Accidentally on Purpose: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel (Heartbreaker Bay, #3)

by Jill Shalvis

There's no such thing as a little in love ...Elle Wheaton'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. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco earthquake and he craves her 24/7, but 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 ...

• ISBN10: 0062448072
• ISBN13: 9780062448071
• Publish Date: 24 January 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: Collins
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[FranJessca @ A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog]

I’m finishing up 2017 with a review of Accidentally on Purposeby Jill Shalvis and I’m so glad I finished this book before 2018 began. This by far may be my favorite of the series (so far, I should say). Now I have a couple more books to read before the new book is released in January. Let’s see if any other couple can win me over like Elle and Archer did.

I was beyond excited to read Elle’s and Archer’s story. These two became a favorite of mine the minute they were introduced in the first book because they definitely had a thing going on between them and I wanted to know more about their back stories. Elle is definitely a woman who is determined to conquer the world on her own, but unfortunately she’s got Archer always there helping her. She’s determined to kick his butt if he doesn’t let her life. She’s my favorite due to how she handles Archer. She knows how to put him in his place and she also knows how to throw any other guy in a loop with her personality and looks. Every guy is scared of her because of Archer.

The heat between these two was definitely crazy. Archer and Elle in the same room together, let’s just say fireworks went off, although they always claimed nothing was going on. The minute Elle starts seeing other guys is when Archer shows his alpha side. Archer was definitely a favorite because he knew how to handle Elle. He also knew how to keep his feelings hidden from Elle, which frustrated everyone and Elle more.

The back stories between these two kept me turning the pages. I couldn’t wait, when these two finally hooked up. LOVE! Believe me this book had a lot of drama (some of it family drama), tension, and humor.

I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it to Contemporary Romance readers out there. Now I need to start reading the next book in this series. I love this series by Jill Shalvis. 🙂

[Sam@WLABB]

I knew Elle and Archer would have an interesting story, and it sure was. I have always wondered what there was between them, so finally getting their backstory was such a treat. I loved that they had so much history, and as we uncovered more and more of the very sweet things Archer was doing for Elle without her knowledge, I realized more and more how much I loved Archer. He was hard on the outside, but soft on the inside, and I just adored him. If only we all had an Archer to watch out for us. *swoon*It was also very eye opening learning about Elle's past and how it made her the woman we knew. I was very surprised by her background, and knowledge of it made my admiration for her increase.

As always, Shalvis gives us a nice balance of light and sweet with angst and drama. I swooned, smiled, and laughed a lot.

[Amanda]

So. Good.

[nitzan_schwarz]

Okay, so in all honesty, this is probably my least favorite Shalvis books (that I have read so far). Hey, I've read so many books by this author it was bound to happen, right?

Anyways, here's the thing. For, like, the first half of the book I really really really didn't like the story. There were some incredibly dumb moments in it (like the email thing. Seriously, wtf? Why not just send another email apologizing?), and occasionally the writing felt a little choppy which is weird because I never felt this way about any other Shalvis book??

I also found Elle at the beginning a bit pathetic. BECAUSE she is such a badass, and she thinks the right things -- that she deserves a guy who wants her. And she does. And yet... she falls right back, so easily. The fact I as the reader know she is wrong about Archer's emotional involvement doesn't help, because she truly doesn't.

I wasn't a big fan of their chemistry, either. Like, once they got their heads out of their asses it was okay. But the rest of the time I felt like it was all physical, and I was told they respected each other and felt other things about each other a lot but it took a long time for me to actually feel it. Which is another thing that usually doesn't happen with Shalvis - most of the time she has a knack for making me 100% believe in her couples.

[Kait ✨]

I enjoyed this but it wasn't a favourite — the writing didn't feel up to par and it didn't have Jill Shalvis' "star quality". The characters are among my favourites but the writing just felt so off and at times unfamiliar that it threw me.

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

Sweet Little Lies was the book that gave me my first taste of Jill Shalvis’s work. Since then, I have eagerly awaited the release of each of the books in the Heartbreaker series. When the opportunity arose for me to read and review Elle and Archer’s story, I was ecstatic. Why? They absolutely intrigued me. They had a history between them as well a chemistry that was simmering beneath the surface, just waiting for that moment when it would explode. I could not wait to get the answers to the questions I had about these two.

Elle and Archer are attracted to each other; however, they had no clue that their feelings were reciprocated. Their friends knew, but they were clueless. Things became interesting when other men showed interest in Elle. Archer became jealous when other men showed interest, and he would find ways to discourage them. I thought this was selfish on his part given the fact that he never made his feelings known. He kept his feelings hidden because he felt he was not good enough for her. I had mixed feelings as it relates to their behaviour when they are around each other. At times, their actions were funny and entertaining and moments when I found it frustrating. I could not wait for them to finally get their act together.

Despite their frustrating actions, I thought they were perfect for each other. They had so much in common. They were driven, stubborn and they both had issues from their past that were affecting the way they related to each other. As the story progressed, Elle and Archer’s past collided with their present, which led to the introduction of new characters. These characters brought with them an element of danger, which did not bode well for Elle and Archer. This aspect of the story was suspenseful and riveting.

What I enjoyed about this book as is the case with the other books in the series is the strong bonds of friendship. I believed that the friendships portrayed helped to make the story compelling. The romance was not of the sweet variety, it was instead tense and antagonistic, which for me was a welcome change. The interaction between the characters was fun and endearing. I had several moments of laughter as a result. One of the things I believe that makes a story worth reading are dynamic characters and Elle and Archer were perfect examples of such. The story, which was well written, flowed flawlessly and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

Verdict
This was an engaging and enjoyable story that I recommend to both fans of Jill Shalvis, and readers who enjoy stories about love and friendships.

