Chasing Christmas Eve: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel

I love this Heartbreaker Bay series and have been excited to read Spence’s story. He is the mysterious nerd, and reluctant matchmaker in previous books, so I knew his story would be delightful and seductive, and it definitely did not disappoint. Spence had a perfect meet cute with Colbie at the fountain. They not only had immediate sparks but Spence felt protective and responsible. Colbie was new in town and needed a place to stay so Spence rented her a room in his building. He acted so out of character that Elle's protective momma bear side came out. She did not want her good friend and boss to be hurt again. But both Spence and Colbie have secrets and are struggling with their current situations. They become the perfect distraction for each other, but is it enough? I have loved Spence from book 1 and Colbie is so perfect for him. They are both so much alike and have great chemistry while allowing each other to be themselves and have fun. There were so many laugh out loud moments, along with some very touching, heartwarming and passionate moments as well. I love how all the Pacific Heights friends impose themselves into each other's lives. They are funny, quirky and caring and add so much to this story. I can't wait to read more about this wonderful group of friends!

Colbie Albright is tired of having to run her mom and brother's lives. All three of them are adults but ever since Colbie's father ran out on them, she has been the adult in the family. Now that she is a best selling author, she needs a break from her life, her family and New York City. Colbie decides to "runaway" to San Francisco, CA for a break. Shortly after arriving, Colbie is walking through the district of Cow Hollow wanting to see the crazy famed love legend fountain when a huge dog runs into her causing her to fall into the fountain. Guess who's walking the dog....Spencer Baldwin, one of San Francisco's top 10 most eligible bachelors! Spencer lives a quiet, simple life. He may be super rich from selling his company, but he has sworn off relationships after Clarissa did such a number on him. He would rather just be alone and invent new things and hang with his best friends. He never expected to meet a woman who has captured his interest in every way possible. Spencer realizes that she doesn't know who he is and he finds that refreshing. What he doesn't realize is that Colbie is actually famous too and since he doesn't know who she is, that is refreshing for her. These two quirky people find an instant connection and decide that for the three weeks that Colbie will be in town, they will hang out. Of course this quickly turns into much more, more than either of them ever thought could happen. Now they must both decide if this connection is worth keeping. I just adored both of these characters. Spencer is my perfect type of guy. Super smart, cute and just down right sweet and Colbie complimented him perfectly. I loved their happy ending!

It’s December first, and Colbie Albright was waiting in La Guardia for a plane to take her anywhere warm, where should wouldn’t think of the approaching Holidays. Colbie is a successful author of YA dystopian novels, and inspiration has recently deserted her; her family, editor, and agent are all making demands; Colbie just has to get away. San Francisco was not her destination of choice, but Fate and Mother Nature decided for her… Spencer Baldwin is a wealthy engineer and inventor, and it seems it’s all he’ll ever have. The Baldwin men don’t seem to be able to combine successful careers and happy love lives, so Spencer concentrates on his career; he knows for a fact that he can’t do both. He is also a very nice man, which gets him more than he bargained for when, good Samaritan that he is, he offered a friend to take a huge and very enthusiastic dog for a walk, and said puppy topples the very attractive Colbie into the town fountain… Sometimes I wonder if Christmas would be the same without a Jill Shalvis book! Without being syrupy, CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE is a perfect Christmas book, and it still can be read at any time of the year, as Christmas occurs only towards the very end. What an excellent romance this is! Colbie and Spencer are extremely likable characters, very relatable, and the conflict that threatens their romance is unavoidable because of who they are and of their respective family experiences. Their chemistry is palpable from their first meeting, which was typical hilarious Jill Shalvis. They are very good together, and I liked how they related to each other through conversations and much more. Characters from the previous books also played an active part in the story, and I loved the banter, the teasing, the warm friendship, and Spencer’s eccentric grandfather. CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE is a very quick read because it’s so enjoyable and pleasant; there are quite a few laughs, tender and sultry moments, and the expected various critters. CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE is like a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day with a beloved pet on one’s lap. Cozy and lovely, CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE is a delightful way to spend the day! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.