February 1, 2013 | Filed under: Stuff
Recently I put out a newsletter with an update for my Lucky Harbor characters. I’ve had several requests to have it here on my blog. Since I aim to please …
Catching up with Lucky Harbor
Maddie and Jax from Simply Irresistible took care of their two beautiful little children while still managing to find “attic” time.
Tara and Ford from The Sweetest Thing decorated his sailboat and hosted a big party for the entire gang. They’ve been having private cook-offs all month between the two of them to decide on the menu. Ford usually insists on a “strip” cook-off.
Winner’s choice…
Chloe and Sawyer from Head Over Heels got married, so Chloe stocked up on sexy lingerie and Sawyer stocked up vacay days to take advantage of said sexy lingerie.
Mallory and Ty from Lucky in Love have been working their tushes off. They spent their first holiday together at Ty’s place, where he got his wish for a huge storm that snowed them in away from the rest of the world.
Amy and Matt from At Last went on a trip together, just the two of them. Amy didn’t know where ahead of time but Matt did. He took her to a deserted island in the Turks and Caicos, where there was nothing but warm sun, a stocked kitchen, no one else for miles and miles, and bathing suits were optional.
Grace and Josh from Forever and a Day pulled out all the stops to make this holiday special for Toby, Anna, Tank, and … their new baby boy.
So that’s the news from Lucky Harbor. Coming up we have a new trilogy, and three new sexy hot heroes; Luke Hanover a San Francisco detective, his best friend and Lucky Harbor native Jack Harper (a firefighter!), and Ben … Jack’s badass cousin. The titles are It Had to be You, Always on My Mind, and Once in a Lifetime.
In the meantime and before you go, I’m wondering … how do you like your romances? Sweet? Sexy? Sizzling? Say on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the hottest, what are you looking for? Inquiring minds want to know…
Posted by Jill @ 4:30 am | Make a Comment
Robin says:
You are up way too early/ late! Do you ever sleep?
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 4:37 amMia says:
I loved this Lucky Harbor update :’) Im gonna say 5! But every single one of your books has taken a little piece of my heart, so just keep on doing what you’re doing
you’re amazing! Oh and uhm.. Is there an update from your Animal series? Just read Brady, Dell and Adam’s stories, and I fell in love ALL over again.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 4:39 amTracy says:
I like my romance sweet, sexy and sizzling! A definite 5 on your scale. Thanks for all your great books.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 5:26 amLynn LaFleur says:
As long as it’s a good romance, I’m happy. However, since I write erotic romance, I have to say I prefer the heat scale at 5. I like ‘em sizzling!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 5:40 amandrea says:
funny: 4
)
heat scale: 5 (of couse
love: 5
surprising: 3-4
diversified: 3
sweet: 3-4
entertaining: 5
that sounds pretty demanding, but your novels always keep up with my expectations
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 6:09 amMaryAnne says:
I like sweet/sexy (yes, there can be both) with a slow build up to sizzling. I mean, in reality, that’s what happens…right?
Ya’ll have a good weekend and, Jill, rest up a bit.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 6:12 amDeb Buxton says:
Yes! All of the above – it is all about the flirting and tension, then wham! I like when they have all those componients. Can’t wait for the next 3 books! Thanks for doing what you do!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 6:53 amDenise says:
I am all for hot romance but it has to make some type of sense. Yes I know it is fiction but come on. Your books are always realistic and funny. Any thing you write I will read!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:06 amKelly says:
Five, most definitely!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:14 amDebra says:
Loved reading the updates on Lucky Harbor!! This is a great series!
Heat scale: 5!! However, the most important thing is of course a good plot to center the love scenes around. If the story is not good, the love scenes are wasted in my book. Your books are great! Keep it up!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:23 amTracy Gilpin says:
It depends on my mood! If it’s a book I want to read (usually because of the author) the amount of sizzle in it doesn’t affect my desire to read the book. There’s not a book I’ve come across that’s been “too much” and I’ve read (and re-read) some books where the couple barely kiss. I always enjoy yours! Have a great weekend!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:24 amSue G. says:
Thanks for the update! Can’t wait for next book!
