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Animal Magnetism #2
Animal Attraction
She’s tempting his basic instincts…
Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge…or to find one yourself. Veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.
Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape the big-city jungle to work with hurt animals, and have a forlorn stray kitten make its home under her desk…or enjoy the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.
Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s seductive, alluring ways have sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist…
Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge…or to find one yourself. Veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.
Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape the big-city jungle to work with hurt animals, and have a forlorn stray kitten make its home under her desk…or enjoy the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.
Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s seductive, alluring ways have sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist…
293 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
559 people are currently reading
3882 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
386 books13.8k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 767 reviews
October 5, 2011
Every-time I pick up a Jill Shalvis contemporary, I don't think she can do any better, after all how high can I keep my expectations but I am proved wrong and man am I so glad for it.
Animal Attraction is the second book based in Sunshine, Idaho and this time our yummy hero is Dell, animal and woman whisperer and part owner of the vet clinic Bell Haven. And we get Jade, the one who runs their life and office ever since she showed up eighteen month ago, without any references and a look in the eye, Adam and Dell see in animals who have been hurt.
I enjoyed the whole pacing of the book, not even one word felt un-intentional for and the sexual tension as usual was off the charts, so much so that I wanted these two to just jump each other, before they do we do get some toe-melting kisses.
Dell doesn't let people close atleast not that many and who can blame him, mother walked off, dad died, went from foster homes to foster home and got beaten up for being small, until Sol, where Brady, Adam and Dell found something worthwhile, then Sol died as well. Dell has found a niche for himself now, animals, he loves them but as far his relationship record goes, that's not so great, he loves women and they him in turn but he doesn't give them a chance to hurt him.
Dell and Jade have been circling around each other ever since she came to work and now she's about to leave and go back to her life in Chicago. Like Dell, Jade is good at building boundaries, none of them know about her life or what happened but despite all her efforts all of them have managed to become a part of her life.
I loved the whole book and the entire cast, Adam was a hoot, constantly walking in on Dell and Jade at the worst times, like after that sweaty self-defense lesson, I wanted to scream like Dell there with frustration. I do sense something brewing between Adam and Holly and can't wait for those fire-works. We get Lilah and Brady time as well, which I loved.
I enjoyed the big brother role Adam played, he talked to Jade and even Dell as well and made them think through his snarky humor. Dell was good at protecting himself but when it came to Jade he didn't have any defenses and he helped her overcome her fears and then feared she won't need him anymore. He had such a big heart and even when his mother hurt him so much, he was still there for her. I wanted to hug him so bad and tell him hey stop Jade from leaving and also tell Jade to open up, that guy is great and you need to TALK. See, how invested I was in the book?
The book wasn't just about the relationship but about all of them, about Jade finally finding herself, after a robbery in Chicago made her question her place in life, about finally confronting her fears and learning to tackle them through Dell. The beauty was that both of them helped each other while thinking they didn't. Jade and Dell were totally wonderful for each other and I have got to admit Jill writes the best heroes and I too want a Dell for myself.
A wonderfully written book that you'll wish never ended. I love the people of Sunshine and can't wait to go back there.
ARC received through the author.
Animal Attraction is the second book based in Sunshine, Idaho and this time our yummy hero is Dell, animal and woman whisperer and part owner of the vet clinic Bell Haven. And we get Jade, the one who runs their life and office ever since she showed up eighteen month ago, without any references and a look in the eye, Adam and Dell see in animals who have been hurt.
I enjoyed the whole pacing of the book, not even one word felt un-intentional for and the sexual tension as usual was off the charts, so much so that I wanted these two to just jump each other, before they do we do get some toe-melting kisses.
Dell doesn't let people close atleast not that many and who can blame him, mother walked off, dad died, went from foster homes to foster home and got beaten up for being small, until Sol, where Brady, Adam and Dell found something worthwhile, then Sol died as well. Dell has found a niche for himself now, animals, he loves them but as far his relationship record goes, that's not so great, he loves women and they him in turn but he doesn't give them a chance to hurt him.
Dell and Jade have been circling around each other ever since she came to work and now she's about to leave and go back to her life in Chicago. Like Dell, Jade is good at building boundaries, none of them know about her life or what happened but despite all her efforts all of them have managed to become a part of her life.
I loved the whole book and the entire cast, Adam was a hoot, constantly walking in on Dell and Jade at the worst times, like after that sweaty self-defense lesson, I wanted to scream like Dell there with frustration. I do sense something brewing between Adam and Holly and can't wait for those fire-works. We get Lilah and Brady time as well, which I loved.
I enjoyed the big brother role Adam played, he talked to Jade and even Dell as well and made them think through his snarky humor. Dell was good at protecting himself but when it came to Jade he didn't have any defenses and he helped her overcome her fears and then feared she won't need him anymore. He had such a big heart and even when his mother hurt him so much, he was still there for her. I wanted to hug him so bad and tell him hey stop Jade from leaving and also tell Jade to open up, that guy is great and you need to TALK. See, how invested I was in the book?
The book wasn't just about the relationship but about all of them, about Jade finally finding herself, after a robbery in Chicago made her question her place in life, about finally confronting her fears and learning to tackle them through Dell. The beauty was that both of them helped each other while thinking they didn't. Jade and Dell were totally wonderful for each other and I have got to admit Jill writes the best heroes and I too want a Dell for myself.
A wonderfully written book that you'll wish never ended. I love the people of Sunshine and can't wait to go back there.
ARC received through the author.
March 11, 2012
I was sucked into the Hotness Vortex and I didn’t want to swirl out! Sunshine Idaho here I come. This book and that life are just what I need. Jill Shalvis writes a nice easy going romance. It has you feeling all kinds of good while you’re reading, and happy and content in the end. Dell and Jade were such a fun couple. I enjoyed their playful banter and sizzling romance! Oh, there is the usual thought process going on, does she want me, am I good enough for her and vice versa. There is a little bit of angst, but nothing that has you wringing your hands or causing sleepless nights. There are wonderful secondary characters, which included the animals at the vet clinic. Gotta love a parrot that says “boner”. Brady and Lilah were back with some big news and sexy Adam is still brooding. I can’t wait for his book. I’m still pondering over who will be his love interest, but I think I have an idea.
I can always turn to a Jill Shalvis book if I’m looking for a no brainer, some sweet lovin’ and a feeling of contentment. *sigh*
I can always turn to a Jill Shalvis book if I’m looking for a no brainer, some sweet lovin’ and a feeling of contentment. *sigh*
March 17, 2012
Yes I loved Peanut! Peanut was definitely my favorite character in this book! Wait.. was it good if I liked Peanut more than the H/h?
But Peanut was fun and so adorable! I laughed everytime Peanut talked, although there are only about four to five lines in Peanut's head. Peanut should have had more appearance in the book... *sigh*
Why am I reviewing a parrot?
Jade Bennett lives in her escapism as a secretary in Bell Haven animal clinic where she met her bos Dell Conelly. Jade is an independent and sassy woman with obsessive compulsive disorder. While many romances bring us bad tortured heroes, Dell is a sweet tortured hero. I was touched by his story. He's a man who makes his own fortune, he accomplished his success even though he'd been living a rough life. Jade, on the other hand, had been living a pleasant life before one unfortunate event gave her a trauma.
Both main characters were lovable. They were rather the same, such sweethearts outside while there were actually two very vulnerable soul hiding inside. The author doesn't spoil the readers much, we have to discover what's going on within the hero and heroine step by step. I liked the way the author put the personal conflicts in Dell, it fitted his personality very well. But I had a little problem with Jade here. Jade grew up in a good family with happily married parents. So I didn't understand why she is having problem with believing how two people who love each other can live together and still able to work it out.
