Category Archives: Jill Shalvis

January 31, 2022 · 12:01 am

Review: The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis

Title: The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis
The Sunrise Cove Series Book One
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 383 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis begins a new series—Sunrise Cove—set near beautiful Lake Tahoe, with a heartwarming story of found family and love.

During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst…but can’t bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he’s happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend—right before his phone dies.

But Levi and Jane do not.

Now Levi’s family is desperate to meet “The One.” Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she’s nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn’t sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She’s terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.

As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can’t live without the man she’s fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.

Review:

The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis is a cute fake relationship romance.

Levi Cutler loves his quirky family but he does not fit in with them.  They run a sporting goods store near Lake Tahoe and he prefers to work with data and computers. Levi lives in San Francisco but he is currently  in Sunrise Cove on a rare visit back home when he finds himself in a freak snowstorm on top of a ski slope. He shares a gondola with traveling nurse Jane Parks and he tries his best to reassure her when their situation becomes dangerous. Afterward, Levi talks Jane into being his pretend girlfriend for an upcoming family event. As they spend time together, he realizes his feelings for her are deepening into love. But will Levi convince Jane to put down roots with him?

Jane is content to never settle in one place for very long. The only town she has any ties to is Sunrise Cove and she returns every winter. She rents a room from her best friend, Dr. Charlotte Dixon, who understands what motivates Jane’s continually roaming. Jane’s tumultuous childhood left an indelible mark and she closely guards her heart. Despite her reservations about her unexpected time with Levi, she enjoys his company. As their relationship takes a serious turn, will Jane give love a chance?

The Family You Make is a heartfelt romance with a wonderful small-town atmosphere. Levi and Jane are well-rounded appealing characters who are absolutely perfect for each other. The storyline is engaging but the pacing is slow to gain momentum. A lovely secondary story arc with Charlotte and Levi’s best friend Dr. Mateo Moreno adds dimension to the plot. The Sunrise Cove series is off to an entertaining beginning that old and new fans of Jill Shalvis are sure to enjoy.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Family You Make, The Sunrise Cove Series, William Morrow Paperbacks

June 15, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis

Title: Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Seven
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

What would you change if you had to start your life—and love life—over again?

When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive she starts over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.

Eager for a new beginning, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care in desperation then on top of that, she and Ali bring the term ‘frenemies’ to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.

In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to realize that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.

Review:

Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis is a heartwarming novel of healing, love and friendship. Although this newest release is the seventh book in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone.

Emma Harris has been through the most difficult year of her life. After a horrific accident that left her in a coma, but after several surgeries and intensive physical therapy, she is almost healed and ready to move on with her life.Her very sexy physical therapist Simon Armstrong is her biggest cheerleader and with her assistance, she now has a place to live.  When the opportunity arises to purchase a doggy daycare, Emma receives help from Alison Pratt, her one-time nemesis. With a friendship budding between the two women and a tenuous romance with Simon, will Emma find a way to move forward?

Emma awakened from the coma to discover her entire life has changed. She has many injuries to overcome and her personal life has drastically. Simon has been a bit motivator in helping her regain her physical strength but she her recovery is still a work in progress. Once Emma moves into her new apartment, she begins to view Simon in a more romantic light. But since she is not ready for a permanent relationship, will she act on her attraction for him?

A big part of Simon’s life now entails caring for his father and working in the family-owned business. He also continues working as a few days a week as a therapist so he has little time for a personal life. Simon admires Emma for her hard work and amazing progress and he is also trying to ignore his simmering desire for her. As their daily lives put them in close proximity, will he continue to avoid giving into his attraction for her?

Alison is Simon’s cousin and she works in their family business. She  helps out with her uncle whenever Simon needs someone to fill in for him. Alison is  nursing a broken heart since her relationship with Ryan Dennison recently ended. She is still nursing a grudge against Emma because of things that happened when they were teenagers.  So, no one is more surprised than Alison when she offers to become business partners with Emma. Since Emma is so  friendly, will Alison find a way to work on becoming more open and caring for others?

