Wilder Series by Jill Shalvis

Instant Attraction

The first in a sensational new series, Jill Shalvis introduces Cameron, Stone, and T.J. Wilder—three bad-boy heroes who effortlessly mix breathtaking adventure and scorching sex appeal…

Get Wild…And Then Get Wilder…

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl; working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that; and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed; that part defies explanation…

After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he’ll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie’s killer smile triggers something deep in his gut…among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a checkbook is the biggest rush he’s ever felt, and an adventure Katie’s wishing would never end..

*****

Instant Gratification

Wilder #2

In Instant Attraction, Jill Shalvis introduced Cameron, Stone, and T.J.; the sexy, daredevil brothers who run Wilder Adventures. And for Stone Wilder, the thrill of a lifetime is about to arrive in a surprising package. . .

The Doctor Is In Deep

Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. . .

When Stone tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here – in this town, in his life. And convincing this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist.

*****

Instant Temptation

Wilder #3

T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he’s about to reconnect with the one woman he’s never been able to forget…

Get Your Pulse Racing

To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who’s invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley’s career is riding on this trip, and she doesn’t need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise-just like he’s done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that’s been smoldering all these years.

T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he’s damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he’s always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he’ll finally have a chance to prove it-over and over again.

January 28, 2014January 10, 2014

Kelly & Kimberly review Bare Essentials by Shalvis & Kelly

TITLE: Bare Essentials
SERIES #: Naughty but Nice\Naturally Naughty
CHARACTERS: Cassie Montgomery & Sean Taggart\ Kate Jones & John Winfield Jr.
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis\ Leslie Kelly
PUBLICATION DATE: January 28, 2014 (reissue)
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Naughty But Nice by New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis

Lingerie model Cassie Tremaine Montgomery intends to have her revenge on the citizens of her hometown—starting with seducing the sheriff, Sean “Tag” Taggart. Tag, however, isn’t cooperating. He’s more than willing to set the sheets on fire with her, but he’s asking for more than just sizzling sex…. He knows Cassie’s not as tough as she pretends. And he knows she cares about him—even if she won’t admit it. So he’ll just turn up the heat until she concedes there’s more between them than this red-hot passion.

Naturally Naughty by New York Times bestselling author Leslie Kelly

Kate Jones, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, is home. And she’s got an agenda. To get revenge on the man who humiliated her mother, Kate’s going to seduce that man’s son—the town’s golden boy, John Winfield Jr.—and then leave him drooling in a puddle of lust. However, when she finds herself seduced by a sexy stranger named Jack, little does she guess that the tables have just been turned….

KELLY’S REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts I think this might have been the first time I picked up a Jill Shalvis book and didn’t fall head over heels in love the the characters. I am not sure what it was but I just didn’t care for Cassie at all.

This was my first read of a Leslie Kelly story and while I liked Kate and John I just never felt totally vested in them.

Not to say that these were bad stories or anything. I just didn’t get sucked into the world.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 Hearts This is a reprint from 2002 but to be honest I didn’t know that until I pulled up the information to type of this review. There were a couple of small things written that now I realize are dated but a handful of small comments does not take away from the story and 99% of the story is not dated at all.

The story of Cassie and Tag is very engrossing. I enjoyed the way they came together. I story background is interesting and comprehensive. I think Tag is a great character and I love that he has a list of what he wants in a woman and yet realizes that Cassie is none of those things and yet everything he wants. Cassie has issues but she is still fun to read about. She has an interesting way of thinking. Shalvis is one of the best and from this story you can see she had the golden touch even a dozen years ago.

The story of Jake and Kate was just as sweet as the story of her cousin. Jake is a great guy. I enjoyed the instant chemistry they had and the interesting history of the town. The sexual side of this story is a lot more intense than the first story but it is done in a fun and interesting way. Kelly has a much different way of writing then Shalvis does but their writing seems to mesh really well.

