"Ah, Piper. It's okay to be broken. Broken can be fixed." I have loved every moment of reading the Wildstone series and Almost Just Friends is not an exception. It is quite possible that this is my favorite of the series thus far - something about Piper, Gavin, Winnie, Cam, Emmitt, and even Rowan just gripped my heart and would not let go. I loved the exploration of all the relationships, the way that trauma affected them all, and the way that they relied on each other to cope. There have been very few times (I can think of 3 now) when I've read a line in a book and wanted it indelibly inked on to my skin - the last sentence in the opening quote is one of those lines. This is a book that will stay with me forever and I can not wait for the next installment in the series this summer. Jill Shalvis was one of my go to authors when I discovered contemporary romance many (many) years ago and I'm ecstatic to restore her position on my "must read/autobuy" list now. 5 out of 5 wine glasses.

With each book I read by Jill Shalvis I fall a little bit more in love with the worlds she creates, and her Wildstone series is no exception. I always know I'm going to get a story far more complex than boy meets girl, with a bit of heartbreak, and a lot of life lessons on the side. Which is always something I adore.

Almost Just Friends isn't just the story of Piper falling in love with Camden. It's a story of Piper becoming friends with her younger siblings, it's about Camden being friends with his father. As the love story between Piper and Camden grows, so do the relationships between them and their family members, and what you get is this wonderful story about relationships in general, and about growing up.

Piper is a young woman that didn't get to experience life all that much. Being left in charge of her younger siblings after the tragic death of her parents meant she had to grow up fast. As Gavin, her brother puts it, she had to be their mom, their dad, their enforcer, and their sister all in one, and it's a hard thing to ask from a fourteen year old. But she did it. She put them on the right path, and now she has plans for her own future. She is definitely not going to fall in love with the new guy in town, even if he happens to be her neighbor's son, and a really good guy. I really loved Piper's journey throughout this book. She lost control over so much of her life, that she tries to get control back any way she can, and if that means pushing men away and being lonely then that's what she's going to do. She has a hard time turning the responsible adult part of her brain off when it comes to her siblings, and it's easy to see how much it takes for her to not be a mother hen around them. My heart broke for her when she slowly starts finding out what her siblings have kept from her. I get why they didn't tell her all those things, but at the same time I was very sad for her, and I kind of wanted to slap her brother and sister silly.

Camden is a really nice guy. Like most of the characters in this book, he had his demons. His story is just as sad as Piper's, and as the puzzle pieces start falling into place you discover that he's just trying to forgive himself, just like everybody else. He has Piper's back, which I really loved about him. He starts off being a mystery, even though some scenes are told from his perspective. It takes a while for him to open up, and he does so reluctantly. But he does and again, my heart broke a little. There was a lot of my heart getting broken while reading this book.

Gavin and Winnie, Piper's siblings, have really interesting stories. I didn't fully understand why they felt the need to hide things from Piper, especially when they were very much aware of how hurt she would be by them hiding things, especially since everybody else seemed to know what was going on.

Aside from Piper and Camden's romance, there's a secondary romance that I don't want to talk much about, because it took me by surprise and I want you guys to be just as surprised as I was. I didn't expect it, but I love reading second chance romances, and this one was just perfect.

My favorite side character has to be Emmitt however, Camden's dad. He had some of the funniest moments in the book, and he's the father figure that Piper needed in her life.

All in all, this was a fantastic story that I really enjoyed reading. I am now patiently waiting for the next book in the series.

Piper spends most of her youth and her adult life caring for her sister and brother after their parents die . Finally thinking that she can do something for herself and go to college , she starts planning . Both of her siblings return and suddenly her plans are up ended again.
Cam comes home to take care of his dad and ends up falling for Piper unintentionally. He feels stuck in between Piper and her sister as he keeps her sister’s secret that she is pregnant with his dead brother’s baby..
Jill Shalvis did a wonderful job with this emotional heartfelt family story .
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC for my honest review.

This is the first book of this series that I've read and I understand this book is actually book 4 in the series and it seemed to be o.k. to read as a stand alone. I didn't feel like I was missing anything but I guess I wouldn't really know until I went back and read the previous 3 books. I have ready many of this author's book many years back but I don't read much romance anymore. I enjoyed both love stories and the character development and the overall plot. It had all the feels, happiness, sadness and joy and it definitely give you the payoff at the end.

