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Listening Length: 9 hours and 18 minutes

An injured soldier returns home and finds a surprising connection with woman from his past in this Animal Magnetism romance.

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting...

10 pages, Audible Audio

First published November 5, 2013

362 people are currently reading
4310 people want to read

About the author

Jill Shalvis

386 books13.8k followers
Jill 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 739 reviews
Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,116 followers
July 11, 2019

Does it amaze you, as much as it does me, how much my tastes have changed over the years? Specifically, in my case, the romance genre.

I am almost certain had I read this when it released in 2013, I would have been five starring this baby.

I read the blurb before I started listening to my first book in this series, and was really anticipating angst, tension, and a push/pull between Griffin and Kate. But zero, zip, zilch on all three.

On my swoon meter, this barely registered a 2. For crying out loud, Griffin is a gorgeous, women drop at his feet, wounded military vet just back from war!! Go figure!!

I got so tired of him saying he was gong to do the right thing and not get sexually involved with Kate, knowing he is not good for her, then promptly proceeded to have steaming hot sex with her.

Most likely this is a “it’s me and not the book” situation, as most readers loved. I have another audiobook on deck in this series. I plan on giving it a try and hope it will check my preferred boxes.
Profile Image for Shawna.
3,803 reviews4,732 followers
September 18, 2014
4 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance

This was such a cute, fun read! I haven’t laughed this hard reading a book in a while. I really enjoyed it!

Broody Special Ops soldier Griffin and sweet, spunky, slightly nerdy science teacher Kate are an entertaining pair and share lots of witty, flirtatious banter. There are several great secondary characters, especially Griffin’s best friend, Adam, and Kate’s adorable, smart, geeky, super hero costume wearing seven-year-old brother, Tommy, who nearly steals the book. Seriously, I loved that kid!

Kate’s internal embarrassment when she literally runs into Griffin and compounds it by delivering random, nerdy statistics provides a pretty good description of the story.

When she got nervous, she spouted inane science facts. And Griffin Reid made her very nervous.

Here’s a hilarious example of that during a playful, steamy exchange between Kate and Griffin.

“The first contraceptive was crocodile dung,” she whispered. “The Egyptians used it in 2000 BC.” “You say the sexiest things,” he said, and gently sank his teeth into her earlobe.

This was perfectly satisfying as a stand-alone, and I imagine it would be even better if read in series order. I definitely want to read the previous Animal Magnetism books now, especially Adam’s story, Rescue My Heart.

Profile Image for ♥Rachel♥.
2,270 reviews923 followers
December 6, 2013
Rumor Has It was a sweet, feel good romance set in a small town. A romance like this is the equivalent to literary comfort food for me, and Jill Shalvis definitely satisfied my cravings.

Kate is a fourth-grade teacher and sweet and giving person who takes care of everyone but herself. Her family relies heavily on her after her mother’s death and her father’s fall into depression. He’s finally improving but, finds she finds it hard to let go of the control. Because of this, Kate’s put graduate school and her romantic life on hold. Kate’s needs come blasting back to her when her long time crush, Griffin, comes back into town for his sister’s wedding. But he’s never looked twice at her, so she doesn’t stand a chance, right? Oh-so-wrong, Kate!

Griffin is out of the army for good after being injured and back home for his sister, Holly’s wedding. The small town of Sunshine didn’t hold much appeal to him growing up, but a strained relationship with his father made it even more stifling. Being back home as a mature adult shows Sunshine in a different light, and Griffin starts entertaining thoughts of staying especially with an enticing incentive like Kate. Griffin has never wanted to mess with Kate. She’s Holly’s best friend and therefore according to her, strictly off limits. But since Griffin’s been away Kate has turned into a gorgeous woman and he’s having a hard time resisting.