Dell and Jade feel strong attraction to each other. They try to control it because it's dragging them out from their comfort zones. Of course they finally fail. The romance was sweet and sizzling hot with some emotionally touching moments. JS has a quite vivid writing style which intensify the sensuality. Dell was caring and too patient. Jade was spontaneous in her acts -I liked when she was being spontaneous at the right times- and too stubborn. Their reluctance just to say either what they want or feel annoyed me so much. My main issue with this book was I wasn't sure if the conflict was strong enough to sustain the whole book. Though I liked the conflict with their romance, I felt it was dragging on too long so the romance kinda lost some pace.
When you read a small town romance, the supporting characters play important role in the story. I wasn't disappointed. They did a good job. I haven't read the first book in the series but I wasn't lost. Brady, Lilah, and Adam brought some fun, they affected the two main characters, and they were all very likeable. I loved the brotherhood and the girlie friendship.
I definitely want to read more books by the author. I'm glad I picked Animal Attraction as my first. It was light and enjoyable, a wonderful small town romance. Moreover, it has Peanut!
Well, there are more supporting animals appear in the book such as Gertie the St. Bernard, Beans the kitten, Peanut, Peanut, and Peanut. This book was good, but if I want to re-read it, it will be because of Peanut. And when I read the other book of the series, my primary motive will be to find Peanut in there. So if I have something to say to Jill Shalvis, it will have to be...
GIMME MORE PEANUT!
“Nothing,” he said. “I just really like it when you say things like excite and boner.”
“Boner,” Peanut said.
“Oh, no,” Jade said to the parrot. “No, no, no . . . you can’t say—”
“Boner.”
“Oh God.” Jade panicked. “Peanut—”
“Pretty bird,” Del broke in, smiling at the parrot and speaking low and soft. “Such a pretty girl, Peanut.”
Peanut preened under his admiring tone. “Pretty Peanut”
February 6, 2012
This was nice and easy read, nothing earth shattering or intense, but a beautiful, caring love story. I actually liked this book better than the first. Jill Shalvis did a great job developing the H&h. Dell was so fun loving, at least on the surface, and the women loved him. You could feel the tension and jealousy rolling off of Jade every time she had to watch or schedule one of his dates. He definitely had some commitment and abandonment issues and he fought the pull between Jade and himself to the bitter end-- not the sexual pull though, I am glad they gave into that, they were sizzling together. Jade was perfect for him; sarcastic, sassy, and OCD. She definitely had some demons from her past she had to fight and Dell gentled her the way he did his animals.
Another major plus for me, since I am an animal lover, was the filler story was all about adorable pets. Who wouldn't want a parakeet who loved to say "boner"! This was a definite 4 1/2 stars for me and I look forward to the last book about Adam, a man of few words who prefers celibacy. I am thinking that is not going to last long.
Another major plus for me, since I am an animal lover, was the filler story was all about adorable pets. Who wouldn't want a parakeet who loved to say "boner"! This was a definite 4 1/2 stars for me and I look forward to the last book about Adam, a man of few words who prefers celibacy. I am thinking that is not going to last long.
April 23, 2012
This review might be a little bit spoilery. Read at your own risk.
I struggled to decide what star rating to give this book. Parts of it frustrated me so much that I started screaming at the characters, so I finally decided to give it two stars instead of three.
I just couldn't sympathize with Dell's thoughtlessness and self-centerness. He made a habit of using women like objects, and never did he stop to think of how many women he might have hurt in the past. We never saw him apologize to any of the women he had bedded then abandoned. His mommy issues didn't give him the right to be a menace to womankind, and falling for Jade didn't give him a pass for any damage he'd already done. I needed to see some growth and a whole lot of grovelling before I could accept him as worthy romantic hero material, and I got neither.
Jade was a much more sympathetic character. I liked watching her grow stronger and open up to the friends who loved her. Unlike Dell, Jade gained a lot of maturity and became a better person over the course of the novel. My one complaint was that she was too ready to allow others to use her. She never should have gotten involved with a bad bargain like Dell, and she shouldn't have let her family push her around for so long.
As for Jade's family members, I hated them, especially her mother and her cousin. They would have ruined the book for me if Dell hadn't already done so. I could have accepted it more easily if they were just bad people; instead, the author seemed to want to convince me that they were actually good people with mostly-good intentions. To me, all of their motives seemed selfish, and their manipulation tactics were infuriating. I wanted to see Jade stand up to them and tell them all off for using her and making her decisions for her. Just like I needed to see Dell grovel, I needed to see Jade's family get blasted for their treatment of her. Jill Shalvis denied me that satisfaction, and it definitely effected my rating.
So, this is another Shalvis novel that just didn't do it for me. I'm seeing an unfortunate trend here, and I think maybe I should avoid her books in the future.
I struggled to decide what star rating to give this book. Parts of it frustrated me so much that I started screaming at the characters, so I finally decided to give it two stars instead of three.
I just couldn't sympathize with Dell's thoughtlessness and self-centerness. He made a habit of using women like objects, and never did he stop to think of how many women he might have hurt in the past. We never saw him apologize to any of the women he had bedded then abandoned. His mommy issues didn't give him the right to be a menace to womankind, and falling for Jade didn't give him a pass for any damage he'd already done. I needed to see some growth and a whole lot of grovelling before I could accept him as worthy romantic hero material, and I got neither.
Jade was a much more sympathetic character. I liked watching her grow stronger and open up to the friends who loved her. Unlike Dell, Jade gained a lot of maturity and became a better person over the course of the novel. My one complaint was that she was too ready to allow others to use her. She never should have gotten involved with a bad bargain like Dell, and she shouldn't have let her family push her around for so long.
As for Jade's family members, I hated them, especially her mother and her cousin. They would have ruined the book for me if Dell hadn't already done so. I could have accepted it more easily if they were just bad people; instead, the author seemed to want to convince me that they were actually good people with mostly-good intentions. To me, all of their motives seemed selfish, and their manipulation tactics were infuriating. I wanted to see Jade stand up to them and tell them all off for using her and making her decisions for her. Just like I needed to see Dell grovel, I needed to see Jade's family get blasted for their treatment of her. Jill Shalvis denied me that satisfaction, and it definitely effected my rating.
So, this is another Shalvis novel that just didn't do it for me. I'm seeing an unfortunate trend here, and I think maybe I should avoid her books in the future.
September 21, 2019
Jade was traumatized by something. She ended up in Idaho and decided that she needed time to recuperate from what happened but what she found was something that she never thought she really needed. She became the person she really is but then she also has helped many on the way even Dell. This was such a sweet, good story.
October 13, 2011
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
It’s no secret that I love a strong alpha man. Who doesn’t? Take that alpha, make him a vet who will do anything to take care of any animal that comes his way, be it puppies, horses, kittens – he helps them all and puts them at ease. Jade, his receptionist, stands no chance against Dell, the man she’s worked the past 18 months for and who she describes as a “…dog whisperer, cat whisperer, horse whisperer, and known woman whisperer.”
Jade’s incredibly private, which is hard to be in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. But she’s kept to herself, letting only a few people get close enough to call her a friend, and she’s struggling to put her life back together and start living again. She ran away from home after an attack at her old job and has been trying to deal with it on her own for months. It takes the smallest thing to trigger the bad memories for her and Dell realizes that she’s hurting and putting on a brave face through living a very OCD-like life; spreadsheets are her lifeline, order and neatness, Jade is Ms. Organized. Dell starts teaching her to defend herself by using self-defense moves and slowly Jade starts gaining her confidence back and starts to see Dell in a different light. They’d always had a little zing of attraction between them, but once they both stop fighting it, it explodes and their story was full of fun, back and forth banter, animals that add to the book’s personality and a sweet love story.
