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sryoung's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nitzanschwarz's review
2.5
My rating for this one, unfortunately, is more around 2.5 stars than a three. I loved Dylan and Tilly in The Lost and Found Sisters, and I still really like them, but this novella was really, really meh for me.
First of all, a third of this novells is reading exact scenes from Lost and Found Sisters. Not from a different POV or something, which could have been interesting, but almost word for word. The only difference was that some got cut down a bit. That was... so unnecessary. I guess I could see that it tries to connect people who haven't read the first one to this story, but I also feel like... why would someone who hasn't read the first one read this one?
Second, I felt like this was Shalvis rehashing plot lines she has done before and done better (for example, Rescue My Heart, which I read earlier this year and is pretty much the exact same setup, only far more fleshed out). I wrote this is my review for the first one - it was obvious that if Tilly and Dylan got their own story, it would be because they have separated, which I didn't really want to happen. And, of course, it did. And for the exact same reason, I feared it would.
Now, I feel like this COULD'VE worked as a full novel. Perhaps we could see scenes from their past that we HAVEN'T seen before. Dylan and Tilly were an item for at least two years before they separated - that gives us a lot of time to pool from that would let us understand and feel the strong emotions that they used to share--and still do. It would help explain it.
It would also give Tilly more time to accept Dylan's love. Like, she didn't want to be attracted to him. She was. She made his logo. She saw him with some kids. His friends told her the real reason he left and for an added bonus told her how bad he got hurt (which I feel like shouldn't matter? Why does the fact he got hurt change anything, like the fact he left without telling her?). Then everything is forgiven and suddenly it's the next morning but also "by this time she knew his routine" which is like, how? what happened? the timeline doesn't really add up?? Also, didn't they become friends long before she was 15?? why did they suddenly meet when she was 15??? tHIS TIME LINE DOESN't WORK??? And it even ends [with a proposal (hide spoiler)] but it also feels like it has literally been two weeks or something and whaaa?
I really wasn't feeling it. I wanted more time for their relationship to develop--it's been eight years, for god's sake!--I wanted to see NEW things from their past and not the same things I've already read (like, for example, the FIRST time Dylan crawled through Tilly's window when they were kids because, hello, that would be awesome. Or the first time she found out about his abusive daddy, or their prom, or the day he left her, etc.).
So, this one is kind of a no-no for me. Definitely not Shalvis at her best....
First of all, a third of this novells is reading exact scenes from Lost and Found Sisters. Not from a different POV or something, which could have been interesting, but almost word for word. The only difference was that some got cut down a bit. That was... so unnecessary. I guess I could see that it tries to connect people who haven't read the first one to this story, but I also feel like... why would someone who hasn't read the first one read this one?
Second, I felt like this was Shalvis rehashing plot lines she has done before and done better (for example, Rescue My Heart, which I read earlier this year and is pretty much the exact same setup, only far more fleshed out). I wrote this is my review for the first one - it was obvious that if Tilly and Dylan got their own story, it would be because they have separated, which I didn't really want to happen. And, of course, it did. And for the exact same reason, I feared it would.
Now, I feel like this COULD'VE worked as a full novel. Perhaps we could see scenes from their past that we HAVEN'T seen before. Dylan and Tilly were an item for at least two years before they separated - that gives us a lot of time to pool from that would let us understand and feel the strong emotions that they used to share--and still do. It would help explain it.
It would also give Tilly more time to accept Dylan's love. Like, she didn't want to be attracted to him. She was. She made his logo. She saw him with some kids. His friends told her the real reason he left and for an added bonus told her how bad he got hurt (which I feel like shouldn't matter? Why does the fact he got hurt change anything, like the fact he left without telling her?). Then everything is forgiven and suddenly it's the next morning but also "by this time she knew his routine" which is like, how? what happened? the timeline doesn't really add up?? Also, didn't they become friends long before she was 15?? why did they suddenly meet when she was 15??? tHIS TIME LINE DOESN't WORK??? And it even ends [with a proposal (hide spoiler)] but it also feels like it has literally been two weeks or something and whaaa?
I really wasn't feeling it. I wanted more time for their relationship to develop--it's been eight years, for god's sake!--I wanted to see NEW things from their past and not the same things I've already read (like, for example, the FIRST time Dylan crawled through Tilly's window when they were kids because, hello, that would be awesome. Or the first time she found out about his abusive daddy, or their prom, or the day he left her, etc.).
