Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis

September 24th, 2018 Kimberly Review 43 Comments

24th Sep
Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis
Hot Winter Nights
by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #6
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne FlameOne Flame

Who needs mistletoe?

Most people wouldn't think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn't most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she's been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that — but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once...

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don't mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he's shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly's brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can't believe he's drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who's the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he's ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he's been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.

ROMANCE SUSPENSE hot Holiday

I am loving the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis, and I think Hot Winter Nights might just be my favorite to date! A bad Santa, a secret crush and finding an unexpected package in your bed. Hellz yes, break out the holly and eggnog because Shalvis does it again!

What a fun romance, with a twist on the fountain, and a suspenseful mystery surrounding some disgruntled elves and a bad Santa.  Molly Malone, is the office manager at Hunt Investigations and has secretly had a crush on Lucas Knight. When she unexpectedly ends up falling asleep in Lucas’s bed and he can’t remember what happen.. it’s her turn to be a little naughty. I loved the setup to this romance. It’s a best friend’s little sister/co-worker troupe and I easily slipped in and began rooting for a happily ever-after.

Molly wants to be more than the office manager and has been asking for an investigative case.  Hunt Investigations can’t take on the Bad Santa Case, and the boss knows Molly will investigate on her own, he tasked Lucas, still on injured reserve,  to keep an eye on Molly.  He is also given explicit instructions not to get involved. Ooops.

Both have some serious baggage and I loved how Shalvis shared their backstory allowing the reader to understanding these strong, complex characters as they got to know each other, traded barbs and let down their guard. Wickedly hot chemistry and an investigation involving Christmas Village, soon had me slipping into the story and leaving the outside world behind.

I loved these characters and their chemistry felt genuine. Poor Lucas isn’t looking for more, but that is exactly what he finds. The romance while sizzling had a slow burn feel as the two worked the case, grew to admire each other and shared some truly touching moments. The drama/angst was kept to a minimum thanks to the case and Lucas’s persistence.

Secondary characters from Molly’s brother to our local homeless guy added interest, some laughter and rounded out the tale. All in all this was a heartfelt, swoon-worthy holiday romance that certainly left me wishing for a little mistletoe.

If you are taking part in the #HoHoHoRat this year, I highly recommend adding Hot Winter Nights to your list!

It may be fall, but you'll want to trim the tree after reading Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis. #NewRelease #HeartbreakerBay #romance #mustread #HoHoHoRAT Share on X

 

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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

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43 Responses to “Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis”

  1. Anne

    This was really so much fun. I just finished it today so I could read you rreview now I’ve written mine. Classic Shalvis with heart and humor and a sprinkle of sexy. I was so focused on the relationship and the characters I barely registered the Christmas aspect. Molly and Lucas were both awesome. Anne – Books of My Heart

  2. Teresa Mary Rose

    I love that its the time of year when Christmasy reads start coming out! This sounds like a good one and I’ve been meaning to read this series. Great review!

  3. Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library

    I have this one but haven’t gotten to it yet for reasons I don’t quite understand. It sounds so good and I’ve been really loving this series. I was a little worried when she stopped writing the Lucky Harbor series because her books right after didn’t quite click with me but this series has been such fun!

    Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library recently posted: Ten Spooky Reads for October

  7. Lorna

    I still have only read half a book by this author. Somewhere in this house lurks the book I lost over a year ago-unless it got trashed. Who knows? I do have hopes of reading one of hers at some point. This one sounds really good-that premise is fun!

  9. Lover Of Romance

    I am glad to see that you had a fun time with this one here. I am been seeing lots of mixed reviews, but you sold me onto this one here. I love a endearing Christmas romance. Gonna have to purchase it in paperback though….too gorgeous not to.

  19. kindlemom1

    This definitely sounds like a great story for this kind of year to read by the fireplace (once it’s fireplace time that is!). Adding this one to the pile.