3.5 stars

Second chance romance, mending old friendships, finding a path through grief; this story has a lot of heavy topics. In typical Jill Shalvis style, there are also a lot of moments that made me laugh. Once again, as is the case with all of the books in this series, this story skates the edge of romance and is much more women’s fiction. There’s still a romantic storyline and a HEA, but it’s more about these three people finding their way in the world.

There are many things to like about this story. Knox and Lauren are such kind and wonderful characters. Alice has a humongous chip on her shoulder and hasn’t dealt with her grief so she’s harder to get a bead on. Alice’s brother, who was also Lauren’s first love, died years ago in an accident. Lauren stayed in their hometown and became the sweet, pitied widow, much to her dismay. Alice, on the other hand, ran as far away as she could, leaving her hometown and her best friend behind. Lauren faces everything with grace, maybe a bit too much as she holds a lot in that she shouldn’t. Alice reacts to everything defensively and keeps everyone at arm’s length.

Knox is beyond patient with Alice. He had a rough upbringing and it shaped him to be a considerate and sensitive person. He doesn’t trust easily, yet he knows he can go all in with Alice if she’ll only let her walls down. Alice has had a thing for Knox since she was a teen and was too young for him. They didn’t interact much, but she was always drawn to his kindness. Lauren gets some romance too, and her guy is just as kind as Knox. Ben is patient and funny and just what Lauren needs in her life, someone who doesn’t see her as half of a tragic couple who was and sees her as an individual.

There are some warm fuzzies in this story, but there are also little mistakes throughout that I don’t expect from this author. Nothing major, but little things that usually I don’t find in her books.

I’m a huge fan of this author and they can’t all be 5-star reads, I know that. This story was both fun and touching. I prefer her more romance-centered stories, but she keeps my interest in her contemporary fiction stories more than most authors, so there’s that.

The is a standalone romance novel in the Sunrise Cove series. When Alice inherits a B&B, she heads home. She must work with 2 other people who were once friends, to get the B&B up and running. I love how they renewed the friendships and I love the romance. Good story.

Alice Moore, Lauren Scott and Knox Rawlings are shocked to find out that all inherited a third of the Wild West Last Chance Inn from Eleanor Graham. Alice and Lauren used to be best friends until that horrible night four years ago and now they don't even speak. Knox was the slightly older guy who Alice pined for whenever she saw him at the inn helping Eleanor. Now the three of them were forced together to spend a year fixing up the inn or they would lose their inheritance.

Things get off to a rocky start, but the more time they spend together, the more they are opening up to each other. Surprisingly to Alice, she realizes that she is still attracted to Knox and it seems the attraction is reciprocated and soon these two are hooking up. The three of them start to understand why Eleanor left the inn to them and each slowly start to heal things from their pasts. In the end friendships are formed and love is found.

I really enjoyed this second chance at life story. Alice, Lauren and Knox all had demons from their past still affecting their current lives. Together the three of them helped each other get past those hurdles so they could have a better life. Beautifully written characters and a perfect story line, this book gives you laughter, sadness and pure joy.

I have been a fan of Jill Shalvis for about as many years as she has been writing and publishing. I feel like we are “old” friends! And I think I have read everything she has written. The Backup Plan felt very different to me from many of her other books. It is deep, layered and beautifully written. I loved the relationship between three friends who had a history together but had not been friends for many years. Alice was perhaps the most broken of the three but Knox and Lauren had their baggage too and it took the whole book for them to piece together their friendship and more again. This is a beautiful love story and i loved every minute of it.

I do love books that have a strong theme of friendship, forgiveness and love running through them. The Backup Plan had all three and was excellent. Alice, Lauren and Knox were all brought together after learning they had an old Wild Wild West Inn left to them, with a stipulation about their partnership. As they take a month to fix the place up they find themselves reconnecting and healing after years of hurt. I loved this addition to the Sunrise Cove series and hope there will be more!

I truly enjoy this series!

Shalvis has a special knack with her story telling. It's generally not just about one main couple but a group of people who have a special dynamic within their relationship. This is definitely the case with Alice, Lauren & Knox. And even Eleanor whose passing is what brought these three back together after several years.

She provides such wonderful background history in her books that it just makes everything flow so well.