Overall a great HEA romance with enough different not to be every other romance out there.

Title: Almost Just Friends ( Wildstone #4)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Genre: Contemporary
My Rating: 5 ++
………………..

This book is a gem. Did I expect anything less from Jill Shalvis? No. If you’re hoping for a feel-good well written trope, this books right up your alley.

On to the story…
Piper Manning’s the back-up matriarch of the family. She’s been the backbone since her grandparents willed her their lake house. Her plans are set after raising her two siblings: fix the lake house, sell and enjoy her life. Until, a handsome stranger waltzes into town. Camden Reid topples her world; swooping through like a whirlwind.

Feelings she’d never felt ignites her core whenever he’s around. Causing her to rethink everything she’d planned. Will Camden and Pipers new found attraction morph into something more? Or will they both agree to go separate ways; unconvinced they have something special they should pursue? Find out with your copy of this wonderful book. You won’t be disappointed.

*I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

My Thoughts:

Almost Just friends was a wonderful story about friendship, family, love, and life. Piper Manning lost her parents at the tender age of thirteen, and came with her younger siblings, Gavin and Winnie, to live with her grandparents in Wildstone. She took on the burdens and responsibilities of raising them and was more like a mother than a sibling. Piper is looking forward to selling the house and cottages on Rainbow Lake; that her family inherited from her grandparents, so that she can move away to Colorado, and go to college to become a P.A. Piper longs for adventure and a life of her own, now that both of her siblings flew the nest many years ago.

However all of Piper's plans are interrupted when Gavin and Winnie show up, and plan on staying as a family at their grandparents house. Both have heavy burdens to bare, and secrets that they are keeping from their older sister. To top it off, Piper meets the sexy, handsome, and caring, Cam who happens to be on leave from the Coast Guard, and is visiting his father, and Piper's neighbor, Emmitt, after the loss of Cam's younger brother. Things have now gotten complicated for Piper, and she just might discover there is plenty of adventure to be had in her small little hometown of Wildstone...

I loved Piper. She reminded me of myself. She carried her bullet journal/planner everywhere, and was obsessed with making lists for everything. She cracked me up with her bucket list, and secret secret bucket list! She loved her siblings more than anything, but she could come off a little bossy and judgemental, as far as they were concerned.

Cam rarely smiled when Piper first met him, but she made him happy. He saw what a treasure Piper was, and he made her feel wanted, appreciated, and seen. Cam was such a sexy manly man. He looked out for Piper, and was an excellent listener. He helped her to have fun, and relax. These two connected, because they had both had challenges in their lives, where they could relate to one another. Plus the chemistry between them was sizzling!

I loved the secondary cast of characters as well. Emmitt, Cam's father, was hilarious! I loved learning about Gavin, and he had his own romance as well. Winnie was going through a lot, but I loved her strength, resilience, and courage to pick herself up, and become the mature adult that she wanted to be.

My favorite aspects of this story were the humor that was infused all the way throughout the story, as well as being able to relate to it when it came to loss, mourning, and learning how to live again. The two romances were fun, but my absolute favorite moments were when everyone was together, whether they were bickering or having a good time! If you are looking for a story that will have you laughing aloud, make you happy, and is real and relatable to life, and experiencing loss, and love; as well as needing to learn resilience, you should pick up Almost Just Friends by Jill Shalvis!

Almost Just Friends is the fourth book in the Wildstone series, however, it can be read on its own. In this latest offering from Jill Shalvis, we meet Piper Manning an EMT. Piper is completing her plans to go to college. Now that her siblings have all grown up, and she is no longer responsible for them, she can now live her life on her own terms. However, things rarely go as planned as Piper would discover, when her siblings returned home with secrets, which had the potential to turn her world upside down. If that was not enough, her neighbour’s sexy son would evoke feelings she feared and never thought possible. For a woman who bases her life on lists, this spells trouble.

Shalvis weaved an entertaining story which, featured complicated characters. I enjoyed every moment getting to know the characters, who were strong yet flawed. These were persons you wanted the best for and hoped they would get their act together.

