REVIEW: Still the One by Jill Shalvis

Still the One (Animal Magnetism #6) by Jill Shalvis: It’s been almost a year since Darcy’s accident and she’s still dealing with the pain, stiffness, and difficulty finding her balance. She is doing much better, but she has to deal with the one man she resolves to stay away from: her boss and physical therapist, AJ. AJ is former Navy who is now a formidable physical therapist. AJ is relentless is helping his patients to recover as much as they possibly can and never gave up on Darcy, regardless of her attitude.

Darcy splits her time between working on the animal shelter and at the wellness center where she sees AJ on a regular basis. They are constantly bickering and driving the other up the wall. It’s obvious that Darcy and AJ share an incredible chemistry, even though they try to ignore it after a scorching kiss.

Darcy is passionate about finding new homes for service dogs who would otherwise be sent to the pound and she tends to go broke attempting to rescue as many dogs as she can. AJ is also passionate about making sure everyone gets the therapy they need, beyond what insurance will cover. When AJ has the opportunity to get grant money for his patients, Darcy is reluctantly drawn in to help even if it means a trip away together.

“I’ll skip the drama if you skip being an ass.”
“I’m not sure either of those things is possible,” he said. “But while we’re in negotiations, let’s put this on the table-no crazy.”
“Okay,” Zoe said. “I’m definitely coming with.”
“Maybe you should print me out a list of rules,” Darcy said to AJ, ignoring Zoe. “Like when I talk to you, should I say “Sir, yes, sir,” or not speak at all?”

While trying to convince the businessman funding the grants AJ needs, Darcy decides to pretend they are dating and in love. They are forced to continue the charade for longer than either expected when a snow storm hits and they have to extend their stay. Darcy still has the scars of how she was raised and is reluctant to trust that she has a future with AJ or that he could want her beyond an affair. AJ has his own relationship issues, but Darcy makes him want to take chance again.

“A deal is a deal,” he said. “I never go back on my word. And as for you owing me for your treatment, listen carefully because I’m only going to say this once. What we give each other? There’s no tab.”
“Exactly. So forget paying me. I’m not taking your money, not after we-” He arched a brow and she broke off. “You know,” she said.
“I do,” he agreed. “Do you?”

Still the One is a classic small town contemporary romance filled with humor, romance, heat, and man’s best friend. Jill Shalvis writes really entertaining books that leave you saying “just one more chapter.” Ms. Shalvis draws you into her fictional world with great characters you want as friends.

While Still the One is part of the Animal Magnetism series, it can be read as a standalone. Fans of Susan Mallery, Kristan Higgins, and Rachel Gibson will love Still the One.

Book Info:

Publication: April 7th 2015 by Berkley | (Animal Magnetism #6)

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?