Jade’s cell phone rang, and shock, it was Dell
Since he wasn’t going to give up, she answered with, “Jade’s unavailable at this time. Go away.”
“Jade – “
“Leave a message at the beep,” she whispered, trying for sarcastic wit, which is where she felt the most comfortable while completely coming undone.
“I want to talk to you.”
“Sorry, you’ve been rerouted to the Office of Too Freaking Bad.”
He hung up on her and she breathed a sigh of relief. Which turned out to be too soon because his voice came through the door. “Open up.”
His voice was low. Calm, assertive. And she actually turned to face the door before she stopped herself. Don’t be the horse that needs taming! “Stop woman-whispering me.”
Dell lives for taking care of people. He doesn’t lean on anyone, and this fits perfectly with his career as a vet. If an animal is in need, he helps it. If he sees people struggling, he does what he can to help. He’s a rock, he’s playful and he’s hard to resist. I love reading about heroes like this. He’s a tough guy on the outside, but Jade finally, finally, gets him to reveal, little by little, pieces of his past that show he’s just as vulnerable as Jade feels and she wants to be needed by him.
Without being consciously aware of moving, she scooted closer, setting her head on his shoulder.
For a moment he didn’t move, then slowly he shifted and leaned into her. She slipped her arm around his waist and he shifted even more, turning into her, pressing his face to the crook of her neck.
She went still as her heart squeezed. Always it’d been him offering her comfort, safety, whatever she needed, but now for the first time he was taking those things from her.
Jade is a woman after my own heart…my own spreadsheet/Excel loving heart. There is nothing wrong with making lists of your lists. Nothing! She loves order, and the control that comes with having everything just so, but she’s not obnoxious about it. Even as she starts to gain more confidence and opens up to her friends, she still keeps that order and neatness in her life, that’s just the kind of person she is, and I was glad to see her maintain that, even with Dell helping her to learn to let go a little bit.
Dell and Jade were so hot together, but there was a little too much of the back and forth. They wanted to be with each other, but they were making it hard on themselves. There was nothing outside of the two of them that was keeping them apart or making them doubt the other person, it was just these two stubborn people who wouldn’t stop and see what was right in front of them. But I had so much fun reading this book, I didn’t care that they couldn’t get their acts together until the last few pages.
We get to see Dell’s brothers throughout the story, especially Adam and Lilah plays the part of Jade’s best friend and her eccentricities just make me want to reread Animal Magnetism again, her and Brady’s story, pet duck and all. You don’t have to be animal lover to enjoy the supporting role all the critters play throughout. From the orphaned kitten Beans that Jade takes in, to Dell’s dog Gertie, they add to the fun and even heartbreak for Dell (tissues, please) and I’m just a sucker for puppies, period.
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting lost in the small town of Sunshine. Dell and Jade are both so likable, they made me smile throughout, from start to finish.
It’s no secret that I love a strong alpha man. Who doesn’t? Take that alpha, make him a vet who will do anything to take care of any animal that comes his way, be it puppies, horses, kittens – he helps them all and puts them at ease. Jade, his receptionist, stands no chance against Dell, the man she’s worked the past 18 months for and who she describes as a “…dog whisperer, cat whisperer, horse whisperer, and known woman whisperer.”
Jade’s incredibly private, which is hard to be in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. But she’s kept to herself, letting only a few people get close enough to call her a friend, and she’s struggling to put her life back together and start living again. She ran away from home after an attack at her old job and has been trying to deal with it on her own for months. It takes the smallest thing to trigger the bad memories for her and Dell realizes that she’s hurting and putting on a brave face through living a very OCD-like life; spreadsheets are her lifeline, order and neatness, Jade is Ms. Organized. Dell starts teaching her to defend herself by using self-defense moves and slowly Jade starts gaining her confidence back and starts to see Dell in a different light. They’d always had a little zing of attraction between them, but once they both stop fighting it, it explodes and their story was full of fun, back and forth banter, animals that add to the book’s personality and a sweet love story.
Jade’s cell phone rang, and shock, it was Dell
Since he wasn’t going to give up, she answered with, “Jade’s unavailable at this time. Go away.”
“Jade – “
“Leave a message at the beep,” she whispered, trying for sarcastic wit, which is where she felt the most comfortable while completely coming undone.
“I want to talk to you.”
“Sorry, you’ve been rerouted to the Office of Too Freaking Bad.”
He hung up on her and she breathed a sigh of relief. Which turned out to be too soon because his voice came through the door. “Open up.”
His voice was low. Calm, assertive. And she actually turned to face the door before she stopped herself. Don’t be the horse that needs taming! “Stop woman-whispering me.”
Dell lives for taking care of people. He doesn’t lean on anyone, and this fits perfectly with his career as a vet. If an animal is in need, he helps it. If he sees people struggling, he does what he can to help. He’s a rock, he’s playful and he’s hard to resist. I love reading about heroes like this. He’s a tough guy on the outside, but Jade finally, finally, gets him to reveal, little by little, pieces of his past that show he’s just as vulnerable as Jade feels and she wants to be needed by him.
Without being consciously aware of moving, she scooted closer, setting her head on his shoulder.
For a moment he didn’t move, then slowly he shifted and leaned into her. She slipped her arm around his waist and he shifted even more, turning into her, pressing his face to the crook of her neck.
She went still as her heart squeezed. Always it’d been him offering her comfort, safety, whatever she needed, but now for the first time he was taking those things from her.
Jade is a woman after my own heart…my own spreadsheet/Excel loving heart. There is nothing wrong with making lists of your lists. Nothing! She loves order, and the control that comes with having everything just so, but she’s not obnoxious about it. Even as she starts to gain more confidence and opens up to her friends, she still keeps that order and neatness in her life, that’s just the kind of person she is, and I was glad to see her maintain that, even with Dell helping her to learn to let go a little bit.
Dell and Jade were so hot together, but there was a little too much of the back and forth. They wanted to be with each other, but they were making it hard on themselves. There was nothing outside of the two of them that was keeping them apart or making them doubt the other person, it was just these two stubborn people who wouldn’t stop and see what was right in front of them. But I had so much fun reading this book, I didn’t care that they couldn’t get their acts together until the last few pages.
We get to see Dell’s brothers throughout the story, especially Adam and Lilah plays the part of Jade’s best friend and her eccentricities just make me want to reread Animal Magnetism again, her and Brady’s story, pet duck and all. You don’t have to be animal lover to enjoy the supporting role all the critters play throughout. From the orphaned kitten Beans that Jade takes in, to Dell’s dog Gertie, they add to the fun and even heartbreak for Dell (tissues, please) and I’m just a sucker for puppies, period.
I really enjoyed reading this book and getting lost in the small town of Sunshine. Dell and Jade are both so likable, they made me smile throughout, from start to finish.
didnt-finish
July 17, 2013His voice "can melt the panties off females from five paces." And all he has to do is smile and this chicks nipples harden. Even though they been working together a long time and she knows he's a complete womanizing whore.
This book has the same time line as the first book. In book one he was leaving in a month and couldn't be bagged down. Now this one the female is leaving in a month. And having the exact same thoughts about not getting involved cause only there for a month. It feels really lazy like I'm reading the same plot with different characters. WTF?