This book featured not one but two romances which I loved. I am not a fan of MM romance, but I found myself enjoying the second chance romance between Gavin (Piper’s brother) and CJ.

The connection between Piper and Cam was both sweet and hot. I loved the slow burn and the undeniable chemistry that burned between the couples. I found myself invested in both relationships and had my fingers crossed hoping they would overcome the obstacles that could destroy their happiness.

Of all the characters in the story, Camden’s dad was my favourite. He was funny and charismatic, which added to depth to the story.

It was a pleasure watching the characters grow throughout the story. They claimed their mistakes and attempted to correct them, which resulted in healing and forgiveness for all who were involved.

Drama and angst was prominent in this story, however, they were balanced out by the humour and all the happy events that transpired.

Conclusion/Recommendation

Almost Just Friends is a story about healing, forgiveness, over coming fears and self-discovery. If you enjoy contemporary romance, you will love this book.

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 don't want to sound like a breathless fan girl, but Ms. Shalvis really is that author. She can write about weighty subjects like the ones in this story, but also leave you feeling very satisfied with how she handles these issues and the happy endings her characters get. She is always a sure bet and ALMOST JUST FRIENDS is no exception.

The underlying theme of this book really is secrets, secrets that need to see the light of day for healing to happen.

Piper has had to put her needs aside for so long that she may have lost the ability to be honest about those needs and accept the help or even affection that she needs. She has been a parent for so long that she cannot see that her siblings need her to accept them as equals, instead of trying to fix everything.

Cam has his reasons for being in Wildstone, which have nothing to do with Piper, but his feelings for her are exactly what he needs to ground him and give him the home he needs. I love that he took everything in stride and was steady and dependable for Piper and their family.

There is so much to love about this book - Piper and Cam's romance, the story of family, loss and new beginnings; and the fact that we get two romances for the price of one. As always, there is the perfect blend of romance and drama to look forward to.

Almost Just Friends is the latest offering by prolific author Jill Shalvis. Piper Manning is finally at a point where, at almost 30, she finally has come to the point where she can claim her life for herself. She has worked as an EMT and has dreams of becoming a physician’s assistant.

She and her brother, Gavin, and sister, Winnie, were sent home from a war torn area where their Doctors Without Borders parents were working with the expectation that the parents would be joining the children in just a few days at their grandparents home in Wildstone, CA. However, they did not escape when a flood hit before they were set to leave. The kids were raised by their grandparents until their loss when Piper was 18, Gavin 15, and Winnie not yet a teen.

Piper took over the role of childcare completely at that time, first putting Gavin through college and now Winnie had begun college, too. Having inherited the large lakeside home and cottages, Piper is working to get the property ready to sell so she, too, can pursue her goals.

On Piper’s 30th birthday things begin to change. She meets the son of her dear neighbor Emmitt and is smitten; and both siblings come home with no plans to leave. How will Piper pursue her interests and still be there for her siblings as she has always been?

This is such a great story! These characters kept me reading until late because I really cared how their stories would unfold. This is a very good book that I enjoyed very much. I do recommend it!

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.

My first book by Jill Shalvis, I am a fan! Loved the many characters in this story. The central romance between Piper and Cam and both of their families. Interesting family relationships, secrets, and dynamics between Piper and her brother, Gavin, and sister, Winnie. Very relatable! I also liked the connection between Piper's family and Cam. his father, Emmitt and deceased brother, Rowan. I cared a lot for all of these characters! Nicely written and very emotionally involving stories! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Great friends to lovers story. Classic Jill Shalvis. Loved all the family dynamics. The main couple is most of the story line but it was wonderful to see Piper and her siblings grow and reconnect along the way. Cam's dad was also a strong secondary character. I enjoyed watching Cam tread lightly with Piper knowing that in the end, the connection was going to be so worth the wait.

Jill Shalvis is a phenomenal author. I love all her stories. The worlds she creates is breathtakingly amazing. I never want to leave her worlds. Every time Jill Shalvis puts pen to paper she creates magic with her words. Jill Shalvis knows what her readers want in a book and always delivers more than they expect.

