For the first time in the history of SOS Aloha, I have read the same book, at the same time, as my friend Mary Gramlich. The book is Jill Shalvis' HEAD OVER HEELS:
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?
I invited Mary for a chat ...
Kim: You have previously recommended Jill Shalvis to me - what do you like about her writing?
Mary: I was drawn to the small town and the characters coming into this situation from big cities. Everything moves at a different pace in smaller towns and Jill captures the charm as well as the draw backs so well.
Kim: HEAD OVER HEELS is the third book in the Lucky Harbor Series. I have not read the first two books but I could read HEAD OVER HEELS as a stand alone. Of course I am curious to read the first two books now. What are your thoughts on the first two?
Mary: The first two show how three sisters who barely know each other can figure out how to build a relationship as sisters. It was also fascinating to watch them develop as individuals with new opportunities for life and love.
Mary: The first two show how three sisters who barely know each other can figure out how to build a relationship as sisters. It was also fascinating to watch them develop as individuals with new opportunities for life and love.
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| Safety Harbor Pier - my home town tampabayrelocation.com |
Kim: There are so many stand out moments in this book. Let's start with Chloe's free spirit. She's quick to claim this title yet she acknowledged that the B&B was the first "real" home she had . That's why she made the effort, however flawed, to work with her sisters. I don't have sisters .... but I know you do. Could you relate to the different personalities coming together for one cause?
Mary: Oh where do I start with sisters, you love them and want to kick them at the same time within a 5 second time frame. I am not sure being away from them your entire life is an altogether bad thing because if you meet at a point in your life where you are ready to settle down and explore the future with family that has not been driving you crazy for years you may have a better chance of staying a family.
Mary: Oh where do I start with sisters, you love them and want to kick them at the same time within a 5 second time frame. I am not sure being away from them your entire life is an altogether bad thing because if you meet at a point in your life where you are ready to settle down and explore the future with family that has not been driving you crazy for years you may have a better chance of staying a family.
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| William Bouguereau's Two Sisters |
Kim: Chloe's free spirit, of course, clashes with Sawyer's "by the book" persona. Yet he was a wild child too, although reluctant to acknowledge it to Chloe. Do you think it their romance was "opposite attracts" or "kindred spirits"?
Mary: Now my take on this was not that they really were opposites attracting as much as two people that come to the same conclusion at different times in the relationship. I felt Chloe wanted stability but feared it and Sawyer was afraid to repeat past failures. They both had different upbringings but in reality what they both craved was a parent to love them just as they were and that is what they found in each other.
Mary: Now my take on this was not that they really were opposites attracting as much as two people that come to the same conclusion at different times in the relationship. I felt Chloe wanted stability but feared it and Sawyer was afraid to repeat past failures. They both had different upbringings but in reality what they both craved was a parent to love them just as they were and that is what they found in each other.
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| Guest house in Washington State iha.com |
Kim: This is also my first "small town romance" ... which I found utterly charming. Despite being off the beaten path, Lucky Harbor has lively characters that I believe you would find in a small town. Who was your favorite secondary character?
Mary: I absolutely adored the granny taking pictures for Facebook and really the fact that she was on Facebook. What a riot that was! You got the feel for the noisy small town neighbor but the caring friend who lives next door as well. My father came from a small town in Kansas and when we visited that was how it always felt. Everyone wanted to know everything about us one minute and then feed us the next. I would not want it full time but it is a nice place to visit.
Mary: I absolutely adored the granny taking pictures for Facebook and really the fact that she was on Facebook. What a riot that was! You got the feel for the noisy small town neighbor but the caring friend who lives next door as well. My father came from a small town in Kansas and when we visited that was how it always felt. Everyone wanted to know everything about us one minute and then feed us the next. I would not want it full time but it is a nice place to visit.
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| Breakfast on the porch tripadvisor.com |
Kim: Mahalo, Mary, for chatting with me today about HEAD OVER HEELS. I look forward to continuing our discussion on December 9 when you spotlight this book.
Forever is sponsoring today's giveaway of three print copies of HEAD OVER HEELS. To enter,
1. Leave a comment about B&Bs - love 'em? Or do you prefer other lodging?
2. Forever's giveaway is open to North American residents only .... but I'll give my review copy to one international reader.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, December 3, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, December 4.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
To learn more about Jill, her blog, and her books, check out her website at www.jillshalvis.com.
To read my review of HEAD OVER HEELS, check out this link to Goodreads.