So, this one is kind of a no-no for me. Definitely not Shalvis at her best....
queeerlybeloved's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
chrissy3562's review
5.0
I’m so glad we got Tilly and Dylan’s story. It is a novella so we didn’t get nearly as much as we did for Quinn’s story, but it was still adorable. I think readers would benefit from reading Quinn’s story first, but it isn’t necessary to read Tilly’s. You still get the humor and heart that Shalvis has become known for. My one complaint is this book would have been fantastic as a full length story where we really got into the past of these two more and allowed them to truly work through their issues. Either way, the story was great and I definitely recommend it.
nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review
5.0
Once again Jill Shalvis introduces us to characters that the reader cannot help but fall in love with. Dylan has always loved Tilly. She has seen him at his worst but still made him feel worthy. When he felt he was holding her back he walked away and ended their young love. But now Dylan has come back home and fights for the woman he loves. Will Tilly forgive him and let him back in her heart? Or will sh always wonder if he is going to run off again? With beautiful characters and a storyline that I did not want to see end this book is a must read. I cannot wait for more in the series.
nellesnightstand1's review
4.0
Those readers who loved these two in the first book will get their HEA. It was satisfying, but felt a little, rushed I think. I mean, I wanted them together too, and they were meant for each other. It was a great ending!! Jill can't write a story though without flagging my interest in the other characters. I want his business partners stories now!
miaev's review
5.0
Welcome back to Wildstone where life is not always easy but you have friends and family.
We meet Tilly in “Lost and Found Sisters” when she was a teenager. She is now all grown up and teaching an art class at the local community college where one of her students is Dylan Scott, her BFF growing up and her first love.
After ten years since they last saw each other, Dylan and Tilly have some issues left to resolve. Can they resolve them without killing each other? Or can they both let themselves fall in love a second time and make it work this time? And without killing each other.
This is a quick fast read and not a full length novel like the first book in this series. But it can read as a stand alone. So find a chair in the sun where you can grab a few hours to enjoy yourself reading this novella.
I did receive a copy of this novel from Ms. Shalvis ahead of publication in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. Although I do read all of her books so being able to read this ahead of time was a wonderful treat.
We meet Tilly in “Lost and Found Sisters” when she was a teenager. She is now all grown up and teaching an art class at the local community college where one of her students is Dylan Scott, her BFF growing up and her first love.
After ten years since they last saw each other, Dylan and Tilly have some issues left to resolve. Can they resolve them without killing each other? Or can they both let themselves fall in love a second time and make it work this time? And without killing each other.
This is a quick fast read and not a full length novel like the first book in this series. But it can read as a stand alone. So find a chair in the sun where you can grab a few hours to enjoy yourself reading this novella.
I did receive a copy of this novel from Ms. Shalvis ahead of publication in exchange for a fair, unbiased review. Although I do read all of her books so being able to read this ahead of time was a wonderful treat.
nellesnightstand's review
4.0
Those readers who loved these two in the first book will get their HEA. It was satisfying, but felt a little, rushed I think. I mean, I wanted them together too, and they were meant for each other. It was a great ending!! Jill can't write a story though without flagging my interest in the other characters. I want his business partners stories now!
jaimejustreadsromance's review
5.0
Quick Easy Read
I probably broke a rule by reading this novella before I’ve had the chance to sit down and read the first book in this series, however, it doesn’t seem like I missed anything pertinent to understanding Tilly and Dylan’s story. I realize, though, that it might’ve made me appreciate it more had I read in order but, here I am.
This was a quick, easy and sweet second chance romance with a tiny, yet protective and fierce puppy, two interfering but well-meaning friends, a loving big sister and two people who never stopped loving each other. It’s just a quick story but Jill Shalvis, once again, flexes her outstanding writing muscles to build strong characters and a solid story in such a small amount of words. This is the reason she will always be my go-to author. I’m not sure she has ever disappointed. I’m excited to go back and read the first book and then follow up with the second full novel in June!
I probably broke a rule by reading this novella before I’ve had the chance to sit down and read the first book in this series, however, it doesn’t seem like I missed anything pertinent to understanding Tilly and Dylan’s story. I realize, though, that it might’ve made me appreciate it more had I read in order but, here I am.
This was a quick, easy and sweet second chance romance with a tiny, yet protective and fierce puppy, two interfering but well-meaning friends, a loving big sister and two people who never stopped loving each other. It’s just a quick story but Jill Shalvis, once again, flexes her outstanding writing muscles to build strong characters and a solid story in such a small amount of words. This is the reason she will always be my go-to author. I’m not sure she has ever disappointed. I’m excited to go back and read the first book and then follow up with the second full novel in June!
inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
5.0
The Good Luck Sister takes place 10 years after Lost and Found Sisters. In this book we catch up with Tilly and Dylan. They’ve grown up and apart and now he is back and the fire is still there but can Tilly forgive the past and start over? This is a short follow up that will leave you with a smile on your face and in your heart.