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Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....
After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke's own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?
"Four stars! A winner... Readers will laugh out loud as they rush to turn the pages."—RT Book Reviews
"Fall in love with Jill Shalvis! She's my go-to read for humor and heart."—Susan Mallery, New York Times bestselling author
"Clever, steamy, and fun! Jill Shalvis will make you laugh and fall in love."—Rachel Gibson, New York Times bestselling author
"Shalvis makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me sigh with pure pleasure."—Susan Andersen, New York Times bestselling author of Playing Dirty
"4 Stars! Shalvis's latest Lucky Harbor novel is a winner-full of laughter, snark and a super-hot attraction between the main characters. Shalvis has painted a wonderful world, full of entertaining supporting characters and beautiful scenery."—RT Book Reviews on At Last
"Count on Jill Shalvis for a witty, steamy, unputdownable love story."—Robyn Carr, New York Times bestselling author of Harvest Moon
"Ms. Shalvis characters leap off the page"—RT Book Reviews
"Shalvis writes with humor, heart, and sizzling heat!"—Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author
Jill Shalvis does not disappoint with this next installment in her Lucky Harbor Novel! I didn't think it was possible, but her writing just keeps getting better and better!!
Ali is scraping by in Lucky Harbor, working in a florist shop, making her pottery, and volunteering with the seniors to name a few things! She is also in a relationship (or so she thinks!) with Teddy. Then before she knows it within 24 hours she's been dumped by Teddy, needs to find a new place to live, and is accused of stealing a lot of money!
Luke, a detective who lives in San Francisco but has roots in Lucky Harbor, comes home to what he expects to be an empty house, looking for privacy, peace and quiet after a case goes drastically wrong. He hasn't been back to Lucky Harbor in 10 years when he felt like he let both his sister then his grandmother down. He craves a sense of home now but instead, in his kitchen he finds a mostly naked Ali, reporters trying to find him, and the local police arriving to question Ali about the missing money.
Ali is proud, honest and strong. She has grown into a terrific woman who doesn't let life get her down no matter how rough things got when she was growing up. She really doesn't carry her baggage around, letting things get her down. But all that's happening now she's finding it harder and harder to be strong and alone. Before they both know it, Luke finds himself wanting to help her. Not only her, but the little things other people are coming to him for.
Neither of them are looking for a relationship, especially one that can't go anywhere since Luke is leaving again soon. Ali and Luke spend a lot of time together though and soon it is harder to resist the magnetic pull they feel towards each other. Both of them insist to themselves and to each other that it can only be temporary, but can they keep their hearts out of their relationship?
As they get to know each other better, the mystery of the missing money and trying to clear Ali's name keeps them busy. Can they help the local police find the missing money before Ali ends up in jail due to only circumstantial evidence? If the air clears and Luke goes back to his job in San Francisco can they move on apart?
The more time Luke spends in Lucky Harbor and with Ali, the more he starts to feel whole again...to love again. Leaving will be the hardest part for both of them.
I loved, loved It Had to Be You!!! Jill's writing is flawless, filled with humor and love that had the book glued to my hands!
I really enjoyed both Luke and Ali. Both of them were refreshingly honest. It was so great to read a romance that didn't have any of those little games some characters sometimes play when they hide parts of themselves. Luke and Ali fit really well together. Both of them have had a rough go at different times of their lives...Luke needs a little more help moving on and seeing things in perspective, and Ali is just the woman for him!
It was great to see some of the secondary characters again (for example Lucille and her posse!!). It's a small town so they were an integral part of It Had To Be You, but they weren't overwhelming either.
The storyline was great, Jill develops it smoothly and we are always right there with the characters. I can totally visualize Lucky Harbour in my mind and Luke out on the water!!