Love for Beginners is a charming novel of new beginnings and self-discovery. All of the characters are multi-dimensional with realistic flaws and strengths. The romance between Emma and Simon is a bit on again/off again due to their respective emotional baggage. The friendship between Emma and Alison is humorous and touching but it continues to be a little rocky. With unexpected conflicts threatening Emma’s new relationships, Jill Shalvis brings this captivating novel to an uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to love this latest installment.

Comments Off on Review: Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis

Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Love for Beginners, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks, Women's Fiction

January 14, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis

Title: The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Six
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

Review:

The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis is a heartwarming novel of family, healing and love. While this newest release is the sixth installment in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone.

Although Maze Porter, Walker Scott and Heather are now adults, their childhood in foster care still haunts them. They were lucky enough to be fostered with the Walsh family, but when tragedy struck, it tore all of them apart. The three remained friends with Caitlin “Cat” Walsh, but they have been slightly estranged for the last three years. With her upcoming wedding nearing, Cat maneuvers her family of the heart into spending time with her at her family’s lakeside cabin. Will their time together allow them to mend the fractures in their relationship?

Cat is excited about the reunion with Maze, Walker and Heather but she is nervous about her upcoming wedding. Many of the details still need taken care of but she is struggling to get them done. Cat is also concerned about her relationship with her fiancé Dillon as she realizes they might not want the same things.  But she pushes aside her nerves and with a lot of help from Maze, her wedding plans get back on track.

Maze has allowed the guilt over tragic events to guide her relationship with her former foster parents, Cat, Walker and Heather. She is also emotionally closed off as she tries to protect herself from getting hurt again. Maze is also trying very hard to ignore her feelings for Walker but she cannot avoid spending time with him. The two of them are keeping a huge secret from their friends and Walker shocks her with an unexpected revelation.

Walker does not let much rattle him since he is calm under pressure.  Although he openly shows how much everyone means to him, Walker does not reveal too much about his past.  He is surprised by a recent, discovery but Walker decides it is up to Maze what to do about it.

The Forever Girl is a very touching novel that is emotionally compelling. The characters are beautifully developed with easy to relate issues. The storyline is engaging and the characters grow and evolve as the story unfolds. Walker and Maze are a wonderful couple but their respective baggage leads to misunderstandings and lack of communication. Jill Shalvis brings this delightful novel to a wonderful conclusion that will tug on readers heartstrings. Another outstanding addition to the Wildstone series that old and new fans are sure to love.

Comments Off on Review: The Forever Girl by Jill Shalvis

Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Forever Girl, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks

May 31, 2020 · 11:56 pm

Review: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis

Title: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Five
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 365 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a friends-to-frenemies-to-lovers story… Add in a few secrets. Shake. Stir. Then read on a lazy summer day at the beach…

Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.

And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She’s fierce, tough, and she’s keeping more than one bombshell of a secret from Brynn — her long-time frenemy.

But then Brynn runs into Kinsey’s best friend, Eli, renewing her childhood crush. The good news: he’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. The bad news: when he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have real connections, possibly love, and a future—if she can only learn to let go of the past.

As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.

Review:

The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is a heartfelt novel of new beginnings, family and love. Although this latest release is the fifth novel in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone (but I recommend the other books in the series as well).

Brynn Turner returns to Wildstone with many regrets and a new promise to herself. Her moms would love nothing more than for Brynn to move back in with them, but she needs her space from her loving parents.  So when her long ago crush Eli Thomas offers her a room to rent, she cautiously considers moving in. Despite the discovery that her camp nemesis Kinsey Davis also lives there, Brynn decides to take the risk. Their relationship is still tenuous because Kinsey is still prickly. How will Brynn react when she learns the truth that Kinsey hiding from her?

Brynn is happy to be back in Wildstone but she is beating herself up over putting her trust in the wrong person.  She is taking a break from making decisions but she quickly learns that some choices will not wait until she is more sure of herself. Brynn immediately finds a job and she is thrilled to discover her trepidation about the position is unwarranted. She is also willing to put the past aside and work on her friendship with Kinsey. However, she soon discovers that her former camp partner is still a bit abrasive. Brynn is also still attracted to Eli but is she ready for a new romance?

