At Last
Jill Shalvis
Jill Shalvis does it again! At Last is another wonderful book that I absolutely loved. It is the second book in the Chocoholics Series set in Lucky Harbor and is a story about two people who are neither looking for nor are interested in finding love. Forest Ranger Matt Bowers, aka Ranger Hot Buns, has been there, done that when it comes to the whole love and marriage thing and he is determined not to go there again. Tough girl Amy Michaels has had a rough childhood and has issues when it comes to men and trust. As determined as the two are to fight it, there is no denying the powerful physical attraction between them. When they come together (no pun intended), it is magical. But the road to their happily ever after is not a smooth one. Amy has to learn to trust Matt and to realize that she doesn’t have to do everything alone. Matt on the other hand, needs to leave his failed marriage in the past where it belongs so he can build a future with Amy.
I loved both of these characters. Amy had to deal with a great deal as a teenager and was trying to build a new life for herself. She was tough and spunky and a little bit grumpy, but had a big heart as evidenced when she took Riley, a runaway, under her wing. Matt was swoon worthy and I fell in love with him, as I do with all of Ms. Shalvis’ heroes. He was tough and strong and take-charge, but also sweet and compassionate and understanding. Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention that he was a complete and total hottie!
Ms. Shalvis is incredibly talented at writing characters that are real and relatable. Any one of her characters could easily be your best friend, your sister or your neighbor. She makes you wish you were there in Lucky Harbor with crazy Lucille, in her neon sweat suits, and all the other residents, sitting down for a meal at the Eat Me Cafe.
As in the prior book, at the beginning of each chapter there is a chocolate-ism that chocoholics everywhere will adore. Two of my personal favorites: “A balanced diet is a chocolate in each hand” and “A day without chocolate is like a day without sunshine”.
Everyone should run out and buy this book! It is chock-full of humor, sexy men, hot love scenes, witty dialogue and of course chocolate! I’m eagerly awaiting the next and final book in the series.
Review written by Scarlet
Great review Scarlet, I have just started the Lucky Harbor series per your recommendation.
Lexie, your going to LOVE them!
Hey Lexie. Thank you
. I think you’re really going to like it!
Well done, Scarlet:) I’ve read many of Jill Shavis books in the past and your review renews my interest in this author. I do love character driven stories, a strong heroine and an especially drool worthy hero that makes me want to suck him up with a straw. Oh yeah, humor, hot sex, and witty dialogue enhance the total package. I also adore chocolate.
Great review Scarlet! I love all the “chocolate talk” she does too. Does make you hungry though! Thanks,
Scarlet, fantastic review! Jill is an autobuy for me and she gets her own shelf in my bookcase. Everyone should take Scarlet’s advice and read this book!
I LOVE this series of.books. I actually just downloaded At Last this morning. Now I can’t wait to read it. Great review Scarlet.
Great review Scarlet. I have read the Wilder series and some of her stories in anthologies. The Lucky Harbor series is on the TBR pile. With a few already to go on the kindle.
Great review. I have read and liked all the Lucky Harbor series books. I love her Animal Magnetism and Animal Attraction books and would highly recommend those as well.
Lorelei… Your absolutely right about the Animal …books. I just finished Atteaction for the second time!!! Loved it. I think Adam’s story is coming up in the fall!
That would be Attraction….sorry
I just re-read Brady and Lilah’s story for about the fourth time. Can’t wait for Adam’s story.
I love that series also. I cannot wait for Adam’sstory!!
Has anyone read Slow Heat and Double Play? They are also by Jill and focus on pro baseball players. Right up my alley since I am such a big baseball fan! Great books and sexy men
.
Yep have read those. Was hoping she’d write a third book in that series.
Me too Luci! I want a book about the manager of the team. I can’t remember his name right now, but what a hottie!
I’ve read both of those books, very good. You’ll love them since your a baseball fan. Personally, I just skimmed over the baseball talk though!
Great review, Scarlet.
Chocolate, humor, hot men, and sexy scenes. I’m all in.
Congrats, Jill! Wishing you mega sales.
Thanks you guys for all your kind comments.
I didn’t even know this was posted because I didn’t get an email. Anyone else get one?
No. I didn’t either.
I just got mine. Approx. 11pm.
Just looked at the time stamp of the email. It was 5 hours ago, but it just showed up. Well crap!
My email still hasn’t shown up. I just happened to notice the post. Weird….
I got an email notification at 4:34 am!
Scarlett, great review – I have not tried one of Jill’s books yet. Should I read the first book in the chocolate series first?
I agree hot men and chocolate – great premise for a story – going on TBR list!
I would recommend starting with Simply Irresistible. It is the first book in the Lucky Harbor Series. There are currently 5 books in the series with the first three about three sisters. Books four and five are the Chocoholic books about three friends and are set in Lucky Harbor. The sixth book is due out July 31st. They are all so great! I really think you’ll love them!
July 31st – great day my 19th anniversary – hmm I wonder if I could read all the other ones first….thanks for the suggestions
Great review Scarlet.