[Rowena]

Accidentally on Purpose is the third book in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis and it follows Archer and Elle as they make their way toward that happy ending. It wasn’t an easy book to read because I found myself frustrated with both Archer and Elle throughout most of the book.

You see, Archer and Elle share a history. It’s not a history that the reader knew about until this book. The reader only knows that there is mad chemistry between the two of them. They don’t really like each other but chemistry sizzles loud and strong every time they’re within feet of each other. They’re both strong minded people who know what they’re about except when it comes to each other. Archer has his reasons for staying away from Elle and the same with Elle. Do I understand why they’re staying away from each other? Sure. But the longer it takes for them to get their shit together, the more annoyed I got. They played games with each other, the “I don’t want you but I don’t want anyone else to have you either” games and that got on my nerves. These are two grown adults playing idiotic child games and I wasn’t a fan of that.

I enjoyed getting to know the both of them. Elle overcame a pretty rough childhood and carries some guilt over the direction Archer’s life took and her part in that. Archer watches over Elle because ever since that night that changed both of their lives, he can’t seem to help himself. He’s always been drawn to her and because he plays a big reminder of a night that Elle would much rather forget, he keeps his distance even though he wants to bang her ten ways to Sunday. On Elle’s side of things, she’s not a fan of Archer’s because the last time she threw herself at him, he turned her away and she hasn’t forgotten…that.

So even though I spent most of the book frustrated that these two were acting like idiots, doing dumb things to each other that they should have been above, I still enjoyed the book overall. Jill Shalvis does a great job of setting up the next book and building Spence’s character up. I adore him and was hoping that he wouldn’t end up with Morgan because as great as she is, or ends up being…I didn’t want her for Spence.

This isn’t my favorite Shalvis book but it was still another solid read. Archer and Elle get their shit together and that made me happy, I just wish that it hadn’t taken so long for them (especially Elle) to come around.

Grade: 3 out of 5

[stacey_is_sassy]

It’s no Accident I Purposely read a Jill Shalvis

2017 has started off a little rocky for me on the reading front. It doesn’t happen very often but I have been dragging my feet to pick up my kindle. I’ve had the ARC of Accidentally on Purpose for a little while and maybe, deep down, I held off starting it because I knew that I’d need a little Jill Shalvis magic one day.

I can freely admit that Jill Shalvis is one of the main reasons why I read and review. Her books always make me laugh, smirk, squirm, frown and even shed a tear. My emotions are always being played with but never excessively. Jill Shalvis is the Queen of Comfort Reads.

I love reading (the Queen's) books where the characters are strong, smart and passionate through their expressions of love, lust and friendship. These same characters have weaknesses, moments of stupidity and can show passion through anger, frustration and jealousy. Jill Shalvis’s characters are real…warts and all.

I loved Accidentally on Purpose but I won’t need to say a lot to get you to see why.

She’s stubborn, independent, determined and ambitious…and one of the most beautiful women in four-inch heels.

He’s stubborn, independent, determined and ambitious…and one of the sexiest men in a flak vest and boots.

They have history and feelings that have been simmering for years.

Neither of them is willing to risk their hearts by exposing their feelings.

She wants the best for him and he wants the best for her.

What they don’t realise until now...

Elle with the long legs and beautiful eyes and Archer with the strong body and big...muscles are the best for each other.

…and nobody else would have them because - he’s scary, she’s cold as ice, he shows no emotions and her emotions are hidden behind a beautiful screen.

See...a match made in heaven.

Accidentally on Purpose was the type of story that I was desperate to know what was going to happen next. I went out to dinner with the family and honest to goodness, as soon as I walked in the door a big smile hit my face. It was time to return to the Mum Cave (my reading happy place) to see the Ice Princess attack, and the Warrior get his shot.

I can happily say that Accidentally on Purpose gave me the heart flutters that I love, the touch of angst that I need and the big goofy smile that I want.

Elle loves wearing her sexy armour and I couldn't help but create an outfit as a Style Setter Tribute.

I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -

[kimbacaffeinate]

Coffee dates with Accidentally on Purpose

• First Date: We have watched sparks fly between Archer and Ellen since the Heartbreakers Bay series began. I was curious to see how Shalvis would finally bring them together. Both Archer and Ellen are protectors and perfectionist. They demand more from themselves and I love how Shalvis begins to expose their weaknesses, fears and wants.



• Second Date: I absolutely love the sexual tension and denial masked by snark and delicious banter. One-line zingers and electricity hang in the air whenever these two are in the same room. These two have a history (not a sexual one) and I enjoyed the telling of their story. Each is totally clueless and believes the other wants to be only friends!  I love that everyone around them has been placing bets on when not if. We even see some meddling from their friends. The author introduces a suspense angle tied to their past, that ultimately makes them face things head on. Despite the unbelievable sexual tension, this is a slow building romance with a few brief hot as hell moments that shake this couple and the reader to the core.



• Third date: These two are stubborn, or I should say Elle is stubborn. Even when her body is crying out in need she denies her feelings. This led to some delicious banter and tender moments.  Archer is all alpha and I loved his interactions with Elle. The man has patience and even lets her lead.  It was nice seeing him come undone and make himself vulnerable.  A little drama, some heartwarming moments and time with friends filled our final date. While I always knew Shalvis would deliver an HEA, it was swoony fun tagging along for the ride.

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Linda]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
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."