I will leave my review on Amazon and B&N on June 13th

The Sweetheart List is the 4th book in the Sunrise Cove series, I found this to be a interesting read. Ready to start fresh in a new place and open her own Bakery Harper arrives in the midst of a snowstorm. There was great chemistry between Harper and Brodie, and then toss in a runaway teenager and this makes for a very interesting read. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Avon, I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Another great book by Ms. Shalvis!

The author takes us back to Sunrise Cove, but don’t worry if you haven’t read the earlier books. The location is the same but the characters are different. This book centers on Ivy, 16 years old and trying to find her father; Harper,, who comes to the cove because it was the last place she remembers being happy, and Bodie, who with his loud, fun family grew up there.

Harper’s dream is to start a bakery, and the place she leases is owned by Bodie and his brothers. That’s how Harper and Bodie meet (well, a bear also plays a role), and the bakery is also where Harper meets Ivy, breaking in her first night there. What follows is a path to discovering your truth, finding family (no matter blood or not), and just maybe, love for a few people. Highly recommend and hoping for the next book in the series!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Really sweet read. The characters are nearly perfect. And by nearly perfect, I mean they pretty much act, react, and say what you would expect in happy, well adjusted relationships. If you want really messy characters who say and do the wrong things a lot then you may get frustrated with this book. It’s a happy, little book. A comfort.

Jill Shalvis knocks it out of the park again with this book - I loved the characters, their stories, and their interactions. Harper is a baker who has decided to make some big changes in her life after the one she has curated in San Diego when things were not turning out as she had planned - her longtime boyfriend, the lists she made to plan her life out, etc. She decided to only do those things that “spark joy” - so she decides to return to a little town on Lake Tahoe where she has fond memories, and decides to open a bakery there. On her first day in town, in the middle of a July snowstorm she meets Shay (who runs the bookstore next door), Bodie who works at the neighboring bar, and a skittish young girl named Ivy. Each of them is lost in their own way, but Harper feels a kinship to Ivy and offers to help her out. As Harper gets ready to open her new bakery and start her new life, she is pleasantly surprised by the connections that star to develop - is this the place where she will finally find happiness, and the family she has been yearning for?

This book was so filled with hope, new starts, and second chances - while the characters dealt with some tough things in their pasts, it drew me in from the beginning and I really was rooting for them. While this book is a part of her Sunrise Cove series, it is a standalone book and you will not be missing anything if this is your first of the books you read (well, other than the other wonderful stories Shalvis writes!).

I read an ARC of this book through NetGalley, and all opinions are my own.

Lost in life and pretty much alone, Harper Shaw comes to Lake Tahoe to open up a bakery. Baking is the one thing that makes her happy in life. What she doesn’t count on is her hunky landlord and making friends with a run away girl and a crabby bookstore owner. Harper finds so much more than she plans. Love and friendship. I’m a huge Jill Shalvis fan and enjoy all of her books but The Sweetheart List has shot to the top of my favorites list. I loved so many components. The emotion in this book is deep and hit me right in all the feels. On top of that, Brodie is one of my favorite Shalvis heroes! He’s all alpha male with a gooey middle and a soft spot for Harper. Young, sweet Ivy is just in town looking for someone to love her. She finds so much more. This book had great banter between brothers, great conflict to keep me reading, and wonderful characters to root for. Huge thanks to Avon and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Here are items you can always find in a Jill Shalvis book. First, a heroine that is likable and usually has some sort of hang up. Second, a hunky male interest who does at least one boneheaded stunt.
Lastly, adorable animals who often are spotlighted in many scenes.
My favorite character was Ham. For a big dog he hid behind Harper in fear that made me laugh.
Bodie was a good guy, but he does goof up.
I never warmed up to Ivy. She just bugged me.
It’s a warm hearted story about making a family and finding your place.

Hill Shavis can make you fall in love with people and places. I loved everything about this story. Ivy, Harper and Bodie see all a mess but loveable and real. The epilogue was my favorite part of the story.

THE SWEETHEART LIST – Jill Shalvis
Sunrise Cove, Book 4
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063235694
June 13, 2023
Romantic Comedy

Sunrise Cove, California – Present Day

After watching her life implode, Harper Shaw packs up everything and moves to Lake Tahoe, where she has rented a building sight unseen and plans to open a bakery. She arrives late at night in the middle of the summer with the snow falling and driving a car that is barely holding together. The man in the parking lot of the building complex offers her plenty of advice—and unwelcomed commentary. While she tries to ignore him, it turns out that the man—Bodie Campbell—is her new neighbor, and he owns the tavern next to her. Even though Harper wishes that she could avoid Bodie, it turns out that he is helpful, like when she needs someone to remove the raccoon family that has set up its home in her bathroom.

Bodie and his brothers own the four buildings in the complex and all help run the tavern. Besides their new tenant, Harper, another building is home to a bookstore run by Shay, who happens to be Bodie’s brother’s ex-girlfriend. Mace and Shay aren’t on speaking terms because he broke one of Shay’s rules: don’t ask to marry her. Shay is amused by Harper’s valiant efforts to clean out her bakery but the two soon become good friends. After all, they have something in common…making life miserable for the Campbell brothers.