The doctor is a complete whore slutbag and pretty disgusting and sleazy. It's supposed to be hot how he talks down to women like they're objects and play things? Because I don't find that romantic or endearing at all.
Apparently real men never feel self conscious or worry about their appearance. That's why these guys so hot and real. That's the books words. Over and over agin were told why they're so real. Basically it's putting real men in a box and anything outside of it isn't a real man. As a man I find this very offensive.
Real men don't sit by men in public, they have a women between them. Even if that means awkwardly having to climb over people to get to in the middle of the booth so there are women women between men.
Oh I get it now. She's super clean and organized and he's a complete cluttered mess. They are so different! That's why they'll be perfect for each other! If the whore doctor ever stops sleeping with a different women every night. Where does he even find all of these models in a small town where everyone knows everyone? One of those mysteries along with how not a single female can form thoughts in his presence because he's so stunning. And real. It says he's real enough so you better believe it.
I can't see why Jade's attracted to him at all. His a disgusting dirtbag. Besides being physically perfect in every way he has nothing to offer and I can't see why she's not disgusted by him. He talks to his hook ups on speaker phone around her so she hears all the stuff they say. She keeps track of his calendar so knows which girl he's goin to fuck which night and one night had two scheduled. She sees him out with girls all over him. She sees him flirt with anything packing a vagina. Mostly she sees how he treats the women when he's done with him.
And mr stand up guys thoughts about her leaving? Will he miss a friend and vaulted employee? Nope he just thinks about how nows a good time to fuck her because she'll be leaving soon so it will avoid complications. Sorry, but I can't see this guy caring about her at all with thoughts like that. It's like women aren't even people to him they just something he sticks his dick in. And to compensate for this we're told that's cause he's a real man and he loves animals and is a good vet so it's okay. You should like him because he likes animals.
You know who else liked animals? Jeffrey Duhmar! So liking animals does not a good person make. Having liking animals be his only redeeming quality just doesn't work for as the hero of a romance book. Sorry about it.
21% and so far there is no romance. The plots exactly like book one with two new characters. A repulsive manslut and an annoying female that keeps secrets from the reader and is highly annoying.
Her male cousin calls her "babe". Seriously? I would never call any of my cousins "babe" and talk to them they way these to talk to each other like their lovers. To me that's gross.
He takes care of the pets needs and then takes care of the female owner's needs. And of course Jade knows this since she does the scheduling. So again why does she like dr whore? It makes no sense and there is NO connection between them. Just because he's the most physically perfect man ever, it points this out a lot, doesn't to me make him irresistible. It would be nice if this focused on something other than just the physical. He likes her because she looks like a cover model and has a vagina. She likes him because he's hot? That's it? Sorry but I need more than that.
40% and dnf. I just don't like this at all. It's not engaging and doesn't have good characters. The animals aren't cute this time but annoying. Parrots don't really talk like that so it got exceptionally annoying with the parrot having conversations with them. Where did the parrot and dog even come from? they said they always been there but they weren't mentioned once in book one And they spent a lot of time at the clinic. And where did the extra staff come from? Also written like the yes always been there but they weren't in book one because the mcs for that had to step up and help because there was no staff.
This book has the same time line as the first book. In book one he was leaving in a month and couldn't be bagged down. Now this one the female is leaving in a month. And having the exact same thoughts about not getting involved cause only there for a month. It feels really lazy like I'm reading the same plot with different characters. WTF?
The doctor is a complete whore slutbag and pretty disgusting and sleazy. It's supposed to be hot how he talks down to women like they're objects and play things? Because I don't find that romantic or endearing at all.
Apparently real men never feel self conscious or worry about their appearance. That's why these guys so hot and real. That's the books words. Over and over agin were told why they're so real. Basically it's putting real men in a box and anything outside of it isn't a real man. As a man I find this very offensive.
Real men don't sit by men in public, they have a women between them. Even if that means awkwardly having to climb over people to get to in the middle of the booth so there are women women between men.
Oh I get it now. She's super clean and organized and he's a complete cluttered mess. They are so different! That's why they'll be perfect for each other! If the whore doctor ever stops sleeping with a different women every night. Where does he even find all of these models in a small town where everyone knows everyone? One of those mysteries along with how not a single female can form thoughts in his presence because he's so stunning. And real. It says he's real enough so you better believe it.
I can't see why Jade's attracted to him at all. His a disgusting dirtbag. Besides being physically perfect in every way he has nothing to offer and I can't see why she's not disgusted by him. He talks to his hook ups on speaker phone around her so she hears all the stuff they say. She keeps track of his calendar so knows which girl he's goin to fuck which night and one night had two scheduled. She sees him out with girls all over him. She sees him flirt with anything packing a vagina. Mostly she sees how he treats the women when he's done with him.
And mr stand up guys thoughts about her leaving? Will he miss a friend and vaulted employee? Nope he just thinks about how nows a good time to fuck her because she'll be leaving soon so it will avoid complications. Sorry, but I can't see this guy caring about her at all with thoughts like that. It's like women aren't even people to him they just something he sticks his dick in. And to compensate for this we're told that's cause he's a real man and he loves animals and is a good vet so it's okay. You should like him because he likes animals.
You know who else liked animals? Jeffrey Duhmar! So liking animals does not a good person make. Having liking animals be his only redeeming quality just doesn't work for as the hero of a romance book. Sorry about it.
21% and so far there is no romance. The plots exactly like book one with two new characters. A repulsive manslut and an annoying female that keeps secrets from the reader and is highly annoying.
Her male cousin calls her "babe". Seriously? I would never call any of my cousins "babe" and talk to them they way these to talk to each other like their lovers. To me that's gross.
He takes care of the pets needs and then takes care of the female owner's needs. And of course Jade knows this since she does the scheduling. So again why does she like dr whore? It makes no sense and there is NO connection between them. Just because he's the most physically perfect man ever, it points this out a lot, doesn't to me make him irresistible. It would be nice if this focused on something other than just the physical. He likes her because she looks like a cover model and has a vagina. She likes him because he's hot? That's it? Sorry but I need more than that.
40% and dnf. I just don't like this at all. It's not engaging and doesn't have good characters. The animals aren't cute this time but annoying. Parrots don't really talk like that so it got exceptionally annoying with the parrot having conversations with them. Where did the parrot and dog even come from? they said they always been there but they weren't mentioned once in book one And they spent a lot of time at the clinic. And where did the extra staff come from? Also written like the yes always been there but they weren't in book one because the mcs for that had to step up and help because there was no staff.
June 28, 2015
The second book in Jill Shalvis' Animal Magnetism series. A wonderful read. Maybe not quite as good as the previous book in the series, Animal Magnetism but still good. Both Jade and Dell have issues and neither really wants to talk them out. That got to be a little irritating, along with the fact Jade has said she's leaving soon and Dell never asks her to stay. Still a sweet emotional read with some great four-legged secondary characters that really steal your heart.
May 22, 2015
I loved it!
It was very well written and easy to read with great characters and loveable animals. As well as having the romance it was also funny in parts that had me chuckling away.
I am looking forward to the release of Adam's story which is #3 in the series.
It was very well written and easy to read with great characters and loveable animals. As well as having the romance it was also funny in parts that had me chuckling away.
I am looking forward to the release of Adam's story which is #3 in the series.
July 21, 2014
4 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance
Such a cute, sweet, fun, feel-good read! I love this series!
Such a cute, sweet, fun, feel-good read! I love this series!
October 5, 2011
As the first one, this book has a hot hero, nice, somewhat tortured heroine, and cute little animals. I was all set to give this book five stars, not that it was exactly mind blowing, but just that it was so darn enjoyable to read. In fact, it reminded me a lot of another Jill Shalvis five-star, Simply Irresistible, except the hero had his own demons this time around (which is better).
