*I received a free copy of Accidentally on Purpose from via Edelweiss. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review, which is honest and unbiased *
Accidentally on Purpose Series: Heartbreaker Bay #3 on 24 January, 2017
Pages: 384
There’s no such thing as a little in love…
Elle Wheaten’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .
There’s no such thing as a little in lust…
Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .
There is such a thing as…
As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along…
Accidentally on Purpose continues in the same vein as the prior Heartbreaker Bay books, and the romance made me melt into a puddle.
This series is filled with feel-good romance, great friendships and off the chart chemistry! Accidentally on Purpose is sweet, quirky, hot and funny, I had a really good time getting to know Elle and Archer better. It was apparent in the prior books that they were reluctantly attracted to each other, and that they were both holding back. Understanding why was very nice, and seeing behind Elle’s close to perfect façade made me like her even more. A go-getter and caregiver, Elle is always there for her friends, giving advice, helping out, working hard… But she doesn’t really take the time to do anything that’s just for her – almost as if she doesn’t deserve to be as happy as everyone else. And Archer… *sighs* he’s hot – more so because he’s so caring behind his tough exterior than because he’s good looking. And seeing these two try to stay away from each other and failing was epic!
And aside from the romance and the attraction between Elle and Archer, there was danger lurking in the shadows. Accidentally on Purpose introduced some new characters, too, from Elle and Archer’s common past – and they were not necessarily good news… With the added suspense, this story kept me even more at the edge of my seat than the earlier Heartbreaker’s Bay novels, as I had to know that Elle would stay safe. Of course, not everything went according to plan, and there was quite a bit of heartache there for a while, and my heart squeezed in hurt for the characters who were hurting and didn’t know what to do to make it better.
As always with a Shalvis romance there are some very strong friendships as well, and they are just as important (if not more so) than the romantic feelings the protagonists have for each other. I think the friendships are a big part of why I always come back for more, and why I feel so satisfied when I have finished reading – and this was also the case with Accidentally on Purpose. Written in third person, past tense, but with lots of fabulous dialogues, the story flowed evenly, and I was riveted from the first sentence to the last.
Now he outright smiled and her breath caught. Damn, stupid, sexy smile. And then there was The Body. Yes, she thought of it in capital letters, it deserved the respect.
He got to his offices in six minutes and came in the back entrance. Joe was standing there waiting for him, looking terrified. Earlier that night he’d faced down a crazy dude with a knife without blinking, but Elle scared him. Good to know.
Pru smiled and took her hand. “You do know that when this category five storm hits, your real sisters will be at your back, right?” Willa took her other hand and squeezed, nodding her agreement with Pru’s words, her eyes solemn. “Always,” she said. “Through sickness, gray hair and health, babe.”
★★★★☆ #Review the romance in Accidentally on Purpose made (un)Conventional Bookviews melt into a puddle! Share on XAbout Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
*snort* “‘reluctantly attracted to each other.” I like how you worded that. sounds like a fun book. I still need to read one of her books.
They really were reluctant, though, Christy! I have no other way of saying it 😀 I absolutely love Shalvis, and now you made me want to buy a book for you!
Twitter: kimbacaffeinate
I loved the denial…lol. I had fun with this one too Lexxie. I am so glad I am finally reading Shalvis.
I’m very happy you finally started reading Shalvis, too, Kim! She’s amazing, and there is just something about her characters that have a little extra that I love.
Twitter: Kissinbluekaren
This sounds like a fun story. I like the idea of not being able to stay away from someone. I like the idea of having all the feels and then being sated by the end of a book. Great review!
The not being able to stay away from each other was very hot, Kare! And I am almost always completely satisfied when I read Shalvis!
I definitely need to read this one. I’m dying to see Archer and Elle get together. SO glad you enjoyed this. I’m curious about the danger!
I’m pretty sure you’re going to love this Quinn! And the danger … well, I shouldn’t really say anything about that :p
I love the sound of this one…I haven’t yet read this author, but I’m eager to dip my toe into this series. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my, Laurel-Rain – Shalvis is one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance!
Twitter: talksupeblog
I saw on IG a photo of a script, is the her book that’s going to be a movie? I srsly have to try her ASAP!
I have no idea, Braine! I haven’t been on any social media much lately – too busy! And when I get home, I’m reading – and only today I’m catching up on comments from this weekend :O I’m sure you are going to LOVE Shalvis! Her romances are so well done.
I am going to start reading this book tomorrow. I can’t wait! I am excited to meet the new characters that you mentioned. I am so glad that you enjoyed this one. Great review!
I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did, Carole! This series is so good, and even if it happens in a big city, Shalvis has managed to keep the small-town feeling to the friends who inhabit the universe.
The friendships are definitely Jill Shalvis style and I just love that she puts those ties in her books. They are the reason I keep coming back for more. Definitely need to get caught up on the series. And boy that cover is so romantic, I love it especially with the pink.
I love those ties between characters, and how important friends are, even at the beginning of a new relationship 🙂
Yay! I enjoyed this one, too. And I LOVE that she always includes strong friendships (or family relationships) in addition to the romance. She really shines in that regard 🙂
She does shine with her outside of the romance relationships, and I think I love that at least as much as I love the romance, Anna 🙂
Yay! Shalvis didn’t let you down! It seems she’s really good at dynamics between close-knit friends and you know I’m a fan of that. And I like that there’s a little suspense in this romance as well. But the romance…it sounds swoony and fun getting to know these two beyond the facade they show the world. I’ll eventually get to this series but I want to finish the ones I already have. 😉
{{{HUGS}}} & LOVE