Review -- He's So Fine

He’s So Fine

Lucky Harbor—Book 11

By Jill Shalvis

Publisher: Grand Central

Release Date: September 30, 2014

As the captain, chief navigator, and mechanic of Lucky Harbor Charters, Cole Donovan can certainly hold his own while in the water. So, when he falls into the harbor after getting shocked while doing some electrical repairs on a boat, it’s not a big deal. Apparently, the crazy woman who jumps in to “save” him thinks it is a big deal. After thrashing in the water for a bit, Cole manages to get her out of the water, but not without agitating an old shoulder injury. While attempting to warm them up, he realizes that the woman is his pretty neighbor.

Olivia Bentley thought she was helping Cole. After all, she saw the spark and then saw him fall into the water. Evidently, she was wrong. She feels bad that she caused him to hurt his shoulder, but she isn’t sorry to get so close (and get a peek!) as they are warming up. It would seem that Cole didn’t mind it either, because he shows up to check on her soon after. At first she believes that he’s just being neighborly, but he continues to show up for various reasons. Olivia knows that she could easily fall for a guy like Cole, but also knows that she shouldn’t if she wants to keep her secret safe.

It’s no secret that I am a fan of Jill Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor series. In it, she has created notable characters that I care deeply about and placed them in an unforgettable small town setting that this reader would love to visit. Plus, she includes secondary characters that are hilarious and add that extra something to make each story even better.

But let’s talk about my favorite part of this particular book: Cole. Oh, how I love Cole. He is honest, frank, and as his partner and friend Tanner puts it, “He’s a straight shooter, our Cole.” He’s a sexy nerd who can fix anything with duct tape and a screwdriver. You know, like McGyver. He wants to help Olivia by fixing little things here and there in her vintage shop, Unique Boutique. How sexy is that? I think poor Cole just wants to feel needed by someone while he is recovering from hurting his shoulder. And even though Olivia is hesitant to let Cole into her life, when he does things like that, he is hard to resist. When she sees him with his family, she is floored because they are on the opposite end of the spectrum as her family. Cole’s mother and sisters are loving, considerate, and devoted to each other whereas Olivia’s family members are selfish and use Olivia as a cash cow. It’s no wonder Olivia comes to Lucky Harbor to get away from them! I would, too! Readers find out Olivia’s secret fairly early on in the book, but I won’t spoil it for you. I will say that I am so glad it wasn’t a clichéd secret. It was one I haven’t read before so it was refreshing. Cole’s friends—Sam (from It’s in His Kiss) and Tanner (from next month’s One in a Million)—play huge roles in this story as do their heroines. And what’s a Lucky Harbor novel without the amusing antics of Lucky Harbor’s resident busybody Lucille. I love her! And after reading this one, I have a feeling she will play an even bigger part in the next book. I can’t wait!

He’s So Fine is another great addition to Ms. Shalvis’s Lucky Harbor series and a book that I highly recommend!

~Andrea