by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #1
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Choose the one guy you can’t have . . .
As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.
Fall for him—hard . . .
Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.
And then tell him the truth.
Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything. . . .
Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis the first book in her Heartbreaker Bay series is only my second read by this wildly popular author. She delivers small-town swoony worth romances with spicy heat and it’s an intoxicating combo. Sweet Little Lies is a heartwarming tale filled with humor, an ugly mutt, and brothers. Shalvis had me reaching for truffles as I wiped away the tears.
Coffee Dates with Sweet Little Lies
- First Date: We meet Pru, and her ugly pooch as Shalvis fills us in on this San Francisco Bay tour boat captain. Right away, I like Pru. She has recently moved into an apartment located near the O’Riley’s Pub owned by brothers Finn and Sean. She has befriended an old homeless man and is keeping secrets. I loved the first flirting between Finn and Pru. You could feel the chemistry sizzling. From the setting to the characters, I have settled right in and feel at home.
- Second date: Pru has a secret, a big one that involves Finn and his brother, but that doesn’t stop her from lusting after him, even as she tosses coins in the town fountain and wishes for Finn to find his true love. A scary and ok hilarious accident involving darts soon has them playing doctor and sharing a curl your toes give me more kiss. We slowly meet others in this community, play softball and get to know Jake, Pru’s best friend and the owner of the tour boat company. We also interact with Sean and the O’Riley’s friends. We see Pru become a part of their circle and it was good seeing her make girlfriends. I am not sure about the glitter on Karaoke night, but I am looking forward to getting to know all of them. We also meet Pru’s elderly neighbor, and the woman was a hoot. I think if she could nibble on Finn she would. Shalvis provides some serious laugh aloud moments that had me snorting. All of the interactions felt genuine from the snark to teasing.
- Third Date: We have gone from curl your toe kisses to deliciously heated moments that melted my Kindle. Did I mention how swoon-worthy Finn is? Pru is in over her head and afraid to reveal her secret, but we all know that spell trouble. Thankfully, Shalvis kept the drama to a minimum but not before causing me to reach for truffles and shed a tear. I loved how emotionally invested she had me not to mention how much I loved all the friendly interference from their circle of friends.
Sweet Little Lies left me feeling warm and fuzzy. I am looking forward to devouring this series. Search for reviews of The Trouble with Mistletoe and One Snowy Night this month on Caffeinated, and Accidentally on Purpose in January.
Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis a heartwarming tale w/ humor, ugly mutt, and brothers Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lorna
I haven’t read her before. I did however win one of her books so I am looking forward to finally reading something by her. I have been seeing this one around and it looks pretty good. As always, I love you coffee date reviews!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you enjoy her. This series has been wonderful.
Adria
I was surprised that my library had this one. I really love this series and Jill Shalvis. My favorite thing about this is the friendships between the characters. They’re a family and they’re so protective of one another. That doesn’t change no matter who comes into the picture.
kimbacaffeinate
I too love the friendship is this little community Adria. Libraries rock!
Genesis
I really liked this one! My fave so far is the Mistletoe book. The novella was okay for me. I wish it had been longer. I can’t wait for your review of these! The dog was so cute though! Hahaha I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, I adored Mistletoe too and enjoyed the novella but wanted more 🙂
Jennifer
I just love Shalvis! I’ve never been disappointed in her books. I need to go back and read her backlist.
kimbacaffeinate
So glad you enjoy her too Jennifer!
Nise'
I am new to this author as well. I have it on audio because I love Karen White’s narration. She is one of the best.
kimbacaffeinate
I will have to try the narrator Nise
Laurie
Awww, why didn’t they put the ugly pooch on the cover?! Not that I’m complaining about that cover 🙂 Great review, I’ll have to add this one to my list.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe…I am sure he is so ugly he is adorable
Lexxie
I’m so happy you enjoyed Sweet Little Lies, Kim! I love Shalvis’ small-town romances, the tight friendships and the strong loyalty between her characters. And her romance / smexy scenes are always knocking my socks right off!
I hope you’re having a fantastic Friday! {{{HUGS}}}
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I honestly thought these would have zero heat and was excited to see that isn’t true at all!
