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Sunrise Cove #7
Better Than Friends
Old flames reignite in Sunrise Cove in this charming enemies-to-lovers, second-chance, small-town, forced-proximity love story about family, friendships, and true love from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis.
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?
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?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2025
551 people are currently reading
13198 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
388 books13.8k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 794 reviews
November 14, 2024
A tragic accident causes two teens in love to stay away from each other for many years. Another tragic accident forces them back into each other’s lives many years later. This is a very cute second chance romance with strong family and friend relationships too.💜
I think this is one of my favs by this author. I love second chance romances personally and I really enjoyed the story of why they parted and why they found their way back.
There’s also a one bed situation. Although this book is really more PG-13 type-ish because most of the sexual scenes are more hinted than described in detail. I honestly wish there was a little more spice to it personally.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think this is one of my favs by this author. I love second chance romances personally and I really enjoyed the story of why they parted and why they found their way back.
There’s also a one bed situation. Although this book is really more PG-13 type-ish because most of the sexual scenes are more hinted than described in detail. I honestly wish there was a little more spice to it personally.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2024
This author is really good at writing stories that you just don’t want to put down. They’re comforting and sweet with great relationships throughout.
Better Than Friends is a perfect example of that with strong relationships and friendships. Even with the second chance romance the simmering feelings are still there.
The story is about a very tight-knit family with a lifelong best friend and her twin brother, who is your ex. His best friend is married to your bestie. I love the deep-rooted family connection here and Shalvis adds a little bit of suspense and twists that you weren’t expecting.
This book is loaded with snark and humor but also takes on some very serious topics that bring out the emotion and heartfelt care in the characters.
I love the rebuilding of the second chance relationship throughout as the main characters reconnect. And when the honest conversations finally happen, we get a beautiful ending.
Each of the stories that this author writes leaves us with hope and a smile on our faces. While this is a pretty clean romance you still get all of the feels and joy.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/better-than-...
Better Than Friends is a perfect example of that with strong relationships and friendships. Even with the second chance romance the simmering feelings are still there.
The story is about a very tight-knit family with a lifelong best friend and her twin brother, who is your ex. His best friend is married to your bestie. I love the deep-rooted family connection here and Shalvis adds a little bit of suspense and twists that you weren’t expecting.
This book is loaded with snark and humor but also takes on some very serious topics that bring out the emotion and heartfelt care in the characters.
I love the rebuilding of the second chance relationship throughout as the main characters reconnect. And when the honest conversations finally happen, we get a beautiful ending.
Each of the stories that this author writes leaves us with hope and a smile on our faces. While this is a pretty clean romance you still get all of the feels and joy.
~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/better-than-...
March 3, 2025
This was a solid 3 stars for me. Though it was fine to read as a standalone, I felt like I was missing context between these characters. Liked I jumped into a movie and had missed the first 10 minutes or so. I am a huge sucker for best friend's sibling which this was. And though I did enjoy that part, I found myself irritated with Olive and Noah. They had a weird falling out forever ago and though Olive stayed in touch with her best friend Katie (Noah's sister)- their relationship seemed to be all over the place. They reconnected at one point but never addressed it. There was a little too much hot and cold for me. With that being said, I could feel the chemistry between these two. We all know there is a fine line between love and loathe- these two had that part down. I liked the quirky side characters- especially Joey and how he kept popping up at the most inopportune moments. I also liked the dog and kitty as characters! I liked the suspense aspect. I also liked what these characters had been through- the definition of family for them was slightly different than most which added layers to them as people.
Olive is going home for one reason and one reason only- her best friend needs her. Katie NEVER asks for help and she asked. So Olive has answered. As much as she is looking forward to seeing people she hasn't seen in a while, she is not looking forward to seeing Noah, Katie's brother. The man who has been on her mind for the last 10 years. The man who she has been running from. The man who she now finds herself living across the hall from. Of course there is animosity between them. They have never talked through anything. They have let their bodies do the talking instead. Well now feelings seem to be involved. Feelings Olive doesn't know if she wants to define. Feelings that seem to be all consuming at times and maybe not welcome. But she seems them in Noah too. When she asks for his help and he comes willingly, she doesn't know what to think. The man who doesn't do relationships keeps showing up for her. He keeps confusing her. He lets her in then pushes her away. All the while Olive has to decide if she is going to speak what is in her heart and decide to stay or leave like she did all those years ago.
Noah is in the middle of medical leave for work when his life implodes again. His sister's best friend and woman he hasn't been able to get out of his head Olive is back in town. Not only that, she is living in the same house with him. The woman who up and left all those years ago. The woman who drives him crazy in a good and bad way. The woman he finds himself wanting to be different for and help like he hasn't before. So when she asks him for help reluctantly of course he helps. He wants to show her that she is loved. That even though she may not "need" it people are willing to help. The more time they spend together the more Noah finds himself terrified and intrigued. She makes him want more. More than he has ever thought he could have or should want. But there is an end date looming on when Olive will leave. Will Noah be able to decide if this is what he wants? And not only that will he be able to finally tell her how he feels? How he has always felt?
This was a super fast and easy read. Like I said I liked the brother's best friend aspect and the characters in general. I didn't like the back and forth. But I liked how everything tied together in the end. The closed door spice worked with the vibe of the book but I can't say I wouldn't have liked to hear Noah and how he may or may not have talked in bed LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Olive is going home for one reason and one reason only- her best friend needs her. Katie NEVER asks for help and she asked. So Olive has answered. As much as she is looking forward to seeing people she hasn't seen in a while, she is not looking forward to seeing Noah, Katie's brother. The man who has been on her mind for the last 10 years. The man who she has been running from. The man who she now finds herself living across the hall from. Of course there is animosity between them. They have never talked through anything. They have let their bodies do the talking instead. Well now feelings seem to be involved. Feelings Olive doesn't know if she wants to define. Feelings that seem to be all consuming at times and maybe not welcome. But she seems them in Noah too. When she asks for his help and he comes willingly, she doesn't know what to think. The man who doesn't do relationships keeps showing up for her. He keeps confusing her. He lets her in then pushes her away. All the while Olive has to decide if she is going to speak what is in her heart and decide to stay or leave like she did all those years ago.