I highly recommend this book to any romance reader, it's perfect!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Ali is having a very bad day when her boyfriend Ted Marshall dumps her via text messaging, leaving her in a house that the lease ran out on and where she comes face to face with Luke Hanover the homeowner who has returned to Lucky Harbor hoping to escape and spend some time alone. What he finds is a very angry Ali Winters who is in the middle of a temper tantrum on the voice mail of her dirt bag ex-boyfriend.
When Ali's life falls apart the one person who seems to be in the middle of it all is Luke Hanover who is throwing himself into her money theft issue. He is determined to figure out who stole the money Ali's being accused of stealing. Through the course of this investigation we learn alot about Luke and his demons and Ali and her childhood and how she deals with things.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.hopofo
Posted July 22, 2013
Once again Jill Shalvis is able to find the perfect combination of suspense, romance, and humor. She effortlessly introduces Luke and Ali making you feel as if they have always been a part of Lucky Harbor. I can't wait for the next story in the series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 13, 2013
I always enjoy reading jill shalvis books...its the best way to sit back and relax and let yourself fall into a lucky harbor series..thank u jill shalvis for another great book...love it!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Happy to be back in Lucky Harbor! This latest installment in the Lucky Harbor series is refreshing and fun. Jill Shalvis keeps the humor and sex appeal alive as Ali and Luke discover each other and themselves. A wonderful read, won't disappoint.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.~Reviewed by ANN & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
Jill Shalvis has easily become my favorite author of this genre. With her unique ability to breathe life into her characters, she has single handedly rejuvenated the genre and has become a force to be reckoned with! ~ Under the Covers
In the highly anticipated seventh book of the Lucky Harbor series, IT HAD TO BE YOU, Jill Shalvis brings readers a sweet, determined and independent heroine in Ali Winters. Life hasn’t been too kind to Ali in recent months. Her boyfriend is a first-class jerk, she is low on cash, and she becomes the prime suspect of a robbery case. Add to that the fact that she is nearly homeless and if she can’t find a new place soon, she will be in big trouble.
But trouble finds her instead in the form of a hot bodied, gun-toting, brooding and protective detective named Luke Hanover. Who just happens to be her landlord as well. Searching for an escape, Luke returns to Lucky Harbor to escape the prying eyes and questions of the media after a case has gone wrong. Though Ali and Luke don’t start off on the right foot, their chemistry is potent and will light a bonfire that readers can snuggle up to and enjoy.
Shalvis takes a different approach to this book. Using Luke’s profession as a way to create an interesting plot, Shalvis creates a mystery that slowly unfolds itself in the book. I loved the idea, but felt that it was resolved a little too quickly in the end. I don’t think it will diminish reader’s enjoyment of the book though because there is plenty of antics to keep you entertained – quirky characters and hot sex are there in spades!
I am DYING for more of Jack. He stomped right into this book and made a huge impression on me. With his protective ways and his little crush on Leah, I’m interested to see what Shalvis has up her sleeve. That being said, Ben also sounds like an interesting one. Shalvis is keeping him in the dark and if she continues her pattern, Ben’s book might just be the one readers have been waiting for!
Jill Shalvis has easily become my favorite author of this genre. With her unique ability to breathe life into her characters, she has single handedly rejuvenated the genre and has become a force to be reckoned with!
I forgot one last thing…. I CLAIM LUKE FOR MY HAREM!!! Hands off, hussies! *crazy eyes*
*ARC provided by publisher
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 30, 2013
What's not to love. THe bok has humor, sensitivity, suspense and sexuality. Love all the Lucky Harbor books
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Reviewed by Brenda Ballard for Readers' Favorite
It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor) by Jill Shalvis takes place on the coast of the Pacific Northwest in a town called (you guessed it) Lucky Harbor. The community is small, close knit, and your business is everybody else's business. Ali Winters moved here to reinvent herself. Originally from Tacoma, an area that offered nothing to her future, she finds her little niche working as a florist in the local shop. Her boyfriend is politically prominent and things seem to be going her way. Then she gets dumped by text, informed that the lease was up the day before, and what's even worse...it's already found its way onto Facebook. Luke Hanover has returned to his grandmother's home in search of solace after a very public case goes horribly wrong. She thinks he is breaking in. He thinks she's squatting in his house. What else can happen! How about being accused of the theft of $50,000 that was raised for a new community center..and the finger being pointed by the old boyfriend? The plot thickens from here, entwining through passion, compassion, heartache, and revenge.