Until the last quarter, where it didn't fall apart exactly, but it definitely derailed.
Anyways, this was still an enjoyable read that I sailed through, and I will definitely be picking up the next installment when it comes around.
Until the last quarter, where it didn't fall apart exactly, but it definitely derailed.
Anyways, this was still an enjoyable read that I sailed through, and I will definitely be picking up the next installment when it comes around.
October 18, 2011
4.00 Stars - Contemporary Romance
This was another of Jill Shalvis’s beautiful lettering. With the first scene we forecast exactly what was going to happen. I feel that here begins yet another story portraying yet another Shalvis’s irresistible hero who knows how to get the girl and steal the show like nobody’s business. You get to predict how might the story press on and what will happen in the end. The guy gets the girl. No surprise there. But the way Shalvis tells the story? Big surprise and yet no surprise at all given her writing histories. It was undeniably and incontestably one of the good contemporary small town romance novels of these times.
The scenes, the characters, the depictions, the emotions, all were created masterfully and will not let you put down the book unless and until you finish it. At every turn you will feel you know where this is going, what will happen next, but you stick to it like one of those guilty pleasures, refusing to let go a single syllable of it, even if you know the story, even if you know the ending, and even if you have lots of pending books piled up your shelves, waiting to be read.
The way the characters were written it will make you heave a sigh loudly throughout the book at various places that why you don’t have anyone in your life that exactly fits the depiction. The hero Dell was sigh-worthy, drool-worthy, mouth-watering, lip smacking, gorgeous, you name it. He was everything. He was too good to be true. The love-making scenes were outstandingly beautiful and did set the pages on fumes. The plot didn’t move much, but the settings depicted, were shouting authenticity. Loveable characters, adorable animals, a dazzling small-town super hottie hero and a beautiful head-strong city-girl heroine, the book has it all.
You start reading it, you get involved, you decide to finish it on a whim, you get blown by it in the process, and in the end you are left with nothing but satisfaction as a residue. That what this book does to you.
This was another of Jill Shalvis’s beautiful lettering. With the first scene we forecast exactly what was going to happen. I feel that here begins yet another story portraying yet another Shalvis’s irresistible hero who knows how to get the girl and steal the show like nobody’s business. You get to predict how might the story press on and what will happen in the end. The guy gets the girl. No surprise there. But the way Shalvis tells the story? Big surprise and yet no surprise at all given her writing histories. It was undeniably and incontestably one of the good contemporary small town romance novels of these times.
The scenes, the characters, the depictions, the emotions, all were created masterfully and will not let you put down the book unless and until you finish it. At every turn you will feel you know where this is going, what will happen next, but you stick to it like one of those guilty pleasures, refusing to let go a single syllable of it, even if you know the story, even if you know the ending, and even if you have lots of pending books piled up your shelves, waiting to be read.
The way the characters were written it will make you heave a sigh loudly throughout the book at various places that why you don’t have anyone in your life that exactly fits the depiction. The hero Dell was sigh-worthy, drool-worthy, mouth-watering, lip smacking, gorgeous, you name it. He was everything. He was too good to be true. The love-making scenes were outstandingly beautiful and did set the pages on fumes. The plot didn’t move much, but the settings depicted, were shouting authenticity. Loveable characters, adorable animals, a dazzling small-town super hottie hero and a beautiful head-strong city-girl heroine, the book has it all.
You start reading it, you get involved, you decide to finish it on a whim, you get blown by it in the process, and in the end you are left with nothing but satisfaction as a residue. That what this book does to you.
June 27, 2012
Read it in one day....Yup it was that good!!!
Couldn't put this story down.. okay only when I had to work, and feed my family....and sleep, but other than that all my free time was spent DEVOURING this story!
I found it better than the first, possibly because the characters were all introduced in the first book, and the second book just developed their characters further.
The writing, story, and characters were amazing, and once again Ms. Shalvis's storytelling had me laughing one minute, and all twisted up the next.
Dell and Jade were awesome together *sigh*. Let me just say if I had sick animals I would definitely take them to Belle Haven (Dell's large animal clinic) and I would possibly 'stock' 'admire' 'creep' Dell, Adam and Brady too (them being all large, Alpha, protective, (two of them ex-military) males)!
I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK in this series to be released this fall (yay)!
March 3, 2015
More like two and a half stars.
The story started similar as the prequel, putting an expiration date on the romance between the hero and heroine (doesn't end there with the similarities). And while I like stories like that, for most of the time Animal Attraction was only readable. The story was turning in circles with the characters usually taking one step forward and two steps back, with both of them expecting the other to have mind reading powers. Their issues, actually it's just one issue, was dragged throughout the whole book, only to be resolved in one conversation at the very end, which is, for all I can say, their first honest to god conversation. I guess they needed time to realize telepathy is still impossible.
Anyway, I felt very frustrated with both of them and couldn't get much enjoyment out of the story.
Adam was a sweetheart though, and I'm looking forward to reading his book.
The story started similar as the prequel, putting an expiration date on the romance between the hero and heroine (doesn't end there with the similarities). And while I like stories like that, for most of the time Animal Attraction was only readable. The story was turning in circles with the characters usually taking one step forward and two steps back, with both of them expecting the other to have mind reading powers. Their issues, actually it's just one issue, was dragged throughout the whole book, only to be resolved in one conversation at the very end, which is, for all I can say, their first honest to god conversation. I guess they needed time to realize telepathy is still impossible.
Anyway, I felt very frustrated with both of them and couldn't get much enjoyment out of the story.
Adam was a sweetheart though, and I'm looking forward to reading his book.
October 12, 2011
The first book in this series was my first Jill Shalvis read - and I was blow away.
It was refreshing and so romantic I wanted to go to bed early in the hopes that I would have sweet dreams.
Animal Attraction was very similar - not quite as romantic as the first in my opinion as it took a little longer to get down to the good stuff- but very similar in the storyline. In Animal Magnetism the hero is the one leaving in a certain amount of days so the casual fling that turns into love is ruined by him leaving- in Animal Attraction it was pretty much the same but Jade is the one leaving.
So I wasn't completely blow away by the storyline - but the romance and sexiness was still utterly fabulous. Dell was such a flirty, stud that although I hated how popular he was, it made me want a piece of him too. Ahhh, just reminising is making me smile.
Jade was also gorgeous. She kinda reminded me of me. No - I'm NOT being conceited, thinking I'm Miss Thang in the looks department. I mean with her skills in the office. I could relate to her career, which made it all the more easier when I needed to remove Jade from the sex scenes and insert 'ME'
All in all another great read and I CAN'T WAIT for the next installment!!! Woot woot.
It was refreshing and so romantic I wanted to go to bed early in the hopes that I would have sweet dreams.
Animal Attraction was very similar - not quite as romantic as the first in my opinion as it took a little longer to get down to the good stuff- but very similar in the storyline. In Animal Magnetism the hero is the one leaving in a certain amount of days so the casual fling that turns into love is ruined by him leaving- in Animal Attraction it was pretty much the same but Jade is the one leaving.
So I wasn't completely blow away by the storyline - but the romance and sexiness was still utterly fabulous. Dell was such a flirty, stud that although I hated how popular he was, it made me want a piece of him too. Ahhh, just reminising is making me smile.
Jade was also gorgeous. She kinda reminded me of me. No - I'm NOT being conceited, thinking I'm Miss Thang in the looks department. I mean with her skills in the office. I could relate to her career, which made it all the more easier when I needed to remove Jade from the sex scenes and insert 'ME'
All in all another great read and I CAN'T WAIT for the next installment!!! Woot woot.
