USA Today Bestseller
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 … 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.
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Usually I don’t read romance novels since they really aren’t my thing. However, there was something about the synopsis of Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis that caught my attention. Perhaps it was the fact that there were family secrets involved! Luckily, I really really enjoyed Almost Just Friends.
Piper is a young woman who has always been in control, so much so that she even has a bullet journal to help her through life. She’s raised her siblings since she was 13, and when they return home, Piper eventually learns what secrets her brother and sister are keeping from her. During this, she is falling head over heels for her next door neighbor’s son, Cam, who is home from the military. These feelings for Cam might just be her undoing!
I will say that I loved the plot for Almost Just Friends. Everything about it felt very realistic and like something that happens almost every day in small town America. I enjoyed the love story between Cam and Piper and how it took its time developing instead of just being instalove. I also enjoyed the narrative between Piper and her siblings. I could picture every single scene in my mind quite clearly thanks to Jill Shalvis’ fantastic story telling! Almost Just Friends answered all my questions by the end of the book, and there were no cliffhangers which I was thankful for.
I enjoyed every single character in Almost Just Friends. They all brought their own personality to the table, and they were each very interesting to read about. All of the characters in this novel felt like they could be someone I could relate to as well as making fantastic friends. Piper starts off being too self reliant. It was nice to see her start letting others help her. She was forced to grow up at a young age after the death of her parents, so I could understand why she was scared of losing control and putting faith in other people. I loved how patient Cam was with Piper. He was so loving and helpful. It was also nice to see him blending in so well with Piper’s siblings and wanting to help out. Cam was such a charming man with such a larger than life personality. Gavin, Piper’s brother, had been fighting his own demons. I kept wondering if he’d go back to his own ways or not. I loved his relationship with CJ and how he wasn’t going to let CJ walk away from him so easily. Gavin always was great at relieving tense and awkward situations which one thing I really loved about him! Winnie, Piper’s sister, was the youngest out of Piper, Gavin, and herself. Winnie decided it was time for her to start being more adult like instead of child like. Her news was the biggest, in my opinion, and while I could understand why she wanted to keep it from Piper, I wish she would have told Piper from the get go. However, Winnie had me smiling whenever I read about her. I admired her tenacity to want to be Miss Fix It. Emmit, Cam’s dad, was ever the comedian! I loved how happy go lucky he was and his sunny disposition on life was. It was as if nothing ever bothered him, and I admired that about him. Every single character in Almost Just Friends made it such a fantastic read!
Trigger warnings for Almost Just Friends include profanity, some sexual situations (although nothing too graphic), death, and mentions of prescription drug abuse.
All in all, Almost Just Friends is such a heartwarming read with a fantastic set of characters and a solid plot. This was my first book I read by Jill Shalvis, but it certainly won’t be my last! I would definitely recommend Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis to those aged 17+ who are after an uplifting novel that deals with family with a sweet romance thrown in.
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(A special thank you to William Morrow with a paperback of Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Once again, Jill Shalvis has given us a wonderful story about family, growing up, and taking chances.
I loved Piper and Cam–and Gavin, Winnie, and Emmitt too, of course. (Though I am kind of glad we didn’t get to see events from Emmitt’s POV–just seeing some of his exploits through Cam’s eyes were bad enough! Poor Cam…this is why adults don’t stay with their parents 😉 ) Ms Shalvis does as fantastic a job writing about family members (a common theme in this series) as she does about friendships–the dynamics are spot-on. Wanting to kill each other really is pretty much the definition of siblings, and lying about killing spiders? It’s totally beyond the pale, but exactly what a sister would do. (Not me, of course. But other sisters, definitely… 😉 )
This book had me alternately smiling, laughing out loud, groaning, and getting teary…and occasionally, wishing I had a fan to cool down. Like pretty much everything I’ve read from her, it seems to have just the right amount of humor to balance out the drama, of romantic relationships to counteract the family dynamics.
There are so. Many. Secrets! in this book–and poor Piper finds nearly all of them out at the worst possible time. Combined with her many, many personal issues (of which bullet journaling is *not* one–bullet journaling–especially with stickers–is awesome!) even when she gets in her own way, it’s hard to blame her given all that she’s gone through. Through it all, Cam is amazing–even though he’s got his own issues, and is keeping secrets (mostly not his own)–and always seems to know what to do to help Piper (or Emmitt, or Winnie, or Gavin…) get through whatever it is she’s dealing with at the moment, and knows how important it is to put her first, especially since she’s never going to do it herself.
And that (two years later) epilogue? Perfection…
Though this is the 4th book in Shalvis’s Wildstone series, it truly does work as a standalone–other than the geographic location (and writing style, of course), I really didn’t notice anything (anyone?) else it had in common with the previous books in the series.