Scarlet, loved your review! I haven’t read any of Jill Shalvis, but I know I must
I just got an email about 30 minutes ago. It was late coming.
LG you really must! They are so good!
Scarlet, thanks for the review! I keep hearing great things about Jill Shalvis and this series. Putting it on my TBR list! And yes, I received the email.
Great review! I really want to read the Lucky Harbor series but I haven’t started yet. What’s your favorite?
Grettel, that’s like asking a mom who her favorite child is! I love them all
. I would suggest starting with book one in the Lucky Harbor series. I’m a stickler for reading series books in order 
.
Thank you, Scarlet! First one is Simply Irresistible, right? I’ll put it on my TBR pile.
Yes
. Hope you live it as much as I did.
Thanks RM that’s one thing I love about your sight I get to hear about new authors and read there books
I mean new to me.
And thanks scarlet I swear I don’t have my brain attached tonight
Great review, Scarlet. I have never heard of Jill Shalvis before this blog, but now I will definitely pick it up. Thanks! MMmmm, chocolate.
You will not be sorry Kermie
You’ll love Jill’s books kermie!
Check out Jill’s FB page or her daily journal on her website. She’s has a great sense of humor and she often posts quotes from her books on her FB page.
I agree Lorelei. She has an awesome sense of humor and it really comes through in her writing. Love her blog (Love yours too RM:))
I’ve been watching this author for a while now. You have peaked my interest again. This book sounds like a great mixture that I will enjoy.
Thanks for sharing your review!
I love the Lucky Harbor books and this one is waiting on my Kindle. I need to hurry up and read it before the new one comes out at the end of the month.
Great review, Scarlet! Now I am even more excited to read it (and eat chocolate
).
Ladybug, I can’t wait to read about Dr Josh in Forever and A Day!
I know what you mean, Scarlet. I already have a crush on Dr. Josh and we have only seen him briefly. I can’t remember who said that Ford was their favorite, but I totally agree. Now I need to go back and read that one again, too
.
Scarlet,
Great review.. I loved Mr Hot Buns as well as all the men of Lucky Harbor.. I still have to say that Ford is my favorite with Sexy Sheriff Sawyer and Ex Navy Seal Ty close behind.. All of Jill Shalvis books are great. She’s on autobuy for me.. I’ve reread this series as well as the Animal series several times.. If you haven’t liked her on Facebook you’re missing out.. She’s always posting hot men on her page as well as teasers from books.. Great job Scarlet..
Thanks Michelle. I can’t even begin to choose a favorite! Right now I’m loving Ranger Hot Buns myself— maybe because I just read his book. He was just so yummy
. Ty is right up there too though….and we cannot ignore the hotness of Sawyer. But I loved Ford and Jax and Brady and Dell just as much! Nope, can’t pick a favorite. I’d take anyone of them 
.
I love the Lucky Harbor series and Jill’s blog is hilarious. She lives around Lake Tahoe and posts great pics, plus she’s always getting into strange “I Love Lucy” kinds of scrapes.
Excellent review Ms. Scarlet! It lead-eth me to buy (yet) another book. My Kindle is so full it’s gotten slow. LOL. Such a problem to have…..All the comments listed here also lead me to add more to my Kindle wish list. Have mercy people! I mainly read everyday on my exercise bike……and it’s what keeps me on the bike for an hour. I also read before bedtime. Thank you for the review.
Great review Scarlet. Jill Shalvis has a sense of humour i adore. She is right up my alley. Unfortunately havent read this series because its not available as an ebook to me yet and i am not happy about it.
Btw hope you are all having a great weekend!
Thanks Luci! Hope yours is going great also. I am still doing that wet dirty thing that we are not allowed to talk about.
I am doing the dirty tmr and will have a double hot and steamy next week:). Was a super lazy weekend with temps over 100f and swollen feet
.
We did some back-to-school shopping and now I have to do that task which should never be typed. I would rather take a nap
.
Stay cool, Lucie. I hope your feet feel better soon. It must be really difficult to wear cute shoes with swollen feet.
The heat is crimping my style LG
I’m so sorry Luci
The heat sends me indoors for the whole season now! It sucks.
I just looked up Simply Irresistable on Amazon, and it is set in Washington State!! Oh I love the NW. Will be on my soon TBR pile
Speaking of back to school shopping, have you ever seen that commercial, I think it was for Staples, where it is the father doing back to school shopping with his two children? The music playing is “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and dad is dancing and taunting his children with school supplies while they glumly walk through the store. I love that commercial. Cracks me up every time.
Lol Diane. Yes it is a good one. I try to do that dance only when my daughter is not around to see it. I’m not always successful
.
Aw, thanks for a lovely review and all the wonderful comments!!!
You are so welcome Jill! You deserve all the praise here and much, much more
. Your books rule!
Great review, Scarlet!
I agree with everyone that Jill writes fantastic books that every fan of contemporary romance should read. If she’s not on your TBR list, you’re totally missing out!