You know those books or authors that you can always turn to for a good, solid read? Well, Jill Shalvis is one of those authors for me, and her newest Lucky Harbor book, It’s in His Kiss, did not disappoint. Both hero and heroine, Sam and Becca, are used to giving everything, while their respective families only take what is offered without reciprocating. Two broken people, neither very trusting of others, are thrown together by chance, bringing light and hope to one another. It’s in His Kiss is an uplifting story with plenty of love and redemption to go around.
ONE KISS CAN LAST FOREVER
Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now’s her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam’s eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.
Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can’t resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca’s heart?
Right from the start, the reader is rooting for both of these characters. Becca is the sibling that’s always kept her brother, Jase, on track. Her sense of responsibility and loyalty are admirable, but the expectation for a child to completely manage another person is just too much. Where are the parents and why are they allowing Becca to deal with such a burden? Focused on her stage fright and all of the things that she hasn’t done, Becca needs to let go of her past, instead of dwelling on it, in order to move forward. Sam also had a childhood full of burden, but Sam’s burden was in the form of his father. His father’s gambling and drinking turned Sam’s childhood into a nightmare; the family of his best friend, Cole, offered the only respite. While Becca needs to move forward, Sam needs to acknowledge and accept his past, instead of avoiding it.
The only complaint that I have relates to the ridiculously quick resolution of Becca’s family drama. I didn’t buy it. There should have been more angst or drama or….something. A two-second conversation apparently cleared up years of misunderstandings? Nope. The plot arc involving Sam’s dad, on the other hand, was terrific. Mark, Sam’s dad, didn’t expect everything to be sunshine and roses right away and was willing to work to regain his son’s trust and respect. Very nice.
Lucky Harbor is a great town. Everyone wants to visit (and who doesn’t want to meet Lucille?), and It’s in His Kiss takes us back to that town and the colorful characters we have grown to love while endearing Sam and Becca to us. A heartfelt look at two impossibly lost people that want nothing more than to trust, and to love, It’s in His Kiss is sure make you laugh, smile, and maybe even tear up a bit. So, be sure to grab your copy on August 26th!
Read order:
Simply Irresistible
The Sweetest Thing
Head Over Heels
Lucky in Love
At Last
Forever and a Day
It Had to Be You
Always on My Mind
Once in a Lifetime
It’s in His Kiss