I enjoyed these stories very much.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Harlequin in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

December 30, 2013December 26, 2013

Kelly reviews A Christmas to Remember by Shalvis, Ashley, Ramsay, Cannon & Pappano

TITLE: A Christmas to Remember
SERIES #: Christmas Novellas
CHARACTERS: Multiple Stories
AUTHOR: Shalvis, Ashley, Ramsay, Cannon & Pappano
PUBLICATION DATE: December 3, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Curl up with this heartwarming Christmas collection!

Jill Shalvis, Dream a Little Dream: Melissa has kept every man at a safe distance-especially firefighter Ian, a sexy friend with sexy benefits. But Ian secretly longs for more. Luckily, ’tis the season for giving love a chance . . .

Kristen Ashley, Every Year: Holidays don’t come easy for Shy and his brother, Landon. But with the magic of Christmas, along with a little help from Tabby and her family, the Cage brothers are about to get the gift of a lifetime . . .

Hope Ramsay, Silent Night: Down on her luck and evicted from her apartment, single mother Maryanne hopes to start over in Last Chance. When the snow begins to fall, it looks like her baby might literally spend Christmas Eve in a manger. And Maryanne might celebrate the holiday with a handsome stranger.

Molly Cannon, Have Yourself a Messy Little Christmas: Lincoln is a bachelor who’s set in his ways-until a professional organizer dressed up as Mrs. Claus changes his life, one tip at a time. . .

Marilyn Pappano, A Family for Christmas: War widow Ilena doesn’t mind spending Christmas alone. But when a new doctor blows into town with the winter wind, will she get her secret Christmas wish?

Plus: Excerpts from upcoming novels!

REVIEW:
I enjoyed 3 of the 5 stories in this book. 3 of the authors were new to me. While I enjoyed all but 1 of the stories it was fun reading these quick christmas novellas. It is always hard to review novellas because the are so short. But if you love any of these authors or looking for some quick christmas reads I would suggest picking up a copy of A Christmas to Remember.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

December 12, 2013December 5, 2013

Kelly & Kimberly review Her Sexist Mistake by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Her Sexiest Mistake
CHARACTERS: Kevin McKnight & Mai Appleby
AUTHOR: Jill Shalivs
PUBLICATION DATE: Release Nov 5, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Mia Appleby finally has the life she always wanted. She’s escaped her trailer trash childhood and built a nice life for herself with a marketing job and a cute, little condo. But no matter how much baggage she’s ditched from her past, she still hasn’t managed to shake her greatest weakness-men. So when her new neighbor turns out to be single and oh-so-sexy, Mia’s worried she’s playing with fire . . .

Kevin McKnight can’t get enough of his gorgeous neighbor, but after one amazing night, she’s already showing him the door. Something tells him this is the way she handles most men. But Kevin is far from your average guy-and he’s ready to prove it to Mia. When a blast from her past shakes up Mia’s life in a major way, will she stick with her self-sufficient solo act . . . or take a chance leaning on Kevin’s strong shoulders?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
3.5 HEARTS As a huge Jill Shalvis fan I am willing to read any of her books. So when Her Sexiest Mistake came up for review I jumped at the chance. Her Sexiest Mistake was originally released in December of 2005. While I was happy to read this book it was not up to the normally standards I have set for Jill’s books. Her Sexiest Mistake is still a great read, but I love to see how Jill has grown as another over the years.

Kevin was awesome. He is such a giving guy. So giving that he is almost a pushover, but that just makes him more lovable. Mia, while acting all tough and in control is really that same scared little girl she was as a kid. I really liked how patient Kevin was with her, but at times I wanted him to slam the door in her face and never look back. But when that did finally happy I was really sad. But as with all Jill’s books she can not leave them unhappy.

I loved the side stories in this books too. I just loved Mike & Tess!!! And of course Hope! What would a love story be without a pain in the butt teenager.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 HEARTS This is a re-release from 2005 and I can honestly say that over the last decade Jill Shalvis’s books have improved ten-fold. Don’t get me wrong I liked this story but not as much as I enjoy what she writes now.

