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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My favorite in the Wildstone series so far. Shalvis drew me in from the start and didn’t let go until the end.
Piper has been taking care of her younger siblings since her parents died when she was a teen. Now that they’re off and doing there own thing she is finally doing what she wants to do. Only things start to unravel in a lot of ways.
Her siblings return and they’re here to stay, and both are dealing with their own demons. And then there is Cam, an unexpected twist in Piper’s story. Cam has his own demons, but that won’t stop you from adoring him with everything you have.
The true heart of Almost Just Friends lies in the family. While Piper and Cam have their romance, it’s really about Piper, Gavin, and Winnie finding who they are themselves as well as who they are as siblings. As much as I love Shalvis’s straight up romances I love these books more. The family dynamics are well written and really showcase all of their feelings and struggles. There were some tears as I watched their struggles with themselves and each other, so be prepared.
There is also a wonderful secondary romance between Gavin and CJ, a second chance of sorts for them.
I highly recommend Almost Just Friends, it’ll bring out all your emotions.
Loosing both parents Piper was left to raise her brother & sister. Piper thinks her siblings were off doing one thing, when in fact they were not. There are a lot of secrets in this family. I couldn’t wait to see how everything turned out. I love that Jill writes other stories within one. Healy to see Gavin get his HEA. I hope Winnie gets a story in the future.
Jill Shalvis’s books are emotional and funny. When you think you should cry, you wind up laughing.
Great stores suck you in, you will not be disappointed. I wish I could give this story more then five stars. Definitely a must read. There’s a HEA with no cliffhangers.
*I reviewed this book voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind for this review.
In Almost Just Friends, Ms Shalvis brings us back to Wildstone on the California coast. This time we are with EMT Piper just as she thinks she’s headed out of town to go back to school.
The well written story that follows shows us what happens when life gets in the way of our best laid plans. We get to see Piper forced into an emotional evolution on multiple fronts.
The two younger siblings that she helped raise unexpectedly return to town and the previous dynamic doesn’t work anymore. It was a pleasure to see all three Manning siblings find their footing in a new relationship that allows them to be who they are today.
Then there is Cam – the “temporary” hot guy/neighbor who turns her world upside down. He helps Piper through the hard parts, not by doing anything for her, but by letting her see the solutions for herself. I loved watching them evolve from neighbors to friends to the potential for more.
While Piper is our true main character, I enjoyed seeing the stories of her siblings unfold as well. It felt as if Gavin’s story arc had a conclusion, but Winnie’s was just getting started. Maybe there is a book for her in the future?
This is a powerful story of family dynamics, misunderstandings and laughter. I’m running out of words to describe Ms. Shalvis’s talent for story telling and ringing every emotion from her readers.
Piper Manning is an EMT in Wildstone, California where she spent her growing up years. She and her brother Gavin and sister Winnie landed at their Grandma’s after their parents died, and Piper pretty much raised them. Now she’s working to fix up the house to sell and get on with her life. Her siblings are settled, or so she thought.
Cam Hayes works for the DEA and is a Coast Guard Reservist. His parents separated and he grew up with his Mom, his brother Rowan with his Dad Emmitt in Wildestone. Cam is back visiting with his Dad trying to get past the death of his brother. Cam met Piper in a bar with her friends celebrating her birthday….something she did not want to do. He was random Hot Guy to Piper. She visits her next door neighbor every day to check on him, he was recently diagnosed as a new diabetic, and doesn’t like to follow her rules. There she meets Hot Guy, who she finds out is Cam. Despite neither of them wanting to complicate their lives, Cam and Piper have an immediate attraction. Their banter is hilarious, and and soon they can’t deny their romance. Add the return of her siblings, each with their own issues, wondering just how long Cam will stay, and her wanting to control everything this story totally entertained me. It can be read as a stand-alone, no cliffhanger and of course a HEA.
I highly recommend this and all Ms. Shalvis’s series. Pat Fordyce
4.5 Stars for Almost Just Friends book 4 in the Wildstone Series.
Piper Manning is now 30 years old and after putting her life and dreams on hold to bring up her younger siblings after losing their parents it’s now her time. Her dream is to finish fixing up their lake house, sell it give her siblings their inheritance and take herself off to school but that’s about to change when she bumps into Camden Reid while visiting elderly neighbor. Camden is home visiting his father but just as a Piper has missed out on her dreams he has regrets from his past that he is dealing with but just as they start getting to know each both of Piper’s siblings arrive home and they are not leaving any time soon…… Will this couple find the time they need for themselves or will their pasts and family get in the way……
This author really brings her characters to life and with all of her books you feel like you are home visiting family and friends and this emotional read was no different. This is a beautifully written contemporary romance that will captivate and draw you in, the characters are easy to relate to and I’m sure like me you will end up loving them. Looking forward to what’s next from Wildstone.
