun, hardworking, caring heroine I simply adored. Like all the Lucky Harbor heroines, Mallory is someone I'd love to be friends with, were she real. But despite how together Mallory appears to be on the outside, she carries internal scars from her past which broke my heart. Ty, in turn, is a former Navy SEAL medic who lost his team and still carries scars of his own from that. He doesn't want to get attached to anything or anyone, which is why he thinks getting involved with Mallory is a bad idea. What Ty can't see (at first) is that Mallory is perfect for him. The two of them have fantastic chemistry, which translates into sizzling heat and a heartwarming love story.

Lucky in Love is the fourth book in Ms. Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Where the first three Lucky Harbor books revolved around three sisters and three best friends, Lucky in Love starts off a new trilogy within the series, this one about three chocoholics and the men who love (or will soon love) them. Fans of the first three Lucky Harbor books will be delighted to hear mention of the previous books' heroes and heroines, and Sawyer from Head Over Heels even plays a small role in Lucky in Love.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I want to move to Lucky Harbor! The town and its residents are so energetic, so endearing, that I'm always swept away by the Lucky Harbor books, and Lucky in Love is no exception. A strong addition to an already fantastic series, Lucky in Love is one book fans of contemporary romance should not miss!

Kat
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin

Review originally posted on my blog www.livinglifewithjoy.com

Lucky in Love is the fourth book in the Lucky Harbor series. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel, as I haven’t read the first three before reading this. After a chance encounter that brings three women together, we find an interesting trio of ladies in Mallory, Amy and Grace in a small town near Seattle where there’s no such thing as keeping a secret. One gal is making her way through on a journey, one works in the cafe, and the other is a nurse that can’t help but help others. They become fast friends and after demolishing a decadent chocolate cake in the aftermath of a storm, they decide to call themselves the chocoholics. I enjoyed the way each chapter begins with a quote about chocolate and love.

Mallory is a compassionate, funny and resilient good girl at heart with a sarcastic mean streak that no one knows about. She wants to let herself be a bad girl but tragedy that struck her family years ago has forced her to feel like she has to take care of everyone. Mallory is a well-developed and extremely relatable and likable character. She’s a born leader and her compassion to help others is almost a compulsion; she can’t not help others. It’s a good trait to have for a nurse, but not the best when it comes to letting go and letting loose in her personal life. Mallory has dated around and found that Mr. Right keeps turning out to be Mr. Wrong. When her path crosses with the hunky Mysterious Cute Guy, he’s got Mr. Wrong written all over him. Is Mallory finally going to take her friends’ advice and allow herself to do something for herself for a change? Ty thinks Mallory deserves better, with someone that can offer her what she deserves, but he can’t help but want her. I would classify this novel as a steamy romance, but it was not trashy or vulgar. If you like your romance to stop at the bedroom door, this is not the book for you. If you like a little action between the sheets to accompany a well-developed romantic story, then snatch this one up right now.

Lucky in Love is a novel about taking a risk and finding out what truly makes you happy and doing everything you can to make that a reality. Sometimes what you want changes based on the people that come into your life. You can only resist and fight your feelings for so long before you must recognize that things have changed. It’s what you do with the realization that determines your destiny and ultimately, your own happiness. Sometimes the one thing you’ve tried to avoid, is exactly what you need.

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Lucky Harbor never ceases to amaze me. The first three books in this series focuses on sisters. LUCKY IN LOVE starts a new trilogy if you will. It's still in Lucky Harbor, but this time we get to watch a match made in heaven between Mallory and Ty. In addition to that, we meet a couple of other women--Amy and Grace.

Mallory is a nurse and works entirely too much. When she, Amy, and Grace are stranded in the diner thanks to a snow storm her life takes a turn for the better. Amy and Grace vow to help Mallory learn how to be a bad girl and find a bad boy. I love that the friendship between these three is so real and honest. They love Mallory, but know that she's denied herself fun because she's been there for everyone else. Mallory is the type of woman I'd love to be friends with. When she lets go, she knows how to enjoy herself and make a night entertaining for everyone.

Ty. Oh Ty. Can I please jump into this book and take Mallory's place? In Lucky Harbor Ty is a mystery. He doesn't come out much, and when he does he's the center of attraction for everyone. No woman can take her eyes off him. But once Mallory has the chance to peel away the layers and bring Ty around for others, you get to see the real Ty. There's a lot to this guy with a past. I loved Ty, I loved getting to know him. Oh and I wanted to shake some sense into him when it came to Mallory. For a man that seems so smart, he's kind of dumb. But that makes him great! Ty was a change from Sawyer and the other guys, but he's still great.

Overall this book is fabulous. You're going to be whisked away into a world you'll never want to leave. Lucky Harbor is such an awesome world. Ty and Mallory are a sweet couple, one that I didn't want to leave. A recommendation for sure!

Fourth in the Lucky Harbor cozy romance series. The couple focus is on Mallory and Mysterious Cute Guy.

My Take
Well, I knew I was gonna be happy when the first chapter started with a chocolate epigraph! Woohoo! Chocolate cake and cupcakes, brownies, hot chocolate…get ready to settle in for this one! The part I wasn't so happy about was the falling-in-love-after-promising-not-to trope. It wasn't as bad as it could have been as Mallory does struggle against it, and there are some really good reasons for wanting to keep Ty. Besides the great sex…*eyebrow waggles*… I did like that Ty loved Mallory's eyes so much!

At last we find out who the Mysterious Cute Guy is! And why Amy came to Lucky Harbor. I'm not sure why Mallory seriously thinks Ty will show for this date when she hasn't spoken to him since the ambulance took him away. As a nurse, she should have some idea of how much of their conversation he'd have retained. Which makes me wonder just why Ty does show up at the auction if he doesn't remember making that date?

Ty does have his PTSD issues, for good reason. Mallory has her own PTSD. Not from the same causes, but just as debilitating.

Secrets? Hah. Not in Lucky Harbor where it's considered a "God-given right to gossip and nose into people's business", however your gold bullion will be perfectly safe. Guys, however, seem to be fair game. Ask Deena.

What is with Mallory's mother? She nags at Mallory to get a boyfriend, and then she nags when she gets one.

The Health Services Clinic is Mallory's pet project. She just has to get approval for it in a bad economy and past a lot of unhappy voters who believe it will draw the wrong element in.

Ty can't wait to get released, and yet Lucky Harbor is sucking him in. The same Lucky Harbor that is getting hypercritical of Mallory. We're heading for two conflicts in this story: the one between Mallory and Ty when he heads back to D.C. to his job and Mallory's struggle to get the clinic accepted. Shalvis gives us a sweet twist on the Mallory-Ty one, but it's the clinic that creates the greatest impact as Mallory is totally responsible for anything that happens there. It will be her greatest growth and her (second) greatest despair.

It's that threat, that loss, that brings the town around, and you'll want to stand up and cheer!

The Story
It may be spring, but somebody forgot to tell the weather as those fat fluffy snowflakes descend with a vengeance and a snappy wind brings down power lines and trees. It’s a terrifying night at the Eat Me as the wind and branches bash through glass and the door, and worse when the ladies hear moans above the howling wind.

It’s those moans that Mallory cannot ignore, and she braves the weather only to find a stranger, bloody and lying on the ground. Good timing really, as Amy and Grace have decided that Mallory needs to step out with a Mr. Wrong and where better to start than the big auction that Mallory has spearheaded for her pet project.

The Characters
Mallory Quinn is an ER nurse at the hospital and the town's "very good girl". She's been taking care of her dysfunctional family since she was sixteen. Sweet Pea is her mean old cat. Tammy is her formerly wild, older sister now married to Zach, a former security guard she met in Vegas. Tammy, who has a housekeeping job at the hospital, had been Karen's twin. The one who suicided. Tony was the boyfriend who took her down the wrong path. Joe is their still-wild, younger brother. Their mother, Ella, is a supervisory nurse at the hospital.

The Health Services Clinic (HSC) is Mallory's dream. A way to alleviate the pain of Karen's death.

The secretive and potent Ty Garrison is Lucky Harbor's Mysterious Cute Guy — he's practically got his own Facebook page. He's a former Navy SEAL medic, honorably discharged after the plane crash. Now he makes a living as a mercenary doing the same thing. Well, except when he's recovering from wounds. Tommy, Trevor, Brad, and Kelly are the teammates Ty lost. Matt Bowers, ex-Chicago SWAT and now a forest ranger, has been a friend of Ty's for years. He and Ty spend a lot of time sparring, shooting, and exercising together. When Matt isn't with Ty or working, he's mooning over Amy. Ryan is a homeless vet addicted to alcohol. Frances is Ty's boss.

