Blog Tour: Once In A Lifetime (Lucky Harbor #9 ) by Jill Shalvis

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Once In A Lifetime

A Lucky Harbor Novel
By:  Jill Shalvis
Published: Feb. 18, 2014
Publisher: Forever Romance
Source:  Publisher

GR's Summary

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT

After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky 
Harbor?

My Thoughts:

I was lucky to be given the opportunity to read, Always on My Mind (Lucky Harbor #8), recently, by Jill Shalvis.  This had been my first foray into Ms. Shalvis' writing, and I could instantly see why this author was such a popular, and stunning success!  The great news about the Lucky Harbor Series is that even though it has several installments, these books can be read as stand alones, or in any order, because they are companion novels.  In Always on My Mind, I got to know the main characters, Jack and Leah, and was introduced to certain secondary characters that really stuck out to me.  I met Luke and Ally, whose story was before the one I read, and Ben and Aubrey.  When I got offered to read Ben and Aubrey's story, I was thrilled!  Ben came off as a very mysterious, quiet, and loyal man, and I instantly wanted to know more about him.  Aubrey came off as a snotty, piece of work, and I didn't like her character.  It was obvious that these two were attracted to one another, but I never would have guessed how passionate their love affair would become.

In Once in a Lifetime, we finally get Ben and Aubrey's story, and what an amazing story it was!  Ben lost his high school sweetheart, Hannah, five years ago, and never got over her accidental death.  For the five years after her death, he traveled to third world countries, ravaged by poverty and war, to put in water systems, and help the people make a living.  He ends up coming home, because he cheated death and it opened his eyes to the fact that he wanted to live and didn't want to put himself in danger anymore.  Lucky Harbor has always  been his home.  His Aunt Dee, cousin Jack, and their best friend Luke, are his family and he has missed them dearly.  Little by little, I fell in love with Ben.  He was the epitome of kindness, loyalty, and love.  Ben's character made me swoon; not for his sexual prowess, (though he was amazing in that respect too) but for the kind acts he did for others with no thought of anything in return.

Aubrey was a fascinating and very misunderstood character.  I realized that even though she liked to project an image of nonchalance, it was all just a facade, that she used to protect her heart.  No one could get past her tall and thick walls of protection, until Ben entered the picture!  These two had an all consuming passion.  When ever they were near, Aubrey got goosebumps and the sexual tension was off of the charts!!!  I loved the banter between Aubrey and Ben.  It was their form of foreplay.  Once in a Lifetime, was filled with realistic and well-constructed characters that were like ordinary people.  Sweet, Aunt Dee, who was a caring and nurturing mother figure for Ben, Lucille, the old and humorous well-meaning town gossip, and of course Jack, Luke, Leah, and Ally, were all my favorite characters.  This novel contained an array of subplots, each distinct in it's own special way, as Aubrey worked her way down a list of people, that she felt she needed to make amends to.  Ms. Shalvis has put her heart into this phenomenal novel and it is apparent that her talents are multi-faceted as she draws all these lives together in one spectacular connected township.  There was so much comedic relief flowing from these pages, as well as one spectacular and endearing love story!  I give, Once in a Lifetime, by Jill Shalvis, 4.5 Gritty, Sobering, Second Chances, Outrageously Hilarious, Romantic, Raging Inferno Filled Stars!!!

My Favorite Quote:

" 'I loved watching you work.  It might've been the pretty dresses that promised a softer side to you, a side I only got to see, but I loved watching you run this world-- your world.  I loved watching you find your place.  I loved watching you take me on and calling me on all my s***.'  He ran a finger along her temple and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.'  I love your spirit, your passion.  I love everything about you.  I love you Aubrey."

Purchase At:

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Book Excerpt:

“You’re incredible, Ben, you know that? You’re an insensitive, first-class jerk, and–”

He leaned in. “And what?” he asked, voice dangerously low.

“And…” Stymied at her ridiculous and constant reaction to him, Aubrey put her hands to his chest to give him another shove, but somehow got her wires crossed and she fisted his shirt instead.

“Dare me,” he said softly.

Oh, how she hated how well he knew her. “I dare you to kiss me,” she whispered, and then to make sure he did, she put her mouth on his first… 

About Jill Shalvis:

New 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 for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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