Lucky in Love

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 5 Narration 4 Story 5 Mallory is a Lucky Harbor native, good girl and strict follower of the straight line. She’s never had a fling, never failed to do the right thing, never put herself first for anything, and consistently and vehemently avoided Bad Boys. Her best friends Amy and Grace are both a bit wilder, but there is never a moment that she regrets her time with them – the Chocoholics, or their time spent together. But, a freak storm has them stranded in the café, without electricity or a way out – when a branch shatters the door and there is a person under the falling snow in desperate need of help. Mysterious cute guy is the one in the snow, one Ty Garrison, new to town, reclusive and just a bit unfriendly, but oh so hot. Ty’s in town after leaving the military – a former SEAL, he’s recovering after a plane crashed, killing all on board but him. Of course he’s guilty and traumatized, and he’s got no interest in being in a relationship – he’s not good enough for someone to waste time on. But, with a head injury, a determined woman bound to keep him alive, and a series of strange (and laughable moments) you can’t help but enjoy the first encounter between he and Mallory. AND – their chemistry is off the charts, even if they both want to deny its existence and just how perfectly suited they are. Both of these characters are so well-developed and presented, not as perfect people but real and flawed, and neither is quite willing to admit that the other is what they want. Back and forth we go, finding more to love about both of them with every interaction, and the nudges (subtle and not so) from Amy and Grace have Mallory constantly in a state of confusion – denying what she wants, what feels right despite Ty’s refusal (or reluctance) to commit to more – in words that is. Words are, as they say, cheap and easy, and it’s the actions that speak loudest. And every moment between Ty and Mallory, every move and decision that Ty makes, all show his desire for her, and his need for her in his life. It just takes a bit of time and some actual letting go for it to become clear to them both. Narration for this story is provided by Suehyla El Attar, who presented each character with a voice and presence that was unique and appropriate, giving listeners a sense of ‘who’ each person was as their story unfolded. Mixing the light, fluffy and funny with some more difficult topics is one of the joys of a Shalvis book, and the narrator didn’t overwork those more difficult moments, but allowed them to stand on their own, clearly marking those moments as ones that are important, but not overwhelmingly so. A lovely production and story that makes me want to dive into the next book right away. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I love this book