He wasn’t sure when his perception of her had changed or when he’d become aware of his need to touch. But the sensible attire on that heart attack inducing bod combined with the one-hundred-mile-per-hour brain and sweet disposition was sexy as hell. And irresistible.*


I have a weakness for unrequited love, and Kate had it bad for Griffin since she was ten! When they meet again after years apart their chemistry is off the charts so you know they won’t be able to keep their hands off each other, and they certainly don’t! I loved Kate. She was so caring and a little nerdy, spouting off random science facts when she got nervous which was just about every time she was with Griffin. Griffin was a sweetheart too, and I adored his overprotective tendencies with Kate. His desire and concern over making Kate happy is a shock to him, because he doesn’t usually care so much. It was fun watching these two dance around they’re growing connection towards the HEA we all know is coming.

Rumor Has It
is a romance with a predictable plot, but it shines in the delivery. The story is laced with clever and humorous dialogue, interesting and lovable secondary characters, and is set in idyllic small town, making you wish you lived there. This story is part of a series, but it’s not necessary to read the others to enjoy this one. That being said, I would like to go back and read the other books and catch up.

A copy was provided by Berkley through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

*Quote taken from an uncorrected proof and may change in the final copy.


You can read this review and more at The Readers Den.
Profile Image for Jaime Arkin.
1,474 reviews1,367 followers
September 29, 2014
So basically I think this is my new favorite from Jill.

By now, you're all familiar with my Jill Shalvis love. At least I think you are.

The one thing I can count on with her books is that I'm entertained. Are they formulaic? Absolutely. But I don't care one bit when I am completely engrossed in the story and the characters.

Rumor Has It is book 4 in the Animal Magnetism series and we're quickly introduced to Kate Evans. She takes care of everyone, her father, her younger brother and sister and she even still tries to take care of her ex-boyfriend.

I really loved Kate. She was endearing and funny and her random science facts had me chuckling as I read. As the Fourth grade science teacher, she's had the opportunity to take advantage of a scholarship but that would take her away from her family that depends on her for everything.

Enter Griffin Reid. Griffin is back for his sister's wedding and to recover from a war injury. But then he's heading out of Sunshine as fast as he can. As intriguing as his sister's best friend is, there just isn't anything in Sunshine for him.

Holy crap I think I might love him the most... and that's saying a lot especially if you've read all the Lucky Harbor books. I can't pinpoint just one thing about Griffin that I loved ... He's the injured hero, the troublemaker who returns as someone more, the brother who adores his sister, the son who wants to make things right with his dad, and of course the thing that happens about 74% in... all of it.

Jill does an amazing job with creating and developing her characters and I really loved both Kate and Griffin. But I also loved the additional information we got on some of the secondary characters. Tommy was one of my favorites. Kate's young brother was a wonderful addition to the cast of characters in this series.

I loved the chemistry between Kate and Griffin... and they tried as hard as they could to ignore what was happening between them.

Don't mistake restraint for disinterest, Kate."

Some of my favorite quotes had me laughing because they were so spot on:
"He's a seven-year-old boy. He avoids soap like the plague, watches The Avengers on repeat, and sometimes forgets underwear."

Smiling because I agree whole-heartedly:

"He choked out a laugh. Did you just say dick?"

"Would you rather I have said penis?"

"Actually," he said. "I prefer cock."


And sighing because it was just perfect:

Don't try to fight it, Griffin. I'll be gentle."

Like I said, I can count on Jill Shalvis to give me interesting & relatable characters that I enjoy reading about and a story that keeps me turning pages. That's exactly what you're going to find here with Rumor Has It.

If you haven't yet listened to me gush about Jill every time a new book comes out, please listen to me now. Get started on the Lucky Harbor series, then pick up the Animal Magnetism series and come find me when you're done so we can compare notes!

Please note, all quotes are taken from and ARC and may change in the final copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for the advance copy for review!