October 7, 2018
I really don’t know how to rate this book. I was listening to the audio version and found it kind of low key but not annoying. Then after a couple of listening sessions I started to wonder when this story was going to go somewhere. Then it checked my iPod and saw I was still on only section 7 out of 10 and thought, nope, I can’t waste anymore time waiting for the story to happen. So, it’s a DNF but there’s nothing really bad here, just meh.
February 23, 2016
Dell & Jade are a blast in this novel. The banter between them was so much fun while their hidden vulnerabilities made them so real and loveable. The many facets to Jade’s character contrast with Dell’s caring, uber alpha personality in an intriguing manner. Jade’s past makes her even more memorable than even her outstandingly unforgettable personality does.
Not only does Shalvis create characters that you want to see find love, she also brings this small town to life in a vivid and endlessly enjoyable manner. Natural descriptions, seamless dialogue and a well presented plot create an unforgettable journey.
This second instalment in Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series was an absolute blast. I loved the mix of romance and real life and the naturalness of it all. This is a must read for all those who enjoy Shalvis’ work, or for those who are just looking for a bit of romance.
Not only does Shalvis create characters that you want to see find love, she also brings this small town to life in a vivid and endlessly enjoyable manner. Natural descriptions, seamless dialogue and a well presented plot create an unforgettable journey.
This second instalment in Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series was an absolute blast. I loved the mix of romance and real life and the naturalness of it all. This is a must read for all those who enjoy Shalvis’ work, or for those who are just looking for a bit of romance.
October 11, 2011
Jill Shalvis can always put a smile on my face. She just plots delightful circumstances for her characters to immerse themselves in and share a hot and sizzling romance, as well as zing each other with clever and hilarious dialogue. I loved Dell and Jade - thought they made a super match. Of course, it was fun seeing Lilah and Brady again. Looking forward to Adam's story to see if Jill can give him the HEA he so deserves. Last but not least, all those adorable little animals stole my heart. I love that straight-talking parrot!
August 12, 2011
Another great contemporary romance from Jill Shalvis. Funny, romantic, with deep emotional impact, with two deeply scarred characters who find each other and break through their barriers to fall in love. Jill just gets better with every book. I loved this one. And it has dogs and cats and parrots and if you're an animal lover, you can't go wrong with with this book (the hot guys don't hurt either *g*)
November 5, 2011
I loved this book (and the first one in the series too)! I love how she builds the characters and the relationship between them and the secondary characters. I hope this series continues for a while (I'm sure Adam's story is next). These books are my idea of a perfect blend of romance, steam, and humor.
January 24, 2015
How could I not fall in love with woman-whisperer Dell? *sighs*
April 23, 2021
Even though our heroine came from the big city she lived a fairly sheltered life working in her family's clinic. Then one day something terrifying happened and her world became less safe. She moves to a small town and takes a lesser job as a receptionist so she can recover. In finding the control she needs she becomes the ultra organized person almost to the point of OCD. She also works at adopting the kind of personality that keeps others at bay. But no one can hold out when a cute little kitten adopts you. She slowly finds her shell cracking.
Our hero is her boss and even though he has desired her he keeps his distance. She is way too good at her job to risk losing her. Also, he likes to keep people on the periphery of his life, too. His troubled past makes his walls hard to breach. But then one day he needs her help on a patient and everything changes. She begins to see past his walls and he sees past hers.
First a friendship develops and then the romance begins.
Lovely story with strong characters.
Our hero is her boss and even though he has desired her he keeps his distance. She is way too good at her job to risk losing her. Also, he likes to keep people on the periphery of his life, too. His troubled past makes his walls hard to breach. But then one day he needs her help on a patient and everything changes. She begins to see past his walls and he sees past hers.
First a friendship develops and then the romance begins.
Lovely story with strong characters.
March 14, 2015
3.5*
I don't know if I'll continue the series.
I don't know if I'll continue the series.
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 13, 2012
**** ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION COMING SOON ****
Overall Rating: 3.7
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 3 = total of 3
Writer’s Voice = 4
Character Development = 4
Story Appreciation = 4.5
Worth the Chili = 3 [$7.99 on Amazon and B&N]
I love this author and had this series on my “TBR” file for forever. I really enjoyed Dell’s story. I think Jade was just the right mix of sexy, touch and vulnerable. And, you add animals or children and you have a great recipe for me.
Three things I liked about this book:
1.) Dell and Jade. Separately these characters are really good. People you’d like to know. Put them together and you have an excellent base for an enjoyable story. Jade is running away, but running to find her courage. Much like the “cowardly lion” from the Wizard of Oz. She has always considered herself tough. She had been told this her whole life. One day she is held up at gunpoint and discovers she isn’t so tough and she fears she may actually be much the coward. She can’t stay in Chicago. She needs to be somewhere else and be someone else to figure it all out. She takes off driving and ends up in Sunshine Idaho. Dell has the vet clinic there. He is in the market for a front desk receptionist/office manager. In walks Jade. Now, Dell, he was once a foster kid but was able to figure out who he wanted to be. Animals and caring for animals fills that empty place inside. He has a very small circle of people who he will “let in” and over time, Jade becomes one of them. These two evolve and the evolution is heartwarming to watch.
“Uh-huh.” She flashed a smile so contagious that he found himself giving her one of his own. “You seemed to like those differences last night,” she said, still grinning. He had. Christ, he so had. “And besides, we’re not really all that different. Although I think I’m a little more …” “What?” “Optimistic.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “You’re Eeyore.” He blinked. “You think I’m Eeyore?” “You tell me. I take my empty glass and try to fill it up with what happiness I can find. Friends, family, my work … And then there’s you.” He raised a brow. “Me.” She nudged him again, looking playful and damn sexy while she was at it. It was the short shorts with the boots, he decided. Or everything. It was everything.
2.) Once again, I liked the whole vet clinic topic. I think animals add to a story and it was the case here. I loved the parrot [Peanut], the St. Bernard [Gertie], the kitten [Beans], and all the others. I loved watching Jade interact with it all and then the pleasure Dell received watching Jade interact with his world. You just know Dell loved his world and he loved sharing this part of it with Jade. Jade loved it first then she loved Dell. It was so enjoyable watching this component of their journey to each other.
3.) Just when you think you are going to get a simple 200 pages to read, you pick up this “go to” author and she weave a delightful story for you with just enough complexity to let you know she can do so much more than fluff. Dell was a foster kid and had issues from his childhood to deal with. Jade had her fear and “lack of courage” to get past. I really like this author. When she is on, she is really very good. This book was good for me. It is the second in the series and can stand alone. I didn’t like the first one so much, so would recommend jumping to #2 and just skipping #1 totally.
What three things did I not like or not appreciate:
1.) The story was a delightful one, but lacked some depth. Just when I thought it may go there, it stayed on the surface. I know this author can take you deeper and at points I expected it, but then it just didn’t happen. Maybe it was the editing? Not sure, but this is a different publisher from other books I’ve read by her. This story could have handled a bit more depth.
2.) I’m still not a huge fan of Lilah from “Animal Magnetism”. She is here in this one too, but not often. Thank goodness. You know how you just don’t much care for some people? Well, Lilah is “one of those”; Bless her Heart!
