After being in a coma, Emma has to piece herself back together both physically and emotionally. Her physical therapist, Simon, tries to keep their relationship strictly business even though the attraction is there. Both of them have issues they need to work on. I felt this book dragged on towards the end. I received an ARC from NetGalley and William Morrow Paperbacks for my honest review.

Thank you to Avon Romance and Net galley for allowing me to review this book. Emma is a runner who is building up for a half marathon when suddenly she is in an accident and wakes up from a coma only to find her fiance and bff roommate are now together. While going to physical therapy with a hot therapist she has to find how to heal and get a life back for herself. This book was probably my favorite of the Wildstone series and thats saying a lot because Lost and Found Sisters is my go to. I also laughed out loud several times with Dale's character (esp balloon animals).

I requested this book because of the dog on the cover. But I finished reading it because of the relationships. I loved how the imperfect characters grew, but never quite became perfect.

Emma is struggling to come back from an accident that left her in a coma for 2 months, during which her fiancé and best friend hooked up. Now she is learning to walk and figure out where her life goes from here. Allison is closed off, afraid to let people in. Her boyfriend has broken up with her and she is trying to become more open so maybe their relationship has a chance. Emma and Allison were high school enemies forced to come together now. The sarcasm and humor between them was fun. New friendships and romances will capture your interest in this book. I loved the big two dogs. Killer who thinks he is bigger than he is and Hog the big dog who is afraid of everything. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Love for Beginners
A Novel
by Jill Shalvis
William Morrow and Custom House
You Are Auto-Approved
William Morrow Paperbacks
General Fiction (Adult) | Romance | Women's Fiction
Pub Date 08 Jun 2021 | Archive Date 03 Aug 2021

Thanks for this fun summer read! I haven't read Jill Shalvis in a while but I am glad I picked this one.
After reading so many WWI books I needed something lighter to read. This is a great story and I really liked the characters. Our romance readers will like this. Thanks to William Morrow and Custom House /Net Galley for the ARC. I enjoyed it.

This was such a good read and I really loved how much growth the characters went through throughout the story. We have Emma who when she wakes up from a coma she finds out her fiancée and bff have fallen in love with each other, she’s lost her job and her life as she knew it was gone. While in rehab she still lives with the bff/fiancée so Simon her hot physical therapist helps her find a new place to live and she has to access her life and figure what she wants to do with it which turns out owning a doggie day care. Though she ends up having to partner with her old high school nemesis Ali cousin of Simon since she owns the space where the day care is located. Of course in the midst of this Emma ends up falling for Simon who has his own issues that he is working through. Emma, Simon, and Ali have things that have to overcome to realize that they deserve to be happy and oh man it was just so good. The characters were just so fleshed out and you really empathized with Emma’s survivors’ guilt since she was hit by a car while jogging across the street and the driver didn’t see the stop sign, spun out to hit another car and his wife died on impact. So there was such great closure with that and how much each of them couldn’t move on until they knew the other was ok. I just really enjoy the stories that Jill Shalvis tells and I can’t wait to read another one.

Thanks to William Morrow/Custom House and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.

It's been a while since I read a book by Jill Shalvis and I am glad I read this one. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Although this is a part of the Wildstone series this is a standalone.

Emma is recovering from an accident and a coma. During the book you her grow and regain her independence as well as see her faith in friendship and relationships restored.

Simon is Emma's "hot" physical therapist who is a full time caretaker of his dad, who has had a couple strokes, as well as runs his father's property management company. He is struggling to find a way to balance everything.

Alison is Simon's cousin and as it turns out, Emma's high school adversary. She becomes Emma's business partner and eventually the poor their past behind them and become friends.

I enjoyed seeing the friendship blossom between Emma and Alison. I could relate to both characters. Their friendship wasn't instant and it progressed in a natural way. The same applies to Emma and Simon's relationship.... there was no easy path to the HEA.

There was a part of the story that seemed a bit out of place as it mentions COVID-19. There is no other mention of it and at no time prior to that one reference was it apparent that this was taking place during the pandemic. They was no mention afterwards either.

Overall, I would recommend this book as it's an uplifting story with characters who work to overcome their shortcomings and of course it has a happily ever after ending.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fun summer read! Great story by Shalvis. Strong characters, and a solid story made it a page turner. A happy little escape . Thanks To Netgalley for the ARC copy !

