Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis

Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Avon, Harper Collins Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

When Olive Porter’s off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.

As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noah’s used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, he’d love nothing more than a good distraction.

So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he can’t fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward?

I decided to read this novel based on the synopsis, the front cover, and the author. The synopsis immediately hooked me, leaving me with questions I knew only the book could answer. The cover, a picturesque snowy mountain scene featuring a cozy cabin, a campfire, and a dog with a cat drew me in. I could almost feel the crisp mountain air and smell the smoke from the campfire. Plus, I’ve enjoyed Jill Shalvis’ storytelling in the past, so I was eager to dive into this one.

Sometimes, a synopsis gives away all the best parts of a book, leaving little to discover, but that wasn’t the case here. There were plenty of details left to unravel, and I was pleased with the well-developed cast of characters. Their relationships felt relatable and charismatic, and the plot was both contemporary and captivating, making the story flow effortlessly from beginning to end.

The heroine, Olive Porter, became the strong, successful woman she is thanks to the challenges and circumstances of her childhood. The hero, Noah Turner, carries his own emotional baggage from his past. They grew up in the same small town and once shared a young love that was abruptly cut short. As their past and present unfolded, I found myself completely invested in their journey. Their chemistry was heartfelt and undeniable, and it was touching to watch them learn to trust–themselves and each–other again. Most of the other characters could see they were meant to be together; it was only a matter of time before Olive and Noah admitted it to themselves.

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging romance, I highly recommend this book. I couldn’t put it down until I reached the end, and Olive and Noah’s happily ever after left me completely satisfied.