Something was just off with Mia. I never warmed up to her. Kevin was sweet but a bit of a door mat. I think Mia was supposed to be standoffish because of her past but she actually just seemed self absorbed and unfriendly. I liked the story and there some parts of it that pulls you in but then Mia does something again and you just don’t enjoy it as much.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 5, 2013November 3, 2013

Kimberly reviews Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Rumor Has It
SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #4
CHARACTERS: Kate & Griffin
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/05/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

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 second grade 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 has 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…

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts Boy did I love this book. Griffin is just adorable. I just wanted to package him up, take him home and make his boo-boo all better. Kate is something else as well. She is Superwoman. And yet everything she does is authentic and well meaning. She just is who she is and I loved that about her.

The characters connected immediately. The reader can just tell they are meant to be together. There is a calmness that they give each other. I also enjoyed revisiting Holly and Adam from Rescue My Heart.

I am not sure the next in the series for Jill Shalvis but I am throwing out my request for Ryan’s story. Now there is a man I could fall in love with.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

October 28, 2013October 28, 2013

Interview & Giveaway with Jill Shalvis

We’d like to give Jill Shalvis a warm welcome to Books-n-Kisses today! Jill is the bestselling author of over four dozen romance novels, including her upcoming sexy contemporary romance RUMOR HAS IT, book four in the Animal Magnetism series set in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho. Jill is known for stories that are sexy, fun and full of heart. The 4-time Rita nominee and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog.

Q: Can you tell our readers a little bit about the Animal Magnetism (Sunshine, Idaho) series, and where your inspiration came from?

A: I’ve always wanted to write a series where I could incorporate cute animals. Cute animals and sexy heroes together, who can resist that. So I came up with a series about a set of wildly alpha brothers running an animal center in Sunshine, Idaho at the base of the Bitteroot Mountains.

Q: What is your favorite thing about writing this series? The sexy men, the heroines, or the animals?

A: All of the above, but okay, let me admit the truth – the combination of hot guys and adorable animals is pretty much irresistible for me.

Q: What do you think makes romance readers and the romance community so strong?

A: I think what makes the romance community so strong is that romance readers are awesome. They’re loyal and dedicated and always so willing to help support our community by talking about the books and making it okay to read whatever you want, may that be straight contemporary, romantic suspense, erotica, whatever. I love that. As far as having a strong presence, that is an accidental cause of working alone most of the days out of the year. Reaching out to romance readers and writers via social media is just a really great way to not always be alone. J

Q: Are contemporaries your favorite genre to read as well as to write? If so, can you give our readers some of your favorite recommendations?

A: Yes, though I love to read everything, across all genres. Heck, I’m happy reading the back of a cereal box. But as for my recommendations in the contemporary genre, you can’t go wrong with Robyn Carr, Kristan Higgins, Carly Phillips, Susan Mallery, Lori Foster, Rachel Gibson…

Q: Do you think reading romance makes us expect more from our own romantic partners? What effect do you think romance has on those that read it?

A: We’re writing fiction. Not nonfiction. But made up stories, fantasies really. I’m not writing “How To Have A Hot Romance.” Or “How To Train Your Significant Other Into Being A Perfect Mate.” I’m writing a fictional tale. I think our readers are sharp, and are well aware and capable of knowing the difference between a pat Happily Ever After and real life. If I can provide someone with a fantasy, a little escape from her reality, then I am considering it a job well done.

Q: You write so many wonderful contemporaries, how do you keep each novel fresh and exciting?

A: Keeping it fresh is a constant battle, and I struggle with that daily. I just love writing, and this genre, and work hard to do the job so I can keep doing it and pleasing readers. Also, I find that stalking neighbors and friends, and being extremely nosy about their personal lives and conflicts is very helpful. J

Q: What’s your advice for a first-time pet owner?

1. Read up on your pet, on the specific breed.

2. Be patient.

3. Be patient.

4. Be patient. J

5. Oh, and if there’s training issues? Chances are it’s you, so revisit #1.

Q: The interactions shared between you and Alpha Man always entertain; what is a recent “He Said, She Said” between you and Alpha Man that we may not have heard yet?