Dani Chapman
I really liked this one and can’t wait for the next one!
kimbacaffeinate
I have read all but Accidently on Purpose (which I am saving for Christmas break) and they are wonderful!
Kristin
I still haven’t read this first book but I read the second one and loved it tons!!! The fountain is truly magical!!! And the banter is witty, for sure!! Great review!! And yes, I can’t wait for the next books, either!!!!!!
kimbacaffeinate
I have read Mistletoe and the novella. Loved them too
Bookworm Brandee
Is it silly that it makes me feel better knowing you’ve only read 2 from Shalvis since I only recently gave her a try? Well, silly or not, it does. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed your coffee dates with Finn and Pru. I’ll definitely be meeting them once I finish with the Kincaid brothers in Cedar Ridge. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am a bit ahead now as I devoured the Mistletoe book and Snowy novella! LOL But yes, she is new to me this year 🙂
The Bibliophile Babe
This sounds so tempting!
kimbacaffeinate
It is a fun series 🙂
Angela Adams
“Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie” — that description sure does grab anyone browsing a bookshelf. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I love that he is a good guy as well 🙂
Leona
This is another author that I’ve been wanting to try, I just have to find a story that resonates with me.
Rowena
Yay, I like Shalvis’ books and I enjoyed this one so I’m glad to see that you did too. This was a cute book and the series is fun too. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I have been enjoying the series as well. I didn’t expect heat with Shalvis and was delighted to find she combines small-town romance with heat 🙂
blodeuedd
Awwwww want
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, you need it 🙂
Trish
I love that she is a tour boat captain, that’s a fun job. Yay for minimum drama but still lots of emotional intensity.
I’ve never read a book by Jill yet despite ALL of my friends loving her. I will soon!
kimbacaffeinate
This is the first full series I am reading of Jills. I read a Lucky Harbor book and loved it, so here I am.
Cyn
Warm and fuzzy is a great way to describe this book! So glad to see you enjoyed this one too! This was my first Jill Shalvis and I’m happy to say the Mistletoe book was just as cute! Lovely review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
I loved the Mistletoe book too Cyn and the novella was very Christmasy!
Heidi
Yeah for a read that keeps the dramas to a minimum and brings on the heat.
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly…..I hate drama.
Stormi Johnson
I enjoyed this one when I listened to it on audio. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear that, I have read them all but Accidently On Purpose which I am saving for my holiday break!
Toady
This sounds like a promising series. I have only read Second Chance Summer by this author, which I loved for the masculine men, and feminine females who are still strong. Jill Shelves impressed me with the romance, which I am not normally the hugest fan of.
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear you had a good experience with her. This is the first full series of hers I am reading. I read one or two Lucky Harbor novels and enjoyed those.
Sophia Rose
Fun that she’s a boat captain and I’m way behind on Shalvis books, too.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. Thanks Sophia. Have fun catching up 🙂
sherry fundin
A hottie hanging out on the water. Sounds like fun to me.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, yes good times!
Melissa
I have to pick this one up! I started the series out of order and missed Pru’s story. Love how she makes a big town feel small town by focusing in on their neighborhood.
kimbacaffeinate
They are all delightful. I will share my thoughts on Mistletoe and the novella during HoHoHoRAT
Quinn's Book Nook
I love Jill Shalvis and am so glad you enjoyed this. This isn’t even close to my favorite though. I got a bit too frustrated with Pru and her secret. Have you read any of her Lucky Harbor books?
kimbacaffeinate
I read two of those, which were my first and I have read the first 3 in this series. I cannot wait for Accidently on Purpose.
kindlemom1
So happy you found a new series to love and devour, love it when that happens!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too, these are nice feel good escape reads Ali 🙂
Nick
Yay, Kim! I’m so happy you liked this one. I adore this series and honestly, it only seems to get better and better. The ugly pooch comment in your review made me laugh! 😀 That dog was one of the best parts of the book for me. And yes to those kisses! *SWOON*
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Ha, he was an ugly pooch. I have read Mistletoe and the novella already Nick and will share those over the next two weeks.
Debbie Haupt
Kim this looks like something I could love and I’ve been meaning to try this author. Thanks for putting this on my radar!!
kimbacaffeinate
This series is delightful Debbie 🙂