And I like a 5 rating for sizzle!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:42 amSummer says:
I’ll take a 5 any day! Your stories are always just enough to keep me reading and then re-reading!
Hope you are feeling better.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:45 amMzcue says:
6+ for sizzle, but for it to work for me, I also need to care about the characters and believe the situation.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:45 amDee (CT) says:
I like your books just the way they are…. not sure what number you would give them…. But they are perfect on my scale.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:46 amJulie Smith says:
5 and up please!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:50 amMary W says:
I also like them sweet, sexy and sizzling! And if it goes up to a 5, I’m ok with that!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:56 amDoreen B says:
5 all the way baby
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 8:00 amLeslie S says:
Just keep doing what you are doing. It’s working just fine…well it is for me…I love that I can laugh out loud, ooh & awe, and fall in love so easily with your hero’s…and heroines of course. I like sweet and sexy and sizzling at a 5…who says you can’t have it all?
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 8:11 amSteffi K says:
5 5 5 5 5!!!! absolutely
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 8:31 amJoyce Zahariades says:
Sizzling, Sexy and Sweet. In that order. If a story has all three I’m in heaven!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 8:36 amPaula G. says:
I guess I would say 3.5-4 because to me a 5 doesn’t have enough story to make me want to invest in someone else’s sex life. I think your books are absolutely the perfect blend of sexy and sweet. I recommend them to everyone. But I don’t want to read a book where the couple only has sex and never talks about anything important.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 8:38 amKathleen O says:
I am all for the sweet, sexy and sizzling and I would go for 5 anyday… Keep up the good work on all of these in your books Jill…
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 8:39 amMichelle says:
When I read a book, I want to feel it in my gut the connection between the two. Now I would say that has to be a 5 on the scale, however it isn’t just about them having sex. It has to have the passion/love/chemistry mixed in. I love books that are where the characters have a sense of humer. And chemistry, it is all about their chemistry. Good and bad.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 9:29 ammonica t. says:
Hello Jill, Happy Friday to you? I ALWAYS am looking for the hottest stories in general and that you may want to tell. I love your SEXY SERIES you did for BRAVA if I am not mistaking. More Please and Thank You in advance. P.S. How your back? Did the MRI turn out alright? Do Tell and Always feel better. Monica T.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 9:51 amMarcieR says:
4
Sexy
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 10:14 amMel says:
Thanks for posting those updates – I gotta say I’ve read all of your Lucky Harbor books but those 1st three are my faves with Maddie and Jax at number 1. I don’t know how many times I’ve read that particular one and it never fails to make me smile. As far as the romances, I love a good spicy, sexy romance but as long as it is well written and I like the characters, it really doesn’t matter to me as far as the level of sizzle. I just need the story to be well written – if it’s super sexy, then yay, if not, that’s okay too.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 10:28 amJudy S. says:
Great answers! As many have said, I like romances that are sweet, sexy, and sizzling: 5-5-5. However, it’s all about balance – I don’t like books that are just sex, or disrespectful sex. I also don’t like coy romances where you wait until the last moment for sex (usually without your great descriptions of what happened). You write about people with depth and challenges, people who care about each other, people I care about. That’s what makes your books so hot (well, that and the awesome men you create)! Your romances have it all, including good writing, good grammar, and humor. THANK YOU for writing!
Also, thanks so much for the updates! I am so fond of Lucky Harbor and the wonderful people who live there – it’s great to get an update, and feel as if their lives are going on. Your Lucky Harbor books are a great antidote to the Rapid Ending Syndrome of many romances: they gaze into each other’s eyes, pledge to spend their lives together…THE END. I am left suffering from Bookus Interruptus – all this foreplay and then…nothing? I’m not finished yet!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 10:33 amLeeAnne says:
Love your books, thanks for the updates!