Me:
What are you eating?

Him (mouth full):
Nothing

Me:
It smells like Oreos.

Him:
…

Me:
Are you … eating Oreos? I thought we were out of cookies!!

Him:
There’s only four left.

Me:
I need two.

Him:
I’ll give you one.

Me:
No! You can’t eat just one cookie!!! There’s a rule!!!

Him:
Show me the book where this rule lives.

Me:
I’LL WRITE YOU THE $%#!#$!@ book, give me a second cookie and no one gets hurt!

Him:
Is it possible that you need something to go with that cookie?

Me:
Milk?

Him:
I was thinking Midol…

Q: Your friendship with Kristan Higgins and your friendly battle for “Man Wars” has become infamous. Why do you two connect so well?

A: I think our chemistry translates well because it’s genuine. You can’t fake a real friendship. We connect on lots of levels, such as competing for readers (kiddin!), and because we’re both raising aliens—er, teenagers.

Q: What’s next for Jill Shalvis?

A: If you read RUMOR HAS IT, you may notice a new vet is working at Belle Haven. Dr. Wyatt Stone. He and his two sisters, Darcy and Zoe, are each going to get their own story next year. J

Kelly’s review of Rumor Has It.

TITLE: Rumor Has It

SERIES #: Animal Magnetism #4

CHARACTERS: Griffin Reid & Kate Evans

AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis

PUBLICATION DATE: Nov 5, 2013

ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

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

REVIEW:

Griffin Reid is home again. Not because he wants to be, but because he has no place else to go just yet. Plus his baby sister is getting married and you don’t get on Holly’s bad side. Griffin wants to make it through the wedding and get the heck out of dodge. But fate has other plans for him.

Kate Evans has always put everyone’s needs before her own needs. She takes care of her dad, her sister and little brother on a daily basis. Not to mention all the things she does for the town, her classroom and her friends. But when her childhood crush runs into her, Kate finally decides that there is something that she wants for herself.

Another awesome book by Jill. Seriously can this girl write a bad story?? I don’t think so and I have not found one yet. If you have not picked up any of Jill’s books never fear they all can pretty much be read as stand alones, but I would suggest reading them in order. Just so you get a better idea of who everyone is.

Disclaimer:

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

A little more about Jill:

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jill Shalvis is the award winning author of over four dozen romance novels, including her sexy contemporary and award winning Lucky Harbor series (FOREVER AND A DAY was one of Amazon’s Top Romances for 2012). She won a Rita for SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE and is a 3-time National Readers Choice winner as well. Make sure to click on the blog button above for her daily blog where she recounts her Misplaced City Girl adventure

Connect With Jill

Jill on Twitter
Jill on Facebook
Jill on Google+
Jill on Goodreads

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September 26, 2013September 21, 2013

Kelly & Kimberly review Always On My Mind by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: Always On My Mind
SERIES #: Lucky Harbor #8
CHARACTERS: Jack Harper & Lean Sullivan
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: Sept. 24, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING
After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack’s ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib – that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle.

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine – perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their “just friends” rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

KELLY’s REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Jack & Leah have been the best of friends since they were kids. They did everything together. Leah was there for Jack when his dad died and Jack was there for every time that Leah’s dad mistreated her. Both have loved each other forever, but Leah was scared and ran not only from a poor home life but from her best friend. Now Leah is back in Lucky Harbor, but only for a short time. Just to help her grandma get back on her feet.
When Leah slips up and tells Jack’s mother that they are dating. She only said it to put Jack’s mom’s mind at ease Leah was not prepared for the follow out of a pretend relationship in Lucky Harper. Not only is the whole town talking about their upcoming wedding, but Jack is really mad at her.
Another great Lucky Harbor story. I so very much love my visits to Lucky Harbor. With each trip I fall more and more in love with this town, this series and Jill Shalvis.
I was so happy that I had the opportunity to read Always On My Mind early. The only bad part is that now I have to wait for the next book in the Lucky Harbor series.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Oh how I adored this story! I loved Jack. He is so endearing that it is hard not to enjoy his every moment. When he is strong, courageous and determined he is something to behold but when he puts his sweetness to use WATCH OUT! Leah is sweet too. I guess way to describe her is having self-esteem issues but somehow she still manages to stay on her feet and work through it all.