This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:


Profile Image for Lori Foster.
Author 416 books11.7k followers
December 16, 2013
Loved, Loved, Loved this book! Griff... oh yum. I think he's my new favorite Jill Shalvis hero.
I just adore a broken-wing hero who is still all badass Alpha and totally capable, but also really kind. Griff was the whole package. And seriously, I just kept laughing out loud!
A must read for anyone who enjoys fast-paced, humorous, sexy contemporary novels!
Profile Image for Paula.
704 reviews231 followers
October 26, 2015

-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review

Griffin Reid wanted nothing more than to escape Sunshine. At the age of eighteen, he enlists in the army and has been gone ever since. He’s recently been medically discharged after an IED exploded by him and scarred him badly. He’s back in his hometown for Holly (his sister) and Adam’s wedding and to also recuperate and regroup; trying to figure out what he wants to do next. He’s never truly noticed Kate, but when she literally falls at his feet, he notices that his little sister’s best friend is no longer little Katie but sexy-as-hell Kate. This beauty with brains intrigues him right from the start.

Kate Evan’s has lived in Sunshine her whole life. She’s a second grade teacher and the town sweetheart. After her mother died, she put her own happiness on hold to take on the responsibility of making sure her dad, teenage sister, and little brother are taken care of. Which is why she was rushing to get to her father’s house to help the kids get ready for school when she literally falls at Griffin’s feet. With his rugged good looks and hard body, this man makes Kate nervous. And when Kate gets nervous she blurts out random scientific facts. This awkward reunion was ridiculously funny and loaded with sexual tension.

Kate has always had a crush on Griffin but has never had the guts to do anything about it... until now. She wants to have some fun and be free. She’s does everything for everyone except for herself. Griffin is the man she's always wanted and she's ready to take what she wants, even if it is for just one night. Griffin wants Kate - oh, does he ever. But he is trying to do the right thing by staying away from Kate, per his sister’s requests. Suddenly thrown into a compromising position at the wedding, Griffin fails miserably at keeping his distance when Kate makes her move to seduce him. The irresistible brainy bombshell won this battle of the wills and Griffin waves the white... condom. (lol)

Griffin, our very sexy, gruff, and broken alpha hero is struggling with his injury and his strained relationship with his father. His issues with his father go skin deep and has impacted his life. Mending fences with his father proves to be difficult and seeing just how much he wants a relationship with his father had me choked up. Sunshine has never been place he could call home before but, the older, more mature Griffin, feels like he could put down roots in the place he once hated. Then there is the unexpectedly saucy and sexy brainiac who managed to burrow her way into his heart and changed everything for him. She brought sunshine and smiles into his life when he had felt empty for so long.

I adore our delightful and sassy heroine, Kate. From the very first science fact she spouted, she had my heart. She’s absolutely adorable, witty, generous, smart, and very stubborn. Kate is at a crossroads in her life. She is her own person but continues to sacrifice herself for her family. She does some soul-searching and with a little bit of pampering and encouragement from Griffin, she starts to slowly realize she doesn’t have to fix everything and take care of everyone. She can move on with her life and follow her dreams.

“The first contraceptive was crocodile dung,” she whispered. “The Egyptians used it in 2000 BC.” [Kate]
“You say the sexiest things,” he said, and gently sank his teeth into her earlobe. [Griffin]


These two together are as molten hot as they are entertaining. I absolutely loved the flirty banter, the endearing talks, the kissing, the thoughtfulness between them, the smoldering looks, the hot touches, and, oh man, did I love the sexy times. It was delectable. Griffin and Kate really complemented each other perfectly, which made it effortless to love them.

Jill Shalvis is no doubt my go-to author when I want to read a sexy and sassy contemporary romance. Rumor Has it might be one of funniest books she's written to date. I laughed and snorted so many times while reading I received some odd looks from the hubby. I do have to mention one of the awesome secondary characters, Tommy, Kate’s little brother. He nearly stole the show with his random science facts (just like his sister) and oddness. I loved that kid. With its sparkling characters, snarky humor, yummy sexy times, and sigh-worthy romance, I had a good time reading Rumor Has it and can honestly say this book should not be missed.