3.) The cost of this book. I know this author. I read the reviews of my friends and still it took me a year or so to read this book. Why? Because they wanted $7.99 for it. Why? Because of the publisher. I think a “just right” price point for this book would be at the $4.99 to $5.99 range. No more. I decided to “bite the bullet” and read it because I was in the mood for this author and I had read most of her other books. I’m not sure it was worth the price. If I had paid the “just right” price point range for this one, I wouldn’t have liked it any better but my rating may have been closer to 4 Stars versus 3 Stars.
I liked book two in the Animal Magnetism series much better than book one. They can be read as stand-alone and I recommend you jump to number two bypassing number one. It was enjoyable and quick. It had good characters and I loved the “animal” theme. Another good one from one of my favorite authors.
Happy Reading!
Overall Rating: 3.7
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 3 / 3 = total of 3
Writer’s Voice = 4
Character Development = 4
Story Appreciation = 4.5
Worth the Chili = 3 [$7.99 on Amazon and B&N]
I love this author and had this series on my “TBR” file for forever. I really enjoyed Dell’s story. I think Jade was just the right mix of sexy, touch and vulnerable. And, you add animals or children and you have a great recipe for me.
Three things I liked about this book:
1.) Dell and Jade. Separately these characters are really good. People you’d like to know. Put them together and you have an excellent base for an enjoyable story. Jade is running away, but running to find her courage. Much like the “cowardly lion” from the Wizard of Oz. She has always considered herself tough. She had been told this her whole life. One day she is held up at gunpoint and discovers she isn’t so tough and she fears she may actually be much the coward. She can’t stay in Chicago. She needs to be somewhere else and be someone else to figure it all out. She takes off driving and ends up in Sunshine Idaho. Dell has the vet clinic there. He is in the market for a front desk receptionist/office manager. In walks Jade. Now, Dell, he was once a foster kid but was able to figure out who he wanted to be. Animals and caring for animals fills that empty place inside. He has a very small circle of people who he will “let in” and over time, Jade becomes one of them. These two evolve and the evolution is heartwarming to watch.
“Uh-huh.” She flashed a smile so contagious that he found himself giving her one of his own. “You seemed to like those differences last night,” she said, still grinning. He had. Christ, he so had. “And besides, we’re not really all that different. Although I think I’m a little more …” “What?” “Optimistic.” She nudged him with her shoulder. “You’re Eeyore.” He blinked. “You think I’m Eeyore?” “You tell me. I take my empty glass and try to fill it up with what happiness I can find. Friends, family, my work … And then there’s you.” He raised a brow. “Me.” She nudged him again, looking playful and damn sexy while she was at it. It was the short shorts with the boots, he decided. Or everything. It was everything.
2.) Once again, I liked the whole vet clinic topic. I think animals add to a story and it was the case here. I loved the parrot [Peanut], the St. Bernard [Gertie], the kitten [Beans], and all the others. I loved watching Jade interact with it all and then the pleasure Dell received watching Jade interact with his world. You just know Dell loved his world and he loved sharing this part of it with Jade. Jade loved it first then she loved Dell. It was so enjoyable watching this component of their journey to each other.
3.) Just when you think you are going to get a simple 200 pages to read, you pick up this “go to” author and she weave a delightful story for you with just enough complexity to let you know she can do so much more than fluff. Dell was a foster kid and had issues from his childhood to deal with. Jade had her fear and “lack of courage” to get past. I really like this author. When she is on, she is really very good. This book was good for me. It is the second in the series and can stand alone. I didn’t like the first one so much, so would recommend jumping to #2 and just skipping #1 totally.
What three things did I not like or not appreciate:
1.) The story was a delightful one, but lacked some depth. Just when I thought it may go there, it stayed on the surface. I know this author can take you deeper and at points I expected it, but then it just didn’t happen. Maybe it was the editing? Not sure, but this is a different publisher from other books I’ve read by her. This story could have handled a bit more depth.
2.) I’m still not a huge fan of Lilah from “Animal Magnetism”. She is here in this one too, but not often. Thank goodness. You know how you just don’t much care for some people? Well, Lilah is “one of those”; Bless her Heart!
3.) The cost of this book. I know this author. I read the reviews of my friends and still it took me a year or so to read this book. Why? Because they wanted $7.99 for it. Why? Because of the publisher. I think a “just right” price point for this book would be at the $4.99 to $5.99 range. No more. I decided to “bite the bullet” and read it because I was in the mood for this author and I had read most of her other books. I’m not sure it was worth the price. If I had paid the “just right” price point range for this one, I wouldn’t have liked it any better but my rating may have been closer to 4 Stars versus 3 Stars.
I liked book two in the Animal Magnetism series much better than book one. They can be read as stand-alone and I recommend you jump to number two bypassing number one. It was enjoyable and quick. It had good characters and I loved the “animal” theme. Another good one from one of my favorite authors.
Happy Reading!
May 21, 2021
So I don't think Jill Shalvis writing style is for me and I know a lot of my friends and fav reviewers on here love her stuff but it just doesn't grip me.
There seems to be a lot of telling, her characters are kind of cartoonish and not much depth.
...Dr. Dell Connelly’s ex-fiancée and receptionist at Belle Haven catches their animal tech Keith Roberts In the Act. Of Sleeping. this was a headline in the local paper....as if someone would refer to a local vets practice as an ex fiancé???
I hate this kind of crap in love scenes....real it up authors please
...“Come for me, Jade.” And with a soft cry, she did.
This one was fine and it passed a few hours but I skimmed a lot near the end.
Also Del was Jade's boss like he actually owned the practice and he didn't really act appropriately I know that is the trope and that is fine. but for a vet to not even question his behavior with someone who works for him kind of added to the unbelievability... plus god forgive me Jade irked me with her i can't speak about her attack or why she HAD to go home...eh just say you promised your folks not much drama there? so why keep alluding to some big sinister secret (rolls eyes)
There seems to be a lot of telling, her characters are kind of cartoonish and not much depth.
...Dr. Dell Connelly’s ex-fiancée and receptionist at Belle Haven catches their animal tech Keith Roberts In the Act. Of Sleeping. this was a headline in the local paper....as if someone would refer to a local vets practice as an ex fiancé???
I hate this kind of crap in love scenes....real it up authors please
...“Come for me, Jade.” And with a soft cry, she did.
This one was fine and it passed a few hours but I skimmed a lot near the end.
Also Del was Jade's boss like he actually owned the practice and he didn't really act appropriately I know that is the trope and that is fine. but for a vet to not even question his behavior with someone who works for him kind of added to the unbelievability... plus god forgive me Jade irked me with her i can't speak about her attack or why she HAD to go home...eh just say you promised your folks not much drama there? so why keep alluding to some big sinister secret (rolls eyes)
August 28, 2011
Jill Shalvis delivers another witty romance that was more than enjoyable to read. I couldn't get enough of this amazing story. Not only do the characters capture you, but the animals do as well.
Jade Bennett has a past that she has left behind and came to Sunshine to start over, but family is important to her and they need her. Jade's time at the vet clinic is coming to an end. She has given them her notice but what she doesn't realize is that leaving the life she has grown to love just might be a mistake. Jade has become close with the people of Sunshine and it finally feels like home. It also doesn't help that she has a thing for the sexy Dell Connelly.
Dell is not only every woman's dream in Sunshine but an animal lover which is even sexier. He has always been attracted to Jade but couldn't do anything about it because she works for him. Now that Jade needs him to get over her traumatic past they have become closer and she stirs something inside him that he has never felt before. With her time coming to a end, it is time for Dell to convince her that things could work, but will he be enough to change her mind to stay?
It is no real secret that I am a big Shalvis fan, but this has to one of my favorite books she has written. The banter between the characters is outrageously funny and endearing. Not only has she developed two strong main characters but her side characters are just as strong from the beginning to the very end. There isn't one person who I didn't like throughout the entire story.
