Still The One by Jill Shalvis

By: Unknown on Monday, April 27, 2015

Title:  Jill Shalvis
Series:  Animal Magnetism #6
Author:  Jill Shalvis
Published:  April 7/15 by Berkley
Length:  320pgs
Genre:  contemporary romance
Shelf:  Netgalley
Rating: ★★★★★

Back Cover Blurb:

Darcy Stone is game for anything — except sexy Navy veteran and physical therapist A.J. Colten, the guy who'd rejected her when she'd needed him most. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he needs her to play nice and help him secure grants for his patients. Unfortunately, Darcy can't refuse. She needs the money to fund her passion project: rescuing S&R dogs and placing them with emotionally wounded soldiers.

A.J. admits it — Darcy is irresistible. But he's already been battle-scarred by a strong-willed, vivacious, adventurous woman like Darcy, and he's not making the same mistake twice—until he and Darcy are forced to fake a relationship. Growing closer than they'd ever imagined possible, Darcy and AJ have to ask themselves: how much between them is pretend? What's the real thing? And where does it go from here?

My Review:

What a powerful novel. Shalvis takes readers deep into her characters’ lives for a truly heartwarming (and at times heartbreaking) story. The combination of loss and recovery was sharply poignant, not only allowing readers to connect with the character emotionally, but also allowing them to experience part of it for themselves. She develops her setting in a picturesque manner that is very easy to picture. This may be the 6th novel in Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series, but it can also easily be read as a standalone novel.

The main characters invite you into their story from the moment that you meet them. It amazes me how vulnerable Darcy could be while still being one of the strongest individuals I’ve ever met. Contrasted with AJ’s stoicism you meet a powerfully captivating couple who battle against more than their fair share of problems. Shalvis has populated this novel with a cast of character that you simply can’t walk away from.

Once I started reading this novel I couldn’t put it down. Shalvis mixes romance with real life recovery, and throws in a large side of chemistry to create the ultimate small town romance.

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