First off, Jill Shalvis, I devour your books. And I have to say that I think that Almost Just Friends is my all-time favorite to date. It most definitely will be sitting on my Top Reads list for 2020 and I just fell in love so much with the Manning Family.
I think anyone who has siblings can relate to Piper, especially if you are the oldest. You fell her stress, her relief, her anxiety, and her pain. Piper has been raising her brother and sister essentially since she was a child herself. And now its finally time for her to go after her own dreams. The only problem with that is that not only are her siblings back home all of a sudden but there is a new man who mysteriously has become a part of her life and it’s throwing a huge wrench in her plans.
Camden Reed has a huge load of secrets he’s been carrying and he thought coming home, he would be able to unload some of that burden. He never expected Piper to change his world. She was just the person he needed in his life. At just the right time and he thinks he’s the same for her. But once she finds out his secrets, she may just walk away. And that’s something he’s not too sure he will survive after the year he’s had.
This book has its light moments but for the most part, it’s a story about relationships, misunderstandings, surviving family dynamics, moving forward with your life and where to go next. Piper and Camden were perfect for each other. Their witty banter had me laughing but I also loved how much each of them helps each other to heal and open their eyes to what was going on in their lives. I loved her brother and sister – who were trying to finally take ahold of their own lives. And Camden’s dad was hilarious!
I really love the Wildstone series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Man, this story brought out all of the emotions in me. There is something about Piper that speaks to me on a deep level and I felt so connected to her character. At the same time, I also fell for Cam right from the beginning.
Jill Shalvis has a way of pulling the reader into her stories immediately, usually with humor. This story was no different. I was hooked from the start and just got more and more invested in the lives of all the characters as the story progressed. When I couldn’t be reading, I was thinking about the book and hoping to get back to it as soon as possible.
I love the way the relationship between Cam and Piper plays out. There’s an instant chemistry, but will they act on that pull? They are very careful with each other and, honestly, their respect for not overstepping with each other touches my heart in the beginning. Then you throw in Pipers brother and sister and things get tangled up and oh so complicated.
Gavin and Winnie are so used to Piper being the “mom” that they keep some very important things from her. As much as they seem to have a complaint that she doesn’t act like a sister and use that as part of their reasoning keeping her out of the loop, they never give her the opportunity to be less of a mom and more of a sibling. They act like children with her, always expecting her to catch them when they fall and to pay their way when need be. I know that makes them sound like they are spoiled brats, they’re really not. But they have some growing up to do for sure. As much as they realize Piper has always put their needs above their own, they don’t truly understand that sacrifice just yet.
Throughout this story, we do indeed get to watch Winnie and Gavin find their own way. Mature and learn and grow. Winnie, in my opinion, goes about this a bit slower than she should. Especially while expecting others to keep her secrets. But she’s getting there, and that means something.
This story is a must read. No need to read the others in this series, they are all truly standalone books. This has been my favorite by far in the Wildstone series. I always look forward to this author’s stories.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
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.
Loved Camden & Piper’s story! Their story was flawlessly written and heartfelt. Their relationship wasn’t an easy one and as different as they were they totally worked! Loved every page of their story!
Another Shalvis book that you will not want to put down! Giving up her childhood and most of her early adulthood to raise her younger siblings, Piper has hopes and lists, lots and lots of lists, about her plans for the future. It seems to her that once again it will all come chasing down. We’ve all heard the saying, “having the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Piper feels that every day. It took so much for Piper to be able to finally set back and see that her younger siblings were going to be okay. Cam changed things for Piper. Piper was NO where ready for Cam, and I don’t think Cam was ready for Piper. Two unlikely neighbors end up finding out all they really need was each other.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Jill Shalvis pens a story as if it were a delicate wedding cake. She can slip in a titillating scene without you even realizing that she has. Her words flow from the page like silky chocolate (that you can’t get enough of) through an intricate fountain. I definitely recommend this book! Enjoy!
Chin up, Princess, or the crown slips.”