Meanwhile, the first night Harper spends in the dirty and barely habitable building, a teenage girl breaks in. Turns out the girl, Ivy, is a runaway and seems determined to hang around Sunrise Cove. Harpers sees a lot of herself in Ivy. They are both determined, strong, and trying to remain independent. With Ivy’s help, Harper soon is on her way to getting the bakery running. Of course, Bodie is always around and as much as Harper tries to tell herself that she is not amused by him, her lady parts think otherwise. As they quarrel and banter back and forth, Harper and Bodie soon fall for each other.

THE SWEETHEART LIST is part of the Sunrise Cove series, but each book has been a standalone. After spending years in a dead-end relationship, Harper watched her longtime boyfriend walk away and she realized that she needed to make changes. So she quit her job in a San Diego bakery and made the bold move, along with her huge dog, to Lake Tahoe. She remembers the area fondly as she and her late mother would come up here once a year on a camping trip. While Harper knew that she’d have to start from the ground up, she never expected how much work she was going to have to do to make the bakery presentable. But she is not afraid of work, though Ivy and Bodie help her a lot by helping in the cleaning and getting it ready so that she can bake. Bodie seems to be around when Harper least expects him. He pushes all her buttons and sometimes he hits them just right.

It turns out there is more to Ivy than Harper realizes. I won’t get into the specifics, but there is a reason why she ended up in Lake Tahoe. Bodie isn’t sure that Harper should trust Ivy, especially since she appears to be rather willful. Bodie has his own issues, namely trying to adjust to no longer working for the ATF after suffering serious injuries. During his recovery, his father died, leaving the tavern for him to run. Is this really what he wants to do for the rest of his life? Harper amuses and aggravates him, but he is impressed by her gutsiness. Her independence can drive him crazy when all he wants to do is to help her—and get to know her better. Will two people who seem at odds have a chance to see where things can go between them? A side plot is Mace trying to win Shay back. Will he be successful?

If you love a great romantic comedy that tickles your funny bone and leaves you smiling, then you need to hit the bookstore and find a copy of THE SWEETHEART LIST. It will make you laugh and make you happy. Don’t miss this fun tale.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

THE SWEETHEART LIST was a turning point for me. Harper heads to Lake Tahoe to craft a new life out of the high stakes, low rewards wreckage of her romance, family obligations, and job. With her new bakery enterprise and close relationships, Harper is feeling the spark of joy that she despaired of living. When a teenaged runaway enters her life, Harper's hard-won peace and stability are challenged to the core. Throughout the story, I enjoyed spending time with Harper, immersed in her new life and choices about what matters most to her and living her decisions. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was the perfect beach/summer read. It was a sweet romance, but it almost felt like two books in one. This follows Harper after she left her high stress, fast, paced life in California for a slower paced lifestyle that makes her happy in Tahoe. She used to spend summers there with her mom and it is the last place she remembers truly being happy. There she meets Ivy and Bodie, two people she was never looking for but completely turn things upside down. Ivy is kindred spirit for Harper. Harper gives her a safe place to stay and becomes a trusted adult as Ivy figures things out. She has lots of secrets, but Harper doesn't push and gives the teenage runaway plenty of space to work through her baggage. Bodie is an ATF agent home on leave after an injury. He is running the family bar and his family is worried about him. When Harper literally comes crashing into his life, they instantly connect. They both have a hard time opening up to each other and dealing with emotions, but they find friendship, comfort and healing in each other as they get to know one another.

This was a cute read about fresh starts and finding what makes you happy. This has a couple of tame spicy scenes. I do feel like Bodie and Harper's story was a bit overshadowed by Ivy's story and it almost felt like there were two separate stories being told. We get perspectives from each of the 3 characters and it made the story a bit disjointed in my opinion. I enjoyed all three characters making this a bit more of a family drama than a straight up romance, which isn't something I normally read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jil Shalvis has given us another great vacation read: beach, hotel, or home on the sofa. Life at some point damages you, Bodie and Harper are no exception. As an ATF agent Bodie had one go sideways leaving him with a boatload of emotions and issues. Harper is leaving her baggage behind and starting over but the baggage has a way of finding you. There are well defined secondary characters which is always a plus. I read the entire book in 2 evenings.

#TheSweetheartList #JillShalvis #netgalley #Avon #contemparyromance #romance

The Sweetheart List

Harper has left San Diego for a small town in Tahoe called Sunrise Cove. She is leaving everything toxic and starting fresh. She has brought her dog, Ham and some baking supplies to the last place that she felt happy to start her own bakery. Harper wants to find a place she belongs. There is a runaway, Ivy who is also looking to belong as well local bar owner, Bodie who is trying to make it work having returned to his hometown, 6 months ago. Bodie’s family lives in town, having his back and driving him crazy. They are all looking for connection but have varying degree of cold feet, literally and figuratively in the Tahoe Summer.

From the start you want to go on the journey of these characters and family members. I kinda felt like there was a target on my back for this story. Want to belong? Want to be loved for who you are? Want to leave when you have big feelings? Vulnerability, your kryptonite? Then follow us to the adult version of Pooh’s Corner with skiing and mountain biking.