Now I’m just (oh so patiently…) waiting for the next book, The Summer Deal !
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Every time I read a Jill Shalvis novel, I say “Now this one is my favorite”. Almost Just Friends is definitely my favorite. It’s a guarantee with Jill that you are going to get an engaging, entertaining, engrossing story but you get an entire landscape of stories happening around the main characters. Each character envelops you into who they are, what is the dilemma, and how they feel about it. It may sound like chaos but Camden and Piper’s story flows magically along with just the right amount of highlighting from the peripheral events. The visceral descriptions of the pain of loss and fear of commitment had me so engaged that I was verbally coaching the characters and cheering them on. Yes, these are events that could really happen on any given day but the snarky banter and touch of humor makes me think about the story long after I put it down. I find myself so mesmerized by the artful story telling of Ms. Shalvis that, like the characters, I am always shocked that love already happened while I was waiting for it to happen. Each book is a standalone read but you should gift yourself by reading the whole series. You’ll understand how the “next one” is your new favorite.
Piper has raised her siblings and is really wanting to go back to school and get her degree. But, as with all families, things change like the wind. Her brother and sister both show up with baggage they are not ready to share. Then to add to her distress…there is Cam. Cam is a love interest…absolutely NOT what she was looking for.
Cam and Piper are so good for each other. He really knows how to help her come out of her shell…in more ways than one….I loved Cam. He is a super nice guy, plus he is super HOT! As a matter of fact, I loved all the characters in this read. They all had their part to play and The complemented each other so well.
Let me say this about Jill Shalvis…she is a such a steady author! Her stories are always good, funny and will ALWAYS put a smile on your face. This book hit me at the right time. I needed something lite, but serious. This was perfect.
If you do not follow Jill on social media, you are missing out. She is a hoot! This is an author I have not met yet, but I would love to have a glass of wine and chat.
Let me add a little side note…this cover does not fit this story AT ALL. Piper is scared to go out on the water…and she takes care of a cat, not a dog.
Shalvis’ Wildstone series just keep getting better with each book! I loved the sibling dynamics in Almost Just Friends. Piper had done her best to do well by her younger siblings, but that had put her whole feeling of self, and living her own life, on the side burner.
Excellent writing, awesome character development, and beautiful story.
Jill Shalvis knows how to make your heart happy with her stories and this book is no exception! Piper and Cam captivate you from the very beginning. Her brother and sister, who are both keeping secrets from Piper, make you want to in turn throttle them and hug them. This is a group of people who are all hurting from various losses and yet, they find each other and create a family that makes you route for them. Another excellent Wildstone story!
4.5*
I think I just found my favorite Jill Shalvis book! I devoured Almost Just Friends in practically one sitting, only stopping for lunch and a quick cat nap (as I woke way too early on a Saturday!), then I was right back at it! I was not expecting this story to be as emotional as it was- Piper and Cam and Willow and Gavin, they all had me tearing up at one time or another.
But there were laughs and feel good, make-your-heart-happy moments as well, which made for such a entertaining and heartwarming read.
Even though this was essentially Piper and Cam’s story, I loved that we were treated to points of view from all four characters, as they each had their own special stories to share. Both families have been through so much, it was great to see them all come together.
Almost Just Friends was a wonderful story about family, about coming to terms with grief, about finding your way in life- no matter your age.
*It was awesome to see the LGBTQ representation in this story- it’s not something you see a lot in traditionally published contemporary romances.
Emotional, heartwarming and real! With book four in her ever enjoyable Wildstone series, Jill Shalvis brings us another winner with ALMOST JUST FRIENDS. With her typical humorous twist, Shalvis delights the reader with fun loving characters, emotional revelations and happily ever afters galore … I adored this story!
Piper Manning had me at hello … okay, so more like at the part on page one where she admits to hating being the center of attention to the core of her being. She’s had a hard life, and raising her siblings was a daunting task. Now that they’ve finally gotten out into the world on their own, she’s ready to get the property inherited from the grandparents fixed up and sold and finally get started on achieving her own dreams. Yeah, that was the plan … but now she has a man she can’t seem to pull her attention off of hanging around and a full house of siblings refusing to leave again. Secrets are rearing their ugly heads left and right … and it’s all about to get way too real.
I highly recommend this book to anyone enjoying a complex emotional story filled with laughter, love and a whole lot of heart. This entire series has been top notch and I’d encourage you to go back and catch them all. I love Wildstone!
Let me start by saying I prefer Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance vs. chick lit books. BUT, that being said I will read anything by this author because her books have so much emotion. She has the uncanny ability of infusing so much heart with her characters, her writing is really good. So do not discount this book because it is classified as ‘chick lit,’ the characters have depth and growth and there is just enough humor to stave the drama.
