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talesbyamylynn's review against another edition
5.0
This book had everything one could want in a romance. Lots of characters, found family, drama and romance.
miaev's review
5.0
Wow! I received this ARC in November but waited to read it until my Christmas break. And I have read it three times since I started it. Yes, it is that good. I mean Ms. Shalvis always writes fantastic novels but this one just hit all the right notes with me and had me reading it back to back to back.
Piper Manning grew up in Wildstone and has stayed there as a EMT. She pretty much took care of her younger two siblings and was both their older sister and their parent. And she might have a few issues as a result. And no one can ever call her a gourmet cook, although she can whip up a mean mac 'n' cheese with cut up hot dogs. And Piper is very skeptical of men and love as well. But she does care about her people, especially her neighbor, Emmitt.
Cam Hughes is a DEA agent and Coast Guard reservist who is really a Wildstone boy despite having grown up in North Carolina. His parents separated when he and his younger brother were young and the boys were split between their parents. Cam being the older of the two boys went to live on the east coast with his mother. Having served in the Coast Guard, he has moved agencies and is now in the DEA. But he is in Wildstone to spend some time with his dad, Emmitt, after the death of his younger brother.
Piper encounter Cam on a dark and stormy night and has a close encounter with the hot, sexy, stranger. These are the only types of encounters she will allow herself. And she is beyond shocked to discover her hot, sexy guy is next door when she goes to check on Emmitt. And even more shocked to discover he is Emmitt's son and planning to stay around for awhile.
Throw in her younger brother Garrett coming back home with his own secrets including trying to stay sober and still in love with his high school boyfriend who has become a hot and sexy cop. Her younger sister, Winnie, is back home and pregnant but not willing to tell Piper just yet although Garrett has it figured out. Nor is Winnie willing to tell anyone but Cam that the father is Rowan, his brother.
With all of these secrets and issues, plus the wonderful wild scenery and a few of the eccentric characters of Wildstone, this book is a wonderful addition to the Wildstone series. Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone although reading them all is always encouraged since you have a chance to meet the other wonderful wacky characters of this unique town.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Piper Manning grew up in Wildstone and has stayed there as a EMT. She pretty much took care of her younger two siblings and was both their older sister and their parent. And she might have a few issues as a result. And no one can ever call her a gourmet cook, although she can whip up a mean mac 'n' cheese with cut up hot dogs. And Piper is very skeptical of men and love as well. But she does care about her people, especially her neighbor, Emmitt.
Cam Hughes is a DEA agent and Coast Guard reservist who is really a Wildstone boy despite having grown up in North Carolina. His parents separated when he and his younger brother were young and the boys were split between their parents. Cam being the older of the two boys went to live on the east coast with his mother. Having served in the Coast Guard, he has moved agencies and is now in the DEA. But he is in Wildstone to spend some time with his dad, Emmitt, after the death of his younger brother.
Piper encounter Cam on a dark and stormy night and has a close encounter with the hot, sexy, stranger. These are the only types of encounters she will allow herself. And she is beyond shocked to discover her hot, sexy guy is next door when she goes to check on Emmitt. And even more shocked to discover he is Emmitt's son and planning to stay around for awhile.
Throw in her younger brother Garrett coming back home with his own secrets including trying to stay sober and still in love with his high school boyfriend who has become a hot and sexy cop. Her younger sister, Winnie, is back home and pregnant but not willing to tell Piper just yet although Garrett has it figured out. Nor is Winnie willing to tell anyone but Cam that the father is Rowan, his brother.
With all of these secrets and issues, plus the wonderful wild scenery and a few of the eccentric characters of Wildstone, this book is a wonderful addition to the Wildstone series. Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone although reading them all is always encouraged since you have a chance to meet the other wonderful wacky characters of this unique town.
I did receive a copy of this novel in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
jaimejustreadsromance's review
5.0
Another fabulous story from Jill Shalvis. This one was more than just a singular romance and I was so here for it!!
While the romance between Cam and Piper was the main focus of the story, I really enjoyed the secondary plot of Piper as the mother figure for her younger siblings and the toll that the death of their parents has taken on their lives. It was interesting to get the POV of her siblings and the way that they have coped, or failed to cope with their loss.
I always appreciate a story where the characters aren’t without flaws and you get to see them grow as people right before your eyes. The way that both Gavin and Winnie pushed for Piper to finally live for herself was heartwarming, even if they took several missteps and kept far too many secrets from her along the way. The whole family dynamic aspect of this story only made it that much more special.
