Review: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Title: Simply Irresistible
Series: Lucky Harbor #1
Author: Jill Shalvis
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.


Favorite Quote:


“He pushed his sunglasses to the top of his head, and be still her heart, he had eyes the exact color of the caramel in the candy bar she’d consumed for lunch."

My thoughts:

Simply Irresistible is the first novel in a new series, that follows three sisters who inherited a dilapidated inn from their free-spirited mother. Maddie the mouse is eager to start anew and shed her reputation as meek. Leaving behind an abusive ex, and the job she was fired from in Los Angeles. She is moving to Lucky Harbor with the hopes of convincing her two half sisters to look at the inn they inherited as a lucrative joint venture. Upon arrival they discover the inn will need large amounts of work (and money) to get it up and running. Maddie is convinced they can do it even though her sisters are skeptical. Maddie also finds herself  struggling with her feelings for the super sexy, Jax, who kissed her senseless on her first evening in Lucky Harbor. Not a good thing for a girl who recently decided to give up men. She has to decide if Jax and his heart-stopping kisses are worth the risk.


I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to Lucky Harbor, Washington, and can’t wait to “vacation” there again as this series continues. There is just something about contemporary romances in a small town setting that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It is also set during the holiday season, and ideal to read during the month of December. 


While this book primarily focused on Maddie (aka "The Mouse"), we also get to know a bit about Tara and Chloe. I loved the banter between the three half sisters, who all have very unique personalities. Tara is the oldest and referred to as the "Steel Magnolia". She is sassy, classy, and quick to voice her opinion. Chloe is the baby of the family, and the one who is always in trouble. That earned her the label of “Wild Child”. Most like their mother, she also seemed to be closest to her. This leaves Maddie a little envious, and feeling remorse for not trying to strengthen her relationship with her mother before her death. She feels she now has a second chance with her sisters by fulfilling her mother’s wish for the girls to run the inn together.


Love interest, Jax, had me swooning. Sexy, rugged, and a man with his own share of secrets. Maddie and Jax are a perfect match, and the chemistry they created radiated from the pages. Jax is falling for Maddie hard. Unfortunately, certain details from his past, and secrets he can’t reveal, could make or break what they’ve started. 


I’d recommend Simply Irresistible to readers looking for a love story with a little something more. The relationship progression between the three sisters was almost as fun to experience as Maddie and Jax steaming up the pages. This will also be a hit with anyone who enjoys writing with a sarcastic edge mixed with plenty of witty one-liners. Simply Irresistible had me snickering, and earning strange looks from my husband on more than one occasion. The quotes from the girls mom, Phoebe, at the beginning of each chapter were a fun addition. While some of the topics are a bit heavy, the author tackled them without leaving the book with a depressing tone. All in all a fun read, with endearing characters you can’t help but to grow attached to. I can’t wait to read Tara’s story next year in, The Sweetest Thing. 


Cover thoughts: Cute, but Maddie’s hair is “tamer" than I’d visualized. Her unruly curls are her trademark. I would have loved to have that conveyed on the cover model.

Jill Shalvis on the web:

Author Bio | Website | Twitter | Facebook

Books in this series:

Source: Publisher