Noah is in the middle of medical leave for work when his life implodes again. His sister's best friend and woman he hasn't been able to get out of his head Olive is back in town. Not only that, she is living in the same house with him. The woman who up and left all those years ago. The woman who drives him crazy in a good and bad way. The woman he finds himself wanting to be different for and help like he hasn't before. So when she asks him for help reluctantly of course he helps. He wants to show her that she is loved. That even though she may not "need" it people are willing to help. The more time they spend together the more Noah finds himself terrified and intrigued. She makes him want more. More than he has ever thought he could have or should want. But there is an end date looming on when Olive will leave. Will Noah be able to decide if this is what he wants? And not only that will he be able to finally tell her how he feels? How he has always felt?
This was a super fast and easy read. Like I said I liked the brother's best friend aspect and the characters in general. I didn't like the back and forth. But I liked how everything tied together in the end. The closed door spice worked with the vibe of the book but I can't say I wouldn't have liked to hear Noah and how he may or may not have talked in bed LOL.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 4, 2024
I held out as long as I could but I couldn’t wait any longer to read the authors latest. I wanted a cozy and funny romance and she always delivers on both fronts for me, it’s so nice being able to count on an author and she’s one of my trusted few that I know will write a story that I adore. This series is so special, I love the Tahoe setting and she always infuses so much cozy charm and happiness into her stories despite exploring deep topics. Olive and Noah are back home years after a tragic accident and seeing them finally deal with their pain and find their way to each other in the meantime was so sweet. The secondary characters about stole the show this time around, (not really but close) Noah’s sister is also Olive’s BFF so she played a huge role in the story and she cracked me up, her snark was the best and her and Olive’s relationship was adorable. If you like second chance, found family, friends to lovers, a gorgeous setting, lots of humor and sexy chemistry this was fantastic!!
January 20, 2025
I love the quirky, sometimes adorable character Shalvis creates and I’ve enjoyed her stories set in Sunrise Cove, a small-town near Lake Tahoe. In Better Than Friends, we meet Olive Porter, a PR Firm owner who returns to Sunrise Cove when her best friend’s husband is injured and her own off-the grid parents appear to be missing. The one person who might find them is Noah Turner, the boy turned man who still owns her heart.
Noah Turner is a special investigative agent for the National Park Service. His twin Katie married his best friend Joe. When Joe & Noah are injured on the job, Noah ends up with a broken leg and Joe is in the hospital in a coma. Sidelined from his job while he recuperating, Noah is doing his best to help Katie and has been staying with her. He is not prepared for the intense feelings he has when Olive returns to help Katie.
The tale that unfolds had me devouring this in a single afternoon. I loved the chemistry between them, as well as the friendship and family bond. Olive lived at her Gram’s house as a teen, when she tired of her parent’s nomad lifestyle. The Turner family lived next door, and they became like a family to Olive. I adored Katie and her awkward inability for hugs and the way she spoke unfiltered truths and facts.
The love story has deep roots and throughout the story we see glimpses into their friendship, feelings and romantic moments from their high school years. It drew me closer to Olive, Katie and Noah. Something happened all those years ago and slowly through past and present Shalvis reveals events. Why did Olive leave Noah, a Dear John letter, their senior year? If you love second chances, enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes, you’ll want to grab this one. It was sweet, hot, and filled with heartwarming moments and character growth.
I have to mention the secondary characters. My favorites were Katie and her adorable son, Joey. As Noah and Olive struggle to deal with their emotions and heated attraction, Joey was the one to find them kissing. These moments were delicious and hilarious all at the same time. Then we have Katie, who knows Olive is keeping something back about why she left. Amy, the twin’s mother, also has some secrets and where are Olive’s parents? Will Joe wake up from his coma?
Shalvis always includes animals in her stories, and in Better Than Friends we have the Turner family’s elderly dog, who’s on a diet and an adorable stray cat named Pepper. Both provided plenty of laughs and warm fuzzy feelings.
Can Noah and Olive find happily ever after? I recommend grabbing Better Than Friends and discovering those answers for yourself. While this is the seventh novel in the Sunrise Cove series, each offers a standalone romance and can be read on their own. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Noah Turner is a special investigative agent for the National Park Service. His twin Katie married his best friend Joe. When Joe & Noah are injured on the job, Noah ends up with a broken leg and Joe is in the hospital in a coma. Sidelined from his job while he recuperating, Noah is doing his best to help Katie and has been staying with her. He is not prepared for the intense feelings he has when Olive returns to help Katie.
The tale that unfolds had me devouring this in a single afternoon. I loved the chemistry between them, as well as the friendship and family bond. Olive lived at her Gram’s house as a teen, when she tired of her parent’s nomad lifestyle. The Turner family lived next door, and they became like a family to Olive. I adored Katie and her awkward inability for hugs and the way she spoke unfiltered truths and facts.
The love story has deep roots and throughout the story we see glimpses into their friendship, feelings and romantic moments from their high school years. It drew me closer to Olive, Katie and Noah. Something happened all those years ago and slowly through past and present Shalvis reveals events. Why did Olive leave Noah, a Dear John letter, their senior year? If you love second chances, enemies to lovers and forced proximity tropes, you’ll want to grab this one. It was sweet, hot, and filled with heartwarming moments and character growth.
I have to mention the secondary characters. My favorites were Katie and her adorable son, Joey. As Noah and Olive struggle to deal with their emotions and heated attraction, Joey was the one to find them kissing. These moments were delicious and hilarious all at the same time. Then we have Katie, who knows Olive is keeping something back about why she left. Amy, the twin’s mother, also has some secrets and where are Olive’s parents? Will Joe wake up from his coma?
Shalvis always includes animals in her stories, and in Better Than Friends we have the Turner family’s elderly dog, who’s on a diet and an adorable stray cat named Pepper. Both provided plenty of laughs and warm fuzzy feelings.
Can Noah and Olive find happily ever after? I recommend grabbing Better Than Friends and discovering those answers for yourself. While this is the seventh novel in the Sunrise Cove series, each offers a standalone romance and can be read on their own. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 30, 2025
Better Than Friends is book 7 in Jill’s Sunrise Cove series. It’s an enemies-to-lovers, best friend’s brother, second chance, small town romance. Olive comes home to help her best friend, Katie whose husband is in a coma in the hospital, following an accident. But coming home to help Katie also means facing her ex-love, Noah, Katie’s brother.