Amy Michaels is the feisty Xena waitress over at the Eat Me café which Jan owns. Grace Brooks was planning to pass on through on her job hunt for investment banker jobs, but gets seduced by chocolate and her two new best friends into creating the CA, Chocoholics, their very own gang for celebrating and commiserating.

At the hospital
Dr. Josh Scott is in charge of Ty's medical rehabilitation program. Alyssa is Mallory's useless counterpart on her shift. Jane Miller is the director of nurses and Mallory's boss. Camilla is an LVN. Jodi Larson is a ten-year-old leukemia patient. Bill Lawson is the head of the board of directors.

The brutally honest, yet caring Lucille is gossip central for Lucky Harbor and keeps the town's Facebook page up-to-date. Mrs. Louisa Burland is a pain in the butt oldster who gives EVERYone the worst time. Most people try to avoid her. I think Mallory has a persecution complex for putting up with the old bitch. Mr. Teddy Wykowski is a seventy-year-old who looks too much like Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Mrs. Tyler is Mallory's wheelchair-bound next-door neighbor for whom Mallory waters her flowers.

Charles Tennessee is the auctioneer. Anderson is the always horny hardware store owner. Allen, the Seattle accountant, had been Mallory's last Mr. Right. Jax Cullen is the current mayor, and he owns the Love Shack with Ford Walker. Sandy is the town manager. Sheriff Sawyer Thompson is engaged and still pulling over speeders, ahem. Mallory is keeping Tara busy baking.

The Cover
The cover has a white background, white as fog over the water that murmurs around the mossy, rounded rocks that Ty and Mallory are standing on, an arm around each other, with Mallory reaching up, looking up.

The title is part of what Mallory needs. Heck, what Ty needs as well. They both need to be, and are, Lucky in Love.

Jill Shalvis writes the heck out of Contemporary Romance and I love her Lucky Harbor series about three sisters who find love in this small Washington town. I was thrilled when I saw she'd come up with three new books set in the same town; this trilogy focuses on three friends who live and work in the quirky little town of Lucky Harbor.

Lucky in Love spotlights Mallory Quinn - nurse, town good girl, and kind of a pushover. She's reliable, focused, and can't say no to a request for help. Her friends decie Mallory's problem is she's looking for "Mr. Right" and she needs to take a spin with a "Mr. Wrong".

Ty Garrison, aka "Mysterious Cute Guy" is a former SEAL and medic - he'd been in a horrible accident that left his friends dead; he was badly injured and pulled off duty until he recuperates. Ty is temporarily living in Lucky Harbor in a house a friend is letting him use while he recovers, both physically and psychologically.

Mallory is trying to start a health clinic to care for the underpriviledged, and is facing an uphill battle. She's got her own reasons for wanting to succeed and help people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Her budding relationship with Ty becomes a complication to achieving her goal.

Ty couldn't be more wrong for Mallory, and both of them know it, but when they're together it's all passion and hot sex. Mallory knows she's going to get hurt when Ty leaves, but she can't seem to stay away. Ty knows he's going to hurt her, but she brings out feelings he didn't know he possessed, and he can't make himself turn her away.

It took me awhile to figure out what about Lucky in Love didn't work for me. The writing is good, the setting is one of my favorites and the characters I love from the first book make appearances here. There are two problems for me: The first is that Mallory and Ty both kept telling themselves that Ty was going to leave and break Mallory's heart. The second is that Lucky in Love tackles some serious issues facing society today - health care, drug abuse, PTSD and lack of facilities for veterans, suicide. Both of these issues led to me having a hard time keeping focused on the book because I would have to put it down and "step away" so that I didn't get depressed. I have a tendency to feel the emotions of the characters as I'm reading and in this case I was just kind of bummed through a lot of the book. That's not to say there weren't any funny parts, or sexy parts, because there were. I absolutely love Lucille, the elderly resident who puts all the town gossip on facebook, and Mallory's friends Amy and Grace were fun characters who seem to have interesting stories; I've already purchased the next book, At Last, and plan to start reading as soon as I can.

Recommendations
You do not need to have read the first three books in this series to enjoy Lucky in Love, it's the first in a `second trilogy' set in Lucky Harbor.

~* 3.5 Stars *~
Lucky Harbor's good girl Mallory Quinn hasn't gotten far in life by being the one everyone depends on to handle...everything. She's responsible. Trustworthy. Nice. And okay, a little bit of a pushover. It's starting to drive her crazy, actually.

Stopping at the Eat Me Café after her shift at the hospital as a favor to her mother, Mallory makes it inside just as a vicious storm starts to rage through town. First the power fails, then a fallen tree takes out the window, and before she and the two other diner inhabitants, waitress Amy and town newbie Grace, realize it, the three are huddled up together behind the counter, bonding over mutual fear and chocolate cake. And their exciting evening is just beginning.

When a couple of thuds on the outer wall draw Mallory's attention, she nervously ventures out to see what's causing it. Caught by the storm and wounded, lying feet from the door to the Café, is the handsomest catch in town, Mysterious Cute Guy. Mallory rushes to help him (or...uh...bean him with Grace's cell phone), and the three women manage to get him into her car to take him to the hospital. That's when her two new besties go completely off the rail and start urging her to walk on the wild side. With the nearly unconscious Mysterious Cute Guy, in fact.

Maybe it's all the chocolate she ate (inhaled), or how the restrictive bonds of always being the good girl are starting to pinch, or the way MCG looks at her when he finally opens his eyes, but for some reason, Mallory finds herself suggesting a date to a gorgeous guy who's got his bleeding head in her lap. One who may not actually remember agreeing to the date when he's fully conscious.

Hey, that's Lucky Harbor for you. She really should have at least asked for his name first, though.

~*~

Jill Shalvis is one of my favorite authors for light, sexy, awesome contemporary romance. Her books always seem to hit the high points in humor, great character chemistry, and enough solid story to thoroughly entertain. The Lucky Harbor series in particular has really delighted me from the first book, and I'm thrilled Shalvis has taken us back to that quirky coastal town for another set of three.

Where the sisters in the first three books gave us the mouse, the steel magnolia, and the wild child, it appears new best friends Mallory, Amy, and Grace will be more the good girl, the bad girl, and the lost girl. It's the good girl's time to shine with the hunky Ty Garrison, former Navy SEAL medic, current private contractor with the government, on leave as he recovers...or tries to...from an injury he sustained on his last assignment.

Shalvis creates likable, three dimensional characters in both Mallory and Ty. Both have their own personal demons that give the characters depth and add conflict to their individual lives. Both are at a point in their lives that engendered its own push-and-pull in the burgeoning relationship between them. She's a good girl looking to embrace a few bad girl traits, he's a guy...looking to keep his mind off his bum leg. The fact that she's a resident and he's a visitor intent on leaving also set up a lot of the long term conflict, and that felt fairly organic to their situation, if not entirely original or complex.

Still, for all the solidly good things about the book and the characters, this was my least favorite story in the series so far. I wanted to love it, but it felt, to me, that there was some sort of intangible magic missing from either the characters or their relationship. Each of the sisters' books had a spark, a unique sense of something special, but this one fell a little flat in that regard. It was a solid, sexy romance, but it was a fairly traditional solid, sexy romance - in both characters and story - and I'm not used to anything resembling traditional when it comes to Lucky Harbor.

It's not a bad read, I don't think Shalvis is actually capable of writing a bad read, but the plot wasn't as layered nor did I find the story as touching or as well-rounded as its predecessors. The characters didn't seem quite as perfectly suited to one another as other couples have, either, especially not at first. That issue smoothed out a bit in the second half of the book, and I ended up enjoying the latter half much more because of it, but until then, I struggled.

The presence of Lucky Harbor as a wacky little town full of insane residents, one of the major draws in the first three books, wasn't as prevalent, and everything that makes the town endearing seemed muted. Maybe part of that was the shift away from the marina and the sisters' Bed & Breakfast, and it was just an issue I had with new and unfamiliar settings, but it bothered me a little.

