Once again Jill Shalvis delights with her newest Lucky Harbor novel, It Had To Be You, bringing readers another of her to-die-for, rough & ready heroes in police office Luke Hanover, who meets his match in plucky, sweet Ali Winters.  After a high profile case ends badly, Luke comes back to Lucky Harbor to get away for a few weeks and recharge.  But instead of finding quiet isolation in his beachfront cottage, he gets bowled over by the oh-so-sexy Ali … who brings with her a ton of problems.  Ali has just broken up with her cheating boyfriend and needs a place to stay.  And apparently she also needs the help of a good detective because she’s being accused of stealing money she never touched.  As they work together to prove Ali’s innocence, their attraction gets the better of them, but Luke has no intention of staying once his vacation is over.  Can they enjoy a short-term fling without either of their hearts getting involved?

I’m always thrilled when a new Lucky Harbor book comes out – and the best part is you don’t have to have read any of the previous ones to enjoy this one.  It’s the first in a new trilogy in the quaint little town, introducing three friends who will each find their mate sometime in the next year.  Long-time readers will enjoy the chance at getting glimpses of previous characters, but this is definitely a prime place for new readers to start.

Luke is the quintessential Shalvis hero – he’s big, bad, manly and conflicted.  (And his friends are sure to be just as delicious!)  He’s carrying around a boat-load of guilt and angst, not just from the case he was working on but from a couple of incidences in his childhood.  He doesn’t think that he’s a good bet in a relationship … and definitely not for someone like Ali, who loves Lucky Harbor and is looking to put down roots.  Watching him fight his feelings is quite a lot of fun.

Ali also carries a lot of trademark Shalvis characteristics – she has her own issues to deal with but she’s fun, quirky and full of sass.  She’s an original and a delight, entertaining and funny.  She’s a great choice for Luke as she does a fantastic job of balancing out his more broody nature.  The mystery of who did steal the money adds just that touch of suspense to give this book a little additional punch.  It is well-developed and I loved how everything gets resolved.

I highly recommend running out and picking up a copy of It Had To Be You regardless of whether you’ve ever been to Lucky Harbor before.  It’s the perfect kick-off to the summer – a little bit funny, a little bit suspenseful, and a whole lot heartwarming – and you’ll find yourself ready to visit again and again.