I absolutely adored the characters in this book (as I do in all of Jill’s books!). Katie was an absolute scene stealer. Olive and Noah were obviously meant to be together. I loved that the story was told in dual POV. There was so much that I loved about this book - the family and friendship vibes, the mutual pining, the humor, the playful banter. Plus, the animals.
I absolutely adored the characters in this book (as I do in all of Jill’s books!). Katie was an absolute scene stealer. Olive and Noah were obviously meant to be together. I loved that the story was told in dual POV. There was so much that I loved about this book - the family and friendship vibes, the mutual pining, the humor, the playful banter. Plus, the animals.
January 25, 2025
3.0⭐️ me and this book did not click
this is my first jill shalvis book and i have another arc by her but i really didn’t connect with this one. i was kinda forcing myself through it and it got boring. i think part of it was the fact that the writing was in 3rd person and i found it hard to follow.
i dont really have anything to say about these characters. i felt like i didn’t really know that much about who they were and i didn’t connect with them individually or as a couple. it just felt super repetitive like “oh we aren’t talking cause of our childhood” then “oh we kissed but we can’t be together because god knows why” they literally kissed like 10 times and refused to acknowledge they wanted each other?
i might try the other arc i have but the 3rd was really a struggle for me in this book. thanks to netgalley for the arc🫶
this is my first jill shalvis book and i have another arc by her but i really didn’t connect with this one. i was kinda forcing myself through it and it got boring. i think part of it was the fact that the writing was in 3rd person and i found it hard to follow.
i dont really have anything to say about these characters. i felt like i didn’t really know that much about who they were and i didn’t connect with them individually or as a couple. it just felt super repetitive like “oh we aren’t talking cause of our childhood” then “oh we kissed but we can’t be together because god knows why” they literally kissed like 10 times and refused to acknowledge they wanted each other?
i might try the other arc i have but the 3rd was really a struggle for me in this book. thanks to netgalley for the arc🫶
January 22, 2025
I normally like this author, but this one was just meh...for me. I kinda felt that way about all the characters, so it made it hard for me to really like them and really root for them to get their shit together. I'm glad they did get things figured out by the end, but also glad to be done with the book too.
February 1, 2025
3.5 stars
It was an okay-ish read for me. I was intrigued by the tropes, especially the second-chance romance one drew me in. I liked the setting, it's a small town so definitely cute and cosy vibes. I liked Olive and Noah they were truly grumpy x sunshine flag holders, and supporting characters as well. The writing is lucid but at times it felt dragged and at times I felt that it was kind of forced that they were not able to recognise their feelings for each other, as if it the reason was not really strong enough. They had their emotional baggages and they were trying their best and though emotions felt raw, I still think I would have enjoyed it more if the story had been somewhat a bit shorter.
I liked the cute ending and I'm happy they
Made it through it.
Thank you so much hambright pr for the ARC!
It was an okay-ish read for me. I was intrigued by the tropes, especially the second-chance romance one drew me in. I liked the setting, it's a small town so definitely cute and cosy vibes. I liked Olive and Noah they were truly grumpy x sunshine flag holders, and supporting characters as well. The writing is lucid but at times it felt dragged and at times I felt that it was kind of forced that they were not able to recognise their feelings for each other, as if it the reason was not really strong enough. They had their emotional baggages and they were trying their best and though emotions felt raw, I still think I would have enjoyed it more if the story had been somewhat a bit shorter.
I liked the cute ending and I'm happy they
Made it through it.
Thank you so much hambright pr for the ARC!
January 4, 2025
Cute read
I didn’t read the others in the series but this one can definitely be read as a stand alone book. Olive and Noah take dated back in high school and are reunited when they come back together to help his sister and her best friends when her husband is injured. The book is a quick read. I enjoyed it. You obviously know what’s going to happen. But overall, an easy read.
I didn’t read the others in the series but this one can definitely be read as a stand alone book. Olive and Noah take dated back in high school and are reunited when they come back together to help his sister and her best friends when her husband is injured. The book is a quick read. I enjoyed it. You obviously know what’s going to happen. But overall, an easy read.
January 31, 2025
Book Review 📖✨☕️
thank you so much partner @avonbooks for this gifted copy!
Better Than Friends
by Jill Shalvis
About the book 👇🏽
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.
☕️ My thoughts:
"You've become a part of me," he said. "As important and basic as breathing."
This was a sweet one! I love a good second chance romance story and that’s what we get in this book… we also get small town, forced proximity and another favorite of mine, found family. I found myself taking my time with this book and enjoying the story as it unfolded. And I really enjoyed that the romance was deep and the chemistry was spot on. So many aspects of this story and its characters resonated with me, making this even more delightful. Oh! and I really liked the ending and found my whole experience with this book to be a great one. Better Than Friends is out now!
Happy reading 📖✨☕️
thank you so much partner @avonbooks for this gifted copy!
Better Than Friends
by Jill Shalvis
About the book 👇🏽
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.
☕️ My thoughts:
"You've become a part of me," he said. "As important and basic as breathing."
This was a sweet one! I love a good second chance romance story and that’s what we get in this book… we also get small town, forced proximity and another favorite of mine, found family. I found myself taking my time with this book and enjoying the story as it unfolded. And I really enjoyed that the romance was deep and the chemistry was spot on. So many aspects of this story and its characters resonated with me, making this even more delightful. Oh! and I really liked the ending and found my whole experience with this book to be a great one. Better Than Friends is out now!
Happy reading 📖✨☕️
October 14, 2024
*I received an advanced copy of Better Than Friends. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
This was exactly the story I needed right now. It's been a rough year, and I've not been able to read as much as I would have liked to. Shalvis' story grabbed me from the beginning, though, because it has everything I absolutely love in a romance.
Strong female friendships, friends / frenemies to lovers / kind of a second chance at love <3 <3 <3
The writing is so good, I was fully immersed throughout the whole novel, and I definitely would have stayed a little longer with Olive and Noah, as well as Joe and Katie.
This was exactly the story I needed right now. It's been a rough year, and I've not been able to read as much as I would have liked to. Shalvis' story grabbed me from the beginning, though, because it has everything I absolutely love in a romance.
