Accidentally on Purpose (Heartbreaker Bay, #3)

by Jill Shalvis

[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