In Almost Just Friends Jill Shalvis takes us back to Wildstone. We meet Piper Manning and Camden Reid. Piper suffered a tragedy that forced her to grow up fast. She raised her siblings. Now at the age of thirty she is ready to live her life. Camden also suffered a tragedy. Camden is haunted by this tragedy.
Camden is trying to to correct the mistakes he made. Piper is a very strong woman who put aside all her dreams to be there for her siblings.

Almost Just Friends is beyond amazing. This story really touches my heart and pulled at my heartstrings. I cried and laughed and had many heartswooning moments. I love how in a blink of an eye everything can change. I love the dynamics of Almost Just Friends. In Almost Just Friends you get so much more than just romance. This is a story of friendship, family, letting go, finding yourself. You get moments of conflict with a bit of humour and hearswooning moments. There are amazing secondary and supporting characters as well as an amazing town. Jill Shalvis captivated my heart and soul. She had me at page one and when the end of the story came I was sad to see it end. Everything about this story was very realistic and down to earth. I felt as if I could relate to the characters. Their struggles were real and they even had real flaws. Jill Shalvis showed us through her story that family is family inspite of their differences and struggles and flaws. I loved Piper's journaling. I loved and even laughed at some of her entries like her Life Rules.

Life Rules

Occasionally maybe make an effort to look nice.
Don't cut your own bangs no matter how sad you are.
Never ever, EVER, under any circumstances fall in love.

I also loved some of the quotes like "stressed is desserts spelled backward." or "My alone time is for your safety."

I also love the part where Piper says "I love both of you soul-sucking idiots. More than anything." I was laughing at that.

There is so much I loved about this book. I read it in one night and read it a second time. Almost Just Friends is now my all time favorite Jill Shalvis book. It's just that good. Thank you Jill Shalvis for the most amazing book I have ever read of yours. So grab your copy and join me in Wildstone and see why so many people love Jill Shalvis and her books.

What a fantastic romance read by the wonderful Jill Shalvis! Almost Just Friends is the fourth book in the Wildstone series, and although I would recommend the first 3, it isn’t necessary to have read them to enjoy this one!

The characters in this story were so well portrayed, so well developed and so very enjoyable! From Cam (AKA Hot Guy) who served in the Coast Guard, to Piper who practically raised her brother (Gavin) and sister (Winnie), to Cam’s dad (Emmitt), to Cam’s deceased brother (Rowan). The characters and storyline pull together to make this an incredibly heartbreaking, yet heartwarming, must read romance! I fell in love with this book!

Piper Manning's parents died when she was young then her grandmother died when Piper was 18 leaving Piper in charge of her younger brother, Gavin, and her younger sister, Willow. Neither Gavin nor Willow gave Piper an easy time but she's gotten them both out of the house and on their way. She's just about to achieve her dream of selling her grandparents' property and going to school in Colorado when they both come home, needing family. Which Piper might need as well.
Trying to change their family rut is painful. Also painful? Opening her heart to the tall, dark, and handsome man she meets in a storm, Camden Reid. He's in Wildstone to reconnect with his father after his brother's death but it may be that Piper is the person to help him to stay.
Piper's brother Gavin also gets his HEA with an old flame.
A nice addition to the series. I wish Piper and Gavin had gotten separate stories because we didn't get to see the true development of either but it a good read.

Four stars
This book came out January 21st
ARC kindly provided by HarperCollins Publishers and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

I loved "Almost Just Friends" by Jill Shalvis, which featured likeable, sympathetic characters and an emotionally engaging story. I particularly enjoyed the complexity of the relationship between siblings Piper, Gavin, and Winnie Manning because it seemed so realistic and relatable to me. It's hard enough to get along with one's siblings under normal circumstances, and circumstances for the Mannings were anything but normal as eldest sister Piper took on a parental role when they were very young. Over the course of this story, Piper, Gavin, and Winnie each had to learn different ways of seeing and communicating with each other as adults in order to escape the patterns that had caused conflict between them in the past. They each struggled in different ways, but fortunately ended up in a much better place by the end of the book.

The central romantic relationship between Piper and her neighbor's son, Camden Reid, was also a highlight of the book. They seemed to understand each other very well, perhaps because they were both so hard on themselves for the challenges they faced with their younger siblings. Even though she wasn't always perfect, I couldn't help but admire Piper for everything she managed to accomplish and the way she kept her family together after they lost their parents. It was very difficult for Piper to let Cam in because she was so afraid to lose someone else she loved, but Cam was very patient and understanding with her, eventually showing her that love was worth the risk. In return, Piper helped Cam work through the grief of losing his younger brother and finally find the home and family life he'd always wanted.