I will be honest. I will a little worried about the bakery and firefighter thing happening in this book. I mean really doesn’t every book have one or both going on? But something about this story pulls you in from moment one. There were so many points where I had to smile and even a couple times of a quick chuckle and there was also a few times of deep sadness for the characters at what they had to endure.

This book is worth the read whether you have read the series or not. I so look forward to the next book in which Ben and Aubrey are featured. Ben is so funny in this story. And trust me no one should miss meeting KEVIN!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

July 15, 2013July 12, 2013

Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series gets a Makeover

Who doesn’t love a fabulous makeover? –Especially when it involves romance, adventure, hot guys and cute animals! Check out the brand new cover images for Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series…

Book one, ANIMAL MAGNETISM, which originally went on sale in February 2011, is back and better than ever with a brand new look. The reissue of book two, ANIMAL ATTRACTION, which originally went on sale October 2011, is not far behind with a new cover as well. Breathing new life into Jill’s charming contemporary romance series, these new covers demand another look at the fun stories they hold…

And don’t miss Jill’s newest Animal Magnetism release–book four, RUMOR HAS IT, coming out this November!

*****

Animal Magnetism

(Berkley Sensation Mass Market; $7.99; 978-0-425-26836-0; July 2, 2013)

Co-owner of the town’s only kennel, Lilah Young has lived in Sunshine, Idaho, all her life. Pilot-for-hire Brady Miller is just passing through. But he soon has Lilah abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire. It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie that keeps him coming back for more.

*****

ANIMAL ATTRACTION

(Animal Magnetism, book two)

(Berkley Sensation Mass Market; $7.99;978-0-425-26837-7; August 6, 2013)

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there’s nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade’s strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

*****

RESCUE MY HEART

(Animal Magnetism, book three)

(Berkley Sensation Mass Market; $7.99; 978-0-425-25581-0; November 6, 2012)

After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. Holly learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, Adam is the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

*****

RUMOR HAS IT

(Animal Magnetism, book four)

(Berkley Sensation Mass Market; $7.99; 978-0-425-25582-7; November 5, 2013)

Coming: November 5, 2013

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis has written over four dozen romance novels, including Rescue My Heart, Animal Attraction, Animal Magnetism, and Slow Heat. The RITA and three-time National Readers’ Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog.

June 1, 2013May 25, 2013

Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magentism Series

Animal Magnetism

Animal Magnetism #1

It’s Brady’s nature to resist being tied down, but there’s something about Lilah and her menagerie that keeps him coming back for more.

*****

Animal Attraction

Animal Magnetism #2

*****

Rescue My Heart

Animal Magnetism #3

After a tragic stint in the National Guards, Adam Connelly returns to Idaho and to Belle Haven, the animal shelter he owns with his brothers. All Adam wants is to be alone. Then he opens the door to the past—the woman whose heart he once broke. Still gorgeous, still tough-as-nails, but this time, unusually vulnerable.

Holly Reid learned the hard way to never depend on a man for anything. Now, of all men, it’s the last one she wants to see, and the only one she needs. Her father has gone missing in the Bitterroot Mountains and she could use someone with tracking skills to help find him.

For Holly and Adam, each with their ghosts, a trek this desperate, this unpredictable, and this intimate, will have its share of risks—including opening their hearts one more time.

*****

Rumor Has It

Animal Magnetism #4

He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…
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…

May 29, 2013May 12, 2013

Kelly and Kimberly review It Had To Be You by Jill Shalvis

TITLE: It Had To Be You
SERIES: Lucky Harbor #7
CHARACTERS: Luke Hanover & Ali Winters
AUTHOR: Jill Shalvis
PUBLICATION DATE: May 28, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Available for a limited time, this special bonus edition of IT HAD TO BE YOU includes Blue Flame, a free, full-length novel also by Jill Shalvis.