Strong female friendships, friends / frenemies to lovers / kind of a second chance at love <3 <3 <3
The writing is so good, I was fully immersed throughout the whole novel, and I definitely would have stayed a little longer with Olive and Noah, as well as Joe and Katie.
January 24, 2025
4.5 Stars
Olive is back in Sunrise Cove to support her best friend, Katie, when her husband is injured in an accident. Unfortunately, she’ll be staying under the same roof as Noah, Katie’s brother, and they have a history.
Quick flashes from the past gradually reveal the details of Noah and Olive’s friendship and the attraction between them. However, all that came to a halt when Olive accidentally runs Noah over, changing the course of his career path. Olive never forgave herself and accepted an early internship overseas leaving soon after. There’s more to that story that Noah and Katie didn’t know about, and it made me mad!
Noah and Olive’s forced proximity makes it impossible to ignore the feelings they’ve always had for each other. Their romance was full of longing, a little bit of hurt, but also a lot of fun with great playful banter!
I absolutely loved Better Than Friends! Yes, it was a romance, but so much more! Quirky, fun secondary characters, like Katie, and her little boy Joey. Don’t get me started on the things that came out of his mouth! Hilarious! Not to mention the sweet animals! Holms, the dog, and kitten Pepper, named because she’s spicy and feisty. Their bond was so adorable! I also loved all the original marketing strategies Olive came up with for her customers. The gorgeous, small mountain setting was just icing on the cake for me! Definite recommend!
Olive is back in Sunrise Cove to support her best friend, Katie, when her husband is injured in an accident. Unfortunately, she’ll be staying under the same roof as Noah, Katie’s brother, and they have a history.
Quick flashes from the past gradually reveal the details of Noah and Olive’s friendship and the attraction between them. However, all that came to a halt when Olive accidentally runs Noah over, changing the course of his career path. Olive never forgave herself and accepted an early internship overseas leaving soon after. There’s more to that story that Noah and Katie didn’t know about, and it made me mad!
Noah and Olive’s forced proximity makes it impossible to ignore the feelings they’ve always had for each other. Their romance was full of longing, a little bit of hurt, but also a lot of fun with great playful banter!
I absolutely loved Better Than Friends! Yes, it was a romance, but so much more! Quirky, fun secondary characters, like Katie, and her little boy Joey. Don’t get me started on the things that came out of his mouth! Hilarious! Not to mention the sweet animals! Holms, the dog, and kitten Pepper, named because she’s spicy and feisty. Their bond was so adorable! I also loved all the original marketing strategies Olive came up with for her customers. The gorgeous, small mountain setting was just icing on the cake for me! Definite recommend!
January 26, 2025
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was great! Jill Shalvis has earned a spot on my list of favorite authors. She writes characters who feel like family and you just want to see things work out for them. This story was no different. Olive and Noah were obviously meant for one another if they could just figure out how to make things work. I was hooked by this story very quickly and couldn’t wait to see Olive and Noah finally get over their past.
Olive returns home to help her best friend, Katie after her husband, Joe, is injured on the job. Katie’s brother, Noah, is also there to help which makes things interesting since there is some history between the pair. Both Olive and Noah have some guilt that they need to deal with along with a few career decisions to make. It quickly becomes apparent that the feelings they had for one another as teens have only grown stronger and the chemistry between them is off the charts. I thought that these two were perfect for one another and enjoyed seeing them reconnect.
Andi Arndt does a fantastic job with this book. She does such a great job with both the male and female voices which really helps pull the listener into the story. I love how she is able to add just enough emotion to her reading to make it feel like you are right there with the characters. I had no problems listening to this book for hours at a time and believe that her narration added to my enjoyment of the story.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others. This is the seventh book in the Sunrise Cove series but works perfectly well as a stand-alone since the books in this series are only loosely connected. I can’t wait to read more of this entertaining series.
I received a review copy of this book from Avon Books and HarperAudio.
This was great! Jill Shalvis has earned a spot on my list of favorite authors. She writes characters who feel like family and you just want to see things work out for them. This story was no different. Olive and Noah were obviously meant for one another if they could just figure out how to make things work. I was hooked by this story very quickly and couldn’t wait to see Olive and Noah finally get over their past.
Olive returns home to help her best friend, Katie after her husband, Joe, is injured on the job. Katie’s brother, Noah, is also there to help which makes things interesting since there is some history between the pair. Both Olive and Noah have some guilt that they need to deal with along with a few career decisions to make. It quickly becomes apparent that the feelings they had for one another as teens have only grown stronger and the chemistry between them is off the charts. I thought that these two were perfect for one another and enjoyed seeing them reconnect.
Andi Arndt does a fantastic job with this book. She does such a great job with both the male and female voices which really helps pull the listener into the story. I love how she is able to add just enough emotion to her reading to make it feel like you are right there with the characters. I had no problems listening to this book for hours at a time and believe that her narration added to my enjoyment of the story.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to others. This is the seventh book in the Sunrise Cove series but works perfectly well as a stand-alone since the books in this series are only loosely connected. I can’t wait to read more of this entertaining series.
I received a review copy of this book from Avon Books and HarperAudio.
February 20, 2025
Publishing day! Just got my copy of the final version! Yay! I've also borrowed the audiobook from the library and, if I like it, will purchase that as well.
Second read: So, so good! Buy this book!
First read: Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Oh my goodness, this was SO GOOD! It had all the elements that I love about a Jill Shalvis story: snarky dialogue, wonderful main and supporting characters, heartwarming (as well as annoying and nosy) family relationships, a sweet and steamy love story, cute animals and kids, and a very satisfying HEA. There was a sweetness to this book similar to that of "The Sweetheart List" even though the story itself is very different.
This is definitely a "buy when it's published" book and audiobook as I'll be reading this one again and again!
A smattering of profanity and R-rated love scenes.
Second read: So, so good! Buy this book!
First read: Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Oh my goodness, this was SO GOOD! It had all the elements that I love about a Jill Shalvis story: snarky dialogue, wonderful main and supporting characters, heartwarming (as well as annoying and nosy) family relationships, a sweet and steamy love story, cute animals and kids, and a very satisfying HEA. There was a sweetness to this book similar to that of "The Sweetheart List" even though the story itself is very different.
This is definitely a "buy when it's published" book and audiobook as I'll be reading this one again and again!
A smattering of profanity and R-rated love scenes.
