Author: Jill Shalvis
Series: Lucky Harbor #9
Release Date: February 18, 2014
My Rating: 5 Stars
After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.
Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .
Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?
This book has me so conflicted! Obviously, I loved it. No surprise there, Ms. Shalvis can do no wrong. She continues to build on her Lucky Harbor world with a fresh, hilarious, and steamy new story each time. It's really quite fascinating when you take a step back and see what an amazing repertoire she's built with this series. Once In A Lifetime is certainly no disappointment. The heroine, Aubrey, she is probably my favorite Jill Shalvis heroine to date. She has every reason to be the terror she used to be when she was younger but, she has decided to make a amends for her errant ways and flourish in her life... if only the once lovely inhabitants of Lucky Harbor would let her. I'm telling you, besides our beloved past couples, the Lucky Harbor townsfolk are on my shitlist. Big time. I was a huge fan of them and their quirky small town ways. But their treatment of Aubrey throughout this book was not up to par. That being said there are some exclusions to the rule. Truly, I think it was just a few scenes that really popped out at me but, it all worked with the theme and where the book was headed.
As I said Aubrey is on a mission to atone for her wrongdoings. She has even proclaimed she was a bitch in her younger years and is trying to move past that. Starting with re-opening her Aunt's bookshop. She's got a grand idea to help a small bookstore survive in the modern tech age but, she needs some help. Enter Ben. A Lucky Harbor native, back from serving his country and healing from the loss of his wife 5 years ago. Ben, Aubrey, and his late wife Hannah all went to school together, so they are no strangers. What they are strangers to, is the magnetic chemistry they're experiencing while spending so much time together. They fight it. Aubrey has learned she can't depend on anyone else, and Ben is just not ready to move on. Their stubborn ways eventually give way to steamy nights, and comfortable time spent re-learning each other. Times have changed, and these two certainly have as well. But when Aubrey tries to atone for what she sees as her biggest mistake, Ben isn't ready for the ghosts and hurt it brings back to life. And before they can even begin to move on together, Ben may sabotage their chance out of sheer stupidity.
Yes, Ben pulled the ignorant, dumb male move and I can't even be mad at him for it. Do I side with him? Hell no. Team Aubrey, FTW! But, he did fall in the typical pit of male stupidity. So, let's put that aside. Aubrey, now she is a character. I had many a fist pump, "Yeah, girl!" moments when reading her. But I also wanted to get out there and tell a couple people off for her. I mean how many times does the poor girl have to try to make amends and this town just turns their back on her? Totally not Lucky Harbor-esque at all. However, if you look at it from Ben's view it is Lucky Harbor. It all depends on how you look at. In my opinion, Aubrey was a victim of the circumstances of her childhood and couldn't gain her footing even for a minute until she finally had a Lucky Harbor hellion turned golden child (Ben) backing her.
Despite the grouchy townsfolk, this book was everything I love about this series and more. I laughed until my ribs ached... I'm sorry but, that being banned from Facebook scene... I literally spit out my drink. Only because I follow Jill on Facebook and it was so hilarious that she worked it into her book, however maybe there should be a disclaimer? :) The scenes with Aubrey, Leah and Ali are just downright comical. And the scenes with Ben, Luke and Jack will have you shaking your head and cackling like a hyena. I seriously never tire of Ms. Shalvis' voice in her books. Once In A Lifetime had me glued to its pages. The attraction between Aubrey and Ben was simply explosive and their time together was both sweet and intriguing. I dare you to read this book and not laugh and get a little heated. It's an impossible task. Overall, a marvelous addition to an already mind-blowing series!
Happy Reading!
*ARC provided by author/published through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Links to Buy:
Top 5 Reasons to Date the Handyman:
1. The tool belt.
2. The honey-do list is always handled.
3. The tool belt.
4. When the pipes freeze, you don’t have to break out the hair dryer.
5. The tool belt.
Meet Jill:
haven't read her yet, but want to
ReplyDeleteThis series is on my TBR list, but I haven't gotten to it yet.
ReplyDeletelove the whole series
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me here and for the 5 stars! I'm honored!
ReplyDelete