These characters grow while they grow on you. You are part of group and wondering where your love interest is because the happy endings are coming. If your mind went there then have a good trip. There is sexiness and sizzle but lots of heart and tears. Characters are scared and hurt because huge love does that. Nosy, sarcastic, side characters with gooey centers with noses pressed to glass listening are present and accounted for.

With no spoilers, you are gonna have a favorite, have their back in a fight yet want them to stand up for love. The list, the sweetheart may be revealed. You may find a character or two annoying but if love second chances and finding a tribe in your love language, this one’s for you.

5 out of 5 stars

I'm a sucker for a feel-good, romantic story so I enjoyed this book. It would make a great beach read. The characters were likeable. I totally enjoyed the relationship among the four brothers and I loved the mom. However I found the story to be way too predictable and cheesy. A lot of it seemed unlikely, especially the fact that it all took place within a month or so. It seemed too short of a time for the relationships to develop so deeply. If you're looking for a light, easy read with very little drama, this is a great book for you. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.

It’s funny how picking up one of Jill Shalvis’ books always makes me let out a breath of relief and relax into what I know will be a good story. The Sweetheart List’s easygoing pace and Harper’s determinedly sunny outlook plus the delicious Bodie made it so easy to relax and enjoy a great story. I wasn’t wrong, this one was a charmer!

As with all of this author’s series, the main character is a little lost, but her quickly found group of friends become a lifeline back to happiness. The Sweetheart List is a familiar plot but I never tire of reading about great friendships, quirky relationships, and finding out who you are while surrounded by people who feel like family. Harper, Bodie, and Ivy were easy to love and easy to root for…what more do you want out of a weekend of reading? ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review and it was honest!

This was a fun, light romance, perfect for summer days. The characters are likeable, and they are dealing with some intense issues, and I enjoyed getting to know them all - main and supporting characters alike. I think some of the conflict was dealt with very well, while some of it was handled with a very light touch, in keeping with the tone of the novel. Recommended for anyone looking for a light, quick romance. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the advance digital copy!

The Sweetheart List begins as a lighthearted romance about a woman looking to make a fresh start. Harper follows her love of baking and her happy childhood memories to Sunrise Cove, where she opens a bakery. She's quickly drawn into the community, finding a love interest in closed-off Bodie and a purpose in teen runaway Ivy. The story has all the elements of a classic romance novel, and Harper is a relatable protagonist.

In the novel's second half, events take a more serious, sometimes melodramatic turn that feels inconsistent with the title and the upbeat tone of the first several chapters. I would have preferred for the book to have remained light throughout, or else to have better developed its emotional aspects from the beginning.

3.5 stars,, rounded down.

I received an ARC for an honest review. Sometimes you need a book that is going to be sweet-where everyone fits into their role and all the i's are dotted and t's are crossed-perhaps a bit formulaic. That said, I quickly fell in love with all the characters in this novel and am glad it's a stand-alone.

Thank you NetGalley, Jill Shalvis and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of The Sweetheart List. This is my personal review.
The title of the book grabbed my attention, and I knew I wanted to read it.
I have read other books by this author and enjoyed them all. I now want to read the other three books in the series Sunrise Cove.
The characters in the story are written so well I felt like I was right there with them in the story. This book will make a great beach read for many.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Sweetheart List
By:Jill Shalvis
Pub Date: 6/13/2023
Publisher: Avon and Harper Voyager

Another cozy Jill Shalvis romance! Harper trying to escape a life where she hasn’t been happy recently lands at Lake Tahoe to open a bakery to start over. Things don’t go as planned cause nothing is ready when she arrives but not being afraid of hard work it doesn’t bother her.
When she heads to the bar next door to get the keys she meets Brody, one of her 3 landlords. All 3 are brothers and always helping each other out. He warns her nothing is ready, but with nowhere else to go, she intends to sleep in the bakery and get to work first thing tomorrow. Until she hears somebody come in the back door and finds a teenager, Ivy looking for a place to stay.
Has Harper and Ivy get to know one another and start to share their secrets. Harper stumbles upon a truth Ivy hasn’t told her.
While getting to know Ivy, she’s also getting to know Brody, but could this truth change everything?

I really enjoyed how family focus the book was. Not only does Brody have two brothers, but he has a mom who wants to be very involved in her children’s life as well as nephews and sister in laws. You learn just a little bit about each of the brothers relationships too.

This is the 4th book in the Sunrise Cove series but was an amazing stand alone read.

Harper has just gotten out a relationship and decides she needs a change. She packs up and moves to the last place she can ever remember being happy, Lake Tahoe. Harper rents space where she can finally open up her own bakery. On the way to her new home, her car slides off the road and while trying to get unstuck a man, Bodie, approaches the car to help but she refuses his help only to find out later that he is part the family who owns the property she is renting. Settling in for her first night at her new place the door handle begins to move and someone is trying to break in. But to Harper's surprise a teenage girl, Ivy, enters.

I loved this story and how all the characters went so well together. I definitely recommend this book and I am excited to read more from Jill Shalvis!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author for my ARC!