I was also bothered by how quickly Ty and Mallory get sexual in this book...and doesn't that just make me sound the prude. Ugh. Anyway, Shalvis has an innate ability to raise the temperature of her romances to sizzling with smokin' hot sex scenes. She writes them very, very well. That said, stumbling over one so early in this book, with two characters who just met, sort of turned me off of them both and took the starch out of my appreciation for the subsequent relationship for a good long while.

Despite my issues with this installment of the series, I couldn't be happier that readers are getting another set of three books in Lucky Harbor. I adore the place and the people in it. Shalvis has created the perfect little home away from home, one that entices readers to crack a book and visit for a while. These books make me laugh a little, love a lot, fan away the sexy heat (or revel in it), and embrace the bonds of family, friends, and lovers. It's a fantastic place for a series of romances, and I can't wait for my next trip.

Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Forever publisher Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

I've forgotten how amazing an author Jill Shalvis is. She's effectively ended my reading slump with this book. I love Mallory and Ty, and like Ty, I fell in love with Lucky Harbor (once again) with all of its loving and gossiping residents.

Mallory is tired of being the "good" girl, the dependable one. One night, trapped in the diner with Amy and Grace, she decided to take a walk on the wild side. And who better to do it with other than the Mysterious Cute Guy that'd been in town for the past few months? It gets better when she finds him passed out in front of the diner after being hit by a fallen tree branch. I really liked Mallory. She was very sweet and loved to help people. Usually, characters like her annoys me, but Mallory had a backbone, even if she didn't let it show later in the book. Her healing nature was perfect for Ty, who needed all the healing he could get.

Ty Garrison had me salivating! Oh my goodness, but Shalvis is a master at writing amazingly hot heroes that just makes me want to jump their bones. I was 100% with Mallory every time she melted at the sight of Ty. Ty was in the military, Navy SEAL (point 1). Now he's a mechanic working on classic cars (point 2). He can swim for miles and run on the beach afterwards (point 3). With any military guy, he had nightmares and some PTSD, so the story was a little darker than the previous Lucky Harbor books, but I like the book wasn't completely about his past, but about healing and him spending time with Mallory and of course, falling in love.

The romance, as always, is sweet, endearing, and hot at the same time. Ty and Mal really made a great couple. Mal is adorable with her blushing at some of the things she'd done with Ty. There was a part where Shalvis could've played a huge misunderstanding, but Mal didn't throw a fit. Rather, she was understanding and mature about everything (not something I can say about a lot of heroines).

The book couldn't have been as amazing without all the meddling town residents and how they, like Mallory, slowly snuck in Ty's hearts. There were also the chocoholics meeting. God, I don't know how I didn't stuff my face with chocolate reading this book. I just wished there would've been more appearances by the previous 3 couples. Overall, this is another amazing contemporary romance. Jill Shalvis is a definitely must read for all contemporary romance lovers!

This book follows Mallory Quinn who has been known as the good girl, having bad relationships with dull men. When a snow storm brings her Ty Garrison more commonly known in Lucky Harbor as the mysterious cute guy. Could Ty be what Mallory needs?

Ty Garrison has lots of issues and he's recovering in Lucky Harbor hoping to leave soon, and go back to what he does work wise, but has the town of Lucky Harbor claimed him as a new resident? Ty is adamant time and again that Lucky Harbor is only temporary, but will he keep that when Lucky Harbor has enveloped him in the warmness he's found there?

I just love Jill's writing style and her ability to weave great stories with a lovable town and characters. I especially love the Facebook updates to Lucky Harbor they are too funny. Almost makes you wish it was real so you could see what is being said about them. I have been a fan since book one and with each book it gets better you get to learn more depth about the people of Lucky Harbor.

I loved watching Mallory grow from wishy washy to a strong independent woman who spoke her mind regardless of who she hurt in the process. How she fought tooth and nail for HSC so people could have a clinic to go to unlike what happened to her sister. It was a great read!

***original review posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance***

Welcome to Lucky Harbor where your life is made public on Facebook by a little old blue-haired lady named Lucille.

Good girl Mallory Quinn has always been the model citizen always taking care of others before herself. She's held her crazy family together since the death of her sister Karen. She's pretty much married to her job and hasn't really had time for a relationship. During a freak snow storm she ends up trapped at the diner where her friend Amy works and they are joined by out of towner Grace. Forming a camaraderie over chocolate cake, the girls start talking about what they will do if they make it alive after the storm, their love lives and focus on Mallory's. Amy suggests they make a list of Mr. Wrong's for her and so Mallory humors Amy by saying if Mr. Wrong crosses her path, she'll have a go.

Enter Mr. Totally Wrong, Ty Garrison. He's been the Mysterious Cute Guy who took up residence in Lucky Harbor six months ago. He's there recuperating and waiting to get cleared so he can go back to his adrenaline rush of a job. Getting knocked out during a snow storm, he ends up at the diner where Amy, Grace and Mallory are currently making a pact should they come out alive after the storm. Coerced by outspoken Amy to say yes to be Mallory's date to the auction to raise funds for the hospital and clinic Mallory wants to open.

Mallory feels like she's been stood up but Ty has no memory of agreeing to be her date. When she finally does see him for the first time, cleaned up of his injury and in a suit, she's a goner. The man is Sex on A Stick. There's just so many things wrong with wanting him but hey, she did say that she would walk on a wild side for a bit. Mysterious Cute Guy definitely is a perfect candidate for the wild side of life.

Between steamy sex in a storeroom after their first meeting in which both finally learn each other's names and Ty and Mallory coming back for more, sparks and a whole lot of clothes go flying. Soon, the nosy townsfolk of Lucky Harbor are gossiping about Good With His Hands Guy (Ty and Mallory were snapped in a very hot embrace which may or may not have included Ty's hand on her ass) and Good Girl Gone Wild Mallory. The whole sex with each other thing should have only happened once, okay, maybe twice. But each smoldering look, each sizzling touch sends them into a lustful frenzy. Both agree that it's just a casual thing since Ty is leaving once he gets cleared to go back to his job. Oh poor Sexy Ty and Wanton Mallory, don't you know that your hearts will soon get involved?

Mallory is dreading the day that Ty will finally leave her and Ty can't seem to figure out how this woman has him thinking second thoughts about leaving Lucky Harbor to go back to his job. The death of Ty's team and the death of Karen, Mallory's sister hangs heavy between them. Each of their tragedies acts as an emotional buffer but it may take them longer to realize that they're meant for each other. Like chocolate and fabulous friends.

The questions becomes, will Good Girl Mallory finally show the town of Lucky Harbor that there's a grown woman who can make her own decisions hiding in there somewhere thanks to Good With His Hands Mysterious Cute Guy, or will Ty and Mallory allow ghosts from their past tear them apart?

Oy! Why has it taken me this long to read a book by Jill Shalvis? No, don't answer that. Lucky in Love was the perfect blend of a sweet, heartwarming, laugh out loud read with a dash of heartache, a whole lot of smoking, sizzling, thigh clenching sexytimes, served on a plate of unputdownable. In the words of Master Pastry Chef Ron Ben-Israel, "Jill Shalvis, you, are a sweet genius." Well, okay. I added the Jill Shalvis part. The little quotes at the beginning of each chapter reminded me of the quotes found on the wrapper of a piece of Dove chocolate and let me tell you, this book made me crave it. Let yourself indulge in this little place called Lucky Harbor and it will wiggle it's way into your heart. Perfectly imperfect couples and crazy meddling townsfolk included. I rushed out today to buy the first three Lucky Harbor books if that's any indication as to how much I loved this book. Well done Ms. Shalvis, well done.

***review copy provided by publisher for honest review***

Mallory Quinn has always been known as "the good girl" by her family and the residents of Lucky Harbor. She's an ER nurse, taking care of not only her patients but everyone around her. There's a new man in town that they all refer to as Mysterious Cute Guy and when Ty Garrison happens to cross paths with Mallory, he ends up on her Mr. Wrong list. It just so happens that Mallory decides it's time to stop playing it safe and explore her wild side and Ty's just the one for her supposed one-time experiment.

The first books in this series focused on the romances of the Traeger sisters. These next three involve three friends who call themselves the Chocoholics. Mallory's is the first story and it's so much fun. She really doesn't know how to explore her wild side but she puts everything into it. She has a steamy, impromptu encounter with Ty that she thinks is going to be a one-time affair. However, both of them find they just can't seem to stay away from each other, every subsequent encounter intended to be the last.