Jill Shalvis has created a pretty believable story. It Had to Be You (Lucky Harbor) is one steamy, captivating read, to say the least. This book is not for the faint of heart. And you might want to be careful where you are listening if it is in audio book form. As in, don't have it blasting when you are driving past a daycare center or stopped at a traffic light! P.S. I am totally in love with Luke Hanover. Where the heck was he when I was young and single?!
pkgeihs54
Posted February 7, 2014
The whole series has been amazing but I think this is my favorite one, at least until I read the next one!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.PrincessThuy1
Posted January 13, 2014
Another great Lucky Harbor story. Luke and Ali are the perfect hero and heroine in this book. Ali is funny and cute and Luke is just plain hot. I love a good love story but when you add in some funny, laugh out loud, moments then you have an amazing book. Jill Shalvis does not disappoint in this latest installment to the series.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Wendylu4
Posted January 7, 2014
Loved it
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 4, 2014
Romantic, funny! I really enjoy jill shalvis' stories.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Foreveryoung12
Posted December 4, 2013
I keep waiting for a Jill Shalvis book to get redundant or stop being entertaining. It has NEVER happened. Her characters are all entirely unique and genuine. I love returning to lucky harbor with each new book. This book was probably one of my favorites along with (Tara and Ford's story of course). READ IT RIGHT NOW.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 11, 2013
This series keeps getting better. Luke and Ali are amazing together.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 5, 2013
I have read several books in the Lucky Harbor series and ths is by far my favorite. Ali and Luke are both so likable, they actually act like real people. I get tired reading the same fictional romance over and over again even though they are by different authors. This book contains alot of that same plot but it is written in a fresh modern way Will read it a second time
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2013
Love
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.PDX_reader_Jane
Posted September 4, 2013
Open a Jill Shalvis book and you'll find yourself in luck--- in Lucky Harbor that is! This series of books has it all: romance (sex), intrigue,
and great characters. Always on my Mind, the newest book, is no exception. Leah is a troubled pastry chef who returns to Lucky Harbor.
She ran away from her father and best friend Jack at 17. She is back to take care of her Grandmother and run her bakery . Her
appearance on Sweet Wars, a baking reality show, has the town rooting for her.
Jack followed his fire fighter father's footsteps. Of course, he is drop dead gorgeous ---sigh-- dates lots of women, but doesn't do
relationships. Lucky Harbor has other ideas about him, now that Leah back.
Jill's descriptions are so real that you know the town, "your" friends and you can just SMELL Leah's pastry creations! I want to move to
Lucky Harbor and either be Leah (or the next heroine) or her BFF! And I want a cream puff!
Anonymous
Posted September 3, 2013
Yet another good read from Jill Shalvis. Love this author.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 13, 2013
OMG I read all of Jill Shalvis Lucky harbor Novel they were the BEST novel i've ever read the characters the passion and omg
the steamy sex in each novel was HOT was not a disappointment. Jill Shalis i'm HOOK on your Lucky Harbor Novels!!!! PLEASE
bring up more characters into Lucky Harbor haven't got enough.
Anonymous
Posted July 9, 2013
Jill Shalvis has done ot again, given us a fantastic Lucky Harbor novel. The story is smart, fun and sexy.
It is about a theft of money and a sexy hero and heroine with explosive chemistry.
I could not put this book down as the story draws you in to find out who the thief is. I was left guessing
right to the end! Congrats Jill Shalvis on giving us once again a feel good romance that makes you
smile.
Overview
Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she's a thief, and now she's about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who's as sexy as he is stern....
After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her ...