Rating: B+
Heat: Hot

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Profile Image for Jess.
1,075 reviews158 followers
November 6, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: A-

I was hooked from the start because Kate is simply adorable. Right off the bat, we’re witness to her hectic life where she’s a second grade teacher, she takes care of everyone, specifically her dad who’s recovering from addiction and her siblings: a younger teenage sister and sweetheart of a little brother. Kate’s also been putting off accepting a scholarship that would put her out of state for year. She’s already turned this opportunity down twice, using the reason of needing to be there for her family but now for the third year in a row, she’s staring at a scholarship and acceptance letter that she’s hesitant to send in. She knows she should do this one thing for herself but she’s never left Idaho and uses the excuse of needing to be there for others to not take a chance. Oh and my favorite thing about Kate, she spouts out random science facts when she’s nervous. It’s completely charming and sweet and she’s a heroine who instantly grabbed this reader’s heart:

She closed her eyes and ran her hands over his shoulders. She heard the smile in his voice when he said, “Your tummy’s rumbling.”

“It’s working at producing a new layer of mucus,” she said. “It has to do that every two weeks to avoid digesting itself.” She paused. “Everyone’s stomach has to. Not just mine.” Shut up, Kate…


Griffin has been medically discharged from service and he’s trying to figure out where home is. He’s fought with his ranching dad since he was young boy, his mom is dead and his sister needs him back in Sunshine for her wedding to his best friend, Adam. Grif can’t say no to his sister so he’s back for now, not expecting to stay long, but to everyone’s surprise, he starts to work at the family ranch and realizes that he doesn’t mind it all that much. But he has a lot to work through including a big reveal that rocks his entire world.

Kate and Griffin’s relationship is so easy to get caught up in. Kate wants to let loose and have some fun, and she sets out to seduce Grif who’s proving to be a challenge. He eventually caves (Kate’s hard to resist) and they have some sexy and sweet scenes together. They’ve known each other for years and it’s easy to enjoy them together, whether it’s their scenes in the bedroom or their banter which includes plenty of useful science facts from Kate. It started out as being a one night thing (yeah right) and turned into being about two people who found someone to take care of. For Griffin, Kate has never been taken care of before and Grif LOVES being that person for her. For Kate, she’s just there for Grif, period. He suffers from migraines brought on after his injury and Kate is there for him during every one, making sure he’s ok and it just eases something inside of him that he didn’t realize he needed.

Kate’s family plays a large role in her life and I loved their addition to the story, especially her young brother Tommy. He’s in second grade, is super smart but not really interested in being social. He’s just that little boy I want to hug and he’s like a mini-Kate with his huge smarty pants brain and even bigger heart. I loved seeing him march to the beat of his own superhero drummer.

Rumor Has It is the type of story that I’ve come to expect from Jill Shalvis. It’s filled with fun characters, a lot of heart and is an adorable contemporary romance. Both Kate and Griffin are so likable it was a joy to read their story.
Profile Image for Annie .
2,506 reviews940 followers
October 29, 2013



It’s no secret that I adore Jill Shalvis. She is the queen of Contemporary Romance and with RUMOR HAS IT, Shalvis shows you exactly why.

Are you looking for some laughs? RUMOR HAS IT could possibly be the funniest book Shalvis has written so far.

Are you looking for a sexy scarred hero who is a little tortured? Shalvis delivers that in one hot package; Special Ops solider Griffin Reid returns to Sunshine, Idaho to recover from an injury that gives him intense headaches.

Are you looking for a likeable, relatable heroine? Sweet as sin Kate Evans is a school teacher/clumsy geek. She spews out random scientific facts whenever she is nervous and she also loves to take care of her crazy, kooky family.

Are you looking for some heat? Ah well, you can certainly bet that there will be heat – and lots of it! – in RUMOR HAS IT. Shalvis creates amazing sexual tension between Kate and Grif. As Kate is Holly’s best friend, Holly makes it clear that she doesn’t want her brother to date her best friend. She’s too sweet for a man like him. However, to Grif, that sounds more like a challenge and although she agrees that Kate is way out of his league, he can’t stop himself. Especially when the sweet Kate shows him her sexy side as well!

I read this book with lightning quick speed. It’s one of those books that you just gobble up because it’s so delicious. Shalvis has really found her beat with this series. The writing is tighter, the characters are magnetic and you simply cannot help but fall in love along with the characters.