You cannot help but adore Mallory. Yes, she's nice and everyone's go-to girl but she truly has a good heart and a wicked sense of humor. Ty is really a mysterious guy but only because he chooses to be. He's got a troubled past stemming from his career as a Navy SEAL and then a paid security consultant. He's in Lucky Harbor to recuperate from an injury and has no plans to establish roots there. Ty's gorgeous and can have his pick of eligible women but he's drawn to Mallory because he knows her heart.

Both Ty and Mallory have to come to terms with their own truths, that their relationship isn't a fling and they've come to mean much more to each other. But it's their journey to get to this realization that's the appeal of this story. Combined with Mallory's friends, Amy and Grace, and the quirky folks of Lucky Harbor, the secondary characters provide lots of laughs and support to a well written story and a really good romance.

This series is two separate trilogies in one. You don't need to read the first three to enjoy this book. While there are a few characters from the earlier books that appear here, their backgrounds are sufficiently explained for appropriate context. This is the first book in the beginning of the second trilogy and it's a winner.

Posted on Romancing the Book's blog
Reviewed by JoAnne
Review COpy Provided by the Publisher

Book four in the Lucky Harbor series doesn't disappoint except that the characters we've grown to love in the first three books in the series are only mentioned in passing and not really part of the storyline.

Lucky in Love drew me in from the first page to the last but I was really hoping for a few more chapters because there was much more story to tell even though there is closure and a happily ever after. There is immediate chemistry and caring between Mallory and Ty although neither one wants to admit it and they both are struggling not to let the other know how they feel. They "get" each other and understand each other and it's probably the first time in their life for each of them to have someone care for them this way. Their romance, very hot and steamy at times and other times oh so gentle, tugged at your heartstrings. There was also angst, tears, laughter, family and friends along with a town we've grown to love and there was a smile very often on my face throughout.

Shalvis has become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading other books in the series. The next two books both had excerpts from them at the end of this story and really whet my appetite for more. If you haven't read books by this author before, give her a try. Also, try to visit Lucky Harbor - you'll be glad you did.

Favorite Quote: ...Chalk it up to the panic now residing in his hollow gut. Whatever he did here, whatever he came up with, he needed her to want to keep her distance. Except Mallory Quinn was incapable of distance when her heart was involved. That was both painfully attractive and terrifying. "Don't fall for me, Mallory. That wouldn't be good for either of us. We're too different, you said so yourself."

She sucked in a breath like he'd slapped her. "And what, you and Frances are alike? Compatible?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

One of my favorite contemporary series is back! The newest installment in the Lucky Harbor series has a new trio of women who have their own, unique set of problems when it comes to the opposite sex. This new group of women find comfort in chocolate, an undertaking I can totally get behind! The Chocoholics (CA), as they called themselves, are comprised of Mallory Quinn, Amy Michaels and Grace Brooks. They meet once a week to catch-up on life and enjoy something full of chocolatey goodness!

Mallory Quinn, having grown up in Lucky Harbor, knows just about everyone, the exception being Mysterious Cute Guy (MCG). But that is about to change. Mallory works hard at staying out of trouble. She has this desperation to always do the right thing, to be the best. It stems from a great loss in her past and her guilt over the loss. Mallory's love life suffers from her need to be perfect by trying to date Mr. Right. Her fellow chocoholics talk her into giving Mr. Wrong a try. MCG, also known as Ty Garrison, is Mallory's chance to be bad for a change. He's her Mr. Wrong who's so very wrong he's just right!

Ty Garrison came to Lucky Harbor to recover from an injury. It's been six months since he's hidden himself away, working to get back into fighting shape. He's beyond ready to get a clean bill of health and get back to the action. As a former Navy SEAL, Ty isn't use to sitting around. His life after the teams kept him in the action, still working dangerous assignments for a private contractor. Ty's life in Lucky Harbor has gotten into a routine of working out and working on old cars. In Ty we see a wounded warrior who needs more than just physical healing. Not surprising, Ty is a darker hero than previously seen in the series. I liked him but felt he was more difficult to know and never quite got that "click" of knowing him.

Mallory and Ty's romance starts out as a misunderstanding, leading to some hot sex in a storage room and regrets and embarrassment later. They both have their demons to fight and Shalvis does well showing how Mallory and Ty try their best to pretend their relationship is nothing more than sex when they both know, deep down, it's becoming much more. I liked how their relationship matured as they both learn to lean on each other as well as their friends.

This is a small town romance and as such, the characters of the town will have their say in the romance. Everyone has an opinion, some like to voice it on the town's Facebook page which I found amusing. Shalvis' trademark humor is very much in evidence, coming through in the assortment of charming characters that inhabit this seaside town. The humor in Mallory and Ty's relationship is often rooted in their misunderstanding and lack of communication. While cute at times, also had me wishing they would open up and avoid their misunderstandings.

There were either mentions or appearances of the heroes and heroines of the first three books, but this one ventured away from the Inn and more into the heart of the town, with the hospital getting more of the focus where the Inn had before. There did seem to be darker moments in this book with Mallory and Ty's reasons for carrying a heavy load of guilt.

Lucky in Love is another wonderful addition to the Lucky Harbor series. If you enjoy funny, quirky, small town romances, this is the series for you.

Rating: B+

(more like 4.5 feathers)
Lucky in Love
Reviewed by Ann & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

Ah, welcome back to Lucky Harbor. I have to say how much I enjoy Jill's writing. It's fresh, it's fun and it's just the perfect read to lift your spirits and make you smile.

This time when Shalvis returns to Lucky Harbor, readers finally get to discover the man behind the moniker Mysterious Cute Guy. As a walk on character that caught reader's interests, Shalvis did a great job of creating a persona that was larger than life and certainly...larger than what the small town of Lucky Harbor was used to. Ty Garrison is taking some time off to heal old wounds, both physical and the emotional. After losing his team in a plane crash, the usually tough as stone military man is now off kilter. He is plagued with nightmares and often keeps to himself. He doesn't make an effort to fit into the friendly town of Lucky Harbor, hence everyone's avid interest in the man who remains a mystery.

Mallory Quinn and Ty Garrison could not be any more different than each other. Mallory is a nurse, someone kind-hearted and helpful while Ty likes his solitary. However, when a freak storm caused by Mother Nature brings them together, sparks fly and the chemistry sizzles. Mallory and Ty were a great fit and while both were initially hesitant about their relationship, it is clear from the beginning that they belong together.

Recently, I have noticed the increase in sexiness in Shalvis's book and I am NOT complaining! Mallory and Ty get freaky in this one and I have to say, I enjoyed it immensely. For once in Mallory's straight arrow life, she is taking the wheel and doing something she has always wanted to do. Ty and Mallory's relationship was supposed to be just a walk on the wild side. A one time thing. Instead, it became something unnerving. Something unexpected and both are really thrown by this because neither expected it to become something more than just sex. Somehow Mr. Wrong turned into Mr. Right.

I was really impressed by Shalvis's ability to make me love these new characters when I so desperately loved the previous characters of this series too. The scene that stands out for me is in the beginning during the storm where Mallory, Amy and Grace are scared like rabbits in the darkened Eat Me diner. Mother Nature and chocolate cake bring them together and I thought that Shalvis did a fantastic job of creating a strong bond between three new characters quickly. It set up the next books in the series well and forged a bond that makes me love this book even more. For readers hoping to get a glimpse of the past characters, there is some mention of Jax and a couple good scenes with my personal favorite hero, Sawyer. But hopefully there will be more walk on scenes with the others in the next few books.

Speaking of the next book, Matt Bowers, sexy forest ranger and Amy have their story set up well in this one. There is some sparks, some sexual tension and already I can see some of Matt's possessive side. Me likey. Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely. Like a fat kid who loves cake, I devoured this book in one afternoon. But when something is this good, I'm bound to devour it quickly. I'm already looking for seconds. More please?

My Review:
I swear, Jill Shalvis' writing gets more amazing with each book she writes and that's quite an accomplishment since she is already one of my favorite authors. OMG, I truly and completely LOVED this book.

Back to Ty...*gah* I loved his character. As a former Navy SEAL this is one tough guy dealing with some truly awful demons. He was a medic for his SEAL team and had to watch them all die after a plane crash where he was the only one who survived. He doesn't form attachments...at all, but Mallory gets under his skin. Actually ALL of Lucky Harbor gets under his skin, but he does NOT plan to stay...and it's just about to kill him, although this is one guy in DEEP denial. Did I mention I love him??? While he's in Lucky Harbor, he swims, he runs, he beats up on Matt fairly regularly, and he's rebuilding a Shelby....and he does it all while corrupting Mallory with his bad-boy ways. He also has a heart of gold, although he would never admit it. The scenes with him and Ryan, who is a Vet with issues...so incredible.