To learn more about Mary Gramlich, check out her blog at www.marygramlich.blogspot.com. She'll host the same giveaway on December 9.
thank you kim to give a chance to international reader
ReplyDeletehope that i can win jill's book because i'd got so many good recpmendation / review of her book ;)
can't wait to read her book ;)
to one the question i love b&bs
I've never stayed in a B&B. Hubby and are usually stay at either at a relative house or a motel when we travel.
ReplyDeleteI think the most stunning part of this entire post was that we were reading the same book at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me talk with you about it and seriously you want a sister I have one free to give to you.
I've only stayed in a few B&B's, but I love the coziness and charm of them. Now that I have kids, we rent apartments wherever we travel, but if I ever get my hubby alone on a vacay, I'd look for a B&B.
ReplyDelete-Lynne
Great chat, ladies! I usually stay at a hotel, not B&B, but I love those small hotels with few rooms only. One of my favorites is in Saint Petersburg (Russia). It has only few rooms, entrance is always locked, so no strangers & we had breakfast in a real kitchen. Receptionist just ask what you want & prepares it all in front of you.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do like bed and breakfasts. I have not stayed at many, but the ones I have, have been really nice and the breakfast has always been good.
ReplyDeletei haven't stayed at a b&b but they seem so romantic! thank you for the contest!
ReplyDeleteNever stayed a B&B seldom travel actually.
ReplyDeleteThe book was great, just finished it the other day, so please do NOT enter me in the contest.
We've stayed at a B&B once, in England, and it was certainly as adequate as a hotel/motel room, but I would love to find a B&B with character, with atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I've never stayed at a B&B but I would love to. And Jill's books are really fun reads! You have to visit her blog!
ReplyDeletecatslady
I have never stayes in a B&B, but I would like to. I think the atmosphere is much nicer than in normal hotels
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to try a Jill Shalvis book for awhile now. They seem very heartwarming. I like B&B's especially those that are cozy with a rich history.
ReplyDeleteI've read The Sweetest Thing and really enjoyed it, so I am really looking forward to Chloe and Sawyer in this one!
ReplyDeleteAs for B&B's, I've never stayed in one because I've only ever stayed at hotels and motels so I can't compare.
I've never been to a B&B. The few times that we went on vacation when I was a kid we stayed in motels or once we went to Big Bear Lake in California and stayed in a Log Cabin which was so cool.
ReplyDeleteSOS is the one who introduced me to Shalvis's books. I won The Sweetest Thing here and I had to buy Simply Irresistible so I could read it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing here! I LOVE her.
Never really stayed in a B&B. I rarely travel or when we do, we stay with family members.
I've always wanted to stay at a B&B, but haven't had a chance to do so yet. They are so many charming ones that look so cozy. Can't wait to read Sawyer and Chloe's story.
ReplyDeleteI like B&Bs! I've stayed in several across England and Wales and the owners are mostly very friendly and give you good advice where to go or what to avoid.
ReplyDeleteI've actually never stayed in a B&B, but they sound lovely! I want to one day :-)
ReplyDeleteB&Bs are some of the best places to stay. They can be so fun and you really get to know the people.
ReplyDeleteHave never stayed in a B&B.
ReplyDeleteCannot wait to read the new Lucky Harbor book!
I have never stayed in a B & B but would love to someday.
ReplyDeleteI've never stayed at a B&B.
ReplyDeletei've never been to any B&B but i do really like to try one :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any Jill's books before..they sounds good !
I have stayed in a couple of B&B's, quite a few years ago. They were older homes, so it was a rather unique experience. I would like to try it again.
ReplyDeletenever stayed at a b & b. just a couple of motel (lol NOT hotels) so all bad expences
ReplyDeleteblackroze37
I love the personal touches of a B&B & if you get a great host/hostess that adds to the experience.
ReplyDeleteI've never stayed at a B&B, but they look like a great place to stay.
ReplyDeletemarlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
The only time I have ever been to a B&B was when my brother and his wife visited one several years ago. The people that owned it gave us a tour and we had breakfast there. It was really homey and I really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI love Jill Shalvis's books and am looking forward to reading Head Over Hills.
I have never been to a B&B, but have always wanted to go to one. There are plenty of them not far from where I live; maybe an hour drive or so up in the mountains. One would think I would check out a few of them. Hmm, gives me an idea for an anniversary getaway next year.
ReplyDeleteI love B&B's but have only had the opportunity to stay in two.
ReplyDeleteHead Over Heels sounds like a book I would love to read.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I have a couple of Jill's books and really enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteI have read just about all of Jill Shalvis's books. Love her! I have never stayed at a B&B. Would love to someday! They seem relaxing! Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDelete~Johanna