If you’re looking for a book that will be an escape for you, this book (or any of Shalvis’s books) are a great choice to go with. Shalvis pours life and laughter into RUMOR HAS IT, making it simply irresistible!

*ARC provided by publisher
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews439 followers
October 10, 2015
This is a lot charming about this romacne. I love the heroine and her nervous science facts. It is why I bought the book and I has not disappointed in that fun.

I adore her family--especially her brother. I love her dad and her crazed teenage sister. I love that the heroine has a dream that ia all her own that she is struggling to balence with everything she loves.

The hero and romacne are good but not as good as the other parts of the story. II will say that the HEA is th best.

If you are looking to smile, read this.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,374 reviews44 followers
October 9, 2017
Rumor Has it............ Jill Shalvis

Being a huge Jill Shalvis fan, and my favorite of her series being Animal Magnetism, I was so excited to read this novel. It was everything I hoped for and more.

Kate Evans is an amazing woman. She is a second grade teacher in Sunshine Idaho, acts like a mother to her two siblings, and even takes care of her Dad. Most amazing of all, she is best friends with her former boyfriend Ryan and rides with him to school everyday. Ryan is the principal at the elementary school . Kate likes to do everything for everybody, but doesn't seem to have time for herself. Right now she is trying to hold it together for the wedding of her other best friend Holly. Holly is marrying Adam ( Rescue My Heart) and it's a perfect match.
Kate is carrying a very important piece of paper in her purse. It's a scholarship to a graduate program for science education at San Diego University. She has received this prestigious scholarship for three years, and turned it down twice. This is the last year it will be offered , and she is still afraid to go. How would the family survive without her help?

Griffin Reid was the bad boy in town, and immediately joined the Navy after graduating from high school. Griff does not have a very good relationship with his Dad, even in childhood. He can't seem to do anything to please him. Griff is now medically discharged from the SEAL's after being injured from an IED. He has traumatic brain injury, and between that and his sister Holly's wedding he decided to stay in Sunshine for a while. If, he and his father can keep from biting each other's head off.

This novel has familiar faces from previous Animal Magnetism stories, and as always the laughter and love. Kate is a beautiful, smart, and very capable woman who spouts science facts when she's nervous. Griff makes her very nervous. Griff is in town, just for a short while, trying to decide what to do next. He knows he should stay away from Kate, she totally gets under his skin, but she has dug in very deep, and he can't let go. The secondary characters, as always add to the laughter. If your looking for a small town romance, with laughs and sizzling scenes...........Rumor Has It is a sure thing.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
Pat Fordyce
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 15 books613 followers
January 14, 2014
Read this review on Got Fiction? blog

Kate Evans takes care of everyone in her life. She may not live at home, but every morning before work, she runs to her father’s house, gets her teenage sister and 8 year old brother ready for school, she even takes care of her ex, who is also her boss and best friend.

But the big question is, when will Kate take care of herself?

Her other best friend, Holly, is getting married and Kate is in the wedding. She is blind-sided when Holly’s brother Griffin shows up because he made no bones about the fact that he wanted out of Sunshine, Idaho and he never looked back.

But Griffin isn’t the same punk-ass kid who hated the small-town life. He’s just left the military, and is recovering from an IED explosion. He’s back for Holly’s wedding, but that’s it. He has no desire to stay in Podunk-ville, Idaho at all. Until he sees Kate again.

He knows he makes her nervous because she spouts random scientific facts every time he’s nearby. He also knows she’s had a crush on him since they were in school together, and he knows he can do nothing about it.

But no one told Kate. She seems to throw herself at him at every opportunity (which is hysterical!)

Kate is an endearing, sweet, and geeky heroine who anyone can identify with. I swear if you swap the scientific facts for endless babble, you’d have me. LOL

Kate and Griffin have a sweet and sexy romance that seems to be going along really well until the end. Something happens that no one could see coming, and while Kate seems to move on pretty quickly, Grif bails. To him, everything has changed, and not for the better.