July 27, 2025
Jill Shalvis is usually a sure thing for me. Like, I can always count on her to give warm/fuzzy feelings with her novels.
This one, not so much, though.
I felt like the push-pull between Noah and Olive was tiresome. They kept repeating the same boring reasons. Also, that blurb, about Olive's missing parents - yeah, well, it didn't appear until probably more than half of the book? And it was also over in a minute. Definitely NOT the whole plot of the book.
Having said so, I still gave this my usual "so-so" three stars because 1) I LOVED Joey (the boy) and his antics. 2) I also LOVED Katie (Joey's Mom) who was probably on a spectrum and totally entertaining because of her honesty. 3) There was a dog and a kitten ❤️
This one, not so much, though.
I felt like the push-pull between Noah and Olive was tiresome. They kept repeating the same boring reasons. Also, that blurb, about Olive's missing parents - yeah, well, it didn't appear until probably more than half of the book? And it was also over in a minute. Definitely NOT the whole plot of the book.
Having said so, I still gave this my usual "so-so" three stars because 1) I LOVED Joey (the boy) and his antics. 2) I also LOVED Katie (Joey's Mom) who was probably on a spectrum and totally entertaining because of her honesty. 3) There was a dog and a kitten ❤️
January 28, 2025
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In Better Than Friends, Shalvis returns her readers to the small town of Sunrise Cove. This time around, she delves into the themes of second chances, forced proximity, and the transition from friends to enemies to lovers. As expected from Shalvis's work, the novel also explores the themes of family and friendships.
I enjoyed all the books in the Sunrise Cove series and looked forward to reading Better Than Friends. It certainly did not disappoint. Each book in the series is a standalone, with no connections between the characters, allowing readers to jump in at any point in the series.
Better Than Friends introduces Olive Porter and Noah Turner. They first met at the age of fourteen when Olive moved to Sunrise Cove to live with her grandmother. She became best friends with his twin sister Katie, and by extension, he became her protector. Circumstances led to her departure after graduation without saying goodbye. After many years away from Sunrise Cove, Olive returns home to assist her best friend Katie, whose husband is in a coma. She had no reservations about returning to help her friend, even if it meant facing the only man she ever loved.
Better Than Friends proved to be a difficult book to put down. It is captivating and heartwarming. Shalvis provides glimpses into the past, giving readers insight into the reasons Olive left Sunrise Cove without saying goodbye. It is clear that Olive never forgave herself for the incident she believes altered the trajectory of Noah's life. Noah himself harbored guilt related to a recent event as well as incidents from his past.
Anyone who encountered Olive and Noah could clearly see the intense attraction between them. Now that they were back in each other's presence, they realized that their feelings for each other had never died and were stronger than ever. However, guilt and fears would lead them to struggle against their emotions. I appreciated how their love for each other endured distance and time. These two were undoubtedly meant for each other.
The secondary characters contributed their unique flavor to the story. The emphasis on friendship and family introduced an additional dimension to the story, resulting in engaging, heartwarming, and entertaining moments.
I had a wonderful time reading Better than Friends. I would not only recommend it to long-time fans of the author but also to readers seeking a heartwarming story with a small-town flavor.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
In Better Than Friends, Shalvis returns her readers to the small town of Sunrise Cove. This time around, she delves into the themes of second chances, forced proximity, and the transition from friends to enemies to lovers. As expected from Shalvis's work, the novel also explores the themes of family and friendships.
I enjoyed all the books in the Sunrise Cove series and looked forward to reading Better Than Friends. It certainly did not disappoint. Each book in the series is a standalone, with no connections between the characters, allowing readers to jump in at any point in the series.
Better Than Friends introduces Olive Porter and Noah Turner. They first met at the age of fourteen when Olive moved to Sunrise Cove to live with her grandmother. She became best friends with his twin sister Katie, and by extension, he became her protector. Circumstances led to her departure after graduation without saying goodbye. After many years away from Sunrise Cove, Olive returns home to assist her best friend Katie, whose husband is in a coma. She had no reservations about returning to help her friend, even if it meant facing the only man she ever loved.
Better Than Friends proved to be a difficult book to put down. It is captivating and heartwarming. Shalvis provides glimpses into the past, giving readers insight into the reasons Olive left Sunrise Cove without saying goodbye. It is clear that Olive never forgave herself for the incident she believes altered the trajectory of Noah's life. Noah himself harbored guilt related to a recent event as well as incidents from his past.
Anyone who encountered Olive and Noah could clearly see the intense attraction between them. Now that they were back in each other's presence, they realized that their feelings for each other had never died and were stronger than ever. However, guilt and fears would lead them to struggle against their emotions. I appreciated how their love for each other endured distance and time. These two were undoubtedly meant for each other.
The secondary characters contributed their unique flavor to the story. The emphasis on friendship and family introduced an additional dimension to the story, resulting in engaging, heartwarming, and entertaining moments.
I had a wonderful time reading Better than Friends. I would not only recommend it to long-time fans of the author but also to readers seeking a heartwarming story with a small-town flavor.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
January 21, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love the Sunrise Cove series which is a newer one. Not that I don't love the older series because I do. This series is set in a beautiful place and has characters which shine. They have the quirky, realistic foibles one can love. The humor and banter is always enjoyable.
Olive is a very successful PR person based in the UK since college. She is back home to help out her best friend Katie when her brother and husband are in an accident. Olive lived mostly with her grandmother and the Katie's family, because her parents are unreliable. She loves being back home with Katie and her family. But that includes Katie's twin brother, Noah who is always the one she wants. Olive is nicer about everything than I could be.
Noah is a hot mess, not that he would show it. He is always the one who has to hold things together for his mom or sister. But now he is guilty about the accident and hates his own injury keeping him from his work he loves. Now Olive is here and she was the one who got away.
The story starts pretty slowly building up the characters and situations. There are flashbacks to the senior year of high school when Olive and Noah are fake-dating but want to be real dating. Olive is smart but not popular. Noah is a jock and very popular. Neither thinks they are good enough for the other. The flashbacks work up to the end of the year when Olive and Noah have an accident and she leaves town for college. There are secrets, so many secrets.