Mallory has grown up in Lucky Harbor. She's an ER nurse and known for her good-girl status. When Ty literally falls at her feet, she suddenly has a Mr. Wrong that she's looking for to shake up her status quo a little bit. It's all supposed to be in fun and she most definitely has fun with him. But at the same time, she is a caretaker through and through. She already takes care of most the town and she definitely takes in Ty too. She's an ER nurse, so she is tough, efficient, but she also has a heart of gold. I loved her and the way that the town took up for her when needed. They all love her.

Mallory is part of the trio of the Chocoholics group made up of Grace, Amy and Mallory. Luckily, we'll get to see all their stories this summer because they are one hilarious group of friends. One of the absolute best things about this book was the Chocoholic quotes which started each chapter. Every time I came to one, I read it aloud for the family...we ALL enjoyed them!

I loved this series last year when it featured the three sisters, but it has a different feel to it if this first book is any indication. There is a whole new cast of characters featured from this quirky little town, although we get tiny glimpses of some familiar faces and names. Lucky for us though it remains, charming, funny, entertaining, and heart-stoppingly romantic and sexy. *sigh* SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!! Bring on Amy and Matt's story...I NEED to know what is going on there!!!

I have enjoyed the Lucky Harbor series. The first three about the sisters and the inn (that turns into a B&B/spa) were really good. This, being the 4th book.... well... it is hard to continue a series when the main characters were sisters and all three found love. In this 4th installment of the series, we get a new trio to read about.... Mallory, Amy, and Grace. Three woman with the love of chocolate form a friendship (and create a chocoholic group) after one evening being trapped in the local diner from a vicious storm.

The first of the these three for the series is about Mallory, a good girl looking to step outside of that reputation and live a little. With a so-called string of "Mr. Right's" not panning out, she is looking for a "Mr. Wrong", and lands in the grasp of no other than.... "Mysterious Cute Guy", or so that is what he is called. We learn that his name is Ty Garrison, an ex-Navy SEAL paramedic. He is in Lucky Harbor temporarily as he heals from a serious injury. He suffers a slight case of PTSD and keeps to himself, but becomes attracted to Mallory, the nurse.

Not to offer too much of the story, I should point out that this story lacked the oomph that the previous three books held. Of course, there is some humor, sexual tension, and secrets to be revealed from both main characters. Fully understanding the reasons for their actions was not as strong as it should be as well as what made the connection stick. The story was cute, but not attention-grabbing (meaning: I was able to walk away from the book from time to time), and some of the additional characters that were mentioned regarding Ty and his job were vague, at best. I did enjoy the setting, the people, and the conclusion. I will be looking forward to the next book about Amy and Matt. With all of these books being stand-alone, I know that the stories improve since I accidentally went from the 3rd book to the 6th book (which I really enjoyed), and then back to the 4th book. That being said.... it really is not Ms. Shalvis' best work, but it was not all that bad, either.

Jill Shalvis pens another fun and sexy story in Lucky In Love. Her Lucky Harbor Series is a must have for any romance reader.

Mallory Quinn has always been the good girl, never takes a walk on the wild side. A chance meeting with mysterious new guy in town has her thinking she needs to get her walking shoes on and stroll on the wild side. He would be the perfect guy for Mallory to spread her wings since Ty Garrison is only passing through Lucky Harbor.

Ty Garrison came to Lucky Harbor to recover from a living changing mission that saved his life but took his teammates. He just needs to get his body and mind back to fighting shape and he can get back to the work he loves. Ty stumbles upon Mallory and her friends on a dark and stormy night. Mallory helps safes his life and Ty somehow agrees to be her date at a big to do at the local hospital. Mallory and Ty start out as a just for fun relationship that slowly develops into something neither saw coming.

Once Ty gets back to fighting shape will he be able to leave Mallory behind? And Mallory who thought she just wanted fling realizes she deserves so much more.

Lucky In Love is another exceptional story by Jill Shalvis. The character's become people you would like to get to know and you want them to find their happy ending. Mallory and Ty are all out sexy and their relationship is witty and tantalizing. I am eager to read Amy and Grace's stories in the months to come. You can't go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book.

We're back in Lucky Harbor, this time following three women, all friends, who bond and meet over chocolate. Not a bad way to handle things, at all. Mallory is the first friend up and she's the ultimate care taker. She's a nurse, so it's her job as well as in her general nature to help people. She's also hoping to start up a new health care clinic to provide care and education to people who have no place else to go. She's the "sane" member of her family, helping to keep things going and keep the peace between her mother and her two siblings. Mallory is a person who wants to help everyone. She takes groceries and checks in on the elderly, she's actively involved in every fundraiser in Lucky Harbor but she's unlucky in love. After being dumped by a couple of guys that she thought were Mr. Right's, she and her friends decide that maybe giving Mr. Wrong a try wouldn't be so bad. Mallory could let her good girl guard down, at least for one night and have some fun for a change. Mr. Wrong just happens to crash one of the girls' earliest meetings, the night they all met in fact, when he passes out at the door of the local diner.

Mysterious Cute Guy! We got a few mentions of him in the prior Lucky Harbor books, but now he has a name, Ty Garrison. He keeps to himself, keeps everyone away and is just biding his time for his leg to recover enough so he can get back out in the field and resume his military career. He's also dealing with a tragic past where he lost his best friends during a mission and plane crash. He was the only survivor and it haunts him that as a paramedic, he couldn't save his friends from the injuries they suffered. As a result, he doesn't let anyone get close to him. Everyone he's loved has died and it's just easier for him to wall people off, less painful that way. But what should have only been one night with Mallory, turns into much more, whether he wants it to happen or not.

**********
Ty slid her a look. "You have a bit of a mean streak."

She laughed. It was true, even if not a single soul in Lucky Harbor would believe it. She had no idea what it said about her that Ty, a perfect stranger, saw more of her than anyone who actually knew her.

At her smile, Ty leaned close, his gaze dropping from her eyes to her mouth. "I like a woman with a mean streak."
**********

I really enjoyed Mallory and Ty's relationship. It's sexy and hot and they help each other deal with painful pasts that have made them into the people they are today; people that they don't necessarily want to be anymore. I liked seeing them influence each other for the better. Mallory made Ty really look at his life and what he wanted from it. She gave him a reason to start to live again, and think about life beyond just his job. Mallory was the most enjoyable character for me to get to know. She's such a caring person that to see someone like Ty step in and take care of her for a change, it made me happy for her. Even though she will never stop helping people, Ty and her friends get her to slow down and start standing up for herself and voicing her opinions more. Mallory ended up being a really easy character to root for, and her relationship with Ty was great to see grow.

What I always enjoy about the Lucky Harbor books is the build-up and introduction to the next romance coming up: Matt, the park Ranger and Amy, the waitress at the diner. There's some friction between these two, it seems to come mostly from Amy and I already can't wait to see how Matt gets her to open up. Grace and Dr. Josh Scott will lead the final book. Grace is new in town and while we don't really know much about her other than she's currently job hunting, she is down on her luck. We get a very quick description of Josh and not only is he juggling his exhausting job, but he's caring for his son and his handicapped sister at home. Even though that's all we really know about Josh at this point, I'm half way in love with him already, just from that quick description.

The town of Lucky Harbor continues to be filled with social busy bodies, who love to get their gossip on the town Facebook page. Mallory and Cute Guy get plenty of FB wall space as their romance is detailed out for the town to see. Mallory and Ty were characters that I enjoyed getting to know individually and I loved seeing their romance develop. This was a fun story in what continues to be a charming series.

Blog rating: 4/5

In the Washington State beach town of Lucky Harbor, Mallory Quinn is an ER nurse. While in the diner one night with Amy Michaels and Grace Brooks, a freak snow storm blows a tree through the window. One of the limbs knocks out the mysterious new guy in town. This is how Mallory first meets Ty Garrison.

Mallory does her best to meet some tough expectations from family and work. Recently she has been trying to begin a Health Services Center (HSC). Mallory is the local good girl. She is expected to date Mr. Right. But she wants to take a risk on a Mr. Wrong for a change and take a brief walk on the wild side. No one could be more wrong than Ty Garrison. He has made it very clear that he is just passing through, which suits Mallory just fine.

