by Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #6
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
Heat Level:
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.
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
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
Kimberly
I am glad you enjoyed it as well. I thought the suspense angle was well done.
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!
Kimberly
Me too Teresa. I just posted sign-ups for my HoHoHoRAT in November and this got me in the mood 🙂
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!
Kimberly
Maybe you are just saving it for the #HoHoHoRAT?
RO
Yay! I love anything Jill Shalvis writes and sounds like you really enjoyed this one too! Hugs…RO
Kimberly
Believe it or not I am a fairly new fan.
Debbie Haupt
This does sound good Kim who doesn’t love a naughty santa story and Shalvis is one I started to read but need to get back to. I’ve been really liking her Animal Attraction series
Kimberly
Do you know I still need to read that series?!?
Barbara Strickland
This sounds good, oh no . TBR I guess
Kimberly
Our TBR Piles require constant feeding and reshuffling!
Barbara Strickland
?
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!
Kimberly
You know when you will find it don’t you? As soon as you replace it.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I just finished this book earlier tonight and I have to agree with everything you said. Molly and Lucas were both great characters and I would say that this book may be my favorite of the series so far as well.
Kimberly
Yes…I am glad you felt the same way Carole.
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.
Kimberly
It is a lovely cover an I do hope you loved it as much as me!
Angela Adams
I can’t decide what I love more — this series or the title of this particular book! Thanks for the post!!!
Kimberly
Hehe…I love the cover.
Tori @ InToriLex
This sounds like a really interesting series, it’s hard to keep things going well especially in the romance genre at book six
Tori @ In Tori Lex
Kimberly
Yeah, each book contains a new romance and are characters from the series.
sherry fundin
Sounds like a good one for the holiday season. I recognize her name, so I’ll be checking my Kindle.
Kimberly
Yes, with the case I think you’ll be right at home!
Brandee @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
This does sound like a lot of fun! This series is on my “to binge on” list. Hopefully I’ll get to it sooner than later. 🙂
Kimberly
Happy reading Brandee!
Melliane
This author has always some really sweet romances
Kimberly
Yes, with some nice heat.
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
I have GOT to start this series (I have all of the books!) so I can just get to this one by the holidays. Lovely review.
Kimberly
This would make a great binge session!
Nadene
I can’t wait to start this one.
Kimberly
Happy reading!
Nick
I’m glad you enjoyed this one, Kim. I love this series, but didn’t care for this one. I think it’s because I wanted more romance and less of the elves story. I’m excited to read the next one though.
Kimberly
Yeah, I can see where the suspense line was stronger in this one.
Quinn's Book Nook
I love this series so much too. This isn’t my favorite in the series (I sometimes had a little difficulty connecting to Molly) but I loved it. I loved the elves so much! So spunky!
Kimberly
I can see why. I loved the storyline and setup.
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.
Kimberly
I have been loving this series Ali.
Ailyn Koay
typical of men right? Like kids, if you say don’t do it… oops
Kimberly
LOL not quite what is happening.
Sam@WLABB
I am fangirl dancing over here from this review. I am in love with this series, and so glad to hear the newest book meets and surpasses the quality of its predecessors. Great review!
Silvia
I saw this one on another blogger’s website and I got curious, but after reading your review I think this could be a really nice winter read! Also, you know I really love when secondary characters work great as well 😀