I shouldn’t be surprised (and I’m not), but I fell hard and fast for the characters in Almost Just Friends. Each and every book in the Wildstone series, no, make that each and every book I’ve read by Ms. Shalvis solidifies her position as a top favorite author. No two books are alike, and every character she creates is unique, with clear and distinctive voices. With Almost Just Friends she gives us members of two families whose union seems like destiny.
At the center of this story are Piper Manning and Camden “Hot guy” Hayes, whose fates are aligned. They are almost opposites, but just enough alike that a wonderful connection is formed early on. Their chemistry is off the charts hot and the more time they spend together, the better they are for it. But first, they have to square his father’s health and her siblings’ sudden return to Wildstone. There are many secrets, fears, and forces that push and pull at the thread of their kinship, and it will take a lot of work to secure their connection.
Piper is one of the most guarded characters I’ve read in a long while. It makes her all the more interesting and real to me. I couldn’t have rooted harder for her to push through the past and find herself firmly rooted in Camden’s life. With her sister and brother back in her life on a daily basis, she’ll have to learn to let go of the control she craves. Camden gives her a sort of comfort and dare I say it, encourages her to trust her feelings. Piper gives Cam a reason to want to slow down, to settle his life somewhere, with someone. The secondary characters, his father and her siblings add much to the story and Piper and Cam’s character flaws, but mostly show how much they change and grow during their time together.
As with her Heartbreaker Bay series, the Wildstone series could go on and on and i would be happy, happy, happy. There are unexpected new relationships, characters just begging to be heard, and as long as there are voices, I’ll be itching to read their stories. My heart always feels more full and every story leaves me incredibly happy. That is perhaps the best reason to read – with Jill Shalvis it’s always time well spent. 5 Stars and recommendation!
“…even the Fixer needs help sometimes.”
Piper Manning is 30 years old, an EMT, and she’s tired. She’s raised her younger siblings on her own in her grandparent’s house in Wildstone, California since she was 18, they’re finally out of the house, and she’s ready to start chasing some of her dreams.
Then she meets Camden Hayes, handsome, brooding and a DEA agent/Coast Guard specialist. And her brother and sister both come back home. And her ideas for her future seem to be suspended.
I enjoy Jill Shalvis’ writing – a lot. Her books are sexy and funny. This one deals with family dynamics and how dreams can suddenly change when you’re least expecting it. I enjoyed all the characters. Shalvis does a super job with detailed characters and believable dialogue.
I received this book from Edelweiss and Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
4.5 star review of Almost Just Friends(Wildstone #4) by Jill Shalvis
Whilst this is book 4 in the Wildstone series it can most certainly be read as a stand alone and is Piper Manning and Camden Reid’s story.
Jill Shalvis writes characters that are human, that have flaws, vulnerabilities and are easy to relate too. There is always a lot of depth to her characters and Almost Just Friends is a good example of that.
This was at times an emotional read and I freely admit tears were shed. Piper has always been a “mother” to her siblings, but now it’s time for her to shine and follow her dreams. Most of us love our families but we all know that sometimes we don’t always like them and after being cooped up on a boat with them for 10 days, Piper needs her alone time.
Camden has his own demons and regrets to deal with. The chemistry and banter between Piper and Camden got to me and I found myself smiling frequently throughout this story.
The family dynamics were easy to relate to and I was invested in the romance of the story. There is drama, a little angst, spice and humour; I also loved Piper’s list making, a trait we share.
Meeting Camden just as a wild storm hits, Piper decides to take a chance. She has big dreams and feels it’s finally her time.
Can the feelings that are developing between them withstand the pressures of their families?
A beautifully written story with strong writing and characters that you cannot help but fall for.
I received an ARC in the mail of Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis. It is Book Number 4 in the awesome Wildstone series. This is a heartwarming, sometimes heart wrenching, sexy romance dealing with two families that are dealing with some pretty serious emotional trauma. Both families are struggling with tragedies in their lives, hidden family secrets and trying to get their lives together. As the secrets start to come out, these families, you feel and experience each character’s emotions and struggles as they try to move past the demons that have been haunting them for so long. Jill Shalvis never disappoints and did a great job! In my opinion, this was a page-turner for me and I really enjoyed reading it. I rated it a five!
Emotionally charged!
