Series: Wildstone

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

Review:

The Forever Girl easily became one of my favorite Jill Shalvis books!  Secrets came to light, family and friendship were tested and through it all was the most breathtaking bond between this group of people.  Watching the story unfold, it felt as though these characters reached into my heart and wouldn’t let go.  And while I cried three different times, there was so much hope and love splashed across those pages.  If you’re a fan of Jill Shalvis, romance or stories where friendship is family, then definitely pick this one up!  This story reads like a standalone, so you can definitely start with this book if you haven’t read any of the others in this series.

“Don’t you get it?” she whispered. “There is no redemption for me.”

Maze, Cat, Walker and Heather were like a family forever ago.  Until a horrific tragedy ripped them apart and settled them away from one other.  But with Cat’s upcoming wedding, they were all going to be together again.  The prologue started three years in the past, and we got to see how raw their emotions were.  While it alluded to what was the cause of their pain, we didn’t know the details just yet.  But it all ended with an emotional bang.  So when we jumped into the present, a chapter later, I was more than hooked and obsessed.  It was stunning how these characters captured my heart so easily.

“I wasn’t aware that we were friends.”
“Actually, I consider you one of the very few real ones I have.”
She sucked in a breath at that.  Because in spite of everything, same.

This story alternated between Maze, Cat and Walker.  Cat was like the big sister to everyone.  And she tried her best, over the years, to keep everyone in each other’s lives.  But the past and hurt was too much, and over time some of them faded apart.  With Cat’s upcoming wedding, I thought I’d love her fiancé and wedding activities.  But each character had so much more going on than meets the eye.  And I found my heart hurting for every single one of them, while silently cheering them on so they would each find their happiness.

“Maze, you’re the strongest woman I know.”
She blinked, looking so surprised that he grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
“Believe it.  Because I absolutely do.”
She let out a shaky breath. “I wish I could be as confident about that as you.”

While I adored them all, my heart connected the deepest with Maze.  She blamed herself for something that happened in the past.  And because of that, she didn’t give herself the grace and love she deserved.  But Maze was so much more than her grief.  She loved deeply and would do anything to help those she loved.  Maze made me laugh, smile and I loved the risks she would take.  I was rooting for her to help mend the sisterly relationship she had with Cat and Heather.  But most of all, I was rooting for her to face her feelings towards Walker.

No matter how hard he tried, he was always left standing alone with no one to count on except himself.  But at least now he was choosing to be alone.  His choice, his control, and he was okay with that.  Or he had been.
Until he’d seen Maze again.

I loved Walker!  I was obsessed that we got his POV!  Walker was seductive and there was this darkness that radiated from him, yet he continually pulled me in.  And while he loved fiercely and saw through others b.s., he was such a mystery at times.  I wanted him to claim Maze as his, because you could feel how strong their connection and attraction was.  Plus their banter constantly had me smiling.  Yet their past made it not so simple.  So the push and pull between the two of them enamored me and I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I failed you.  I won’t let that happen again.”
“We won’t let that happen again,” Caitlin said firmly.
Heather nodded, eyes suspiciously bright. “Me either.”

With family, friendship and love splashed across the pages, The Forever Girl was an instant favorite.  Hearts were broken and mended.  Family was pulled apart and put back together.  We got to witness their process for healing and it was raw and breathtaking.  This story was so beautiful.  I loved their hearts to hearts and how deeply they loved each other.  From strawberry daiquiri moments, to truth or dare, to races and wedding festivities, I couldn’t put this story down.  And with that epilogue, oh I loved this book so much!  If you’re a fan of romance, friendship and family, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

PS I love how Walker called Jace all the wrong names to Maze, I laughed so hard.

PPS I looked forward to seeing what was on the to-do list at the beginning of each chapter!  Sooooo cute!

PPPS I loved, loved, loved Heather and Sammie!  Plus I definitely called it!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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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, www.jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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