Olive loves being back here and truth be told wants to stay but realizes if she does Noah will break her heart, if she is honest with herself. She is very worried when she is not able to get in touch with her parents for a few weeks. Joe uses his job skills to put together lists of places they might be. He goes with Olive to check out a place because the weather is iffy and he has the right vehicle being a ranger. They get snowed in and finally have time to talk.
The emotions are always true and strong with reading Jill Shalvis. There is also humor and really good people. I always must read her newest. Next up is The Love Fix in June.
Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love the Sunrise Cove series which is a newer one. Not that I don't love the older series because I do. This series is set in a beautiful place and has characters which shine. They have the quirky, realistic foibles one can love. The humor and banter is always enjoyable.
Olive is a very successful PR person based in the UK since college. She is back home to help out her best friend Katie when her brother and husband are in an accident. Olive lived mostly with her grandmother and the Katie's family, because her parents are unreliable. She loves being back home with Katie and her family. But that includes Katie's twin brother, Noah who is always the one she wants. Olive is nicer about everything than I could be.
Noah is a hot mess, not that he would show it. He is always the one who has to hold things together for his mom or sister. But now he is guilty about the accident and hates his own injury keeping him from his work he loves. Now Olive is here and she was the one who got away.
The story starts pretty slowly building up the characters and situations. There are flashbacks to the senior year of high school when Olive and Noah are fake-dating but want to be real dating. Olive is smart but not popular. Noah is a jock and very popular. Neither thinks they are good enough for the other. The flashbacks work up to the end of the year when Olive and Noah have an accident and she leaves town for college. There are secrets, so many secrets.
Olive loves being back here and truth be told wants to stay but realizes if she does Noah will break her heart, if she is honest with herself. She is very worried when she is not able to get in touch with her parents for a few weeks. Joe uses his job skills to put together lists of places they might be. He goes with Olive to check out a place because the weather is iffy and he has the right vehicle being a ranger. They get snowed in and finally have time to talk.
The emotions are always true and strong with reading Jill Shalvis. There is also humor and really good people. I always must read her newest. Next up is The Love Fix in June.
March 29, 2025
Not entirely terrible but most of the funny lines were straight out of old Facebook memes.
March 15, 2025
"Olive had three pet peeves: loud chewers, the word "moist," and... in the number one spot... love."
Any book that starts with 2 of my own pet peeves (hello loud chewers and the word moist) is bound to be a winner, and that’s exactly what Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis was. I adored Olive and Noah, and while I have become used to instalove in this author’s books that is not what these two had at all. Instead, we revisit an old flame and get a second chance romance that was both entertaining and endearing. The story layers peel back like an onion, until we are left with the hurt and pain that becomes understanding and forgiveness. Not only of other people, but yourself as well. I loved that we got some forced proximity and only-one-bed goodness mixed in as well, and the tension and chemistry between our two MCs was off the charts.
Better Than Friends is written in third person with both Noah and Olive's viewpoints and I think it would have been weird for me to read it, but it came across really well in the audiobook. I always enjoy Andi Arndt’s narration and while it would have been nice to have a male narrator for Noah, it didn’t bother me at all that it was just Arndt. She brought the characters alive in a way only she can, and she was perfectly matched for this book. Another thing I loved was the moments that were literally laugh-out-loud funny, and there was a of couple times I almost had tears in my eyes because I was laughing so hard. Shalvis’ writing always clicks with me, and this might be the first time I knowingly read a series out of order. I loved being back in Sunrise Cove (I did read the first 2 books, and this is book 7), and I immediately put the next one on my TBR.
Read this if you enjoy casts of relatable and likeable characters, books that make you laugh, and stories that will tug at your emotions.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Any book that starts with 2 of my own pet peeves (hello loud chewers and the word moist) is bound to be a winner, and that’s exactly what Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis was. I adored Olive and Noah, and while I have become used to instalove in this author’s books that is not what these two had at all. Instead, we revisit an old flame and get a second chance romance that was both entertaining and endearing. The story layers peel back like an onion, until we are left with the hurt and pain that becomes understanding and forgiveness. Not only of other people, but yourself as well. I loved that we got some forced proximity and only-one-bed goodness mixed in as well, and the tension and chemistry between our two MCs was off the charts.
Better Than Friends is written in third person with both Noah and Olive's viewpoints and I think it would have been weird for me to read it, but it came across really well in the audiobook. I always enjoy Andi Arndt’s narration and while it would have been nice to have a male narrator for Noah, it didn’t bother me at all that it was just Arndt. She brought the characters alive in a way only she can, and she was perfectly matched for this book. Another thing I loved was the moments that were literally laugh-out-loud funny, and there was a of couple times I almost had tears in my eyes because I was laughing so hard. Shalvis’ writing always clicks with me, and this might be the first time I knowingly read a series out of order. I loved being back in Sunrise Cove (I did read the first 2 books, and this is book 7), and I immediately put the next one on my TBR.
Read this if you enjoy casts of relatable and likeable characters, books that make you laugh, and stories that will tug at your emotions.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 28, 2025
Better Than Friends is another really nice addition to the Sunrise Cove series. This is Olive and Noah's romance. Olive left town as soon as she could once upon a time and has returned from her now home-London. Noah was the guy she ran over in high school, was pretty much taken in by his family and she was besties with his sister Katie.
I come to Jill Shalvis for comfort-I know she is going to give me a tight knit family that while reading, will feel like a warm blanket on a cold day. Her dialogue is naturally snarky and funny, it never feels forced - and we get all of that in Better Than Friends. I think the familial aspect to this book is what I loved the most. Katie's husband in the beginning of the book is basically in a coma and I loved seeing her found family (Olive) and blood family wrap their arms around her and help with the everyday life things as she stood by her husband. Olive being home also has a lot to do with her trying to figure out where her own free-spirited parents have trotted off to. We learn Olive and Katie's Mom's relationship and backstory and i loved that-such a reminder that our Moms are just girls with a past too.