I Love the Wildstone series! Each book is a wonderful stand alone full of humor and characters you want to befriend. In Love for Beginners the reader witnesses complex and unexpected friendships that blossom into loving relationships between frenemies and lovers. Didn't want to leave the characters behind!

I wasn't sure how I felt about this book when I read the description, because recovering from a situation like the one the main character was dealing with doesn't lend itself well to humor. But I should not have doubted. The humor balanced well with the pain and anxiety the character was experiencing. Definitely among my favorite Shalvis titles.

Emma Harris is recovering from an accident that left her in a coma for two months. She desperately wants to get her life back on track. Emma gains a modicum of normalcy and independence thanks to her handsome physical trainer. When she fails to find employment, she agrees to a partnership with a childhood frenemy. Simon and Alison make it difficult for Emma to stick to her vow of no emotional entanglements. Can Emma finally find closure? Or will the accident’s repercussions continue to haunt her?
Simon Armstrong is Emma’s physical trainer. He puts both his life and career on hold to take care of his father. Simon strives to help Emma achieve every one of her life goals and then some. He never expects to be emotionally drawn to her. However, his father and his father’s business take precedence. Being around Emma makes it tough for Simon to maintain a professional distance. Can Simon let go of his mental demons to commit to Emma? Or will he sabotage yet another relationship?
Emma is such an inspiration! Her life has changed drastically due to an unfortunate accident. I admire Emma’s tenacity and determination. She refuses to give up when things feel pointless. Emma does wallow in self-pity now and then, but anyone would in her place. What I like the most about Emma is how she honestly tries to help Alison with her relationship woes. The two may have had a turbulent past; however, they both learn that not everything is how they assumed it was.
Simon is a total sweetheart! He is a man who willingly owns up to his emotional and mental hang-ups. I adore Simon’s selflessness. He not only put his father’s and his cousin’s needs ahead of his own, but he does the same thing with Emma also. What I love the most about Simon is his instinctive awareness of Emma’s needs and wants. He is not afraid to play the bad guy by chasing away unwanted people who bother her. Simon even shares his getaway spot with her.
LOVE FOR BEGINNERS is book seven in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance series, WILDSTONE. I love how each book in this amazing series can easily standalone. There is no on-going plot or reoccurring characters. The only commonality in each story is the setting.
LOVE FOR BEGINNERS is an uplifting tale of two couples’ struggles to overcome their shortcomings to be together. I cannot wait for the next novel set in Wildstone, California.

A very touching story about Emma, recovering from a year in a coma after being hit by a car. She finally wakes to her fiance and her best friend having an affair in the apartment she had shared with her bestie. Awkward and infuriating. The Physical Therapist who has given her back so much of her life and strength also gives her a new place to live. This sets the stage for a wonderful romance and a new life for Emma. I loved this one and i recommend it to you.

I felt for Emma immediately. First she in a terrible accident, and then while recovering, discovers her fiancé and best friend become romantically involved. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she begins to move on with the help of her physical therapist, Simon, and other people who become an important part of her life.. She is conflicted with making a full recovery due to the guilt she feels for the other people involved in the accident. Once she faces her fears and allows herself to heal, she opens her heart to the man she has fallen in love with, Simon.
Although Emma is struggling financially, the stars align when she is able to partner with Simon's cousin to buy out the doggy day care she currently works at. Simon also helps Emma find a place to live when she finally is able to leave the rehab facility. She continues to heal both physically and emotionally.
Simon also faces fears of his own while trying to help those closest to him. He is so busy helping others and not taking care of himself and his wants. He loves Emma but is afraid she will leave him just like his past relationships. Once he sees that she is in love with him they are able to begin their life together.
Jill Shalvis has captured the struggles, heartache, friendships, family and love that makes her books real and entertaining.

I really REALLY enjoyed this read. First of all, both women whose stories are told are interesting and well-fleshed out. In my experience with these types of women's fiction books, usually there's one story that's far superior, but Shalvis does a great job giving both time and attention, enough that by chapter 3 I was fully invested in both Emma and Alison. The accident/coma angle was actually really interesting, instead of soap opera-ish as I was initially fearing. One thing I respected too was the baggage that the guys have really do make sense, which for me prevented them from becoming either boring or unlikeable. Nothing super new or fresh, but definitely an enjoyable experience. All in all a fun, satisfying read.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I really enjoyed the story and flew through this book. The emotions of dealing with such a life-altering injury felt very believable and real, and how Shalvis deals with the emotions of how people change and grow is excellent. I think anyone struggling could find so much hope in this book. I really appreciate books where women are strong and believable characters, who can also recognize their own flaws and still find love.

