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    Accidentally on Purpose: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel
    Accidentally on Purpose: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel
    Accidentally on Purpose: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel
    Audiobook9 hours

    Accidentally on Purpose: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel

    Written by JILL SHALVIS

    Narrated by Karen White

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    (A standalone Heartbreaker Bay novel)

    There’s no such thing as a little in love . . .

    Elle Wheaton’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . . 

    There’s no such thing as a little in lust . . .

    Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco earthquake and he craves her 24/7, but Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

    There is such a thing as . . .

    As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along . . .

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateJan 24, 2017
    ISBN9780062663931
    Accidentally on Purpose: A Heartbreaker Bay Novel
    Author

    JILL SHALVIS

    New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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    Reviews for Accidentally on Purpose

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    • 5/5
      Good book full of love, laughter, and lust, between two people who have a history that has kept them apart for eleven years. Archer and Elle met when he was a rookie cop on the force, and she was a teenager trying to protect her sister. She was in a dangerous situation, and he did what he thought was right, ending his career before it really got started. Archer went on to found his own investigation firm and Elle straightened out her life and is now the building manager for the same building where Archer's office is.I loved both Archer and Elle. Archer is the quintessential alpha male - strong, silent, protective, honorable, with a surprisingly soft center, at least when it comes to Elle. Elle is strong, determined, independent, and doesn't back down from any confrontation, especially with Archer. Each of them also has some vulnerability that they keep well hidden.I loved the relationship between Archer and Elle. In the previous books as well as this one, they constantly trade barbs. For both of them, it is a protective reflex. Archer has been attracted to Elle for years but is sure that he represents things she'd rather forget, so he hides what he feels. He also knows that she feels indebted to him, and never wants her to feel obligated to return his interest. Instead, he's channeled his feelings into watching out for her, something she is unaware of. Elle is just as attracted to Archer, but she feels that he wouldn't be able to look at her without remembering everything that she and her family cost him. After all, he had already turned down her one attempt to show her gratitude. One of the things I found most amusing was how the super-confident Archer always seemed to find himself fumbling for words or otherwise being awkward around her, and she never caught on. Unlike all their friends who could easily see that Elle and Archer were perfect for each other. Things became even more hilarious when Elle decided to give up on her attraction to Archer and start dating other men. Suddenly Archer realized that he was going to have to step up if he didn't want to lose her to another man. I about died laughing at his creative attempts to sabotage her dates and Elle's reaction when she figured it out. I loved seeing her confront him and point out that she's no longer a teenager but a grown woman who knows what she wants. When they finally go down that road, the heat between them is amazing. It isn't only physical because what they have is enhanced by the deep connection that they have always had but refused to admit. As trouble from Elle's past shows up in her present, it takes some scary situations for her to realize that being strong doesn't mean that you can't accept help when it's offered. I loved seeing the two of them finally put the past behind them and move toward a future together.The humor in this book was typical Shalvis - hilarious situations, witty dialog, and terrific character relationships. The camping trip was one of my favorites, with the big tough guys mad about being denied their s'mores and requesting a supply run from the ladies. I loved Elle's undercover work for Archer and his reaction to how she carried it out, as well as the guys' reactions to his reactions. I also loved the conversations, not just between Archer and Elle, but among the others also. I laughed out loud when Spencer had to deal with both Elle and Archer talking about feelings.There was also a bit of suspense as Elle's sister showed up with trouble on her heels. I ached for Elle, as she had been burned several times before when she tried to help but feels guilty when she tosses Morgan out. It was interesting to see Archer's part in bringing them together. There were some intense moments as Morgan's trouble spills over onto Elle. My heart was in my throat as Elle battled a couple of thugs, holding her own until Archer came bursting in. The final confrontation was intense, with a few surprises along the way. I ached for Elle's fear for Archer and cheered for her actions regarding his father. It will be interesting to see if Morgan gets a story of her own.I loved the depth of friendship among the group. The teasing and fun among them are always fun to witness. I also love how the support for each other is always there too. It was sweet to see how Elle had her friends that she could confide in and know that her secrets were safe, as well as getting brutally honest advice. It was also fun to see how the always in control Archer could be driven nuts by the actions of the men he worked with yet know that they always had his back. I can't wait to read more of the series.
    • 5/5
      The problem with reading a Jill Shalvis novel is that I have trouble putting it down! In this third of the Heartbreaker Bay series, she writes a compelling story of two people who have fortresses around their hearts, brought together under extreme circumstances, circumstances that shaped the rest of their lives. Tough-as-nails Elle won't let anyone close, she can't afford to, and Badass Archer can't afford to show any chinks in his battle armor. Their characterizations are written consistently throughout, their only weakness? each other. Loved it. Love the depths she can drill into POV, love the friends who respect them and help them, while still honoring their personalities. Another great book from Jill Shalvis.
