Oh Jill. You really never fail me. This is like a proud momma moment only...not. Sigh* I'm so proud. The thing about some authors is that they can write all their lives and be good at it and stay good. Then there are authors like Jill Shalvis that start out good and only get better. Those are the writers you want to read. My first Jill Shalvis book was Natural Blonde Instincts, a book that was published in 2003. I enjoyed it but it was far from my favorite. The next time I picked up a Jill Shalvis book was to start the Lucky Harbor series years later. I sure am glad I did!! I couldn't put the books down. I've been a fan since.
The thing about all Jill Shalvis books is she finds the perfect balance between seriousness, humor, and romance. Nobody But You is a perfect example of just that. I love that this book addressed what it's like for a soldier after losing a brother in arms. I come from a military family and addressing such a serious issue like that means a lot to me. It is hard on everyone involved for something so devastating to happen. The other thing mentioned here and there is depression. Again, this something my family has had to struggle with. I know what it's like to have learn things on your own because your mom won't get out of bed, much less come out of her room. I promise teaching yourself to cook, drive, and fill out college FASFA forms on your own isn't as easy as it seems for some. The pain that Sophie went through growing up because of her fathers depression really hit home. The other thing we see in this book is dealing with your loved one suffering from dementia. I have never experienced what it is like to go through this but after reading Nobody But You...I can't even imagine. To have your own mother forget all your accomplishments, forget all the things you've done in your life, forget who you are...I don't think I could do it. I know I couldn't do it. It's heartbreaking to even read about. I can't imagine what it's like to actually experience that.
Though we have some very serious undertones to the book, it's balanced out by laughter, fun, and romance making the book actually lighthearted and super fast reading. I loved Sophie and Jacob, I loved their chemistry, and I loved the way they had such playful banter. I do have to say Sophie takes the cake for me on this one though. She is awesome! If she were a real person I would force her to be my friend.
She was just so sassy and prickly! I loved it! She deserves an award for her sarcasm talent alone. I love how she deals with her ex-husband Lucas, I love that she stands up for herself, and I love her dry sense of humor. She's the total package. Jacob is a great character and all with his charm and mysterious ways but Sophie steals the spotlight for sure. Overall I just really loved their story and I would definitely recommend it. Especially if you're a Susan Mallery fan or a Carly Phillips reader.
4.5 Stars.
An advanced readers copy was provided to me by the publishers in exchange for a honest review. This has in no was effected my rating on this book or the overall review.
