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!

There are few series (or books) that make me giddy just knowing that I have them to read: the Heartbreaker Bay is one of those series. The chance to check in with the gang in Cow Town, see how their relationships are progressing, watch their interactions as only your most trusted friends can question your motives, push you to grow, and rush to protect you because they care. Spencer is busy ignoring the press and attention after a college roommate took advantage after all these years and used personal knowledge, past history and gossip to round out an interview, given grudgingly. Adding Brandon to the list of people who’ve left him feeling inadequate and at odds with relationships, he’s also having difficulties with his latest project: important to him because it’s beating him AND he’s using it as a way to make amends to his ex for being self-involved and closed off. Blessed with incredible brains, focus and always able to bend technology to his will, he’s frustrated and feeling those inadequacies all too keenly, he decides a break is in order and heads to walk one of the many dogs in Willa’s doggie day care. Colbie has been the caretaker of her twin brothers and mother since she was a small child, after her father left the family. A huge imagination and a talent for writing have made her a successful published YA author, even as her relationship with her boyfriend / agent went toes up horribly, and her family can’t seem to tie their own shoes without her help. Now with a deadline looming, a movie premier for her first book coming up, and more pulls at her time and focus than she can handle, she is blocked and words aren’t coming. Armed with a suitcase, her laptop, a purse full of bits of paper with ideas on them and a wad of cash, she heads to the airport hoping to find a quiet retreat in the sun. With weather issues cancelling flights, she purchases a ticket to San Francisco – a nice change since she’s never been there – she’s never been anywhere – and that may just be the perfect opportunity to get some words written. Not nearly as fast-paced as some of the earlier stories: that completely works for these two. Colbie is used to putting everyone’s needs and desires before her own: rushing to simplify things for them even to the detriment of her own wishes. Spence has decided that he’s an all or nothing sort of guy, and that he’s comfortable and confident with work, can’t function in relationships so he’ll never have one. Emotionally, when it comes to relationships these two are like sic year olds, the only things missing are the punches and hair-pulling. Both had relationships that failed, spectacularly in their eyes, yet both still have friendships of sorts with their exes. They both have that constant refrain of ‘it’s only until Christmas Eve”, Colbie’s self-proclaimed date she is leaving, but their desire to be together, their interactions and attraction are too much to deny. And both are carefully negotiating unfamiliar waters and falling in love, yet convinced that the other doesn’t want that, or finding a reason to not speak the words: it’s too soon, I’m horrible at relationships, we have lives in different places, and my favorite: Elle’s constant (and adorable but wearing) attempts to keep Spence safe because they don’t know anything about Colbie. Shalvis always brings a smile to my face, and this series is one of my ‘on the shelf and re-read often’ series: each story is paced to fit the growth and development of the relationship in the spotlight, while interactions with friends, their inputs and moments around the city of San Francisco add touches of atmosphere. These are friends that you want to have in your corner, the tribe that has been made with Spence’s help, and now it is one member larger. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

4.5 Stars I'm so in love with this series and add in a Christmas book I'm sold! I gobbled this book right up. I've been looking forward to Spence's book. It didn't disappoint. It has everything I look forward to a Jill Shalvis book added with holiday cheer. One of my favorite things about this book is the humor. I found myself laughing a lot. This book has great flow and sucks you right in.I hated to see it end. The characters were great. They added so much. I loved that we get to see previous characters from the series. That group of friends is awesome. I say this with each book, but it still stands true I want to be part of the group. I loved Colbie. Her personality was great and she's just perfect for Spence. The way Spence opens himself up with Colbie says so much about the person Colbie is because Spence is pretty private guy.