Out Of The Blue (The Wrong Bed) (Harlequin Temptation)

"The Wrong Bed" sub-series of Harlequin Temptation romances is turning out to be anything but formulaic. The general theme of these stories is falling in love after making love, the latter happening because of a dark room or some other happenstance. However, that is not the case in "Out of the Blue," which makes the title somewhat ironic (not that there is anything wrong with that). In this Harlequin Temptation romance, Jill Shalvis tells the story of Hannah Novak, a 24-year-old virgin running a bed-and-breakfast with her two best friends. Spurned by a friendly bet between the trio to spend the summer doing some serious manhunting, an opportunity arises for Hannah when Zach Thomas, the brother of her friend Alexi comes by for a visit. An L.A. undercover cop who is still recovering from being wounded in the line of duty, Zach had been the secret object of Hannah's desire when she was a teenager. Now this rugged, sexy man has dropped in for a visit...and the B&B is all filled up. The poor man needs some place to sleep and Hannah gladly gives him her room and her bed. Now that she has set up the situation the question is whether or not she can summon up the nerve to take advantage of it.

Where this particular volume in "The Wrong Bed" series is different is that for the first time the half-dozen such romances I have read this summer this is some serious talking going on before the sex (probably even more than there is afterwards). Usually the point is that one of the parties involved has no idea what is going on (or even who it is going on with), but this time around the couple are going to go into it with their eyes wide open. There are some helpful hints from Hannah's friends and brother on how to seduce a man, but the emphasis here is less on the mechanics of such things and more on understanding what you heart is telling you. "Out of the Blue" also reinforces the age old lesson that your sister and friends know more about your own heart than you do, so stop arguing and listen to them.

It wwas a quick an adorable read. Don't Miss it.

No one likes cleaning toilets, and Hannah Novak is no exception. Especially for the entire summer! Yet that's exactly what she'll be doing if she loses a bet with her two best friends and business partners, Alexi and Tara. The three women own and operate a bed and breakfast, and that's a whole lot of toilets in Hannah's opinion. Oh, the bet? To be the last woman standing...without a summer romance!

Enter prospective target, Zach Thomas. Zach is the older brother of Alexi and the one man Hannah has always loved. Ten years ago she fell hard for Zach, but unfortunately, Zach though Hannah was the dreaded "cute". Well, that was ten years ago and boy, is he in for a very big surprise when he arrives at the Norfolk Woods Inn.

Zach, an undercover LAPD officer, is recovering from a gunshot wound that very nearly ended his life. He likes the danger and excitement of his job and couldn't wait to escape the quaint, sleepy coastal town fast enough ten years ago. Now he finds himself looking forward to spending the last week of his extended medical leave just taking it easy for a change and reconnecting with his sister.

When Zach arrives, the Inn is full, but Hannah quickly decides to solve that little problem by putting Zach up in her room...and joining him! Not only does Hannah not want to be the one cleaning toilets all summer, she also wants to shed her virginity, and who better to assist her in accomplishing her goal than the one man she'd always adored? Things don't go exactly as Hannah plans, but then it wouldn't be any fun if Zach decided to cooperate so easily.

Jill Shalvis has an uncanny flair for mixing the perfect comedic timing, with just enough sexual tension, to pull you along right on a journey filled with laughter and plenty of pleasure filled sighs. You'll be rooting for Hannah in no time flat and will find yourself anxiously awaiting Alexi and Tara's own stories.

Ms. Shalvis effortlessly creates multi-faceted characters in a laugh out loud situation. She never fails to entertain and OUT OF THE BLUE is no exception. This one belongs on the keeper shelf.

With a highly sensual tone and near explosive chemistry, Jill Shalvis pens an unforgettable story filled with extraordinary characters.

I almost always enjoy Harlequin Temptations. This book wasn't unenjoyable, but I couldn't get into it because I always knew what was going to happen next. The heroine, Hannah, was a 24 year-old virgin who made losing her dreaded virginity her summer project. Enter Zach Thomas, her best friend's sexy cop brother. Haven't we seen this set up before? Anyway, Hannah jumps in Zach's bed in the middle of the night while half-dressed, tries to flash him a little skin and look at him with dreamy eyes. Oh, and she lights candles too. The dolt doesn't get it. I really think most guys would at least be a little clued in. Anyway, Zach finally discovers Hannah's plan. For about 10 minutes, he tries to talk her out of it. Then, being male, he takes the offer of sex. It's disguised as I'm half-asleep and didn't know exactly what I was doing sex. Gee, I don't think I've ever slept that well... Then suddenly they are both in love and neither wants to admit it to the other. She doesn't want to burden him. Excuse me, but if that's the real thing, I'm not letting him get out the door before I let him know, just in case the feeling is returned. And Zach is not sure he wants to be tied down, but he doesn't want to live without Hannah either. Things end happily, of course. But there were more overheard coversations in this book than in a high school locker room. And because Hannah's two matchmaking friends and Hannah's brother all appear in the book, I more than suspect one of her friends and her brother will soon be an item in anothe title. The book has its cute moments, but if you're looking for something refreshingly new, this isn't it.