Eli is laid back, easygoing and extremely loyal to the people he cares about. He is close to his younger brother Max but he is not in touch with the rest of his family. Eli also had a crush on Brynn when they were teenagers and he is still interested in her. He has not been in a relationship for several years due to the lingering effects of his dysfunctional childhood. But Eli cares deeply enough for Brynn to push aside his fears. But will she give a romance between them a chance?

Kinsey keeps everyone except Eli and Max at arms’ length. Her long battle with kidney disease leaves her afraid of getting close to anyone. She is afraid of hurting them if her health takes a turn for the worse. She has been in a “friends with benefits without the friendship” with nurse Deck Scott for several months. Although she cares deeply for him, she refuses to take their relationship to the next level.  Will Deck decide to give up on her once he realizes Kinsey will not give them a real chance for a future together?

Brynn and Kinsey’s relationship remains fraught as they try to put their history behind them.  Every time they make progress, it is immediately threatened.  As they finally become closer, Brynn demands complete honesty but will Kinsey’s reluctance to reveal important information derail their progress?

The Summer Deal is an engaging novel with appealing characters, interesting issues to overcome and witty dialogue.  Brynn’s struggles to balance trusting others and believing in herself ring true. Kinsey is a bit brusque but her reasons for trying to protect others are understandable. Eli is a wonderful man who is supportive and caring. The various relationships are sometimes frustrating to watch since some of the characters just cannot seem to get out of their own way.  The final misstep is frustratingly predictable but proves to be a much needed breakthrough. Jill Shalvis brings this charming novel to a delightfully heartwarming conclusion.  Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to enjoy this newest installment.

Comments Off on Review: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis

Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Summer Deal, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks, Women's Fiction

January 22, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis

Title: Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Four
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Wildstone with the touching story of finding your place in the world—and the people who make it home.

Piper Manning’s about as tough as they come, she’s had to be. She raised her siblings and they’ve thankfully flown the coop. All she has to do is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she’s free.

When a massive storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. There’s a spark there, one that shocks her. Surprising her further, her sister and brother return, each of them holding their own secrets. The smart move would be for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside of her that she can’t deny, making her yearn for something she doesn’t understand. And her siblings…well, they need each other.

Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself…and Cam. Can she find a way to outrun the demons? The answer is closer than she thinks—just as the new life she craves may have already begun.

Review:

Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis is a tender novel of healing, family and ultimately, love. Although this newest release is the fourth novel in the Wildstone series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Following the deaths of their parents and grandparents, Piper Manning raised her siblings Gavin and Winnie.  Now that twenty-seven year old Gavin is settled into his life in Arizona and twenty year old Winnie is going to college, Piper is ready to begin the next phase of her life.   But when both Gavin and Winnie unexpectedly return home, will Piper be able to move forward with her plans to sell the family house and pursue her academic dream?

Piper is a no nonsense, list making woman who is kind and compassionate. She is also emotionally reserved and keeps everyone at arms’ length.  Forced to grow up way too fast, Piper did not hesitate to step in and care for her siblings and she remains more of a mother figure than sister. While happy to see Winnie and Gavin, she is worried their choices are going to ruin their futures. And Piper also cannot help but be concerned about how their decision will affect her plans.

Piper unexpectedly finds support with her next door neighbor son’s Camden “Cam” Hayes. Cam is a DEA Agent who is also a member of the Coast Guard Reserves. He is temporarily in town to reconnect with his father following the death of Cam’s younger brother a few months earlier. Cam is surprisingly easy to talk to and he proves to be an insightful sounding board for many of Piper’s frustrations.

Underlying their newfound friendship is a simmering attraction and since a relationship between them has a built-in expiration date, Piper does not hesitate to give in to her desire for Cam.  Unbeknownst to Piper, Cam is making plans of his own that will leave her feeling betrayed when she is blindsided by a stunning secret.  Will Piper let down her defenses and follow her heart? Can she forgive her loved ones for not trusting her with important information?