Jill Shalvis’ books always make you feel good and leave you smiling.
I received and ARC for an honest review.
Piper is a somewhat flaky but totally likeable thirty year old woman. She is totally responsible when it comes to helping take care of other people but her own life? She is the Lists Queen. Lists that she never seems to get around to very much. And of course like any red blooded woman she has her secret, secret naughty list too. All listed in her carry everywhere Journal. Because of all the early responsibility placed on her shoulders she’s used to having to be in charge all the time. Her siblings call her The Fixer. But she’s had to be and isn’t sure how to be anything else or even have time for herself and what she wants. When is her life ever really going to start? Her dreams, her hopes, her plans have been on hold for so long. But like Cam observes she loves fiercely.
It’s funny in the beginning how Cam was only referred to as “Hot Guy” for quite a while. That made me smile. And it wasn’t the only times that this story did that..made me smile.
Piper finally lets Cam in as her temporary fling, she “thinks” that just might be safe. Even though it take her a while to even let him in that far.
Both of the main characters were written with really good depth. And not just them but also the supporting people as well. That would be Winnie, Gavin, (Piper’s sister and brother) and Emmett (Cam’s dad).
This story is definitely filled with emotions, loyalty, love, romances and surprises that pop up at unexpected times. One of the romances I wasn’t as comfortable with. But it was written with solid emotions and it was done tastefully.
There was also the unexpected short Reading Group Guide questions at the end of the book.
Overall a well written book with a good Epilogue too. Which means I remain a fan of the books by Jill Shalvis.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Almost Just Friends is a great story about friendship, family, secrets, hurt and happily ever after. It has characters you will love and feel for, it has situations you wouldn’t want to face and it has a love so true you know it’s meant to be.
I really enjoyed this story and these characters and I hope there will be more to this series!
Thank you Social Butterfly PR for allowing me to express my honest opinion of this story
Note: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love the trips to Wildstone with Jill Shalvis. Each book can and does stand alone, but the familiarity of the surroundings makes it easier to get into the book with speed and grace.
The plot is one I related to on a personal level, being the one who raised her siblings and needing a chance to spread her own wings like Piper in the book, and I love the development of all the characters, not just the hero and heroine. The subplots all tie together with the main plot without being formulaic, and I LOVE how Piper’s brother comes to get his happy ever after with his childhood sweetheart. The story moves, but you never lose track of the twists and turns, and it ends in a way that shows that growing up can mean growing together instead of apart.
This was okay for me. The writing flowed well, but there is A LOT going on in this story, and it was too much for me. Piper and her siblings all have problems and all of them have to learn to deal. Cam and Piper did make a good couple, but there isn’t much heat in this story. You’re brought to the act itself, and then the story continues. I did understand why Piper was hurt towards the end. Everyone was keeping stuff from her, and it made her feel like she was the last to know anything. The ending was sweet, and I was glad to see them get their HEA. I honestly could have done without Gavin’s chapters. I’m not a MM romance fan, and I skipped over those. All in all I would recommend this book if you like angsty romances.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
Loved this story – Piper is the oldest of three and has taken care of her siblings since their parents died. Everyone is an adult now even though Piper doesn’t always see them that way. Cam was swoon worthy! They are so great together. I hope we get to see what happens with Willow in a future book! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I’m so in love with Jill’s Wildstone series! Each book shows how much family means, and how much they’re willing to do to be there for you.
Piper, Gavin, & Winnie each have their own problems but I loved watching them learn that loving & listening to each other were important.
Piper & Cam were my favorites! I loved how they weren’t expecting the other person in their life but that there was no stopping the chemistry/understanding between them!!
Another wonderful story by Jill Shalvis!
Piper and Camden are amazing! Two people that are dealing with grief in their own way, form an amazing friendship that also has sparks flying. It’s not just a romance but a story of family, letting go, accepting help, and realizing that your dreams are possible while also creating new ones.
This was such an emotional read. Piper has had to raise her siblings pretty much most of her life and has had difficulty putting herself first. Cam is always moving around and has emotional baggage and issues himself.
When the two meet, sparks go off and it develops from there. I have to say that this was the most emotional Jill Shalvis book that I have ever read and it jerked at my heart strings. I was hooked from the first page until the last.
I highly recommend that you buy a copy of Almost Just Friends today!
Another wonderful story by Jill Shalvis. I loved Piper and Camden together. A wonderful story with great characters!
I just loved this book! Jill Shalvis is an author that I tend to turn to when I am looking for a fun, romantic read. Her books are reliably good and this book was no exception. Once I started reading this book, I found it hard to put down. This is the fourth book in the Wildstone series but each of the books in the series read as stand-alone novels so don’t hesitate to jump into the series anywhere! I had a great time with this story and am thrilled that I decided to give it a try.
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.