Pru Harris is a boat captain with a heart full of guilt—and a secret she never plans to tell. Finn O'Riley is the rugged, sexy pub owner she’s falling for. But when their connection deepens, Pru must decide if love is worth the risk of revealing the truth. Shalvis delivers her signature blend of witty banter, heartfelt emotion, and steamy romance in this seaside tale of second chances and self-forgiveness.
Title: Sweet Little LiesAuthor: Jill Shalvis
Series: Heartbreaker Bay #1
Publish Date: June 28, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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My Review
Pru Harris is one of those heroines you root for from page one—flawed, good-hearted, and carrying the kind of guilt that weighs down every decision she makes. Jill Shalvis does an incredible job of writing women who feel real, and Pru is no exception. She’s generous to a fault, often putting others’ happiness before her own, but that self-sacrificing nature also makes her secret all the more painful.
Then there’s Finn. He’s more than just a handsome bar owner—he’s loyal, steady, and fiercely protective of those he loves. His quiet strength is exactly what Pru needs, even if she doesn’t believe she deserves it. Their chemistry simmers right from the start, but what makes this romance shine is how emotionally honest it becomes. Shalvis doesn’t rush the big moments. She lets the characters earn their happy ending.
The San Francisco setting adds a cozy charm to the story. You can almost hear the clinking of glasses at O'Riley's pub and feel the fog rolling in over the bay. The secondary characters—especially the group of friends we’ll meet again in future Heartbreaker Bay books—are just as engaging as the leads.
If you're in the mood for a romance that blends humor, vulnerability, and heart, Sweet Little Lies is a fantastic place to start. It’s about learning to forgive yourself and finding love where you least expect it—even when it scares you.
“You can’t control everything, Pru. Sometimes you just have to let go and trust.”
Why You Should Read This
Emotional depth with a lovable heroine: Pru's secret adds a layer of vulnerability that makes her easy to connect with. You’ll root for her redemption from start to finish.
Grumpy-sunshine romance: Finn’s broody charm paired with Pru’s hopeful heart creates that perfect romantic tension.
Heartfelt themes of forgiveness: At its core, this is a story about learning to forgive yourself—and allowing love in, even when it feels impossible.
A cozy community feel: Shalvis builds a world you’ll want to return to again and again, with friends who feel like family.
Perfect starting point: This is book one in the Heartbreaker Bay series and lays the emotional foundation for many swoon-worthy love stories to follow.
Author Love
Craving more heartfelt romance from Jill Shalvis? Explore all my Jill Shalvis reviews here »
Fall in Love with Heartbreaker Bay
Looking for your next cozy, heartfelt escape? The Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis has it all—romance, friendships, and feel-good moments that stay with you long after the final page.
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