With relatable emotional baggage and realistic issues to overcome, Almost Just Friends is a truly captivating romance with a cast of flawed yet endearing characters. Piper is sassy heroine who is the perfect match for emotionally wounded Cam. Cam and Piper might become exasperated with their family members but they are also fiercely loving and deeply devoted to them. Jill Shalvis  brings this delightful  novel to a heartfelt, uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to love newest addition to this marvelous series.

Comments Off on Review: Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis

Filed under Almost Just Friends, Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks, Women's Fiction

June 16, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis

Title: The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Three
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 400 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

The New York Times bestselling author of Rainy Day Friends and Lost and Found Sisters returns to Wildstone, California…

Brooke Lemon has always led the life she wanted, wild adventures—and mistakes—included, something her perfect sister, Mindy, never understood. So when Mindy shows up on Brooke’s doorstep in the throes of a break-down with her three little kids in tow, Brooke’s shocked.

Wanting to make amends, Brooke agrees to trade places, taking the kids back to Wildstone for a few days so Mindy can pick up the pieces and put herself back together. What Brooke doesn’t admit is she’s just as broken . . . Also how does one go home after seven years away? It doesn’t take long for Brooke to come face-to-face with her past, in the form of one tall, dark, sexy mistake. But Garrett’s no longer interested. Only his words don’t match his actions, leaving Brooke feeling things she’d shoved deep.

Soon the sisters begin to wonder: Are they lemons in life? In love? All they know is that neither seems to be able to run far enough to outpace her demons. And when secrets surface, they’ll have to learn that sometimes the one person who can help you the most is the one you never thought to ask.

Review:

The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis is a dazzling story of forgiveness, family and love. Although this newest release is the third installment in the Wildstone series, it can easily be read as a standalone (but I highly recommend the entire series).

Brooke Lemon left Wildstone seven years ago and has since distanced herself from her family. At one-time a photographer of thrill-seeking adventures, she has never quite recovered emotionally from a terrible accident that almost took her life. Brooke is less than satisfied with her behind the scenes job but she is coping with the residual anxiety and PTSD through her OCD rituals. But when her slightly estranged older sister, Mindy, unexpectedly turns up on her doorstep with her three children in tow, Brooke decides to help her sister and deal with her unresolved past at the same time.

Mindy is exhausted, overwhelmed and certain her beloved husband Dr. Linc Tennant is stepping out on her.  Although she and Brooke have not been in touch for a year, she instinctively turns to her sister when she cannot face returning home.  Mindy eagerly accepts Brooke’s offer to take the kids off her hands while she takes some much needed downtime in her sister’s apartment.  Still not ready to return home after a few days and rest and relaxation, Mindy decides to extend her escape from real life.

Meanwhile, in Wildstone, Brooke comes face to face with her past right away. Unbeknownst to her, her oldest childhood friend and former love interest Garrett Montgomery now lives next door to Mindy.  She has not seen Garrett in the seven years since tragedy struck but she has every intention of trying to make amends for her abrupt rejection of him. However, Brooke quickly falls back into her old habits of running from her troubles and avoiding any emotional discussions. She is further disconcerted by the realization her sizzling attraction to Garrett has not diminished with the passage of time.

Garrett’s childhood has left an indelible mark on him and he has no intention of allowing Brooke back into his life. But their lives in both the past and present are unavoidably intertwined so he resolves to remain aloof and detached in her company.  Garrett is also stunned by his continued attraction to her, but will he give in to his desire?

The Lemon Sisters is an engrossing novel of healing that is fast-paced and engaging.  Mindy’s marital woes are easy to relate to and her attempts to reconnect with Linc are realistically portrayed. Brooke’s and Garrett’s struggles to communicate are a bit painful to watch since both of them tend to shut down during emotional discussions. Mindy’s and Brooke’s attempts to repair their fractured relationship are often stymied because of misunderstandings and lack of communication.  Jill Shalvis brings this endearing and humorous novel to an absolutely heartwarming conclusion that will delight readers. This latest addition to Wildstone series is a charming and heartfelt story that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.

Comments Off on Review: The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis

Filed under Contemporary, Jill Shalvis, Rated B+, Review, The Lemon Sisters, Wildstone Series, William Morrow Paperbacks