    • 4/5
      I was a little disappointed with The Trouble with Mistletoe, so I was fearful of Archer's book. There were expectations created by the previous installments and that can be a hard thing to overcome. However, I enjoyed this book a lot. The ending was a little hard to get through but it was hard for Archer to get through. Groveling in front of everyone is not fun. Shalvis fleshed out Archer and Elle in a way that flowed with their previous appearances in the series. I was not disappointed.
    • 5/5
      Elle comes from a tough background, which sometimes gives her some attitude. When she was sixteen, she was rescued by Archer, a rookie cop in a sting operation. Unbeknownst to her, Archer has been keeping an eye on her ever since while maintaining a distance between them despite a strong attraction to Elle. Meanwhile, Elle is frustrated by Archer's treatment of her; she can't figure him out and it makes her crazy.This is trademark Jill Shalvis: funny, heartfelt, sexy, and sweet. Archer is a wonderful Alpha hero and Elle has a gooey core beneath her hard exterior. This is a great series, well-written and fun. I can't wait for Spencer's story.
    • 4/5
      I have been waiting for Elle and Archer's story ever since the first book in the series. They just obviously belonged together but I knew that watching them figure it out would be a lot of fun. This book lived up to my expectations and I really enjoyed watching Elle and Archer admit their feelings both to themselves and each other. Elle and Archer are very close. They have known each other for a long time and actually have a very interesting history that really explained a lot. Elle feels like she is in Archer's debt because of the events of the past. Archer does not feel like Elle has cause him any damage and has looked out for her over the years. They both have deep feelings for each other but they have never acted on them.I liked learning about Elle's past. She is such a confident and put together woman and it was interesting to learn just how different her teen years were. It really explained why she works so hard to better herself and strives to be as perfect as she can. The fact that Archer knows about her past is a fact that Elle never forgets. He doesn't hold anything against her and is in fact impressed by all that she has accomplished. I loved Elle and Archer together. The chemistry between the pair was incredibly intense. Waiting for them to actually act on their attraction to each other was intense and I was relieved when they finally kissed. The way they acted towards each other as the book progressed was fun to watch. Their romance ended up being as intense as I had expected. I would highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This is the third book in the Heartbreaker Bay series but it could be read as a stand alone. It was fun to hang out with the characters from the previous books again for a little while. I hope that we see a few more books in this wonderful series.I received an advance reader edition of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
    • 5/5
      Accidentally on Purpose by Jill ShalvisHeartbreaker Bay #3Family can be everything but it is not always easy. And, the family we are born into may not be as close as the family we create for and surround ourselves with as we move forward in life. Both Elle and Archer have issues with one of their family members that needs to be ironed out and both share the family that is composed of those living and working around the Pacific Pier Building. To say that I am eager to read more about this wonderful group of people is understating things ;) Elle and Archer have a backstory that does not come out till this book so delightfully written about them. There are sparks aplenty in the first books and a hint or two that they will probably end up together but in this book we get the details of when and how they met and how and why that meeting impacted their lives in many ways afterward. Both Elle and Archer have misconceptions about one another that are blown to smithereens as this book progresses. As they begin to open up and reveal truths and expose vulnerabilities their relationship changes and grows and becomes quite wonderful and definitely entertaining to read. I loved the strength of both Elle and Archer. They know what they want and are respected members of their community. Elle and Archer are intelligent, attractive, complex, guarded but giving people that are there for their friends. When Elle’s sister shows up the plot thickens as Elle and Archer decide to help Morgan deal with an issue that has followed her to their doorsteps. I enjoy books by Jill Shalvis. I love the communities she creates and the characters she creates to live in them. There are so many deserving supporting characters in this series that deserve to have their stories told that it is difficult to wait for the next book to come out in the seriesThank you to the author for the copy of this book. This is my honest review. 5 Stars
    • 5/5
      Accidentally on Purpose by Jill Shalvis is a 2017 Avon publication. Elle and Archer… I’ve been looking forward to this story for a while now, and I am happy to report, it is everything I hoped it would be. Elle and Archer’s world collided in an explosive way that changed the course of their lives forevermore. Now, Elle’s life is working out far better than she could have dreamed. She has a job she loves, and terrific friends, but her feelings for Archer are always simmering just beneath the surface. Archer’s career path changed after he met Elle, but he has no regrets, except for the rift between him and his father. The only thing that constantly keeps him twisted up inside, is his feelings for Elle. But, he would never allow anyone to know how he feels… especially Elle.Jill Shalvis seems to have a bottomless well of fun and emotional love stories in her brain to draw from. I always look forward to reading her novels, but I have one small complaint… the story's end always end too soon. I particularly enjoyed the family dynamic that wound around Archer and Elle, as they cope with difficult and complicated relationships besides the developing romance between them. Elle struggles with some of the same things many women face, needing to accomplish their goals by their own merit, but also needing to know it’s okay to lean on others for support at times. Archer is so stoic, his emotions impossible to penetrate, but Elle always manages to get under his skin, breaking down his barriers, little by little. This couple challenges one another, always dancing around their attraction to one another, which makes their romance a little on the edgy side sometimes, with their push/pull creating some really great banter and dialogue. Overall, this is a wonderfully delightful story that all Jill Shalvis fans will want to read, as will anyone who appreciates a good quality story filled with depth, humor, and warmth.
