Hot Winter Nights by Jill Shalvis

Hot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay, #6)

by Jill Shalvis

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.--

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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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.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 13 August, 2018: Finished reading
  • 13 August, 2018: Reviewed