"Almost Just Friends" is the fourth book in the Wildstone series, but reads as a complete standalone. The books aren't directly connected, but each one features great characters and fantastic stories. I highly recommend each and every one of them and hope there are more installments to come.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I had no idea this was #4 in a series and I am so excited to know that! This boo is so fun and light, which is exactly what I needed. I love real characters that feel real emotions and are put in real situations. Jill Shalvis delivers just that in Almost Just Friends!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

This review will also post at Romance Reviews Today soon. http://romrevtoday.com/

ALMOST JUST FRIENDS – Jill Shalvis
A Perfect 10
A Wildstone Novel
William Morrow Paperbacks
ISBN: 978-0062897800
January 21, 2020
Contemporary Romance

Wildstone, California – Present Day

It’s Piper Manning’s birthday, and though she isn’t into celebrating birthdays, her friends entice her to a local bar to celebrate, where she promises to hook up with a man—any man—just to mark it off the list she keeps of “things to do.” Piper encounters a stranger to town, who is amused by her list. She stalks away, angry at him and herself for finding herself attracted to him. Later that night, during a storm, she heads over to her neighbor’s house to check on him—and runs into the stranger. He’s Cam Reid, the son of her neighbor. The sparks that flew between them in the bar are soon intensified. Cam is only visiting, but will Piper find a way to fulfill one of her to-do lists wishes, which is to have great sex with a man? Meanwhile, Piper’s siblings, Gavin and Winnie, show up unexpectedly. Suddenly, Piper’s life is in an upheaval, and she’s also lusting after her neighbor’s son!

Cam is visiting his father for a month while dealing with the guilt of losing his only brother, Rowan. Cam was there when his brother died, and it was then that he learned Winnie was pregnant with Rowan’s baby. Cam plans to check in with Winnie to make sure she’s okay. She informs him that Piper doesn’t yet know she’s pregnant. How will Piper react? Meanwhile, Gavin recently got out of drug rehab. He’s hoping to stay away from the drugs, but he will need his family’s support. But how can he when he doesn’t even tell his oldest sister about his problem?

Piper hasn’t had the heart to tell her brother and sister that she is planning to sell the home they’re living in to move to Colorado to take a medic course. The siblings were orphaned at a young age and grew up in the home with their grandparents, both now deceased. What she doesn’t know is that Winnie and Gavin want to turn the property into a Bed & Breakfast. As Piper grapples how to tell them, she turns to Cam, who has become a friend and confidant to her. Yes, she is still attracted to him, but it’s become more than wanting a fling with him. Cam is a listener, and Piper needs someone to talk to. But there is still that spark of attraction between them, and it’s only a matter of time before the sparks burst into something more.

ALMOST JUST FRIENDS is labeled a “women’s fiction” novel, but at the heart of it is the growing romance between Piper and Cam. Both have had to rely on no one except themselves. But they have others who need them. Piper and Cam spend time talking to each other about their worries and their dreams, yet one thing that hovers over them is that he knows about Winnie’s baby—and Piper doesn’t—for a good part of this tale. Piper thinks Rowan was a wayward young man, and if she discovers he and Winnie made a child together, how will it affect her perception of a man gone too soon?

Filled with emotion and heartfelt love, ALMOST JUST FRIENDS is that feelgood read you won’t want to put down once you open the book. This is why I’m awarding it a Perfect 10. It’s a tale of hope and happiness just when you think there can never be any. Don’t miss this beautiful and endearing story.

Patti Fischer

Loved this book so much! While the primary story is Piper and Cam, there are so many other great storylines going on and Shalvis does a fabulous job of weaving it all together into a great book you will not want to put down.

Piper has helped raise her brother and sister and just as she’s ready to finally get her time and go off to school, they both come home. Meanwhile, she meets her neighbor’s son Cam and she finds herself drawn to him.

Love, family, and relationships all shine in this book and I even found myself teary eyed in spots. I only hope any future Wildstone books allow us a glimpse and update of these characters.

Many thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.