Love for Beginners is the seventh novel in the Wildstone series by Jill Shalvis. Each book will work on its own and are set in the coastal town of Wildstone. Emma Harris may feel like she has lost everything when she awakens from a coma, but she’ll soon discover that starting over can be bliss…
by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #7
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
What would you change if you had to start your life—and love life—over again?
When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma she learns that her fiancé and her BFF have fallen in love, she’s lost her job, and the life she knew is gone. Overwhelmed but grateful to be alive she starts over from scratch. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. But she’s never been a quitter, even if she wishes she could quit rehab, where her hot but evil physical therapist, Simon, puts her through the wringer.
Eager for a new beginning, Emma opens a doggy day care. Unfortunately, the only space she can afford is owned by her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. But hey, she’s been through worse, right? She tries to roll with the punches, but a friend drops his grandpa off at the doggy day care in desperation then on top of that, she and Ali bring the term ‘frenemies’ to a whole new level. And then another grandparent shows up. And another.
In the midst of all that, Emma realizes she’s accidentally fallen for Evil PT. But the most horrifying thing of all is that Ali just might have turned into the best friend she’s ever had. And as Emma grows from the pain of her past and takes on her new path, she comes to realize that life isn’t what you’re given, it’s what you make of it.
I have been enjoying the Wildstone series from its coastal setting to the characters we have met along the way. Each of the novels works on its own, from story to romance. In this tale we meet Emma Harris who wakes from a coma after being struck by a car while out running. While she beat the odds, it seems her BFF and fiance are now an item and life as she knew it has changed. It’s a time of new beginnings, but first she’ll need to overcome her physical limitations. Not to worry, Simon, her evil physical therapist, has no intentions of letting her fail.
I loved this story from the flunk-out support dog to Simon’s ornery dad. Shalvis has a gift for creating characters and situations that pull you in, tug at your heartstrings, make you swoon and leave you smiling. Love for Beginners had these elements.
Rose suffers survivors’ guilt, but is also determined to succeed. When her boss at the local doggy day care retires, Emma wants to buy the business, but that involves getting approval from her childhood nemesis Ali Pratt. I loved their back-and-forth banter and the secondary story involving Alison.
Simon loved his job as a therapist, but is juggling running his Dad’s business and home care needs. Simon is a sweetie who doesn’t know his own worth but takes care of those he loves. The chemistry between him and Rose was fun, sweet, and sizzled. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop, even if the hot and cold vibe drove me crazy.
From its small-town feel to the cute critters, Shalvis left me smiling and looking forward to returning to Wildstone.
Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis is the perfect feel good beach romance. #NewRelease #MustRead #Wildstone Share on XAbout Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's latest, ONE IN A MILLION, on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Joyousreads
I’ve recently hauled a bunch of Jill Shalvis books, but I’m not sure if this one is a part of it. I’ve enjoyed her books in the past, so I’m sure I’ll feel the same way about this one.
Lovely review!
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I just love this series! I am so glad to see that you enjoyed this one. I am a couple of chapters in and am liking the setup of the story.
Katherine
Shalvis writes the absolute best animal characters and I loved the first book in the series. It’s been far too long since I’ve read one of her books and this looks like a great one to pick up!
Wendy Williams
Great Review! I love Jill Jill Shalvis books! So glad you liked this one. I’ll put it on my TBR. Thanks.
Jen
I love the concept of this series and how each is a standalone. Jill Shalvis is always a good read!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I saved your review to read later as I have it on audio for review.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve only read one of her books but I enjoyed it. I need to read more from this author soon.
Ethan
I always hear great things about Shalvis. It seems like she’s really great at fleshing out a story to take it beyond just a typical romance.
Debbie Haupt
Okay you had me at flunk-out support dog and who can resist that cover. Thanks Kim
Melliane
Oh it’s been a while sincr I haven’t read a book by this author