Ty is only in town while he is recuperating from injuries he received from plane wreck. Dr. Josh Scott is the man in charge of Ty's medical care until Ty was cleared and ready to return to duty. In the meantime, he would gladly take Mallory up on her Mr. Wrong offer. But the just-for-fun fling becomes something more. For the first time in his life, Ty cannot bear to leave. She is making him desire things he should not - such as leaving the military for good.

***** FIVE STARS! The character of Mallory comes across as a caring angel. Most doctors and nurses become desensitized after years of seeing heartbreaking things in an emergency department. Most emergency professionals must become this way. If not, they would be no good to the people they are trying to help. They need dry eyes and a clear, sharp mind to evaluate and tend to their patients. Mallory is one of the rare professionals who is able to keep her heart soft while also remaining level headed enough to aid those in need.

It is obvious that Jill Shalvis either did some serious research in the emergency medical field or has some personal experience. The wild and hectic scenes in the emergency room, as well as the variety of personalities among the patients, are described perfectly. (I can honestly say that due to years of personal experience.) This is not the first book by this author that I have read, but it is the best. In the past I would have said that Jill Shalvis was a very good author. Now she is on my "must read" list. I could not be more impressed. BRAVA! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Received this eARC from NetGalley.

Welcome back to the Lucky Harbor, Washington.

The author introduces you to the Chocoholics: ~~ Mallory Quinn ~~ Amy Michaels ~~ Grace Brooks.

Mallory Quinn, aka the local good girl, is full of compassion. She is a devoted daughter and nurse at the County Hospital. Her focus is on her pet project, the Health Services Clinic; once it opens it will provide services to individuals in need. However, she finds it difficult to get the funding she needs and now she discovers is in lust with Mr. Wrong. Maybe those bad girl lessons are paying off....

Ty Garrison, aka Mysterious Cute Guy, came to Lucky Harbor to recover from injuries. Once he gets the ok he is out of Lucky Harbor. However, feels an immediate attraction to Mallory. Before long, Ty finds he is unable to maintain the distance needed to ensure he isn't putting roots down - BUT he wants to claim Mallory for his own.

Can one storm change two lives forever...? That is the question. This book was fantastic. Every time I think Jill can't top the last book, which I loved...she does.

If you haven't read the Lucky Love series, trust me, you'll love them! These don't have to be read in order...but I suggest you start at the beginning ~~ Simply Irresistible (A Lucky Harbor Novel)

Lucky Harbor is a small, quaint, seaside town where everybody knows your name (Cheers anyone?). It`s filled with meddling busybodies who keep the town up-to-date with all the latest goings on and the juiciest gossip (yes I'm looking at you Lucille) on "The" Facebook (Ella - It's just Facebook LOL), a curmudgeonly dowager (Mrs. Burland that would be you), interfering, well-meaning family members (Ella, Tammy and Joe take note), best friends and co-founders of the chocoholics (Grace and Amy) and finally hot, hunky, mysterious cute guys who make them good girls go bad (Ty and Mallory take your bows).

Given the chance any one of the dedicated readers and lovers of this series would love to live in Lucky Harbor or at least pay a visit.

One thing you can always count on from Jill Shalvis...loads of laughs, smiles galore and a sweet, heartfelt love story.

As with the previous books in the Lucky Harbor series, I find myself greatly amused by the quip at the start of each chapter - I so look forward to it and it`s one of my very favorite parts of this series. And this time while reading Lucky in Love I found myself with an exceptionally strong, uncontrollable desire to eat chocolate...continuously.

When's the next bus leave for Lucky Harbor? The Eat Me Café has a stool with my name on it. I want a meeting with the chocoholics!

I simply cannot get enough of Jill Shalvis and her Lucky Harbor series! Lucky in Love was no different than the previous three - I picked it up and from there on? I couldn't put it down! I think this series gets better with each book I read.

Mysterious Cute Guy aka Ty Garrison? SWOON! He is fabulous, flawed and... well... fabulous. Plus, he has the HOTTEST CAR EVER! (I love a man with a car, especially a man with a Mustang. A Shelby Mustang.) And there's a scene, that mentions a wrench, that... well... WOW.

And speaking of the WOW? There's lots of that in this one. LOTS of WOW!! Seriously, I think this book is steamier than the others (or maybe I'm just having a case of amnesia because Mysterious Cute Guy is just that good!

And Mallory Quinn is our first life-long resident of Lucky Harbor. (The sisters of the first set of 3 were outsiders who crash landed in town, but Mallory? She's been there her whole life.) She is everything that small town life in Lucky Harbor embodies, and she does a great job of it! She makes me want to move to a small town, where you fall in love with the people as well as the hot guys!

The writing is sweet (except when it's steamy!) the plot is well developed, and there are cameo's from all of our previous favorites! I absolutely cannot recommend Jill Shalvis and Lucky Harbor enough!! If you haven't read these before, and you're in the mood for a good read? GRAB THIS ONE!!

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

I love the location of Lucky Harbor and was hoping that Shalvis would continue on with others in the locale and I got my wish. The main sisters and barely mentioned in this latest edition but the local busy bodies are all present and accounted for. This latest installment introduces us to Mallory, a nurse at the local hospital who takes care of everybody else except herself. Ty is the new guy in town and Mallory wants to expand her horizons a bit but she doubts herself especially when the aforementioned meddlers put in their two cents. The chemistry between the two are palpable and even when everyone paints Ty as a bad guy for Mallory, she wants an adventure and follows her heart for a change.

Of course, Mallory realizes that Ty is fun but that she wants more from him since he can't make a commitment, she decides to move on. There are lots of little roadblocks on the way to the happiness between the two, most of which are created by communication -- either too much from the outside world and miscommunication between the two of them. I really am glad that the author found more characters to write about in this wonderful little seaside resort. There are two more books coming in quick succession this June and July, so stay tuned!

In Lucky Harbor, Washington Mallory Quinn is tired of being the Mary Poppins of her hew town as she always is there for others in need. The nurse wants to have a fling, which would go against her image of being a nice caring girl.

Ty Garrison is the newcomer in town. He makes sure everyone knows he is here for a short stay as the SEAL medic recovers from injuries sustained in a burning plane over the Pacific. Mallory decides Ty is perfect though he is not Mr. Right or Mr. Wrong to mentor her in the art of sex. Not one to forsake his duty, Ty willingly becomes her instructor while wondering who is teaching who as each begins to muse could they have become Lucky In Love.

The latest Lucky Harbor contemporary romance (see At Last and Forever And A Day) is a wonderful humorous tale made fresh by the townsfolk. The lead couple is a strong pairing of two nice people with diverse outlooks on life. Seemingly everyone has advice for the town's good girl poster child while Ty finds it amusing to be caught in the crosshairs from her loyal posse including that darn cat Sweet pea. Though the premise of the sex teacher and willing student falling in love is not new, fans will relish this delightful charmer.

Harriet Klausner

Lucky in Love is a heartwarmingly sexy romance between the town's `Mysterious Cute Guy' Ty Garrison and Town's good girl and ER nurse Mallory Quinn; Get ready to laugh your heart out.

Ty is a former Navy seal suffering from PTSD, I really like how Jill addressed Ty's issues without it taking center stage in the story; Ty and Mallory's relationship is fraught with obstacles yet their romance is truly heartfelt, tender and sexy.

Lucky in Love is part 1 of a sub series within the Lucky Harbor series of three `Chocoholics' Amy, Mallory and Grace who take refuge together during a storm and bond together over a chocolate cake to form a friendship; You will fall in love with all the crazy and eccentric residents of Lucky Harbor and all their crazy antics.

Jill Shalvis is a master crafter of romances with tons of heart, humor and passion, Lucky in Love delivers on all counts; an absolutely delightful read with tons of laugh out moments.

Lucky in Love is a HarlequinJunkie Top Pick and Highly recommended read!
HarlequinJunkie Romance Reviews

ER nurse Mallory Quinn is looking for a thrill. She's always been the good girl, but now she wants to take a walk on the wild side. Ty Garrison is new in Lucky Harbor. As quaint as the town is, Ty's not looking for permanent. The demons of his past keep him from settling down. Ty and Malory's affair is sizzling, but the heat might simmer down if things get too serious. Will Mallory be lucky enough to find love and excitement with Ty?