Ali Winters is not having a good day. Her boyfriend left her, everyone in town thinks she’s a thief, and now she’s about to be kicked out of her home. Her only shot at keeping a roof over her head and clearing her name is to beg for help from a police detective who’s as sexy as he is stern….

After a high-profile case goes wrong, Luke Hanover returns to his hometown for some peace and quiet. Instead he finds a bombshell brunette in a heap of trouble. As he helps Ali put her world back together, the pieces of Luke’s own life finally seem to fall into place. Is this the start of a sizzling fling? Or are Luke and Ali on the brink of something big in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars All Luke wants is a nice peaceful and quiet three weeks off. This is the only reason he is back in Lucky Harbor. But Luke finds himself drawn to his new feisty roommate. But when Ali is accused of stealing Luke’s detective skills will not let him walk away from her but only until the charges are dropped and she is safe.

Love, love, love being back in Lucky Harbor. Jill always does such a great job of sucking me into the world of Lucky Harbor. Honestly I have not read a book in this series that I didn’t love.

Who doesn’t love an extremely hot man in a uniform with a tortured soul? One who has no chance of saving his heart from the half naked woman screaming on the phone in his kitchen.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars While this is part of the Lucky Harbor series there is something special about this story. And that something is Ali. While Luke is a great character it is Ali that makes this story what it is. And the highest kudos to Jill Shalvis for writing this incredible, heartbreaking yet inspirational character.

Ok first the easy part. Luke is great if not the typical commitment phobic man but honestly this is a romance so don’t we know that by the end of the story he will become hooked on Ali. Sure we do. But Ali is something more than a normal female lead to an everyday romance. There were times that I was close to tears. Not for what the character said but for how palpable her feelings were. The sadness that Ali (and Shalvis) projects is just heartbreaking and yet the character has an underlying belief that things will work out. She has lived a life that most would be hard to come back from but she does and the reader is able to be sad and proud of Ali at the same time.

Did I like this book? You bet… It was great to visit Lucky Harbor again and I can’t wait for the next visit to read Jack’s story. Jack makes a number of appearances in It Had To Be You and I can not wait to read Always On My Mind because not only is he adorable and sweet but who doesn’t love a firefighter?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

May 6, 2013April 29, 2013

My Rescue Story, by Jill Shalvis……..Read Humane® 2013 campaign

This May, Books-n-Kisses is pleased to support Penguin Group (USA)’s Read Humane® 2013 campaign to fight animal cruelty. We would like to welcome spokesperson and bestselling author Jill Shalvis to our blog today, where she is sharing with us her family’s animal rescue story discusses her Animal Magnetism series with a piece entitled “Why Dogs Make Great Sidekicks!”

Read Humane® is an initiative created by Penguin Group (USA) in 2012 to support our furry friends in honor of National Pet Month (May). As part of the Read Humane® 2013 campaign, six special edition, animal-themed mass market paperbacks have been reissued featuring the official Read Humane® seal. Penguin supports the fight against animal cruelty with a $25,000 donation, regardless of sales, to The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team.

For more information, and complete lists of the six participating authors and book retailers, please visit Penguin Group (USA) or view the official Read Humane® Prezi here.

And remember to join the conversation on Twitter with @BerkleyRomance and @HSUS throughout May by using the hashtag #readHumane. Followers are encouraged to Tweet about Penguin’s animal friendly books, share their own rescue stories, and join in other pet themed conversations.

Jill Shalvis is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over four dozen romance novels, including her fun contemporary Animal Magnetism series, which promotes animal rescue dogs. Jill is a 3-time National Readers Choice winner, and lover of animals! More information about Jill and her collection of fabulous romance titles can be found at www.JillShalvis.com.

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My Rescue Story, by Jill Shalvis…

At any point, on any day in the Shalvis abode, there are animals. All of them rescued, always. It’s become somewhat of a family tradition, rescuing animals in need, and we’ve found that not only is it a nice thing to do, we get a really great pet out of the deal.

