Cover Image: The Family You Make

The Family You Make

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Member Reviews

Not a part of my actual review but I noticed this book had a few more typos and mix up of character names than I usually see in a Jill Shalvis book even being a review copy. Hopefully there is another round of copy edits and those get corrected before release.

As for the book itself I really enjoyed this and really fell for both Levi and Jane as well as the side characters, Matteo and Charlotte. I almost wish they had gotten their own book as the brief glimpse we get of Matteo's family I bet they would have been a lot of fun.

That said the romance was really cute and of course has their own bumps. Levi's family was kind of cooky but all out of love for Levi so it was heartwarming to watch. Jane's story was sad and while it does wrap up there were a few details I would have enjoyed hearing about Jane's family but overall this was a great feel good read.

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Typical Jill Shalvis -- good, sexy romance! The characters (including -- maybe especially -- the minor ones) are very likeable. The plot has enough twists and subtext to keep it interesting. The story satisfies the romance-lover's desire for a happy outcome and includes some laugh-out-loud scenes.

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Jane and her friend Charlotte have valid reasons to shy away from men, so can anyone get past their defenses? Jill Shalvis is the only romance author I read. Interesting characters and great families can be counted on, as well as happy endings.

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A book about friendship, family and healing from the past. Two women struggle to accept love due to past hurts and experiences. Do the men in their life have what it takes to win them over. This book starts off with Jane & Levi stuck in a winter storm up on a gondola. This life threatening experience leads Levi to tell his family that Jane is his fake girlfriend until "fake" was no longer enough for him. A whirlwind of events happen next including Jane being reunited with her grandfather who abandoned her. This helps Jane heal from her past. Her best friend Charlotte is also dealing with relationship mistrust but Mateo, her co-worker and neighbor, is persistent and won't stop trying to win her over. Can Charlotte let her guard down enough to let someone love her? Mateo thinks he has what it takes because he knows he loves her for who she is. This is a lighthearted read that is relatable to the reader. I really enjoyed this book and the setting of a winter mountain resort.

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Yet another sweet story full of heart from Jill Shalvis. This one is about Jane, a traveling nurse who has been abandoned by loved ones here whole life and doesn't plan on ever putting down roots. When she meets Levi, however, back home dealing with some family drama of his own, things start to change. I loved ALL the characters in this one, and especially the family relationships, both blood and chosen. Highly recommend!!

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Jane and Levi meet after getting stranded on a ski lift in a snowstorm. The gondola in front of them crashes and they fear the worst. Levi calls his mother to say goodbye but ends up telling her he met his forever girlfriend. After Levi is rescued his family insists on meeting her. Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for his parent’s anniversary dinner.
Jane has serious family issues. She was shuttled back and forth as a child and now wants no attachments to anyone or anything. She continually moves around for her job and never stays in one place too long.
Will playing Levi’s girlfriend show Jane that family is a good thing and that sometimes you really can’t live without the person you love?
Well written and a great read. Jill Shalvis at her best.

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I had high hopes for this book because i love the whole found family trope, but this book was just so confusing it made my head hurt. One minute your reading about Jane and then in the middle of the sentence you find out your actually reading about Charlotte or Levi and it was like that through the whole book.

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First off I will say that I love this authors book and enjoy every one of this one is no different. . The story of Levi and Jane stuck in a gondola at the ski resort where she worked as an RN . They end up stuck for quite a awhile , talk about things nd so it goes that Jane is his "pretend" girlfriend . They do get safely down to the ground but both end up going to the hospital. Then everyone gets involved. This is A VERY GOOD READ. I don't write spoilers because I feel you should read it. This is one her best books.

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This was a cute book. I was just as invested in the second couple. I liked the relationships between all the different characters. The book lost a bit of steam towards the end and it was a bit ridiculous how the heroine violated HIPAA and it was never acknowledged. But the story moved along well.

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I love the dynamic and emotion of this book. Each character is well rounded and has a back story. The fact that the hero's father doesn't understand him is a common theme in life and I was glad it was touched on. The heroines independence is also well rounded and has a great explanation. So often back stories are glossed over in books, but Shalvis has a way to keep it in the forefront! Can't wait for the next one! I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

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Jill Shalvis hits the sweet spot with again with The Family You Make. This novel starts off with these two in quite the predicament and never slows down. Levi is bringing all the swoon, and everyone needs a pretend girlfriend like Jane. There is nonstop laughter, love and family packed into these pages. So much so I felt like we got two love stories in one. Hello, Charlotte and Mateo <3
I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt after reading the epilogue.

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There is a reason why Jill Shalvis is a "go-to" author for so many people. The moment one of her books is released, many begin to read it that day! This book is the explanation. It is full of emotion, difficult subject matters (handled with grace and caring), fighting fears, finding love and what really forms a family unit.

Two strong women still are not completely over the past that follows them. Two courageous men that will go to battle to gain the trust of these two lovely beings. The story of these two couple were a joy to read.

I am a big believer in family being those that love you and you love back, not just blood relations. This theory is all over this book beginning with the title. I knew I was going to adore this story from first seeing the title.

Jill Shalvis created fantastic characters, from a precious 6 year old to an 80's grandfather. They all have unique, deeply developed personalities that bring the story to life.

