Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Love for Beginners by Jill Shalvis Narrator: Erin Mallon
Series: Wildstone #7
Published by HarperAudio on June 8, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9 hours, 51 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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.
The books in the Wildstone series don’t seem to have much connection as far as characters or even locations, so you don’t really have to read them in order. There is a romance or two in each, with much more of a life fiction feel.
Emma had a horrible accident, was in a coma and was told she would probably never walk again. But she was determined to remake her life and so was her PT, Simon. Emma is so resilient and positive in the face of so many problems. At times, it feels like everything and everyone are against her but she handles it. Simon gives her some great help.
Ali has had her own problems and she blames Emma for them. She is a female curmudgeon who is a financial whiz. Both women have had some difficulties in their past and are working to improve their lives in the present. Neither has had a great love and are learning how to have a real relationship, both friends and loves.
Shalvis is extremely talented at pulling together everything for a great, emotional story. She had me crying and then I was laughing. The quirks and personalities are so realistic. Characters who were not my favorite became loved as I got to know them. There were so many characters I could root for their growth and successes. Of course, there were a few who weren’t redeemable as there has to be someone to dislike, as in the cheating ex.
I loved the small town feel and the great circle of support created with friends and family in this story of loves and going after your dreams in life.
Narration:
Erin Mallon is the voice of this series which I am enjoying on audio. Her male and female characters are differentiated in each book. The male and female voices do sound the same as characters from other books though. I really enjoy the husky quality of her male voices. I was able to listen chose to listen at usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip:
About Erin Mallon
Erin Mallon is an actor, writer and voice artist in NYC. Her naturally warm personality and youthful sound have proven excellent tools for the many young adult and romance titles she narrates. She has originated roles in the theater with Ensemble Studio Theater’s Youngblood Company, The Drilling Company, Mabou Mines, Incubator Arts Project and many more. Erin is a devoted volunteer at The 52nd Street Project, the voice of many TV and radio commercials, and was one of BACKSTAGE’s “Career Dispatch” columnists for 2012.
About Jill Shalvis
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
I enjoy small town settings and emotional stories and this one sounds so good. I have a few Jill Shalvis books and have yet to read one. I need to pick one up soon. Great review, glad you enjoyed this one.
Jill Shalvis is one of my favorite romance authors. Her older series tended to be more contemporary romance and the newer like this one are more life fiction (more realistic with more character development)
Oh I want this, it is just what I need for my next read. Thanks
It’s a good one.
So glad the audio was so enjoyable. I had fun with this one.
She really does a great job with the characters.
I’ve been meaning to try this author’s books for so long now. I’m glad to hear these don’t have to be read in order because I’d really love to read this one first after reading your review for it.
This series is totally standalone for each book. I am one who always read books in order but even I wouldn’t have to do it with this series. I love her books.
I used to devour all things Jill Shalvis, but I haven’t tried this series. I like that the books are all independent and I can pick any one to try. Thanks!
You can pick any one of this series. They are separate and fabulous.
Jill Shalvis always delivers! Glad you enjoyed it!
She’s definitely one of my only must read romance authors.
I really loved this one. Shalvis does such a great job of creating characters you want to see succeed.
Shalvis is a must read romance author for me. She always grabs me heart and makes me laugh.