Love for Beginners: A Novel

I loved this sweet, and emotional story about family, regrets, second chances, and love. When Emma Harris wakes up from a coma after a horrific accident, life isn't the same. She is determined to be stronger and live life on her own terms. But guilt and pain make it difficult to recover completely. Simon is her sexy physical therapist. He is intrigued by this woman who won't give up, and pushes her to be her best. They have an attraction that they both fight, neither being ready for a relationship, but can't hold back either. Simon's cousin, Ali, is heartbroken when, Ryan, the love of her life, breaks up with her. She works for Simon, but wants something to build as her own. She wants to be partners with Emma in her new Doggy Daycare business. But since they are frenemies since high school, they must learn to get along and work together. Maybe they might learn from each other and find the strength to build the kind of life they always wanted, that just may include Simon and Ryan as well. Shalvis has created a beautiful story that is so moving, and funny, with quirky characters and a heartfelt slow burn romance. I loved this charming story and can't wait for more from Wildstone!

Every time I read a book written by Jill Shalvis I am in love with the characters and the journey she creates and writes about; Love for Beginners, book seven in her Wildstone series, is no exception. It is another example of Shalvis’ sense of humor, the personalities she gifts unto her characters, allowing the reader to connect with each of them. The strength and determination she blessed Emma with, waking from a coma and learning how to live again. Not live her old life, but create a life that she could live without feeling survivor’s guilt. The perseverance and determination, not allowing Emma to be a quitter, no matter the challenges and difficulties life had thrown her way. The way she creates a new life for herself at a doggy day care and how that place helped with saving others in need. The beginning of a friendship with her former childhood nemesis, Ali the “frenemy”, enables each of them to improve to become better people and find the best friend they both needed. Then there is Simon, the physical therapist, who puts Emma through the wringer; as her determination and will to survive speaks to him, magnetically pulling him to her. As his feelings for her grow, Simon doesn’t handle it well because of the chaotic demands on his time and life. When Emma finally realizes she is all in, having fallen for Simon, life attempts to throw her a few curve balls; allowing her to recognize that life isn’t what you are given but what you make of it. Ms. Shalvis wrote an amazing, emotional, touching story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale that sizzled with magnetic attraction, scorch the sheets chemistry, witty banter, and charming characters making it difficult, at least for this reader, to put the book down. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend Love for Beginners to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Another awesome visit to Wildstone. This is a story of second chances of life, romance and friends. Emma was in a near fatal accident and now trying to rebuild her life. She needs to find a new career and is now working as a pet trainer. Simon, her PT trainer, landlord, friend and secret crush on both ends but does not know if he wants to open his heart again. Alison, is Emma's enemy from high school but is also Simon's cousin. Emma needs Allison so she can buy out the pet shop and Allison needs Emma to practice a friendship to win back her boyfriend, Ryan. Plus, with the added secondary characters of Hog and Killer, makes for the perfect read. This story has plenty of heart and laughter that will keep you turning the pages. So many second chances involved that will all end end up with you smiling. I highly recommend this story! This is part of a series but can all book can be read as a stand alone.