You can't help but root for Mallory and Ty in Lucky in Love. Mallory is such a sweetheart. She's a genuinely good person, but she's done being the nice girl who finishes last. While Mallory is struggling to find herself, Ty is determined to fight his demons alone. They're both trying hard to overcome the pain of their pasts, not realizing how good they are together until it's almost too late. Helping the citizens of Lucky Harbor comes easily to them. Helping themselves is a lot harder. A lot of drama, some laughs, and some sizzling sex make Lucky in Love a sweet, sexy story that packs a punch of heat and heart.

Nannette for Joyfully Reviewed

So recently my life has become really busy and reading was just not on my to do list due to other commitments. I went from reading a book every 4 days to not reading at all in 4 months. When I saw this next set of Jill Shalvis books come along my mindset flipped. I could not wait to get my hands on a book for the first time in forever. So once I got this book I did nothing but read. I was so excited to get back into a series I enjoyed.

I love Mallory, I fell in love with her when I read the first chapter at the end of Chloe's story. Plus Mysterious Cute Guy was all throughout the other novels and it was nice to get his story. I related to Mallory just like I was able to relate to Maddie in the original Lucky Harbor novel. She is so likeable and Ty is just dreamy. The bad girl lessons were hysterical it was just a good story.

I am glad I got back into reading with Lucky Harbor. I recommend this series to everyone. it's got great characters, great heart and a nice escape from the world we live in which is far removed from Lucky Harbor is ridiculous. Thanks Jill for giving me an outlet.

On to Amy's story now.

Nurse Mallory Quinn has spent her life doing right and being a good girl. Everyone loves Mallory and knows they can count on her. Mallory's thinking perhaps they count on her just a little too much and starts to think of living for herself. Enter Navy SEAL Ty Garrison. Ty has landed in Lucky Harbor to recuperate injuries sustained on a recent mission; the same mission that took the lives of the rest of his team. His injuries are equally physical and emotional and he's pushing himself to extreme lengths to overcome them.
When things heat up between Mallory and Ty, it isn't without reservations on the part of both. Mallory knows that a heated affair isn't what anyone expects from her and Ty knows that he'll be leaving Lucky Harbor soon and that Mallory is too good for a short fling.
Mallory and Ty are simply adorable and are written in typical Shalvis style. There is an abundance of heat, tempered by a touch of sweetness and humor, and in the end readers will be satisfied with another beautifully written romance.

I really enjoy the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis. The first three books centered around three sisters, each finding love. Now Jill Shalvis turns the attention of the series to three girlfriends, and their quest to help each other in the romance department. We meet Mallory (town good girl), Amy (town bad girl) and Grace (the new one in town), who end up meeting together at the "Eat Me" diner (owned by Amy) for their regular "Chocoholics Meetings." Where they eat chocolate cake and express the woes of their love lives.

It's Mallory's turn to star in this book. Mallory is an ER nurse at the hospital in Lucky Harbor. Her mother is also a nurse there, and her sister works in housekeeping. Mallory tries to be her family's rock. Her other sister died years ago and Mallory has much guilt over it. Her living sister and her brother are very wild and Mallory feels a lot of stress that their lives could spiral out of control. So Mallory always lives a very responsible life never to disappoint anyone. When a freak snow storm hits Lucky Harbor while she is at the diner with her girlfriends, she meets a new man. Well, not really a new man. He is known by the town as "Mysterious Cute Guy," (on the town's facebook page) and lands at the step of the diner, with a concussion from a fallen tree during this very dangerous storm. As Mallory is a nurse, she runs to his aid. Dazed and confused, Mysterious Cute Guy is a little out of it. As the girlfriends were just discussing how Mallory doesn't have a date to a benefit dinner, Amy, using her "bad girl" skills, tells Mysterious Cute Guy that since Mallory saved him during this storm, he is going to be her date. Mallory doesn't think he will remember saying yes as he is carted away in an ambulance.

A few days later, Mallory is at the fundraiser, with a few jitters that Mysterious Cute Guy just might show up. Embarrassed to not even know his name, she turns around and there he is.

Ty Garrison is no longer a Navy SEAL medic. After losing his team/four closest friends in an accident overseas, unable to save them, he still has not healed emotionally from that. He quit the SEALs and has started doing missions for a private contractor. But he has injured his leg, and needs a lot of rehabilitation. His friend Matt, who lives in Lucky Harbor encouraged him to rent a house in the small town until he was done his rehabilitation. Ty never smiles and is convinced he will never get over the death of his four friends. He spends his spare time working on classic cars and keeping away from everyone. But, even though his memory of the freak snow storm night is blurry, he can't forget Mallory's warm eyes and soft care of him. So that is how he finds himself at the fundraiser, with all eyes on him.

I'm really happy Jill Shalvis is introducing us to three new couples in the fun town of Lucky Harbor. This series is really sexy and funny and I always recommend it to people looking for great contemporary romances. While I did like this book, it didn't quite capture me like the previous books did. I think part of it is being introduced to new characters and having to learn all of their personalities. I also think while Mallory and Ty have a very sexy relationship, it felt a little too formulaic. Ty doesn't want a relationship, and has bad nightmares from his time overseas. Mallory says she doesn't want a relationship, but after having sex, wants more. They come together because they are so attracted to each other, then push each other away. Then come together again. It was kind of the same thing throughout the whole book and it just felt like something was missing. It just didn't quite have that same spark as previous relationships in this series.

But I did still enjoy it. There are some very sexy scenes in this one and I love this town and the crazy elderly people who rule the gossip with their facebook page. I can't get enough of Lucille and her funny antics. And we get set up for the next book with Amy and her very mysterious relationship with the Forest Ranger Matt. I can't wait to find out what secrets they are hiding.

Lucky in Love is the fourth installation in the Lucky Harbor series by Jill Shalvis. This book sets up a new trilogy with Mallory and fellow chocoholics Amy and Grace. Stranded together while a snowstorm rages outside of the local diner, Mallory and friends bond over chocolate cake. When a hurt Ty Garrison appears outside of the diner, Mallory helps to stabilize him (after conking him on the head with an Iphone). As they are waiting for help, Amy tells Ty he can re-pay Mallory by being her date to the upcoming Lucky Harbor Charity Auction.

After Ty helps her out at the charity, Mallory decides she needs a break from being the good girl, she just wants to do something for herself. She knows Ty is all wrong for her but she decides to have fun while it lasts.

Ty is leaving town as soon as he is healed and gets the all clear from Josh Scott, the Lucky Harbor doctor treating him. He's not looking for a relationship, he wants to get out and get back to work. Mallory catches his eye and he finds himself delaying his departure and finding new things to love in Lucky Harbor (who wouldn't, I want to live there myself).

I fell in love with Lucky Harbor with Shalvis' Simply Irresistible and Maddie and Jax are still two of my ultimate favorite characters. I was a little disappointed there weren't any of the sisters in this book but I love the new trio of women. The Chocoholics: Mallory, Grace and Amy.

Lucky in Love was everything I've come to love about Jill Shalvis. It has the perfect blend of wit, humor and romance with a dash of tension between the main characters. It's what makes me rush out to the store on release day (or if I'm lucky, snag it on an early release) to devour in a matter of hours.

Did I mention I am in love with Lucky Harbor and all of the exceptional characters Shalvis has created? Mallory and Ty were two stand-out characters and I loved every minute of their story. Shalvis has the remarkable ability to make the reader care about each character she writes. The women are strong and relatable as an every woman. The men are tortured heroes who also happen to be smoking hot. Mallory and Ty are no exception, Shalvis has done it again. I can't wait to get my hands on the next two in the series. At Last and Forever and a Day hit bookstores this summer.

Lucky In Love follows Mallory Quinn as she goes through the motions of being the good girl next door. She's down to earth and caring, always ready to help anyone in need. Lucky for her the next person in need happens to be sexy hunk Ty Garrison.

Ty lands in Lucky Harbor with no intent to stay. But the ex Navy SEAL finds himself captivated by the small town and the good girl nurse who is pretty much the town sweetheart. When they meet sparks fly! And thus begins Ty's struggle with wanting to stay but needing to go..

I really enjoyed this book. It was witty, sweet, sexy and charming. What kept me reading was, as always with a Jill Shalvis book, the leading man. Ty Garrison is soft when it's needed and all growly hot when it's wanted. And let's be honest here..it's always wanted.
I thought Jill knocked it out of the park with this book. In fact, I kept asking myself where was all this sexy heat, swoon-worthy romantic connection in Chloe & Sheriff Sawyer's book Head Over Heels?!

