Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #4
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Date Read: January 18, 2020
Length: 384 pages
Source: Publisher/Edelweiss
★★★★☆
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.
Piper takes care of people. She took care of her younger brother and sister after their parents and grandparents died. She works as an emergency medical technician where she works to rescue those in need of help. She has also made a habit of checking in on her neighbor who has been diagnosed with diabetes and trying to get him to eat better. The only person Piper doesn’t take great care of is herself but she is finally ready to go after her dreams and get the degree that she has always wanted just as soon as she sells her grandparents’ property.
Cam is used to taking care of people too. He works as a DEA agent and also is in the Coast Guard Reserves. He has a take-charge attitude and seems to be able to handle just about any situation. He feels responsible for making sure that everyone is safe. He is home to visit his dad, who happens to be the neighbor that Piper checks up on daily.
I felt like Piper and Cam were a great pair! From the moment that they met at the very beginning of the book, I felt a strong connection between them which only got stronger the more that I read. Cam never seemed to be phased by some of the crazy that was happening in Piper’s life. They really seemed to understand each other and I loved their chemistry. These two just seemed to fit together perfectly.
The other characters in this book were equally amazing. Piper’s siblings, Gavin and Willow, had some pretty major things going on in their lives. This book gave us not just one romance, but two! Gavin and CJ were such a great pair and I loved that their romance was such an important part of this story. Willow’s life is at a crossroads with some major changes ahead. It was fun to watch her work to make changes and deal with some of the things that she has been through. Cam’s dad was a fun character that also added to the story.
I would highly recommend this book to others. I think that this is this book is my favorite book in the Wildstone series yet. I fell in love with these characters and couldn’t wait to see things work out for them. I cannot wait to read more of this amazing author’s work.
I received a review copy of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks.
Book #5 – The Summer Deal – Coming June 2020!
About the AuthorNew 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.
I haven't read Jill Shalvis, perhaps one day! nice review though this sounds like really endearing/ chocolate munching type of story
I haven't read any of her books.. looking forward to getting my hands on one.
I have yet to read anything by Shalvis even though I see her books *everywhere.* I find her catalog a little intimidating because she has SO many books and SO many long-running series. I’m so glad this one was such a hit for you!
I keep meaning to read some of her books and I think I'd enjoy this series. So is that cute dog in it or not? Inquiring minds want to know:)
There is a dog that makes a super brief appearance at the very end. It almost seemed like someone decided they needed to add a dog to the story since there is one on the cover. There is a cat that shows up at various points in the book though.
I have read her books but I don't have a favorite.
I've only read one of her books but I liked it. I need to read more from her.
I've enjoyed many of her books and have the first one in this series to read. So happy you are liking these:)
great review. i've seen jill's name around but don't know if i've read anything.
sherry @ fundinmental
I always enjoy the books by this author
Poor gal! She does sound like she needs to catch a break. I've not read Jill Shalvis yet, but they always sound great like this one.
I've been seeing a lot of good reviews for this one. Glad you enjoyed it, too!
Jill Shalvis is a goto for me; I love her books. Fantastic review. I'm glad you enjoyed it too.
Anne – Books of My Heart
I do not say no to more than one romance 🙂
I've enjoyed Jill Shalvis in the past, she writes great small town romances with fun secondary characters. Glad to hear I can read this as a stand alone and that it was your fav or the series! I'll have to check this one out, too! 🙂
I've been seeing this book all over the book blogosphere lately. It does sound super cute and the cover is adorable. I'm glad to hear the story lives up to the hype. I'm also glad to see a diabetic character featured. I'm Type 1 and there aren't a lot of stories out there about what it's like to deal with the disease (spoiler alert: it's not very fun).
I really adored this book. I especially loved that all three siblings had a story arc, because they were all important parts of the whole. Her blend of humor and emotion is always perfect too
I really enjoy Jill Shalvis's books too. I can't wait to read this one!
I have read some of this author's books and enjoyed them, but haven't started this series yet. I do think I have book 1 and plan to get around to reading it eventually. It sounds like a good series and I am glad to hear you enjoyed this book. It's awesome when a couple in a book fits together so well.