Review: Rescue My Heart by Jill Shalvis

Series: Animal Magnetism Book #3
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages:
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from Library
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance
Publisher: Berkley

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

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.

Review

This was a really cute story and probably my favorite in the series so far. It's a cute little reunited lovers story. And I like the look at PTSD.

Adam has that sort of reformed bad-boy thing going on. But this is also a Jill Shalvis book so it isn't super dark and depressing. Holly is a strong woman-she kind of reminded me of Haven from Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas. Plus, she has the same name as me which doesn't happen very often.

Beyond all that I don't have much to say. But I do recommend this-like every Jill Shalvis book I've read.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

Series: Animal Attraction Book #2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed form Library
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

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…

Review

This cover is something else but it's a cute story. And I'm really glad Jade's "dark secret" isn't that she was raped. There was some decent emotions explored while being sexy and adorable. All the animals probably help with that.

Jade was the star for me and what drove me to pick this up. She's so strong and vulnerable which is real and something I've read a lot of lately. And I'm a sucker for a girl who appreciates order and a good spreadsheet.

Dell was exactly what I thought he would be and I'm not complaining. He's so gentle and caring of the animals and people in his life. He's like a pack leader.

They have the kind of sexual tension I love reading about. It's always simmering just below the surface and they try to fight it. This turns into them bickering or fighting a lot. Totally my catnip.

I think I like these books and the world of Sunshine more than the Lucky Harbor books. Good thing I already picked up Adam's story from the library.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis

Series: Animal MagnetismBook #1
Format: eBook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the library (Overdrive)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

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.

Review

Jill Shalvis does have a certain kind of magic. Her books make me feel the same way a Julia Quinn historical does. And that is a very good thing. Oh and she oh so subtly laid out some sequel bait so of course I have to go to my library to pick up the next two-Overdrives doesn't have them available and I don't want to wait.

I enjoy a nice military hero every now and then but sometimes they're a little too caveman for me. Brady was a nice balance. He is jealous of other men when Lilah is nice to them but doesn't turn into an idiot and is aware of his feelings. He's also incredibly nice and caring to her and others. OMG! Him and Twinkles the dog was like the best thing ever.

Lilah was also a fun character. She has some of that innocence you see in romance but it's more tied to her open heart than sex. She's got some serious agency in all things including her sex life. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after that/it.

Their chemistry jumped off the page and they really complimented each other. I love when an author takes the time to have the characters talk in addition to the sexy times in bed (or whatever). To me that's what really sells them as a couple and it's an easy way to get to know them as individuals and a pair.

I'm so glad I started reading Jill Shalvis' books and I completely see why people love her. These are fun quick reads with likeable characters. The parade of adorable animals doesn't hurt either.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

Series: Lucky Harbor Book  #3
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 328
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Forever

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 
Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

 
Review

 
This was a really cute contemporary. It's easy to see why people like Jill Shalvis so much. And I do want to spend more time in Lucky Harbor.

Chloe stole the show for me. She was very easy to like and I really sympathized for her. It's sad that people won't take her seriously. She isn't just a ditzy fool. And her asthma was incorporated very well. It was a serious issue and played a roll in her character.

I don't have any complaints about Sawyer, but I did like Chloe better. They do have good chemistry, but the story wasn't all about that. There were other relationships to be explored.  And it's nice to see a romance that isn't only focused on the hero and heroine.

I'm definitely a sucker for a small-town romance. Ms. Shalvis creates a great world without going over the top with the stereotypical characters.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

July Wrap-Up (2016)

It didn't feel like I read a lot this month. Then, I actually look at it and apparently I did. I ended up reading eleven books.

In an effort to save money, I've started using my library again. Yeah, I have a ton of books on my TBR, but the library has been great. It's allowed me to read books I've been a little apprehensive about picking up. And the library always makes me happy.

July was definitely an eclectic reading month which describes me.

These are the books I read and my ratings.

Head Over Heels-4 Stars

Only With You-4 Stars

A Week to Be Wicked-4.5 Stars

Made For You-3 Stars

The Demon King-4 Stars

A Lady by Midnight-4 Stars

Some Kind of Perfect-5 Stars

Asking for More-5 Stars

Bet Me-4 Stars

Bared to You-3 Stars

First & Then-3 Stars

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Still the One by Jill Shalvis

Series: Animal Magnetism Book #6
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 311
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town
Publisher: Berkley

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Darcy Stone is game for anything — except sexy Navy veteran and physical therapist A.J. Colten, the guy who'd rejected her when she'd needed him most. Now the shoe is on the other foot and he needs her to play nice and help him secure grants for his patients. Unfortunately, Darcy can't refuse. She needs the money to fund her passion project: rescuing S&R dogs and placing them with emotionally wounded soldiers.

A.J. admits it — Darcy is irresistible. But he's already been battle-scarred by a strong-willed, vivacious, adventurous woman like Darcy, and he's not making the same mistake twice—until he and Darcy are forced to fake a relationship. Growing closer than they'd ever imagined possible, Darcy and AJ have to ask themselves: how much between them is pretend? What's the real thing? And where does it go from here?

Review

I came for the physical injury and stayed for the general adorableness. There were some inconsistencies and repetitive unnecessary drama, but overall it was a good story. And it made me want to read the other books in the series which is always a good sign.

A.J. was definitely my favorite. He kept being described as an alpha, but he felt like a big puppy dog. I would've liked to learn more about his past. But I liked how Ms. Shalvis showed his personality through his job and treatment of others.

Darcy was likeable. Sometimes "independent" characters like her can be annoying, but she was likeable. And I really enjoyed reading about her struggles with her injury and showing weakness.

The romance was full of chemistry and cuteness. When A.J. and Darcy were a couple I loved it. They complimented each other very well. But the constant running away got annoying. I understand why, especially for Darcy, but it happened one too many times. Maybe create another conflict if you think the story needs more tension. But that's just my opinion.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Series: Lucky Harbor Book #1
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 311
Rating:  4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance
Publisher: Forever

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother—a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career—if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes—and mouth—are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

 
Review

People, I'm in love. I'm on the Jill Shalvis train and I'm glad she has like five billion books out there. This made me remember what I like about Contemporary romance. And small town romance.

Maddie is a clumsy heroine which normally I don't like, but she worked. It provided humor and/or tension, but wasn't too much. I really liked her journey of self-discovery and believing in herslef. This is a pretty common thing for small town romance, but again, Ms. Shalvis did it well.

And I really liked Maddie's relationship with her sisters. First, I'm a big fan of sequel bait and this provided some. It was kind of a different sibling relationship, but the dynamics were still great. And, it's a fairly positive sisters relationship which is always great.

Jax was a gret hero. He's very supportive of Maddie and is a reallly great guy. He's nice to everyone which just shows what kind of person he is. I do wish he got a little more development. His relationship wiht his father could have been futher explored. THe story works without it, but I think this would've made it even stronger.

The romance between Jax and Maddie was super cute. I was on board from the beginning and so many of their interactions were adorable. There was a little bit of lying to each other, but it wasn't too annoying and Ms. Shalvis did a fairly good job of justifying their actions.

I would've liked an epilogue, but I'm sure they will show up as a cute couple in the future books. That's what makes these types of series so great.

Thanks for reading!
Holly