Emma Harris has survived a coma, intense physical therapy, and the loss of her best friend and fiancé. Now she has to step back into real life and figure out what the future holds. Simon Armstrong, her hardass PT, is there to help in any way he can...until it all becomes more. Emma and Simon start building more than friendship as they navigate new jobs, old responsibilities and all the excitement of the residents of Wildstone.

I love Shalvis and have read this whole series. I thought they had become relaxed and not quite for me until this novel. Boy did it pick up the pace and the heat. I loved the intensity of Simon but this novel was best at showing the friendship of Allison and Emma and how even when your life drastically changes (at first, maybe, for worse) you can find new footing and, hopefully, some hot, steamy romance.

This is a feel good romance and a great summer read. The characters are so likable and you can really feel for Emma and all she has been through. And, of course,I loved hog the dog. There is also humor in this story which I love in a book. Highly Recommend

Another excellent book by Jill Shalvis! Emma's hit by a car and ends up in the hospital in a coma. Before the accident, she was a PE teacher and runner, but now she can barely climb stairs. It will take everything she has to start over again but she's making progress with the help of her "Hardass PT" physical therapist, Simon. Emma's personal life is also a mess because her best friend and fiance got together while she was in the coma. Simon steps up to help Emma literally get back on her feet and she helps him realize his goals. I read this book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. Highly recommended!

Loved the storyline. The character developement was very adept. Female lead was both determined & realistic about getting her life back. Very realistic in the not forgiving or forgetting of betrayal by BFF & Fiancé, as well as the fact hurt more losing BFF of twenty years. The secondary characters were great as well- would love to have their story flushed out a little more - maybe novella? Overall I love this series & have gifted the books to my own BFF. Thank you for a bright spot in otherwise crappy beginning of new year following crappy year.

Instant love. Well that’s what you experience reading LOVE FOR BEGINNERS the newest story by Jill Shalvis. Ironically instant love is not what her characters enjoy in this lighthearted tale of folks diligently working to get back on their feet, literally and figuratively. Starting over from a foreign place is tough and demanding. Some tackle it head on. Some hide in shadows. What really matters is trying and yet for some that step seems impossible.
So LOVE FOR BEGINNERS is divided into chapters titled with a step by step phrase on how to make friends and if lucky have that relationship grow to something more. Dare we root for love.
Simon is a master at PT which is also his love. But for now Simon divides his life into compartments due to responsibilities that he never counted on. And yet Simon charges on. Running a hugely successful property management company was not on Simone radar but with his dad recovering from strokes that is where he is needed. Simon in the meantime cuts down on clients that need his help with PT. Except for Emma. Between Simon and his cousin Alison they manage his family business and watch over Dale. Dale, Simon’s father and Alison’s uncle is learning to live after suffering several strokes. This is one stubborn family but together they face any and all challenges.
Emma and Alison have much in common. Their intelligence, sass, humor and stubbornness. Material for a glorious friendship if I ever heard. Jill Shalvis has a way with words and dialog and has infused LOVE FOR BEGINNERS with some of her best, and I speak from great knowledge and love for all books by Jill Shalvis. The banter between Emma and Alison speak to memories with friends. Friends know each other and like each other through thick and then, flaws and all. So Emma and Alison are fated to become besties. They complete each other.
And it wouldn’t be a Jill Shalvis romcom without the requisite pooches, Killer and Hog. Killer is small in size but large in personality. And Hog, well just wait till you meet this huge support dog.
If you are ready for an excellent romantic comedy this is it. LOVE FOR BEGINNERS is about taking baby steps. In the case of Emma and Alison they create lists and if they follow them perhaps, they will meet their goals. Either way it is rich with material created to grab your funny bone along with your heart.
Would you like a drink? Rum makes my clothes falloff. Did you eat the entire bag of chips? If it’s not in a resealable bag then it is one serving.
Emma and Simon are meant for each other even if life keeps getting in the way. Same for Alison and her ex-boyfriend Ryan. As partners Emma and Alison are going to be awesome. As friends beyond expectations. Same holds true for LOVE FOR BEGINNERS. Jill Shalvis hit another one out of the ball field.