Book Review: Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

Head Over Heels (A Lucky Harbor Novel)

by Jill Shalvis

• Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (December 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446571636
• ISBN-13: 978-0446571630

     Genre: Contemporary Romance
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Series: A Lucky Harbor Novel | Publication Date: December 1, 2011
Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

Review: The third story in the Lucky Harbor series.
Chloe is the “baby” sister to sophisticated and proper Tara and nurturing, conciliatory Maddie. Chloe is considered the wild child like their mother. She was raised on the road with her free spirited mother following in the path of Grateful Dead concerts. Although she has chipped in to help the girls renovate and manage the family inn, they don’t expect that she will stay. She is mostly responsible for the grunt cleaning jobs and manning the desk now that Tara and Maddie are mostly living with their boyfriends. Chloe makes her own line of skin care and health remedies and makes runs into the city to host spa days. She is trying to grow and show everyone that she can be more responsible. When she comes up with a new idea to contribute to the Inn she has to overcome the doubt and gain the support of her sisters.

Chloe has a big heart and caring soul too. She spends time with her friend Lance who struggles with CF. The two tend to get into trouble - like sneaking out to rescue pit bulls.

Sheriff Sawyer appears to be a straight-laced and toe the line, eagle scout type of guy. He actually is trying to prove himself in a town that knew him as a teen trouble maker. His tries to help his stubborn father even when he rebukes the help and always reminds Sawyer what a disappointment he was.

When Sawyer realizes that Chloe has been illegally rescuing dogs he decides he better keep a closer eye on her. For the past year it has seemed that they hated each other but really there is clear chemical attraction and friction. Chloe figures she is too wild for him and he doesn’t think her reputation for trouble will mix with his proper image. But love has other thoughts for both of them!

I liked the characters very much. They are good opposites who have more in common than they realize. Their relationship sizzles with sexual tension and some of the thought patterns and scenes are quite fun. I was feeling that the sexual issues were overshadowing the story but by midway the plot settled in so that the sexy romance blended well with the family drama and personal growth that are a big part of the story.  Chloe and Sawyer have to deal with Chloe's asthma problems too which adds another interesting element to the story.  I enjoyed the story as entertaining by the time I finished.

If you like sizzling romance, emotional obstacles, family drama and personal growth, served up with an easy writing style and plenty of humor, this is a read, series and an author you should try.  You can check out my review of Simply Irresistible, Maddie's story.
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