Ty’s book is my fave and the entryway table is why.
I do not require all my romances to be the same, some authors are sweet and some are spicy. I do not choose books based only on the sex scenes but I do prefer 3-5 over 1′s and 2′s.
However, the actual story and writing is more important to me than the sex scenes. Plenty of level 5 books are boring and/or stupid.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 10:53 amGina Salas says:
I like a combo between simply irresistable and instant temptation. They were funny, heated, and sweet. My favorite phrase is the one where you use “long beat”!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 11:03 amDeb says:
As long as it’s a good story I don’t mind if there isn’t any heat. BUT, that said, sizzle NEVER hurts.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 11:43 amQuilt Lady says:
I guess I am a sweet and sexy!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 12:19 pmDonna M says:
First of all I want a good story that has all of the above, sweet, sexy & the sizzle! I’ve always said that the best books make me laugh, make me cry, make me sigh. Yours never let me down. Thanks for all the good reading.
Have a great weekend.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 12:46 pmAly P says:
All f the above!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 1:40 pmThank you for letting us catch up with them. It’s really one of my favorite series out there.
Melissa Hilles says:
Ok so I have read all the Lucky Harbor books..and can’t wait for the next ones. I have read all the Animal Magnetism books, and I have read all the Wilder books. I have also read Flashpoint and FLashback as well as Double Play and Slow Heat. I am now waiting for whatever comes next. I like my books to be all of the above, So on a scale of 1-5 I chose all of them. I just hope that your books will soon be in paperback because I don’t have a nook and almost all your books are on Nooks. I am so excited though for the next series to start.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 2:44 pmMarcy says:
I love the catch up on Lucky Harbor and the intro to the upcoming characters in the series.
I read anything from 1-5. It all depends on the author and the relationships they portray between the characters. Yours are real people experiencing real life. That’s what I love. And as every person is different, so is the heat level between them. Just keep writing and I’ll keep reading. Deal?
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 3:13 pmJeanne says:
On a scale of 1 to 5, I like 6 to 10! But, no threesomes, etc., no whips and chains, etc., etc. Enjoyed the first two books in the Bluebonnet, TX series by Jessica Clare.
However, that update on Amy and Matt in the Turks & Caicos, sans clothing, sounds mighty interesting…
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 4:22 pmSharon says:
Thank you for the great books! I love the Lucky Harbor Series
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 4:39 pmI love a sweet, sexy, sizzling romance! It can start at 1 and than go to 5!
aj dean says:
i want a bit of everything and anything that you,susan mallery,cindy geread,janet evanoivch,jeantte murray,robin kaye,dianne kelly,christie craig writes is beyond 5 for me.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 5:13 pmmany thanks and cant wait for the new books
Eileen A-W says:
Love your books, thanks for the update. Sizzle at +10, funny at +8, sweet +10. I forgot the rest. Just keep doing what you’ve been doing as it seems to be working – at least for me.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 5:20 pmSue Peace says:
As long as there’s a good story to go along with the sizzle I love a 5/5!!
And those updates were great!
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 6:19 pmDonna Michaels says:
I love your work. Strong chemistry, mega passion and laughs thrown in. A 5 works for me.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 6:45 pmKelly S says:
Hmm, I think it might have helped if 5 was more defined. I would put 5 on the erotica level and I’m not there. I’d say a one had reference to the characters having sex but no real description of what happened. Given this, I’d say the Lucky Harbor series are about a 3 on sex/sizzle and I like it that way. I like sweet at a 4 and fun/funny at a 6 or off the scale. I love to laugh out loud when reading anything. Hmm, now that I think about it sexy can be higher that sex or maybe sexy is the sizzle? The sex has to have a purpose and be believable as desired by both parties. I don’t want BDSM or porn, I want a love story with a hot guy, a normal woman, caring, fun, laughter, challenges, and hot sex.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:02 pmChristina says:
5!!!! The hotter the better.