The romance to me was fine. It tucked in nicely to everything else that was going on. As I was reading this, I had a moment where I thought, I'd really love to just see Jill write a true women's fiction novel. As a huge fan of hers, and someone who fell hard and fast for her writing and binged so much by her in such a short amount of time- I will read whatever she puts out. My only critique with Better Than Friends is it feels repetitive. It feels like every other book (minus the mystery one) that I've read in this series. The first book was fantastic (5 stars!), book 2 was fine, book 3 was another five star read, book 4 was five stars, book 5 was another five stars, book 6 was four. I am invested! I know these characters, I feel like I am a community member of Sunrise Cove. Book 7 should feel stronger and different. It shouldn't start off the same way that the previous books in the series started-with the heroine driving into town. I expect that now. This is Jill freaking Shalvis! Give me another stuck on a ski lift beginning-those unforgettable meet cutes and beginnings. I live my life asking myself at times, what would a Jill Shalvis heroine do? Not pretend to have a boyfriend named Matt when she doesn't. I think back to Heartbreaker Bay, the final book in that series was amazing and incredible and left me feeling as a whole that, that series should Not be finished. It felt like a new beginning but is the last book we got in that series. Better Than Friends feels like the final book but we have another one coming. I am excited to see what happens next but as a die hard Jill Shalvis fan, I just really hope its another five star read.
I come to Jill Shalvis for comfort-I know she is going to give me a tight knit family that while reading, will feel like a warm blanket on a cold day. Her dialogue is naturally snarky and funny, it never feels forced - and we get all of that in Better Than Friends. I think the familial aspect to this book is what I loved the most. Katie's husband in the beginning of the book is basically in a coma and I loved seeing her found family (Olive) and blood family wrap their arms around her and help with the everyday life things as she stood by her husband. Olive being home also has a lot to do with her trying to figure out where her own free-spirited parents have trotted off to. We learn Olive and Katie's Mom's relationship and backstory and i loved that-such a reminder that our Moms are just girls with a past too.
The romance to me was fine. It tucked in nicely to everything else that was going on. As I was reading this, I had a moment where I thought, I'd really love to just see Jill write a true women's fiction novel. As a huge fan of hers, and someone who fell hard and fast for her writing and binged so much by her in such a short amount of time- I will read whatever she puts out. My only critique with Better Than Friends is it feels repetitive. It feels like every other book (minus the mystery one) that I've read in this series. The first book was fantastic (5 stars!), book 2 was fine, book 3 was another five star read, book 4 was five stars, book 5 was another five stars, book 6 was four. I am invested! I know these characters, I feel like I am a community member of Sunrise Cove. Book 7 should feel stronger and different. It shouldn't start off the same way that the previous books in the series started-with the heroine driving into town. I expect that now. This is Jill freaking Shalvis! Give me another stuck on a ski lift beginning-those unforgettable meet cutes and beginnings. I live my life asking myself at times, what would a Jill Shalvis heroine do? Not pretend to have a boyfriend named Matt when she doesn't. I think back to Heartbreaker Bay, the final book in that series was amazing and incredible and left me feeling as a whole that, that series should Not be finished. It felt like a new beginning but is the last book we got in that series. Better Than Friends feels like the final book but we have another one coming. I am excited to see what happens next but as a die hard Jill Shalvis fan, I just really hope its another five star read.
March 9, 2025
Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis
Sunrise Cove series #7. Contemporary romance. Small town, second chance troupes. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Olive Porter feels she has no choice but to return to Sunrise Cove and help her best friend dealing with her husband in a coma. She also needs to ask Noah Turner for help locating her parents. Olive left home without talking to Noah long ago and neither have dealt with that loss. With her back in town, it’s finally time.
Family, and found family plus actually being open and addressing feelings is what puts this author on the charts. Sure, there are the usual troupes and missteps but you can also count on heartwarming and family in the end.
Also loved the snarky secondary bff in this book.
Sunrise Cove series #7. Contemporary romance. Small town, second chance troupes. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Olive Porter feels she has no choice but to return to Sunrise Cove and help her best friend dealing with her husband in a coma. She also needs to ask Noah Turner for help locating her parents. Olive left home without talking to Noah long ago and neither have dealt with that loss. With her back in town, it’s finally time.
Family, and found family plus actually being open and addressing feelings is what puts this author on the charts. Sure, there are the usual troupes and missteps but you can also count on heartwarming and family in the end.
Also loved the snarky secondary bff in this book.
November 29, 2024
I absolutely LOVED the bestieship between Olive and Katie as well as between Noah and Joe. Mostly the one between Olive and Katie though, because they were so different but so devoted to each other and there was so much love and joy and respecting each others needs and boundaries....it was beautiful!!!
Ok but Olive and Noah's part of the story was also lovely. A second chance romance with a LOT of history, some pain, and some secrets that have been held for years makes working together to support their friends and find Olive's parents very tense. I loved this roller coaster!!
Ok but Olive and Noah's part of the story was also lovely. A second chance romance with a LOT of history, some pain, and some secrets that have been held for years makes working together to support their friends and find Olive's parents very tense. I loved this roller coaster!!
November 26, 2024
Super sweet and heartwarming romance with second chances. I fell in love with all the characters and of course the animals. This pulls you in from the start and touches so many emotions. Tried so hard to savor this but ended up devouring it.
Thank you netgalley for the ARC
Thank you netgalley for the ARC
January 26, 2025
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Ever since one fateful night over a decade ago, Olive and Noah have avoided each other. Now the two are back in Sunrise Cove to help Noah’s sister, who also happens to be Olive’s best friend. Neither wants to address the past or the spark between them that has never died. But the longer they’re around each other, the harder it is to deny that they’re simply meant to be.
Better Than Friends has all the hallmarks of a Jill Shalvis romance. There’s a smart, stunning heroine who gets into some awkward situations, a handsome, steady hero, a cast of nosy but caring supporting characters, and an adorable animal or two. The result? A cute and light read.
Olive has tried to turn herself into someone who has it all together, but when she comes home to Sunrise Cove to help her best friend after Katie’s husband is hurt on the job, old insecurities and wounds rise to the surface. Olive doesn’t like to rely on people and she needs to learn to lean on others. Noah’s life changed after the accident that ended his future in baseball, but it was Olive leaving town and the strained relationship with his father that really hurt him. Now Noah doesn’t want to put down roots, no matter how much his mother tries to set up him with different women.