There is so much to love about this latest installment in the Wildstone series. A strong man who shows vulnerability is at the forefront for me. Camden Reid is an alpha military hero, but he’s not afraid to admit when he needs a helping hand and a soft place to rest his aching head. His heroine, Piper, is a caretaker, an EMT with big dreams. Those dreams keep getting put on hold as she cares for her two younger siblings, as she works every day fixing up their property to sell, as she cares for her friends and neighbors. She’s taking care of everybody but herself, so tightly wound you can practically see the cracks forming in her façade. Add in the epic, life changing secrets kept by everyone Piper loves, including Cam, and Piper’s carefully crafted foundation crumbles. I have been a longtime fan of The Shalvis, and I think this is her best book yet. The storylines woven in from Piper’s sibling’s POVs were beautifully emotional! As always, the books in this Wildstone series are complete stand alones, with previous couples not appearing. The perfect book to jump in to if you’re new to Jill Shalvis!
Loved this story from beginning to end! A heartwarming romance of loss, love, acceptance, and forgiveness. This story is full of a wonderful cast of characters of family and friends who all have their issues, but love each other enough to work things out and put each others happiness over their own. I loved Piper and Cam together …..Cam helped Piper loosen up and they helped each other heal and find happiness. A great read!
*I received an arc from Netgalley & HarperCollins Publishing for an honest review* Almost Just Friends (Wildstone series Book #5) blew me away, Jill Shalvis wrote an incredible, amazing, extraordinary book. Cam who returns home to check on his father Emmitt after the tragic loss of his brother Rowan and Piper who lost her parents at a young age leaving her to raise her younger brother Gavin & sister Winnie meet at the local bar the night a storm hits. This book had all the feels. It was funny, sexy, emotional, tragic, honest. You will laugh, cry & feel like you are experiencing everything the characters are feeling including the extended family. Piper thinks her siblings are off on their own successfully so she can finally have a life of her own until they both come home with secrets they don’t want to tell her because they don’t want to disappoint her. All the while Piper has kept her emotions in check (& never grieving her parents death) to stay strong for her siblings. While Cam & Emmitt are dealing with the grief & guilt over Rowan and trying to repair their own relationship. Piper & Cam help each other heal to get their HEA but it’s not an easy road and neither is it easy for Piper & her siblings to finally get to a good place where they are all finally being open & honest with each other to work through their issues. Gavin also has his second chance with CJ who’s now a town cop, also emotional! This book shows that with love, honesty & perseverance a family that loves each other can work things out if they are willing & same goes for the relationships in the book. Also can’t forget Chance the rescue dog. I highly recommend this book & author, you won’t be disappointed!!
Another entertaining story from this author, she never disappoints.
This was a heart felt read all the way through…oh the ‘feels’, teary on the train in public again.
These siblings coming together in adulthood with so much baggage, finding their way in lives good and bad. Piper the big sister has always been their mother figure and it’s time to accept them and let them make their own mistakes. This girl needs some loving and life of her own. Hottie neighbour to the rescue. Great book, I loved it.
“Her inner office-supply ho quivered and she fell in love all over again” rang true to me and cracked me up.
Another great story by Jill! I fell in love with these characters! 5 stars for this!
Piper, strong woman who had to take care of her younger siblings after the death of their parents, even though they lived with their grandparents. Now that they are out of the house, she can finally sell it and give everyone their cut and move on and go to school. But just like her luck, her brother and sister are back home, hiding secrets and they don’t want to sell the house.
Camden is back home to check on his dad, an hopefully deal with his demons regarding his brother. When he meets Piper, he’s instantly attracted to her. But he’s only here for a few weeks, could he dare to start something with her?
These two have sparks that fly when ever they are together, I loved them and Pipers family! Grab this asap!
Jill Shalvis writes another great book! This is the fourth book in the Wildstone series. They are all stand alone’s. This is about a woman who puts everything and everyone first before her happiness. She raised her two younger siblings, takes care of the house her grandparents lived in, checks in on her neighbor and is an EMT. She cannot wait to get out of Wildstone and reach her dreams. But when Cam comes into her life along with her siblings, things don’t go quite as planned.
Even though her journal tells her otherwise.
Cam is haunted! He holds his emotions in and does not let them show. Well…until Piper. She makes him a better man and quiets him. Piper and Cam begin to heal each other in a way they never thought was possible.
There was even a third person in the narration of the book. That was a fun surprise. Gavin, Pipers brother also had a lot to say. And he really has his demons to work through.
I had a hard time setting this book down. I was sucked right into their lives and rode it with them. If you’re a Jill Shalvis fan, this book will not disappoint!