With a fun and self-deprecating sense of humor, this book was an easy read with likeable characters. The cast of side characters was well-drawn and I want to read about them! Anyone who enjoys small-town romance or ex-military heroes will love Rumor Has It.

***ARC courtesy of Berkley Contemporary Romance
Profile Image for Lauren.
2,516 reviews159 followers
April 17, 2021
Rumor Has It
4.5 Stars

Love comes when you least expect it. Griffin Reid returns home to Sunshine, Idaho to recuperate from an injury and is caught unaware by his attraction to his sister’s best friend, elementary school teacher, Kate Evans. Kate has had a crush on Griffin since childhood and decides to seize the moment, but is their newfound romance a short-term fling or something that will last a lifetime…

Griffin and Kate are a perfect match. Her sexy, snarky sweetness counterbalances his dark and broody nature exceedingly well and their banter had me smiling throughout the book. Their romance is both sensual and emotional without being too saccharine. While the conflicts are minor, they do succeed in creating enough tension in the story without overwhelming it.

The secondary characters are delightful, especially Kate’s family and the kids in her class. The couples from previous books also put in an appearance and it is fun to catch up with them.


In sum, an engaging contemporary romance highly recommended of anyone interested in a light and fun read.
Profile Image for Holly.
1,765 reviews87 followers
August 30, 2013
Shalvis has penned another winner. This is probably my favorite of all her Animal Magnetism books. I loved Griffin and Kate. But especially Griffin.

I definitely suggest you go preorder this book. Like, right now.
Profile Image for Sarah.
3,358 reviews1,236 followers
December 26, 2014
Kate has spent her whole life putting everyone else first, she may live on her own but she is constantly round at her Dad's house taking care of him and her younger siblings and even though she has been offered a scholarship to the graduate training course of her dreams for several years in a row she's never felt able to go and leave her family behind to take care of themselves. For once she wants to do something just for herself and the return of her best friend's sexy older brother Griffin gives her the perfect opportunity. Kate has had a crush on Griffin for as long as she can remember but he's never looked at her in that way. It's about time she figured out a way to change his mind, he may not be looking for a happily ever after but Kate is willing to settle for a hot fling before he leaves her and the town behind him once again. Griffin has no idea what's about to hit him but once he's had a taste of Kate he may not find it easy to let her go.

Jill Shalvis never fails to deliver a humorous story with a sweet romance, plenty of laughs along the way and Rumour Has It was no exception. I think it was actually my favourite story in the Animal Magnetism series so far! Kate and Griffin are a great couple, they have a lot of fun together but they also care deeply about each other and encourage each other to follow their dreams. Griffin had no intention of returning to Sunshine permanently, he's been retired from the military due to injuries though so he's come home to lick his wounds and decide what he wants to do with his life. It's also time for him to start building bridges with his father, they've always had a difficult relationship but they need to put the past behind them and find a way to reconnect with each other.