Next Jill Shalvis book I can't wait to get my hands on? Forever And A Day! Bring on another hot leading man!

A very enjoyable and fun story by Jill Shalvis. I enjoyed seeing Mallory become her own person within the community. Even though she was loved by every body in Lucky Harbor, her growth into a woman who can say "no" and didn't have to fix everything, with Ty's help, really did help to move the story along. I also enjoyed reading about Ty and his growth as he began to realize that he could become a part of a community outside of the military. Although it would have been good to have had more of Ty's background after the military, I didn't feel like it detracted that much from the story line. Having read the previous three books in this series, it was fun being introduced to more of the Lucky Harbor residents. I look forward to Amy's story which is the next in the series.

Even though this book technically is in the "Lucky Harbor" series, it really should start a new trilogy/series of its own. Yes, it takes place in Lucky Harbor, so the same annoying locals are all present who pry into the lives of its citizens WAY too much for it to be acceptable. But, the characters you came to love in books 1-3 are barely mentioned in passing, if at all. Just like this new trio of characters barely made an appearance (if at all?) in those books either. I felt like Shalvis (whose work I am a HUGE fan of) wanted to start a new series, but was too lazy to develop a new town. But, anyway...the book on its own is good. The chemistry between Ty and Mallory is sizzling - that is when they are actually left alone. Those aforementioned town meddlers become increasingly frustrating and I found myself wanting to scream at Mallory to stop allowing people to walk all over her. But, I guess that was the point, because she actually does. A satisfying end makes up for the level of annoyance in the first half of the book. And the sexual tension between secondary characters Amy and Matt jumps off the page - those glimpses make me look forward to their story which just happens to be the next book in the series. 3.5/5 stars.

I love the whole Lucky Harbor series. This book is sort of the fourth, what with a cookbook, anthology and novella in the mix. The first 3 books and extras are focused on 3 sisters who come to Lucky Harbor when their mom passes. This is the first of three more books focusing on 3 ladies who are chocoholics. The heroine, Mallory is sweet and has been good her whole life but her chocoholic friends encourage her to be a bit more wild. Mysterious Cute Guy, Ty, has been the talk of the town's facebook page for months and literally ends up in Mallory's lap. Mallory has taken care of the town her whole life and I love the way they rally for her. I guess I did really end up caring much more about her than Ty, but he's good for her. Many of the characters from the first 3 books are mentioned or make cameos or in the case of Lucille, drive the plot. I really enjoyed it and recommend the whole series.

jill shalvis is addictive. i have read some of her books, but i am only (and truly) faithfull to the lucky harbor series. this one, by far. is my favorite. regardless of all the sometimes cheesy dialogue, (really other commenters? this is a contemporary romance. is expected!) i fell in love with the characters!

i don't think i have ever met a romance where the hero and heroine are so great for each other. their personalities and backstory really complement each other and it is, for sure, a romance i can totally believe in! sometiems i close a romance thinking "phew... no wait it'll last" not this time. this, for me, seems like a true love story. and i love it!

love story? A+. sexy/sensitive hero? B+ (too sensitive for my taste). heroine? A (i love the fact that there is so much to her than a small town can see and she, herself brings it on. she does things and people think of her as very predictable, yet she surprises herself) steamy scenes? A-. complimentary characters? A+ (they do not overshadow the hero and heroine but compliment them perfectly!). dialogue B. teasing romance for next book? B-.

Mallory Quinn is a dedicated nurse and caring daughter. Mallory is always tending to others but just wishes that someone would tend to her.

Ty Garrison is recuperating and couldn't be a worse match for stay in town Mallory. Ty comes to Mallory's aid for a benefit. To Mallory's shock, she finds she can't resist Mr. Wrong.

This book is a great romance. It had me rooting for the two main characters throughout. Even though I assumed they would resolve their differences and was reading page by page to see how they would achieve it. A good read in my mind.

The Lucky Harbor series has something for everyone. The characters feel like real people that could be your next door neighbors. I love being able to connect with my characters and that's just what J. Shalvis delivers. I dare you not to think about the characters in this series long after you have put th books down. Especially the men!

This book starts out fast and never lets up! I loved seeing Mallory step out of the shadows of who her family needed/wanted her to be and the person she longed to be and who better to help her than the towns mystey bad boy, Ty!

This book proves that you can't help who you fall in love with and most times it is the least person you would expect.

Ty & Mallory are perhaps the hottest couple I've ever found between the pages of a book. I've always known that "Mysterious Cute Guy" was going to be well worth the wait, but Ms Shalvis has really outdone herself with this one.

I love Jill Shalvis, she writes unabashedly about embarassing moments, and her female characters get into these moments regularly. Her male characters do not. They are very alpha, withdrawn, tormented for some reason. It has been done. This particular male character has a great background as a Navy Seal, but these guys do everything as comrades, the brotherhood, they would not allow him, and he would not be used to, doing things solo. My favorite Shalvis was when the female character was the withdrawn and tormented character, "Aftershock", and the male character wins her over with his warmth, backbone, and family. This series is leaving me "blah" and I will no longer "auto-buy".

I loved this book, it was funny and romantic like almost all of Jill Shalvis's books. I actually recommend the whole Lucky Harbor Series, especially this book and #5 and #6. The Chocoholics are hilarious! If you read just one of her books, you'll end with all of them!

I just finished reading Mallory and Ty's story. Once I started the book, I could barely put it down to sleep! It is a heartwarming, touching, romantic story that I just fell in love with. Ty is amazing; I just kept thinking 'Wow, how great it'd be to have a man who understands you that well, cares about you so much (even if he finds it hard to say so for an extended length of time), shows his love in so many heart-melting ways.' We all need a Ty in our lives. Mallory was also a character I could really like. I agreed with all of the adjectives that Ty used to describe her: big-hearted, compassionate, caring, dedicated, loyal, etc., etc., etc. It was easy to see why the town loved her so much. I really felt for her because her opinion of herself was so skewed. I was pleased and touched by the way Lucille, the irritating, overly-nosy town gossip, stood up for Mallory with Mallory's mother, pointing out hard truths that the mother had never realized about her own daughter. The story also has its share of humor. The scene in the diner with nasty-tempered Mrs. Burland was so hilarious that I was laughing out loud. Trust me, you have to read this one; it is a truly great story.

My Review:
I swear, Jill Shalvis' writing gets more amazing with each book she writes and that's quite an accomplishment since she is already one of my favorite authors. OMG, I truly and completely LOVED this book.

Back to Ty...*gah* I loved his character. As a former Navy SEAL this is one tough guy dealing with some truly awful demons. He was a medic for his SEAL team and had to watch them all die after a plane crash where he was the only one who survived. He doesn't form attachments...at all, but Mallory gets under his skin. Actually ALL of Lucky Harbor gets under his skin, but he does NOT plan to stay...and it's just about to kill him, although this is one guy in DEEP denial. Did I mention I love him??? While he's in Lucky Harbor, he swims, he runs, he beats up on Matt fairly regularly, and he's rebuilding a Shelby....and he does it all while corrupting Mallory with his bad-boy ways. He also has a heart of gold, although he would never admit it. The scenes with him and Ryan, who is a Vet with issues...so incredible.

Mallory has grown up in Lucky Harbor. She's an ER nurse and known for her good-girl status. When Ty literally falls at her feet, she suddenly has a Mr. Wrong that she's looking for to shake up her status quo a little bit. It's all supposed to be in fun and she most definitely has fun with him. But at the same time, she is a caretaker through and through. She already takes care of most the town and she definitely takes in Ty too. She's an ER nurse, so she is tough, efficient, but she also has a heart of gold. I loved her and the way that the town took up for her when needed. They all love her.

Mallory is part of the trio of the Chocoholics group made up of Grace, Amy and Mallory. Luckily, we'll get to see all their stories this summer because they are one hilarious group of friends. One of the absolute best things about this book was the Chocoholic quotes which started each chapter. Every time I came to one, I read it aloud for the family...we ALL enjoyed them!

I loved this series last year when it featured the three sisters, but it has a different feel to it if this first book is any indication. There is a whole new cast of characters featured from this quirky little town, although we get tiny glimpses of some familiar faces and names. Lucky for us though it remains, charming, funny, entertaining, and heart-stoppingly romantic and sexy. *sigh* SUCH A GOOD BOOK!!! Bring on Amy and Matt's story...I NEED to know what is going on there!!!