The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor, #2) by Jill Shalvis

The Sweetest Thing (Lucky Harbor, #2) by Jill Shalvis
Published: April 1, 2011 by Forever
Received: Purchased e-book from B&N

Two Men Are One Too Many . . .

Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor. [goodreads]

The second book in this series takes place in the same quaint seaside town of Lucky Harbor, but this time the story revolves around Tara: the uptight, control freak sister.  She's made the decision to stick around and help her sisters get the Inn started, that their deceased mother has left behind for them.  Though she vows to only stay long enough to get things comfortable for everyone, there's a slight edge of hesitance.  Something is pulling her to stay longer, and it's certainly not the Inn.

Ford holds a piece of her past.  They met when they were seventeen, and what started as a hot summer quickly went up in flames.  The two of them never dealt with the consequences of their past.  Instead, Tara took off running and Ford let her go.  It's what the two of them do best.  Now they are forced to deal with their past, and ultimately end up rekindling an old flame that never truly burned out.

I loved the dynamic of this story.  Yes, there was tons of heat and passion, but there was also this emotional story revolving around so many of the characters.  It put a spin on the story and allowed you to connect with it in a whole new way.  I had already fallen in love with the town of Lucky Harbor and all its inhabitants in the first book, but this one allowed me time to really get to know individual characters.  Both Tara and Ford were constantly pulling away, only to jerk themselves right back into each others arms.  Their connection and chemistry was certainly present through out.

This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine among Adult Contemporary Romances.  I love the balance between humor and passion, yet so easily sliding in something with more substance when you least expect it.  The flow of Jill Shalvis' writing is so easy to get lost in.  I devoured this book in no time and am desperate to move on to the third book ASAP!  I've dropped anchor and plan to stay in Lucky Harbor for a bit longer.