I loved this beautiful, sweet, funny, and heartfelt story. Alice, Lauren, and Knox have been brought together after a woman from their past, Eleanor, left them equal shares in a run down wild west inn. They must work together to restore the inn or risk losing their share. They all knew each other when they were younger. Alice and Lauren were best friends before tragedy struck, and Alice left town without ever looking back. Alice and Knox both worked at the inn, Alice fixing cars with her dad, and Knox with his mother, doing whatever Eleanor needed. Alice had a major crush on Knox, but after she left, and his mother passed, he also left Sunrise Cove to make his mark on the world. Now they are all a bit lost, and not sure they want to be in the place that holds so many sad memories. They make lists to keep on track, and to protect their hearts, as they work on restoring the inn. Lauren was Eleanor's estranged niece, and was surprised when she received a box filled with memories, along with many secrets, from Eleanor, that affects them all. As they work hard on the inn, they also face their tortured pasts, that helps them heal and slowly find the family and home they didn't know they were searching for. But when secrets are revealed, will they be strong enough to fight for the family, friends, and love they didn't think they were worthy of? I was completely captivated by this beautiful and heartwarming story. I really loved the dynamics between Alice, Lauren, and Knox, as well as Ben from the hardware store. The way that they formed their bonds, and opened their hearts to hope, forgiveness and love, wasn't easy, and that made it feel so real and honest. I loved the peek into each of Alice, Lauren, and Knox's history through Elenore's unsent emails, that gave us a revealing look into why they all make the decisions they do. I really just devoured this story. It was so easy to fall for all these characters and their lives that made me laugh, tugged at my heart, and made me swoon.

I love a great Jill Shalvis novel and The Backup Plan has all of the fixin’s for a true heartbreaker of a novel. Alice has been on her own since she was 18 never settling down in one place and afraid to make a commitment in a job or relationship. When she sees Knox again she’s reminded of the huge crush she had on him in her youth. She is also reminded of her great love for her old friend Lauren and how it all went wrong. Alice has a tough time facing her past, especially when it counts.

Lauren has buried the secret of the night Will died and let her relationship with Alice falter in order to keep her secret, but she’s out of a job and the B&B can make all of her dreams come true and help her connect with her great-aunt whom she now realizes she may have always misunderstood.

Knox has avoided his hometown and gone on to build a successful eco-friendly construction business, won awards and done all of the big things he always wanted to do. When he sees Alice again and gets to know her sassy self, he calmly decides that he would like to stay and build a future. Will Alice buy into that same vision?

The Backup Plan has all of the emotional depth we look for in Women’s Fiction, and the great characters we expect from a Jill Shalvis novel. I loved reading about these characters and cared how they connected with each other again, rebuilding and falling in love. The best kinds of novels have a future written for their characters and in this novel that future is stamped in the lifeblood of each movement and word. I relished reading this novel and enjoyed the message and love found on every page. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review and it was honest!

Knox, Lauren and Alice have inherited a Wild West B&B. These three have a past and it is full of hurt feelings and heart break. But, they decide to put aside their differences and come together to fix this fixer upper. It turns out to be the lifeline they all need.

I fell hard for Knox. I mean…who wouldn’t! Then there is Lauren. Talk about quirky! She is no nonsense and tough. Add sweet, mild Alice to the mix and you have a perfect blend of characters to keep this story animated!

No one does snarky like Jill Shalvis. This author has become my “go to” for anything light. I always laugh and get caught up in the story. And this one is no different. I swear, I know every character in this book, or at least, related to them!

Need a light hearted romance with a kick…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

THE BACKUP PLAN – Jill Shalvis
A Perfect 10
Sunrise Cove, Book 3
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063095472
January 17, 2023
Romantic Comedy

Sunrise Cove, California – Present Day

Three people whose friendship splintered apart after the death of the brother of one of them are brought together when they are left an old wild west Bed & Breakfast. They hate each other right now, but will working to restore the old inn bring them together?

Alice left town after her beloved brother was killed while racing his car. She thinks everyone blames her because she had been working on the car right before he drove off. His longtime girlfriend, Lauren, wouldn’t speak to her and the town gossips had a field day. Alice had been secretly lusting after Knox, but he wouldn’t look her way because he was dating someone else. She’d rather be anywhere else other than at the inn but the other two won’t buy her out. They agree to fix it up and then possibly turn it over to a property management team. Meanwhile, Knox is single and unattached. He’s as deliciously attractive now as he was back then. He continues to tease Alice and the sparks are flying hot and heavy.