A couple of years ago, our house was fairly full. Okay, so it was straining at the wall joints. We had Ashes — our rescue Border Collie/Australian Blue Heeler. Sadie – our cat who thinks she’s a dog. Micky – a field mouse rescued from the high school science lab. And four teenage girls.

Actually, it wasn’t a house. It was a zoo.

But a year before we’d lost Izzie, our beloved brown lab. And we missed having two dogs. Yes, we’re crazy. Anyway, on that fated day I’m about to tell you about, Alpha Man (my husband) had heard about a yellow lab puppy who needed rescue.

No. No way. I was adamant. I had enough on my plate. But Alpha Man just wanted to go make sure the lab was okay.

So we left the mountain…

And drove…

We were following the sketch directions from a guy who knew a guy who had told us about a woman who lived out in the middle of nowhere, and I mean NOWHERE, and she rescues animals.

The landscape was like something out of a Criminal Minds episode, so we were wary at first. We had no idea what we were going to find. A box of puppies, or a meth lab … nothing would have surprised me. I was a little worried because the kids were with us, but it turned out the place was fifty acres of love.

Any animal in need is welcome.

Even the funny looking ones…

The woman had goats, horses, turtles, geese, snakes, angry chickens … you name it and she had it. She was rehabbing it, doctoring it, loving it … whatever the animal needed.

We’d gone because of the rumor of the puppies, the yellow labs. And she did have two puppies. She’d rescued them out of a horrible situation.

But the yellow lab wasn’t the one who stole our hearts. Nope, it was her little baby brother. The runt.

He was filthy and living in a hovel. And the minute he saw us, he came alive. Wriggling, happy, loving. All you had to do was touch him and he writhed in joy and dropped to the floor for a belly rub.

And once he was picked up by the teenagers and loved up by them, he didn’t want to get down. I tried. I tried hard. But the thing had wriggled his way right into my heart. I remember looking at Alpha Man, laughing and crying at the same time.

“You didn’t want another dog,” he reminded me.

I told him to zip it. We were taking this dog and that was that. Besides, there was the little matter of him being in my arms and refusing to be put down.

So we never put him down again. Meet Frat Boy…

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Why Dogs Make Great Sidekicks, by Jill Shalvis…

Now that you know a little bit about my rescue story, I want to share with you some of the inspiration for my Animal Magnetism series. One of the fun things about writing this series is developing complex and lovable characters… that just happen to be adorable dogs! Here’s why dogs make great sidekicks…

1. Because when you’re on the mountain trail and you come across an angry mama bear and her baby cubs, your dog will run like hell. This will warn you to run like hell as well. Just be careful because if your dog is like my dog, he will throw you under the bus (or in this case bear) to get home before you do.

2. Because when all the cookies are gone you can totally blame your cookie loving dog. No one has to know that you ate all the cookies yourself. And your dog can give you dirty looks for blaming him but he can’t actually talk and dispute your story. Solid alibi.

3. Because if you’ve eaten in a way that disagrees with your stomach, there are never any worries. Your dog will always, ALWAYS, out stink you. And if he doesn’t, you can still point the finger at him. Again, he can’t talk and dispute your story.

4. Dogs are not just great sidekicks but they also make great a really great wingman. If you’re single, you can totally put your dog to work at charming the person you’re interested in. Just make sure that person likes dog drool and dog hair all over everything first.

5. There is never a need for a pillow or extra blanket because your dog will always be willing to get into bed with you and share body heat. Always. Just be forewarned. Being a great sidekick is not the same thing as a good bed partner. They have a habit of being a total bed hog.

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Thank you so much, Jill for sharing your stories with us! If you have enjoyed Jill’s stories please feel free to show your support in our comments section below and by visiting the other participating websites/blogs…

Read Humane® Blog Tour 2013!

For more information on Read Humane® please visit Penguin Group (USA). To view more special features from spokesperson Jill Shalvis, please visit the following websites/blogs; each website/blog will feature a unique perspective on Read Humane, so be sure to stop by each for a new and exciting experience!