    • 2/5
      I found the author of this memoir to be alternately needy and strident, which was off-putting. It was fairly well-written and parts of it were interesting, but more of it was maddening as she struggles to make the father of her child into something he clearly has no wish to be. It seems that at the very end of the book a light comes on and she begins to accept that he's a good dad but not interested in a relationship with her, but really, how long did it take to reach that conclusion? The relationship with her son seems almost secondary, an afterthought to the working out of her relationships with men and her parents. Claustrophobically intimate.
    • 3/5
      Mary Pols always wanted to be a mother - but not quite like this. A one night stand with a man ten years her junior sets up a long list of relationships she has to deal with: her father, siblings, Matt and eventually her son.Idealism plays a large part on how Mary tries to deal with Matt, her co-parent -to-be. Ranging from desires for a traditional relationship to the realization of how their dynamic eventually works, Mary comes off at times harsh and judgmental of Matt's inability to be what she wants him to be. However, she learns over the next years to find a way to compromise and learns to create the best relationship they can have for their son, without her having to "raise two children".Sympathetic and maddening at times, Mary Pols gives readers a honest view into her path to reaching a goal through unconventional means. I believe Mary did her best to be honest about the relationships with people in her life through the memoir, but still can only give her side of the story.
    • 4/5
      This isn't the type of book I usually read, but since I'm a new mom and it was an early reviewer book I took a chance. I'm so glad I did! Yes, the part about Mary Pols' one night stand, pregnancy, and birth were fun to read, but kind of in a chick lit voyeristic reality show way. The second part made the book worth while. As a cheesy description it deals with the circle of life as she deals with the loss of her parents. Her descriptions are amazing and I really fell in love with all of her family. I also enjoyed the interviews and Pols' book suggestions at the back of the copy I received.
    • 3/5
      This is one of the funniest books on parenting that I have read in a long time. Mary F. Pols, a film critic by day, suddenly finds herself pregnant from a one-night-stand with a 20-something year old. Her book takes us through the discovery of her pregnancy, her relationship with the father, Dolan's birth, and how she learned to navigate parenthood.Pols' description of parenthood are amazingly funny and accurate. With charm and wit she writes about all of the milestones a mother goes through with having a baby-- ultrasounds, morning sickness, birth plans, the birth and an unexpected c-section, nursing, and figuring out how to co-parent with the baby's father. Her writing about how she and her son learned how to nurse had me nodding in appreciation. This is a fun and quick read. It also reminds us all that parenthood is a trip and families come in all sorts of ways.
    • 5/5
      Of all the Early Reviewer books I've been selected for, I looked forward to this more than any other, and I wasn't disappointed.When a one-night stand leaves Mary Pols pregnant, she reacts not with fear, but joy: she's finally having the child she's longed for, albeit in much different circumstances. She navigates a tricky relationship with the child's father, introduces her family to her new status, and embarks on a difficult but ultimately joyous journey: motherhood, which changes her far more than she could have anticipated, for the better. Especially touching is her decision to name her little boy for her father and grandmother, neither of whom have had a namesake.None of the difficulty is glossed over, but the ecstacy is unvarnished as well. I consider it one of the best books ever published on modern parenthood.
    • 3/5
      This is a cautionary tale for one-night stands and begins with such reckless dating behavior as to almost turn the reader off from any sympathetic view of the main character. If you can persevere beyond the ridiculous assumptions she makes about the father of her child, the story evolves into a gentle and poignant parent/child love story and the softening of rough edges for the main character.
    • 2/5
      I was really excited about this memoir, but in the end, I found it lacking. There just wasn't much depth to it. Other than that, I can't quite put my finger on what made this book such a disappointment for me. Sorry!!
    • 4/5
      Mary Pols is getting older and her life has not quite turned out the way she would have liked. She is way too close to 40, her love life is a bit of a problem and she is not quite sure where to go from there.Yet, one night, fate intervenes - while having a one night stand - she accidentally gets pregnant. From that point on, life is never quite the same -and that is just fine with the author!This absolutely funny, endearing and somewhat romantic (if at times frustrating) memoir shows us that being a single mom is the hardest job you will ever do, but also the most rewarding. We follow Mary through her many, many ups and downs and we can almost physically see the learning curve she is on (what a ride).Into the mix, of course, is the man who fathered her child - who, at times, seems to bring out Mary's maternal instincts even more.Follow the journey as Mary tries to figure out which her the two men in her life is the biggest baby!!!!I loved this memoir - I am hoping Mary will write a follow up so that we can find out the next chapter in everyone's life!!!