This was actually a pretty emotional read but didn’t weigh me down with angst or sadness and I laughed quite a bit at the banter between the siblings and between Cam and Piper. I couldn't help but fall in love with this whole cast of characters.
I’ve come to expect a certain feeling when I finish a Jill Shalvis book and I’m happy to say that Almost Just Friends did not disappoint. My heart is full.
I always appreciate a story where the characters aren’t without flaws and you get to see them grow as people right before your eyes. The way that both Gavin and Winnie pushed for Piper to finally live for herself was heartwarming, even if they took several missteps and kept far too many secrets from her along the way. The whole family dynamic aspect of this story only made it that much more special.
This was actually a pretty emotional read but didn’t weigh me down with angst or sadness and I laughed quite a bit at the banter between the siblings and between Cam and Piper. I couldn't help but fall in love with this whole cast of characters.
I’ve come to expect a certain feeling when I finish a Jill Shalvis book and I’m happy to say that Almost Just Friends did not disappoint. My heart is full.
brandece1's review
3.0
This book has been on my radar for quite some time now. I was initially drawn to the adorable cover (a cover that in my opinion now that I have read the book is silly cause the dog was only in the book for like 3 pages and Piper's feelings about the water). This was my first Jill Shalvis book so I wasn't sure what to expect going into it as far as steam, storyline, writing style and such. Overall I enjoyed this book, but it was definitely not a favorite, but I would read this author again. I loved listening to the audio, truthfully I think if I had sat down to read this book it would have taken me a while to get through it. It was nice to listen as I worked or did chores around the house. One thing that I loved about this book was that it had multiple POV's not just Piper and Cam's but also Piper's brother Gavin. The thing that I didn't love about the multiple POV's was that we didn't get Winnie's (Piper's little sister). I feel like all of the Manning's had so much going on and I loved seeing them work through it, and felt like there was a real missed opportunity to tell Winnie's story. I saw that this is a series so I went through the synopsis for the next books hoping that Winnie would get a book and we would be able to see her get a HEA, but nope. As far as steam I would say it's Hallmark kicked up a few notches. While there is some sex on page, it's not overly descriptive and it almost fads to black. I loved the premise of this book, and while I didn't love it as much as I wanted I ultimately enjoyed my time with the Manning's. I'm not sure I'll binge this series or even pick up another one set in this world, but I will keep a look out to see if Winnie gets a book in the future.
adw7984's review
4.0
Self-Isolation Day # 4....finally finished a book! Jill Shalvis is always a go-to author for me. Almost Just Friends pulled me in right away because of BULLET JOURNALS (mine is to the left). I definitely related to Piper and her need for that journal.
I related to Piper in so many ways, especially as an older sibling. I loved the family dynamic almost more than the romance, and I loved that Piper, Winnie, and Gavin were able to come together in the end as a solid family unit. Thanks @williammorrowbooks for sending me this book!
I related to Piper in so many ways, especially as an older sibling. I loved the family dynamic almost more than the romance, and I loved that Piper, Winnie, and Gavin were able to come together in the end as a solid family unit. Thanks @williammorrowbooks for sending me this book!
pujafitz's review
4.0
Another cute, easy read. This one was better than #3 in the series, but in my opinion, not as good as #1 or #2.
icygrl7's review
3.0
I liked this book enough to finish it. It wasn't my favorite book by this author at all. I liked a lot about the story but there were a lot of things I just didn't enjoy as well. So this ended up being an ok read for me. Had this been the first book that I read by this author I don't know if I would of ever picked up another book. I am sure that I will be reading more of this author in the future even though this one was just alright. I am sure others would enjoy it more than I did.
modrallj's review
5.0
I love Jill Shalvis. End review.
Kidding. Sort of. Love wildstone - this might be my favorite book in this series so far. And I love the family dynamic in this book. I enjoyed how much we got to learn about Piper’s family - it felt like 3 stories wound into one. Big fan.
Kidding. Sort of. Love wildstone - this might be my favorite book in this series so far. And I love the family dynamic in this book. I enjoyed how much we got to learn about Piper’s family - it felt like 3 stories wound into one. Big fan.
bethanyread's review
5.0
Very good story. Great characters -- loved Piper and Winnie and Gavin. Loved that the man was Camden (My son's name!). Good story line. Also loved that the baby was "Bean". Recommend
msnyderk's review
4.0
At first, I was unsure what I thought as I didn’t totally like the beginning with Cam and Piper. I thought it was too much too soon, I felt like I didn’t even really know her character and she was getting together with his. However, as the story got going I loved all the characters and their humanness. I laughed and teared up and loved how it all cam together in the end....I am, after all,a happily ever after kind of girl.