Noah and Olive are a good match and they have an easy chemistry that’s typical of a Shalvis romance. Of course, everyone around them is working to push them together which was cute. That being said, for some reason Better Than Friends dragged for me. It took a while for things to get moving, which is unusual for Shalvis. The central conflict keeping Noah and Olive apart really wasn’t strong enough to justify an entire novel and I felt like it would have been better suited to a shorter format. The tension didn’t feel earned and it seemed like Olive and Noah kept going in circles for no particular reason other than to stretch a thinnish plot. That being said, I liked the characters and the story wrapped up in an ending that was sweet and satisfying.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Ever since one fateful night over a decade ago, Olive and Noah have avoided each other. Now the two are back in Sunrise Cove to help Noah’s sister, who also happens to be Olive’s best friend. Neither wants to address the past or the spark between them that has never died. But the longer they’re around each other, the harder it is to deny that they’re simply meant to be.
Better Than Friends has all the hallmarks of a Jill Shalvis romance. There’s a smart, stunning heroine who gets into some awkward situations, a handsome, steady hero, a cast of nosy but caring supporting characters, and an adorable animal or two. The result? A cute and light read.
Olive has tried to turn herself into someone who has it all together, but when she comes home to Sunrise Cove to help her best friend after Katie’s husband is hurt on the job, old insecurities and wounds rise to the surface. Olive doesn’t like to rely on people and she needs to learn to lean on others. Noah’s life changed after the accident that ended his future in baseball, but it was Olive leaving town and the strained relationship with his father that really hurt him. Now Noah doesn’t want to put down roots, no matter how much his mother tries to set up him with different women.
Noah and Olive are a good match and they have an easy chemistry that’s typical of a Shalvis romance. Of course, everyone around them is working to push them together which was cute. That being said, for some reason Better Than Friends dragged for me. It took a while for things to get moving, which is unusual for Shalvis. The central conflict keeping Noah and Olive apart really wasn’t strong enough to justify an entire novel and I felt like it would have been better suited to a shorter format. The tension didn’t feel earned and it seemed like Olive and Noah kept going in circles for no particular reason other than to stretch a thinnish plot. That being said, I liked the characters and the story wrapped up in an ending that was sweet and satisfying.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 21, 2024
I’ve always been drawn to second-chance romances, even though I can never quite wrap my head around how two people can be so deeply attracted to each other after being apart for years. This one was no exception. The writing completely pulled me in—beautifully crafted, with descriptions that made every scene vivid and emotional. I could picture everything so clearly, from the setting to the smallest gestures between the characters.
The romance itself was what I focused on the most, and I loved it. The emotions felt raw and real, and I appreciated how the characters dealt with their shared past while navigating their feelings in the present. That being said, I did find some parts, like the parents’ drama, a bit illogical. But honestly, I let that slide because it wasn’t the heart of the story for me.
What I truly connected with were their feelings now, in the moment. Watching them rediscover each other and work through their baggage was so satisfying. It reminded me why I love this trope, even if I can’t always relate to the idea of reconnecting after so much time. Overall, it was a beautifully written story that left me completely invested in their love.
January 24, 2025
Better Than Friends
I absolutely adore Jill Shalvis and all her characters. It’s a heartwarming tale of found family, being loved and seen as we are and the typical humor and heat you can expect from Shalvis.
Olive hasn’t been back much to Sunrise Cove, a small town off Lake Tahoe where she spent some formative years living with her grandma, making memories with her best friend Katie and crushing on Katie’s twin brother, Noah. Things between Noah and Olive crashed (literally) and then burned, but Katie has brought them back together to help with her son while her husband is in the hospital.. and maybe hoping for some match making in the mix. The pull between Olive and Noah is undeniable and it only takes time for the chemistry to burn again.
Such a delightful and heartwarming read.
Check this one out for:
🩵 Second chance, enemies to lovers
🩵 Best friend’s brother
🩵 Small town, found family vibes
🩵 An adorable dog and kitten pairing
🩵 Five year old humor and antics
🩵 A heartwarming and romantic read
Thank you to Avon for this ARC! My opinions are my own.
I absolutely adore Jill Shalvis and all her characters. It’s a heartwarming tale of found family, being loved and seen as we are and the typical humor and heat you can expect from Shalvis.
Olive hasn’t been back much to Sunrise Cove, a small town off Lake Tahoe where she spent some formative years living with her grandma, making memories with her best friend Katie and crushing on Katie’s twin brother, Noah. Things between Noah and Olive crashed (literally) and then burned, but Katie has brought them back together to help with her son while her husband is in the hospital.. and maybe hoping for some match making in the mix. The pull between Olive and Noah is undeniable and it only takes time for the chemistry to burn again.
Such a delightful and heartwarming read.
Check this one out for:
🩵 Second chance, enemies to lovers
🩵 Best friend’s brother
🩵 Small town, found family vibes
🩵 An adorable dog and kitten pairing
🩵 Five year old humor and antics
🩵 A heartwarming and romantic read
Thank you to Avon for this ARC! My opinions are my own.
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March 10, 2025This was the first book that I have read/listened to by Jill Shalvis. After listening to this book I realized that I wanted to go back and read the rest of this series. I have a daughter that is autism and is high functioning. Listening to Katie's character cracked me up. My daughter hates hugs from strangers or really most people. Katie was very frank with everyone, leaving you with no doubt of how she felt.
This story is about Olive who comes back to her hometown to help out her best friend Kaite who's husband is lying in a coma. Katie's brother and her husband are best friends. Side note is that Olive and Katie's brother have a tangled past.
I really enjoyed this book.
This story is about Olive who comes back to her hometown to help out her best friend Kaite who's husband is lying in a coma. Katie's brother and her husband are best friends. Side note is that Olive and Katie's brother have a tangled past.
I really enjoyed this book.
December 19, 2024
This is another great book in the Sunrise Cove series. We have second chance romance, forced proximity and brother's best friend in Better Than Friends. We have Olive who returns to Sunrise Cove to help her best friend out. Olive meets back up with Noah, her best friend's twin brother.
The story is engaging and you just love all the characters. Joey really stole the show with his cuteness. The setting of Lake Tahoe made me want to drive up there to enjoy the beautiful mountain top.
Thank you @avonbooks @netgalley for a copy of this.
The story is engaging and you just love all the characters. Joey really stole the show with his cuteness. The setting of Lake Tahoe made me want to drive up there to enjoy the beautiful mountain top.
Thank you @avonbooks @netgalley for a copy of this.
November 2, 2025
started out so strong and then the middle dragged and I skimmed through to the end, unfortunately.
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