Kate is a really down to earth girl, she's willing to do anything for anyone and she always puts her own dreams at the bottom of the list. She's a bit of a geek and she has a tendency to blurt out random facts when she's nervous which was hilarious. I just loved her character, she's so easy to relate to and the kind of girl I can easily imagine being friends with. I loved seeing Griffin encourage her to put herself first for a change though, he is the one who pushes her into thinking about what she really wants from her future and I enjoyed seeing her spread her wings a little and learn to let her family stand on their own two feet. The couple both have their issues but over all their relationship is fairly drama free and runs quite smoothly which makes it a really fun and light hearted story. I read the whole book with smile on my face and enjoyed every minute of it. I can't get enough of this series, or anything that Jill Shalivs writes really, she is the queen of small town contemporary romances and will always be a go to author for me.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,256 reviews159 followers
April 20, 2014
I love Jill Shalvis' books, and the Animal Magnetism series is one of my all-time favorites. I (re)read them whenever I need a feel-good book to pick me up, because they are so funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and just... real. Rumor has it is the perfect addition to it, even though poor Griffin has to compete with Dell and Bradey, two of my all-time favorite heroes.
Griffin returns home to Sunshine (a place he couldn't get out of fast enough when he was a teenager) to attend his sister's wedding. He has always liked his sister's best friend Kate, and seeing as his bossy little sister warns him to stay away from her, he does try to. But Kate and Griffin have undeniable chemistry... I might not love Griffin as much as Dell, but still, he is definitely amazing. He is the only one who realizes that no one (except him, of course. That midnight picnic under the stars is just one of the cutest things) ever does anything just for Kate, while she would give a perfect stranger the shirt off her back.
Kate is also one of the funniest, nicest and most amazing heroine I have ever read. I love how she is there for everyone, and especially Griffin, without ever wanting anything in return. One of the things I love most about her is her tendency to spout inane science facts when she gets nervous. That and the fact that she got incredibly nervous and clumsy around Griffin made her so loveable, I couldn't wait to see them get their happily ever after.
This was another perfect, fun read, and I can't wait to see what happens next in Sunshine, Idaho.
Profile Image for Jonel.
1,717 reviews311 followers
April 6, 2016
Shalvis never fails to make me laugh while creating romance that lasts. This return to her Animal Magnetism series captured me heart and soul. The picturesque scenery that she creates for the area is the perfect backdrop for this emotional, at times turbulent, story that really packs a punch.

Since we first met Griffin and Kate they’ve both called to me in different ways. Kate’s the kind of girl that I find easy to relate to. I can understand being shy, staying at home, and having way too much on your plate. Completely the opposite, Griffin’s the outgoing hero that many a gal drools over. Yet we also get hints at the emotions underneath. Not only did I enjoy getting to know these two better, their personalities really drew me in, but I also loved them as a couple. They’re so real without being too perfect.

All in all, this was a compelling, heartfelt novel that I didn’t want to put down. Shalvis has really created a winner here.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,688 reviews376 followers
August 14, 2025
The fourth book in the Animal Magnetism series by Jill Shalvis. Griffin (Grif) Reid is back in Sunshine, Idaho for his sister's wedding and also to recuperate from injuries sustained overseas. His military days are over and he needs to decide what to do with his life. There he sees Kate Evans, his sister's best friend. Staying in Sunshine was never really an option for him but now just maybe...

Jill Shalvis' books are like candy to me. So sweet and yummy! Love the characters and, well, everything!
Profile Image for Dee.
2,671 reviews21 followers
November 9, 2015
Two-haiku review:

Second grade teacher
Is maid of honor for friend
Friend's brother comes back

More great characters
Loved her random science facts
This one made me smile

Re-reading series November 2015
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,450 reviews124 followers
April 23, 2021
Two of our characters from another story are about to tie the knot and our hero in this book is coming home for the wedding. He is also recovering from a wound received in battle. He had hoped to make a full recovery without his family learning about it but then the wedding happened. So he tries to downplay his wounds. He also has to reevaluate his life now that he may not be sent back to active duty.
As the best friend of the bride our heroine is also involved in the wedding. This puts her in close proximity to our hero who was the object of her child hood crush. Now that she is all grown up can she get him to notice her?
Good book, Sweet romance.
Profile Image for JB.
377 reviews231 followers
November 1, 2013
**Find this & other reviews at The Demon Librarian**

Rumor Has It was my first Jill Shalvis novel, and after reading it, all I can say is, "More, please!"

I seriously, seriously enjoyed this book. It's a light, sexy read with a perfect balance of humor and emotion, and it won me over so completely, I have already added all the other books in the series to my to-be-read list. Aaaaand I have added the first book in each of her other series too! Overkill? Maybe, but hey, what can I say? I know what I like, and I like Jill Shalvis' writing. A lot.

The story itself is about ex-soldier Griffin (Grif) Reid, who has been discharged from military service due to a combat injury. Grif's lucky to be alive, but lucky isn't what he's feeling when he returns to Sunshine. Despite its cheery name, this small Idaho town doesn't hold the best of memories for Grif. He doesn't want to be there, doesn't want to deal with his dad and their always-rocky relationship, and he sure as heck isn't looking for love.