Lauren works at the local library but it’s as though she’s living in the past. Everyone refers to her as “the widow,” even though she was never married to her boyfriend. How can she move on if she can’t move past the past? The inn was owned by her great aunt, Eleanor, but they didn’t have much of a relationship because Eleanor and Lauren’s grandmother fought over a man—Lauren’s late grandfather. Lauren’s father ended up being raised by Eleanor, but he left as soon as he turned eighteen. The old lady was as crotchety as they came. Lauren’s relationship with Alice is fraught with tension. How can they spend the next several weeks working to restore the inn if they can’t stand each other?

Knox left Sunrise Cove after his now ex-girlfriend cheated on him and ended up pregnant. He’s gone on to career success and he could afford to buy out Alice and Lauren, but he wants to go through with it, especially in light of the fact that he finds Alice attractive. The two women are like two cats circling one another in a dark alley. They are ready to pounce and try to hurt the other. Knox is there to be the referee. He settles their disputes and helps set the rules. But soon, he is wanting to spend more time with Alice. She is feisty and stubborn and makes it easy for him to tease her. Their sparks fly all over and soon, they are locking lips. Yet, her guilt over her brother’s death and the friction between her and Lauren threaten to destroy everything they have accomplished at the inn. And the ghost of Eleanor stands tall. Why did the old woman leave it to these three?

THE BACKUP PLAN is a cute, funny, and highly entertaining tale. While part of the Sunrise Cove series, it is a standalone. Three former friends are thrown together to restore an old inn. While all three knew Eleanor, none were close to the woman. Partway through, they discover old emails that Eleanor had sent to her sister, the one she hated. Alice, Lauren, and Knox agree to read one a day. As each one is read, it provides more clues to the past and opens the dialogue between them. But it also reopens old wounds…

Once I started reading THE BACKUP PLAN, I could hardly put it down. It drew me into the lives of Alice, Lauren, and Knox. This is why I gave it A Perfect 10. There is also a secondary story about Lauren starting a tentative friendship with Ben, who owns a hardware store in town. Will it lead to a romance for her? Meanwhile, Alice and Knox circle around each other, neither wanting to admit their attraction. Alice plans to leave Sunrise Cove as soon as the inn is fixed up. Knox’s life is elsewhere also, but will they decide to stay?

Prepare to enjoy yourself when you start reading THE BACKUP PLAN. It’s too good to pass up.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

The Backup Plan is a heartwarming story about friendship and second chances. I really enjoyed this one although I do feel it was a bit predictable and could’ve used a little more substance as at times it felt like not much was happening.

A Jill Shalvis book is like hot cocoa, a warm blanket and a comfy chair on a cold, winter night. It's just that good! This book warmed my heart and left me dying for her next book. She does such a wonderful job of weaving backstory, character growth, great writing all in the same story leaving the reader breathless. All three characters, Alice, Knox and Lauren inherited a beat up B&B. They knew each other in the past and it's definitely complicated. Alice and Knox are probably two of my favorite Shalvis couples. They have great connection and so much growth separately and together. This book is a highly recommended fun, heart-warming read. Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

This was a phenomenal read. I get so excited when I know there is a new Shalvis book coming. Then I read it, and now I am waiting for the next one, cause I want more. This gives you all the feels. Angst , joy, love, all of them. Her characters and their relationships drive her stories. This one is no different. Alice, Lauren, & Knox - 3 very different people forced to co-exist to fix up a broken down B & B to get their inheritance. All 3 have history with each other, but they revolve around Alice. Alice has to learn how to find her path forward. That journey is what propels this book forward.

The relationships are heart warming and beautiful. I love these characters. The only issue I had was the book ended. I truly wanted more. Thank you Jill for an awesome read.

Jill Shalvis doesn’t disappoint in this charming book that blend friendship, romance and the renovation of a fabulous old. building seamlesssly.

We return to Sunrise Cove in The Backup Plan by Jill Shalvis. Three former friends are thrown together when they inherit a rundown B&B. They will lose the inheritance if they do not renovate the inn and stay partners for one year. Alice, Lauren, and Knox have secrets and issues from the past. This is a book with a lot of emotional angst, finding forgiveness, and letting go of the past. It is a story of learning to open their hearts again, to love, and to be the family unit they crave. Jill Shalvis brings it all together in a heartwarming story with humor, love, and forgiveness.

