I tried to enjoy this book, because I love Jill Shalvis. However, the heroine was just so mean to A.J. that it was starting to to feel unrealistic that he still wanted her even after all her verbal abuse. *smh* ( )

I completely love this heroine. Darcy is so wounded but still so strong. Her inner reactions to events throughout the book had me in tears. And the retired service dogs she rescues - omg. I snuggled my own little pound puppy a LOT while reading this. As always with Shalvis, the side characters are multi-dimensional as well - I can't wait to read Xander and Tyson's books! ( )

He was her physical therapist who helped her walk again after a terrible accident. She has abandonment and trust issues and he's just the guy to prove just how loveable she really is.
( )

Shalvis made me happy sigh after I read the last page :) ( )

Still the One
4 Stars

Darcy Stone and AJ Colton both have valid reasons for not getting romantically involved. Still smarting from AJ’s previous rejection, Darcy begrudgingly agrees to help him secure grant funding for his physical therapy patients. AJ is just a reticent as he and Darcy will have to pretend to be a couple; an idea that he is much too eager to explore for real. Can AJ and Darcy get beyond the past and find a future together?

Darcy and AJ’s romance is sweet and the “fake” relationship trope only intensifies their pre-existing chemistry. Given their backstories, i.e., Darcy’s issues with rejection and AJ’s reluctance to become involved with a footloose and fancy free woman, it is not surprising that communication, or the lack thereof, becomes a central focus. That said, the story mostly manages to avoid the silly misunderstandings that usually characterize this type of relationship.

The secondary plot involving Darcy’s rehabilitation of search & rescue dogs is charming, but unfortunately does not play as integral a part as it could have and remains rather underdeveloped. Secondary characters Zander and Tyson are both intriguing and it will be interesting to see if Shalvis develops them further.

In sum, Still the one is another solid installment in this charming series about small town friends who find love in the most unlikely of places. ( )