Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #6
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Date Read: September 24, 2018
Length: 384 pages
Source: Edelweiss
★★★★☆
Who needs mistletoe?
Most people wouldn’t think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn’t most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she’s been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that — but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once…
Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don’t mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he’s shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly’s brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can’t believe he’s drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who’s the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he’s ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he’s been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.
This book is the sixth book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. I really do think that this book would work perfectly well as a stand-alone. Some of Molly’s history is dealt with in the previous book in the series but anyone new to the series could easily learn the details right along with Lucas without impacting the enjoyment of the story. Readers of the series will enjoy getting the opportunity to check in with all of the characters from this wonderful series.
This book in a very entertaining manner. Lucas wakes up to find a woman in his bed but has no memory of what happened or who is actually snuggled under his blankets. Of course, it was Molly and she has some fun with it. Molly really wants to work cases instead of just being stuck in the office so she takes a case on her own pitched to her by a group of senior citizen elves working for a questionable Santa. Lucas is given the task of keeping an eye on her to make sure she is safe.
I just loved Lucas and Molly together. Everything about their relationship felt authentic to me. I really liked that they were playful at times and serious during others. They both just seemed to understand the other and paid attention to details that others seemed to miss. They have both dealt with some pretty horrible things in their past which has caused them to guard their heart a little more than most. Molly has a lot of insecurities in regards to her previous physical injury and resulting limitations but Lucas doesn’t see weakness, instead focusing on her strength.
I thought that the mystery element of this book was really well done. They do spend quite a bit of time working the case which ends up being a lot more involved than originally thought. There were a few pretty suspenseful moments and just enough humor to keep things really interesting. By the end of the book, I was cheering Molly and Lucas on as they got to the bottom of the bad Santa situation.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. Jill Shalvis has crafted a wonderful tale that has the perfect balance of romance, suspense, and humor with this book. I cannot wait to read more from this excellent series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
Book #4.5 – Holiday Wishes – My Review
Book #5 – About That Kiss – My Review
Book #6 – Hot Winter Nights – Now Available!
About the AuthorNew York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website, www.jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to give away a print copy of Hot Winter Nights to one lucky reader of this blog, courtesy of Avon Books. (US and Canada only)
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I was really happy that Molly was getting her HEA, and I adore this series.
Molly is such a great character, Sam!
I really need to give Jill Shalvis a try. I've been hearing great things for so many years. I even have book one in her Animal Magnetism series on audio.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I have quite a few of her books that I haven't had a chance to read as well. I can't wait to see what you think of her writing when you do give her a try.
Aw, looks like a really sweet book and obviously perfect for the upcoming Winter season. Thanks for sharing!
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
It would be a great book to read this winter!
I always have a good time this author so I'm sure I'll like this one as well
She is such a reliable writer!
Awww SHalvis books always look so cute
I had such a great time with this!
I really love it when a romance pair have the laid back fun moments. I can see why you were smiling the whole time.
These two were a lot of fun anytime they were with each other.
I read my first book from her and am looking forward to reading more now.
I just love her books!
Yay. I agree the mystery/suspense element was well done. I am having fun with this series
I was pretty nervous about how things might work out for a bit in this one.
I'm beyond excited for this one! I've really been enjoying this series (almost but not quite as much as Lucky Harbor) and I really like the sound of this one. I've got this one but just haven't gotten to it yet for reasons I just can't quite remember!
I still need to read her Lucky Harbor series but I have been loving this one.
I really like Jill Shalvis, but I haven't read this series yet! It looks like a lot of them take place in the winter, so maybe I should read them over the next few months. I'm glad you're still enjoying them after 6 books!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?
Shalvis is such a great author! I hope you get the chance to read this series soon.
Isn't that the best–when you have a silly grin on your face the entire book? I love that. And it speaks volumes for the book. I need to read this one!
I think you would enjoy this one, Wendy!
I love Jill Shalvis and this series so much. You could read it as a standalone by why would anyone want to miss the other books?!?! Great review. Anne – Books of My Heart
Exactly!
It sounds like this one was a really cute and authentic romance. I love the sound of the situation Lucas finds him in with a stranger in the bed – it makes for a funny opening to the story although I'm not sure what I would do if that was me in real life!
The story really did get off to a great start!