Knox, Alice and Lauren each get to share their point of view in this emotional story. It adds more depth to a pretty good story. I enjoyed some of the funny times, with most of it coming out of the mouth of spunky Alice. There is also much more than just spunk when it comes to her though.
Lauren gets nicknamed Pink by Knox because can you guess? She adores pink and wears as much of it as she can. She also is prim, proper and follows a lot of rules. That keeps most of her fears at bay. She is also awkward at times, especially around men but not at her gig as at the library.  
Speaking of nicknames, Knox knew "Tumbleweed" was what her father called her and when Knox used it, he got called Fort Knox back. Once again, quick wit from Alice.
Knox is one laid back, calm, good looking guy. But like the other two, he carried his own painful memories from living in Sunrise Cove. And more painful secrets come out with each of Elanor's unsent emails that are read.
I liked the romance that develops between Alice and Knox and how he just "gets" her. He's the calm to her storm.
Something that was a positive for me was that no matter what had been thrown at them in life, they each had some good skills. I could have used a bit less of the eye rolling though.
Alone, that's how Lauren felt. She was tired of begging people to love her. As I read it more, it became clear that each of them was alone in their own way. And they didn't even see that connection. 
I liked how the story ended with all three getting their lives in order. The Epilogue put a smile on my face as well.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Alice, Knox, and Lauren have known one another since childhood. Years later they are drawn together as co-inheritors of an inn, left to them by Eleanor, a woman who meant something different to each of them. For Alice and Knox, Eleanor was a stabilizing force in their lives and, at times, a mother figure. For Lauren, Eleanor was the great aunt she never got to know, since her father had cut Eleanor from their lives. Now thrown together, the trio must navigate painful pasts, old wounds, and complicated relationships.

Shalvis provided a heartwarming tale that straddled the line between women’s fiction and romance. While Alice’s abrasive nature kept me from ever warming to her, there was still plenty to enjoy. Knox dealing with his past, Lauren spreading her wings, and the evolving relationships kept me entertained. With themes of forgiveness, letting go of the past, and second chances, The Backup Plan was a solid blend of friendship and romance.

Note: I received an early reading copy of The Backup Plan via NetGalley, receipt of which does not impact my review.

The Backup Plan is book 3 in the Sunrise Cove series by Jill Shalvis. However, the books are not connected so this works great as a standalone.

““You make me want things. Things I don’t have any business wanting.”
“Everyone deserves to be loved. Even you.””

Alice Moore, Knox Rawlings, and Lauren Scott are all back in Sunrise Cove, CA, after being left equal shares of the Last Chance Inn, a Wild West themed Inn sorely in need of renovation. The catch? They need to renovate together - and need to get past their old baggage to make it work. Alice and Lauren are former best friends, who were torn apart by grief in their early 20’s. In their teens, Alice crushed hard on Knox but he barely knew she existed. And Knox has never dealt with old ghosts in the empty home he left years ago.

The Backup Plan is full of warmth and heart. Reading a Jill Shalvis book is like a cozy hug - she’s one of the authors that got me back into reading several years ago. Her Heartbreaker Bay series is one of my all-time favorites! I loved this book and recommend it to fans of Susan Mallery, Miranda Liasson, and Phoebe Mills.

Well I must say it’s another 5 stars for Jill’s new book The Back Up Plan. This book is about 3 people who are not total strangers inheriting at piece of property. They must work together to fix this property and reopen it. This story has 3 main characters, Knox, Alice and Lauren. Besides the main story of this book (3 people inheriting this property) you have 2 other mini story lines going on, a romance budding between Knox and Alice and a feud/past friendship fallout between Alice and Lauren. This book gives u all the feels and as a reader you become easily invested in these characters and root for them during all of their problems. If you are looking for a romance but also a book on building and rebuilding friendships this is a book you definitely want to read!

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to have an ARC of this book and the chance to review!

The Backup Plan is book 3 in the Sunrise Cove series and it comes out on Tuesday - January 17th.

I love the small town of Sunrise Cove and in The Backup Plan three friends end up back where they grew up when they find out they've inherited a B&B. Alice, Lauren and Knox haven't seen each other in years but Alice & Lauren used to be BFFs and Knox was the guy who broke Alice's heart. Will they be able to regain trust as they work to bring this B&B back to its former glory?

This was a fun book. I love Jill Shalvis and even if you haven't read the other books in this series you can pick this one up. It's a good mix of women's fiction focused on the characters learning about themselves and thinking about their pasts with a little bit of romance!

This book is perfect for a winter day! It's a cute story, great characters and an adorable mountain town!