One of my favorite parts from the book was:
"You're not a spreadsheet," Jade said. "Or I would."
"If you gave it a shot, I'd let you at my accounting system, too."
"Don't tease me," she said, her eyes dilating with even more lust.
One thing is for sure Shalvis can bring out the tension between characters and not over do it. It is just enough to keep you interested and invested in the storyline. Another plus is the way the romance plays out. I liked the fact the romance doesn't happen over night and they aren't immediately jumping in bed together. It is drawn out to make you want and hope for more for these characters.
Animal Attraction is a must read!! You get a hot guy, animals, and of course lets not forget the romance of a lifetime. This story was a perfect set up for the next book which I am now dying to read. I truly loved this story to pieces!!! This was definitely another winner for Jill Shalvis!!
April 1, 2012
3/30/12 Revisiting the book in audio, narrated by Karen White.
4 atars Grade B+
Enjoyed the story as much the second time around. The manipulative family issues didn't bother me as much this time because I already knew they aren't a big part of the story.
Oct 17, 2011- Rating for print edition 4 stars. Review below.
Animal Attraction started off, not slow exactly, but without grabbing my attention. That changed partway through the book as the story moved to a more serious tone. Once my emotions were engaged, Animal Attraction became a compelling and satisfying read.
Part of my ambivalence at the beginning of the book isn't the author's fault. She just happened to use a plot device that I don't care for: the pushy, manipulative family. Jade's family was mercifully a small part of the book, but their interactions were still distasteful to me. Her family seemed to give with one hand while taking away with the other. They would say how worried they were and how they wanted to take care of her, and then follow it up immediately with the guilt-trip of how much she was needed at home to run their business. Only a short interaction with her father at the end of the book broke this mold. My negative reaction to Jade's family is out of proportion to their importance in the book, but manipulative family characters in humorous romances take me completely out of the story, perhaps because my own reaction to that guilt-trip technique would be to tell them to go jump in a lake. ;-)
Another minor quibble was Adam's interruptions of Dell and Jade together. Once or twice might be funny, three or four times seems lazy.
But as the book progresses, the small irritations flew out the window. Shalvis manages to build the tensions and emotions of the second half of the book perfectly, taking a light-hearted story to a deeper emotional level. Watching Jade and Dell both trying to figure out who they were and what they wanted was compelling, and had me staying up way too late last night to finish the book. I liked that Shalvis had both main characters struggling with opening up and communicating with people. Both characters were being less than truthful to themselves and hiding behind an outward image. It made for some frustrating conversations, but definitely pulled at the readers emotions.
Speaking of conversations, Shalvis has a gift with dialog, something I've appreciated in all her books. Whether the conversations are humorous or serious, her characters speak words that seem normal and natural. I love that about her writing.
4 atars Grade B+
Enjoyed the story as much the second time around. The manipulative family issues didn't bother me as much this time because I already knew they aren't a big part of the story.
Oct 17, 2011- Rating for print edition 4 stars. Review below.
Animal Attraction started off, not slow exactly, but without grabbing my attention. That changed partway through the book as the story moved to a more serious tone. Once my emotions were engaged, Animal Attraction became a compelling and satisfying read.
Part of my ambivalence at the beginning of the book isn't the author's fault. She just happened to use a plot device that I don't care for: the pushy, manipulative family. Jade's family was mercifully a small part of the book, but their interactions were still distasteful to me. Her family seemed to give with one hand while taking away with the other. They would say how worried they were and how they wanted to take care of her, and then follow it up immediately with the guilt-trip of how much she was needed at home to run their business. Only a short interaction with her father at the end of the book broke this mold. My negative reaction to Jade's family is out of proportion to their importance in the book, but manipulative family characters in humorous romances take me completely out of the story, perhaps because my own reaction to that guilt-trip technique would be to tell them to go jump in a lake. ;-)
Another minor quibble was Adam's interruptions of Dell and Jade together. Once or twice might be funny, three or four times seems lazy.
But as the book progresses, the small irritations flew out the window. Shalvis manages to build the tensions and emotions of the second half of the book perfectly, taking a light-hearted story to a deeper emotional level. Watching Jade and Dell both trying to figure out who they were and what they wanted was compelling, and had me staying up way too late last night to finish the book. I liked that Shalvis had both main characters struggling with opening up and communicating with people. Both characters were being less than truthful to themselves and hiding behind an outward image. It made for some frustrating conversations, but definitely pulled at the readers emotions.
Speaking of conversations, Shalvis has a gift with dialog, something I've appreciated in all her books. Whether the conversations are humorous or serious, her characters speak words that seem normal and natural. I love that about her writing.
October 13, 2011
Welcome back to Sunshine Idaho where this time around we get Dell and Jade’s story in Animal Attraction, the 2nd book in the series by Jill Shalvis. We briefly met Dell and Jade in book 1 and got a little taste of what was to come between these two.
Jade’s the epitome of Ms. Organization, is a tad OCD and runs Dell’s vet clinic with the efficiency of a drill sergeant. She escaped to Sunshine eighteen months ago after an attack at gunpoint shook her to the core in her hometown of Chicago. But now she’s thinking it’s time to return home since her family is counting on her to resume her duties running the family’s medical centre but her heart’s not really in in.
Dell is a commitment-phobe; a love’em and leave’em type of guy. Leave before you get left is his motto...at least that is the impression we get of Del. I never ever saw any evidence of this behaviour but we hear it over and over again from Jade and she uses his past behaviour as a shield to keep her distance from the attractive and charming vet.
We DO see Dell as a dedicated vet, a supportive brother to Adam and best friends Brady and Layla (from book 1 Animal Magnetism) and all around great guy who takes time out of his busy schedule to include some pro-bono vet work.
These two have the hots for one another - make no mistake about that and Shalvis puts her trademark witty, funny dialogue to good use during their interactions.
This book wasn’t quite as light in nature as book 1 since both Dell and Jade have issues to work through. There are lots of cute and cuddly animals, visits from Brady and Layla and lots of hot and sweaty body contact as Dell and Jade engage in some hand-to-hand self-defence sessions.
Shalvis makes living in Sunshine sound like a hell of a place to live. Can’t wait to see what she has in store for Adam.
Jade’s the epitome of Ms. Organization, is a tad OCD and runs Dell’s vet clinic with the efficiency of a drill sergeant. She escaped to Sunshine eighteen months ago after an attack at gunpoint shook her to the core in her hometown of Chicago. But now she’s thinking it’s time to return home since her family is counting on her to resume her duties running the family’s medical centre but her heart’s not really in in.
Dell is a commitment-phobe; a love’em and leave’em type of guy. Leave before you get left is his motto...at least that is the impression we get of Del. I never ever saw any evidence of this behaviour but we hear it over and over again from Jade and she uses his past behaviour as a shield to keep her distance from the attractive and charming vet.
We DO see Dell as a dedicated vet, a supportive brother to Adam and best friends Brady and Layla (from book 1 Animal Magnetism) and all around great guy who takes time out of his busy schedule to include some pro-bono vet work.
These two have the hots for one another - make no mistake about that and Shalvis puts her trademark witty, funny dialogue to good use during their interactions.
This book wasn’t quite as light in nature as book 1 since both Dell and Jade have issues to work through. There are lots of cute and cuddly animals, visits from Brady and Layla and lots of hot and sweaty body contact as Dell and Jade engage in some hand-to-hand self-defence sessions.
Shalvis makes living in Sunshine sound like a hell of a place to live. Can’t wait to see what she has in store for Adam.
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