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 7:52 pmJudy S. says:
While we’re on favorite parts (so to speak)…. I love the way the guys always make sure it’s okay before charging ahead (the “if you’re going to stop me, stop me now,” or “don’t do that unless you mean it” ). So hot and sweet at the same time…
I also love “Relax, I’ll get you there” – as with Tara and Ford. :::shiver:::
Posted on February 1st, 2013 at 10:00 pmLala says:
5+
Posted on February 3rd, 2013 at 1:27 pmOdt says:
i can pretty much say with all honesty that i’ve read the whole lucky harbor series. but while reading your entry, i was like, “oh, yes. i remember the first three. then the last three, i’m not sure. wait. i need to re-read these!” (any reason to go back and feel the love. haha!)
Posted on February 4th, 2013 at 4:40 amValerie P. says:
Thanks for the updates Jill! I do agree with a few other commenters that I would also love to get an update on the characters from your Animal Magnetism series. As for what I love in a romance and on what scale…5 on the sexy, sizzling and humor, and 4 on the sweet. I also agree with everyone else that the story and plot are also very important, because without that, the sex and sizzling would be kind of meaningless, therefore not enjoyable. Your stories always have just the right amount of everything!
The only “complaint” I have with the Lucky Harbor series (and it’s NOT about the writing) is about the covers. You develop these great characters, and the covers do NOT match your descriptions AT ALL! Please understand that it doesn’t take away any of the enjoyment from your stories, but maybe it’s something you could mention to whoever on your team is responsible for picking the covers for your books. Otherwise, just keep doing what you’re doing! Anything you write, I will read!
Posted on February 4th, 2013 at 9:14 amJudy S. says:
I agree about the covers – the guys often look too wholesome! – but I’m happy to ignore them and go right to the good part – the story! I know from the pictures you post here that if you had your way, the covers would be much more in sync with the characters – but from what I know about publishers, the authors don’t get a whole lot of say about the covers.
Posted on February 4th, 2013 at 9:43 amHeather says:
I guess im one of the lucky ladies who have a sweet/sexy guy all rolled into one. Example..i work over-night shift and one night while getting ready for work I got the pukes really bad, and I told him that I wasn’t going to work due to illness. 10 minutes later I hear my door-bell and there he is with a sprite in one hand and a movie in the other.
He spent the evening with me on my couch snuggled up rubbing my back while i laid on his chest.
Posted on February 4th, 2013 at 10:00 amMegan says:
Can I have a little bit of all of it?! I’m in love with Lucky Harbor and am looking forward to the new series. I’m relatively new to the love of reading and got the first book in the Lucky Harbor series free. To me that is one of the smartest things an author can do. Of course I loved it and had to buy the rest of the series! Now I’m a forever fan. <3
Posted on February 5th, 2013 at 8:39 amSahara M. says:
I love snuggling up to my pretend fire (my hot water bottle) and losing myself in your books – excellent writing combined with deep insight into the lives and souls of real people. I am always impressed by how well you develop your characters so they seem to be having a life of their own which, I often feel, maybe not even you are aware of.
Posted on February 5th, 2013 at 3:44 pmPlease, keep up the good job. Your books are my go-to retreat from stressful days. Compliments and all the best for your future work!
Kim Griffin says:
sweet: 3-4
Posted on February 6th, 2013 at 8:16 amsizzling: 5
sexy: 5
alpha male 4
funny: 3
Cheryl C says:
I hate to say I ran across your books my accident, but that’s exactly what happened. Now they are all tucked safely away on my IPad as I have read them all. I read Simply Irresistable first and let me just say….PLEASE DON’T STOP WRITING! So, a huge “5″ on the scale for Sexy, Sizzling and Sweet…in that order!
Posted on February 6th, 2013 at 8:22 amDexter says:
Hot is important but that doesn’t necessarily mean five pages of sex scenes multiple times. Hot includes love and caring and many other attributes. It can also mean some steamy anticipation.
Posted on February 6th, 2013 at 9:08 am