The sweetest thing

(Review originally posted at Fictionally Inclined.)The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis was a fantastic continuation of the Lucky Harbor series. As the second book, it had a lot of pressure to uphold the standard set by the first, and it absolutely lived up to the challenge. I loved The Sweetest Thing even more than [b:Simply Irresistible 7863423 Simply Irresistible (Lucky Harbor, #1) Jill Shalvis http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1323268405s/7863423.jpg 11018887]. I was thoroughly intrigued by Tara as a character in the first book, and I could not wait to learn more about her in this book. I very much enjoyed reading her story.I had SO many emotions as I read this book! I was surprised, I was happy, I was sad. I felt my heart wrench with angst and conflict, and I laughed and smiled until my cheeks ached. It was quite the journey. I absolutely loved getting to know Tara better; I really related to Tara most out of all the sisters. Don't know what that says about me, but it's true. I also adored Ford, whom I did not really know until he showed up in this book. I was interested in learning about Tara and Ford's history, which had been hinted at but not confirmed. The way they grew and learned from their past experiences made for a fascinating story. Oh, and there's also Tara's ex-husband to contend with. But I really don't think anyone was fooled by that one for even a second.The small town feel was fantastic! I almost died laughing several times. The “small town gossips” (one in particular) were active on Facebook and Twitter, doing things such as keeping a poll of which guy Tara should pick - Ford or the ex. I also loved the recurrence of Jax and Maddie. They were hilarious with just the right amount of cuteness - enough to know they were still thoroughly in love, but not so much as to sickeningly corny. Have I mentioned how in love with the Lucky Harbor covers I am? They're just so adorable! I love the simplistic, happy brightness of them. Now, for the quotes.❝She gave a brief thought to lying, but she didn't want to be struck dead by lightning – it would ruin her good hair day.❞❝Sweet baby Jesus, that smile should come with a label: WARNING: Prolonged exposure will cause yearning, lust, and stupidity.❞❝I've seen the way you look at him. It's how I look at junk food.❞❝This was going to require a lot of obsessing, and maybe some more chips. Certainly a bottle of wine, and in all likelihood her sisters as well.❞The Sweetest Thing is another winner by Shalvis! I would definitely encourage you to pick it up. And the whole series along with it, really.