That is, until he literally bumps into Kate Evans, his little sister's best friend.

Like Grif, Kate is looking for a way out of Sunshine. She's got one, too, courtesy of an elite graduate school program in another state that would take her away for an entire year and give her the chance to finally (finally!) do what she wants with her life. But Kate's got a dad and siblings to look after, students to help and teach, and what feels like a mile-long list of obligations, all of which conspire to keep her firmly tied to Sunshine. Being the care-taking soul that she is, Kate simply can't abandon the people who need her.

Then Grif Reid - the guy she's been secretly crushing on for years - shows up, and suddenly, it's like a door in Kate's life has been blown open. The question is, is she brave enough to walk through it?

The romance in Rumor Has It plays out beautifully. I loved that Kate took the initiative instead of playing the part of a shrinking violet, waiting for the guy to come to her. And Grif....yeah. Can you say wounded (but dead-sexy) warrior? Cue the sighs and swoons.

I also thoroughly enjoyed Kate's best friend, Ryan. Total charmer. He's getting his own book, right? RIGHT?!

So would I recommend Rumor Has It? YES! It is an engaging read and all-around good romantic fun. You can read it as a standalone, but do you really want to leave it all by its lonesome? Of course you don't. You want the entire series! (Trust me on this.) And while you're at it, check out Jill's other books too. She's written a TON of them and if they're anything like this one, you've got some great reading days ahead of you!

4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Thenia.
4,405 reviews180 followers
June 28, 2019
I was in the mood for a nice contemporary romance audiobook so I did something I rarely do - I picked something at random and pressed play, without reading any reviews or even checking if the book was a part of a series, which it turns out this is.

So knowing nothing about what's happened in the previous three books in the series, I listened to this one and, shocking my OCD-side, I am not particularly bothered that it's out of order!

The story is about Kate, a school teacher who's had a crush on her best friend's brother Griffin for years, but has never done anything about it. Now, he's back for his sister's wedding and Kate decides that she's up for a no-strings attached fling with him, if only she can make him agree.

Griffin finds her very attractive, but feels that she is off limits, being his overprotective little sister's friend and considering that he doesn't plan to stay. His objections are soon overshadowed however, and the two find comfort and much more in each other's arms.

Low on drama, with a couple that make each other better and the obligatory happily-ever-after ending, this was an enjoyable book in a series that I'll probably return to, this time taking the books in order.

Previous book reviews: (*read out of order)
Animal Attraction (Animal Magnetism, #2) ~ ★★★★ (28/09/2017)
Animal Magnetism (Animal Magnetism #1) ~ ★★★★ (10/12/2016)
Profile Image for Laura.
258 reviews24 followers
February 7, 2014
I love Jill Shalvis. Seriously, I want to be BFF's which her.

Every single one of her books makes me laugh, swoon, and melt, and this book was no exception.

Jill, hands down, writes the best heroes ever. There has not been one book of hers that I didn't completely crush on the hero throughout the story. Her heroines are believable as well, talking about things as addictions to cookies, potato chips, and the REAL things women talk about.

She has a way of tugging at the heart strings too with fantastic supporting characters who are impossible not to adore, even the animals!!

I cannot say enough good things about this author, only that I am never disappointed with her books!! Five big stars!
Profile Image for Angela Verdenius.
Author 66 books677 followers
January 19, 2014
Oh, I loved it,loved, it loved it! Did I mention I loved it? LOL Sweet romance, sexy hero, engaging heroine, some cute pooches, fun friends, small town - what's not to like? I always marvel at how the sex scenes can be so sweet, yet so hot at the same time. Really takes a talented writer to do that, and Jill Shalvis has that talent! I sincerely hope there will be more in this series.
Profile Image for ~Leslie~.
993 reviews43 followers
April 9, 2014
Sweet, wonderful story about big brother Griffin and his sister's best friend, Kate. He's known her forever and he makes her spout meaningless factoids whenever he comes near. Jill Shalvis has an amazing ability to write characters I want to get to know in real life.
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