I savored every moment while in this world that the author created. It is a brilliant storyline. I also will add that it is a tribute to medical workers for all the long hours and trained care that they provide.

I want to thank William Morrow and Custom House, William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley for allowing me to read the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

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Jill Shalvis does not disappoint with her latest novel. Her characters are engaging and the stories make me laugh. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

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Four and a half stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
The Family You Make by Jill Shalvis is the first book in her new series The Sunrise Cove. This first book is set in the Lake Tahoe area and I think this is going to be an excellent series based on this first book and I already can’t wait for the second book in the series!

Levi meets Jane in a ski gondola at the local ski resort. A sudden snowstorm moves into the mountains, and they get stuck in the gondola at the ski resort. When the gondola in front of them falls over 500 feet to the ground, both Levi and Jane feel like their turn is next. They both believe that their lives are in serious danger as their gondola swings wildly in the winds of the storm, Levi calls his mother because he’s sure they are going to die, and in order to please her, he tells his mother he is dating Jane and that they are very happy together. When the storm subsides and they are rescued, Jane agrees to be Levi’s fake date at his parent’s anniversary dinner as gratitude for him helping her in the gondola.

There are actually two romance stories in this one book, but the Jane and Levi story is the main story and it’s very good. It’s a slow-burn romance, where both Levi and Jane are reluctant to be in a relationship. Levi left his family to start his own data tech business, and never felt comfortable back in Tahoe with his family. And Jane never stays in one place for very long and loves her life traveling around the world as a nurse.

I’m a huge fan of Jill Shalvis’s books, and this one did not disappoint. The romance between Levi and Jane felt authentic, and the past issues that they have to overcome were realistic and well developed. I was immediately hooked into the book with the action of the gondola and the suspense of their predicament. The rest of the story unfolded naturally and I enjoyed the characters, especially Levi’s boisterous family.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves women’s fiction and romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Another winner by Shalvis filled with humor and characters who are full of heart. Jane has never had a real family, and she always leaves an escape hatch for herself, even with those she is closest with. Levi has a family who has practically smothered him even while not understanding him, but he still wouldn't trade them. After surviving a traumatic experience together, Levi and Jane begin to see that perhaps the walls they have built might be for the wrong reasons.

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Great book and author. If you haven't read this book yet I highly recommend doing so. First in a new series. Looking forward to the 2nd book in the series

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Outstanding! Love, life, family and friendship are all explored in depth. Entertaining, warm and romantic. Wonderful characters and dialogue.
I absolutely loved it.

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First off, you can never go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book! The Family You Make was wonderful and I adored Levi and Jane as they dealt with their pasts and found friendship and love in each other. This book is funny, romantic, and makes one think about the relationships in their life. Family is not just something you are born into, but those you choose to surround yourself with and love. All these people should not be taken for granted.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This is a heartfelt romance that will rope you in from the beginning! Shows two people that almost lose their lives and find that there’s more to life than work.

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Jane Parks is a traveling nurse. She is not the kind of girl who sticks to one place or puts down roots. Jane annually returns to Tahoe, California, to work the ski season. She finds herself stranded in a gondola, during a freak blizzard, with a good-looking stranger. Jane reluctantly agrees to be Levi’s pretend girlfriend for his parents’ anniversary dinner. She soon finds herself conflicted by what is happening between them. Can Jane trust Levi with her heart? Will she let their fake relationship become real?
Levi Cutler is a data scientist consultant. He hesitantly returns home to help his family with their sporting goods store. A snowstorm strands Levi and a snarky red head on a gondola. He prepares for the worst and calls his mother to lie about having a girlfriend. Levi convinces Jane to pretend to be his girlfriend, only to appease his mother. He never thought he would actually fall in love with her. Can Levi help Jane heal from her trust and abandonment issues? Will he convince her to give them a chance?
I am overjoyed that Levi is a nerdy type! He is the family oddity. I love how Levi throws out random science facts. He reminds me of my favorite character, Dr. Spencer Reid, from the crime drama Criminal Minds. I admire Levi’s dedication to his family. He may often feel like he does not belong, but he has never ignored his family when they need him the most. What I adore the most about Levi is his ability to understand Jane. He knows that she has issues to work through, and he accepts her for herself.
Jane is such a remarkable yet flawed woman. I could not help but empathize with her from the start. I understand Jane’s trust and abandonment issues. She has been dealt a bad hand in the family department. I like how Jane is not put off by Levi’s intelligence. She understands that is part of his unique charm, and she accepts him for who he is. What I love the most about Jane is her need to help others. Despite her crummy childhood, she chose a profession that helps those in need.
THE FAMILY YOU MAKE is the first book in Jill Shalvis’ contemporary romance/woman’s fiction series, THE SUNRISE COVE. Fans of the author’s WILDSTONE books will love this brand-new series. It follows the same formula, especially the humorous wit Jill Shalvis is known for. I adore the secondary romance in the background. We get two romances for the price of one.
THE FAMILY YOU MAKE is an uplifting tale of two rejected souls learning to heal from their pasts and open-up to love. No one can write small-town romances like Jill Shalvis. I cannot wait to see who is next in this keeper series!

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