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mindfullibrarian's review
4.0
(free review copy) I’m just inhaling this series. And yes there is some repetition of themes and storylines but I don’t even care a tiny bit. Bring on the adorable couples and happy endings and this dreamy setting over and over and over again ❤️
novelesque_life's review
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
2020; William Morrow Paperbacks/HarperCollins
While Almost Friends is part of the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone. I loved this novel with not just telling the story of Piper, but her siblings too. As great as the humour was in this one, the emotional rollercoaster is high with all the characters. It's a great book when you need a good cry but also a happy ending. I loved the realistic characters with their every day problems told with compassion and laugh - a great balance.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2020; William Morrow Paperbacks/HarperCollins
While Almost Friends is part of the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone. I loved this novel with not just telling the story of Piper, but her siblings too. As great as the humour was in this one, the emotional rollercoaster is high with all the characters. It's a great book when you need a good cry but also a happy ending. I loved the realistic characters with their every day problems told with compassion and laugh - a great balance.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
rachelised's review
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
justkeyreads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This won’t be my last Jill Shalvis book, b/c this was like reading a mirror.
ebony_renaissance's review
3.0
This wasn’t my favorite. That’s okay. There were parts I didn’t so much care for but weren’t exactly deal breakers for me. The plot had promise but for me the execution of the plot fell a little flat compared to the others Wildstone novels. Shalvis stays true to form with her quirky characters and cute humor but overall, it wasn’t my favorite Wildstone novel. Good for light reading, and quirky humor.
hannas_heas47's review
5.0
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC to read and give my honest opinion.
This is one of those authors that you can just pick up her book on auto buy and just love. You don’t need to read the blurb or like the cover since what’s inside is what counts. Her books are always spot on and just amazing. I loved this story so much.... Piper and Cam just felt good to me. The author just nails that down home family feeling and gives you a romance with all the feels. Ugly cry set in at about 78 percent, all the feels people... ALL. THE. FEELS.
What did I like? The story is so well written that your just immersed, my heart hurt through the ending and I still have the feels. Almost feels like you actually go through everything with the characters and it was just amazing. Cam was such an amazing character, his relationship with Piper was just heart warming because you knew she was THE ONE. The agony over losing his brother, and then the other characters in the book having their own issues just made the book feel like family. Just an incredible writing job.... Five huge stars.
Would I buy or recommend? YES YES YES! I will definitely be getting a paper copy as soon as it hits the shelves, I loved Rainy Day Friends as well, just an amazing book. I really enjoyed the book....not necessarily the book hangover after but this author is an auto buy. You know your getting a good read when you see this authors name on the cover.
Thoughts for the author? Congratulations on such an AMAZING book. You were born to write, such an amazing storyteller ❤️
This is one of those authors that you can just pick up her book on auto buy and just love. You don’t need to read the blurb or like the cover since what’s inside is what counts. Her books are always spot on and just amazing. I loved this story so much.... Piper and Cam just felt good to me. The author just nails that down home family feeling and gives you a romance with all the feels. Ugly cry set in at about 78 percent, all the feels people... ALL. THE. FEELS.
What did I like? The story is so well written that your just immersed, my heart hurt through the ending and I still have the feels. Almost feels like you actually go through everything with the characters and it was just amazing. Cam was such an amazing character, his relationship with Piper was just heart warming because you knew she was THE ONE. The agony over losing his brother, and then the other characters in the book having their own issues just made the book feel like family. Just an incredible writing job.... Five huge stars.
Would I buy or recommend? YES YES YES! I will definitely be getting a paper copy as soon as it hits the shelves, I loved Rainy Day Friends as well, just an amazing book. I really enjoyed the book....not necessarily the book hangover after but this author is an auto buy. You know your getting a good read when you see this authors name on the cover.
Thoughts for the author? Congratulations on such an AMAZING book. You were born to write, such an amazing storyteller ❤️
kbranfield's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
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.
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.
jen2499's review
5.0
I love this series. The books can be read as stand alone books. I’ve if my favorite things are the phrases statue beginning of each chapter. I also love the sign hanging in the bar.
Piper is a strong & resilient person dedicated to taking care of her family. Cam is someone who is strong & encourages her to lean on him & let her be herself.
Piper is a strong & resilient person dedicated to taking care of her family. Cam is someone who is strong & encourages her to lean on him & let her be herself.
chloeallen's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75