Sandy M’s review of Animal Attraction (Animal Magnetism, Book 2) by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 4 Oct 11

Jill Shalvis is simply magic. Her characters are always so charming and endearing, and I’ve been loving all the characters in this Animal Magnetism series. The addition of the animals in the storylines just makes reading them that much more fun, as is evidenced by the opening scene in this book. I knew right then this would be another winner to read. Amid the fun, however, there’s sensual sparks flying all over the place, but there is the underlying frustration and melancholy when two people made for each other just can’t see the forest for the trees.

Jade ran from family and friends after a traumatic experience in Chicago while at work at the family medical facility. She dead ended in Sunshine, Idaho, at Belle Haven Veterinary Clinic, taking over as bookkeeper/receptionist/office manager – you name it, she did it. Obviously, she’s very overqualified for the position. But Del and his brothers needed the help, so she was hired. Belle is a perfectionist, she likes everything nice and tidy, and she loves spreadsheets. Everything goes on a spreadsheet, personal as well as professional items.

Dell has commitment issues. Doesn’t most every hero when we first meet them? But Dell’s issues come from abandonment, his parents’ most of all. So he leaves any and all women before they can leave him. No fuss, no muss, and no hurt. He and Belle have been dancing around one another for nearly a year and a half. Just when things begin to change between them, it’s going to be time for her to head back to Chicago. But they keep dancing. And Dell feels like Jade will be abandoning him too.

With her failure on her mind the closer the time to go home gets, the more she hesitates and thinks maybe she should stay put. She’s found a home with Dell and his brothers. And Lilah, the heroine from Animal Magneism, has become her best friend. A nosy friend but a good one. Leaving Dell is also something she doesn’t want to do, their relationship so new. So intimate. So right. But she’s promised everyone in Chicago she will return, go back to the family business just like nothing happened there before.

These two together are so much fun to read. Dell figures out enough of what’s bothering Jade, so he offers to teach her some self-defense moves to boost her confidence, to help her know she won’t be so helpless if something so frightening ever happens to her again. Jade is so in control of her own life, you’d think she would want to control everything and everyone else, but not so. She knows her boundaries and keeps them, only moving into Dell’s space when given the go-ahead. He can’t keep an organized office to save his life, and it drives her crazy, but she keeps her distance until Dell is ready. Allowing Jade to accompany him to see and help his mother and her friends is also a nice touch, especially when we find that Adam doesn’t feel the same way as Dell concerning their mom. I like that Dell and Jade get to know one another like this, the big things and the little things in life, which also instills more and more trust between them.

As usual, Jill Shalvis has given readers another perfect romance. And this is a romance through and through. Just a small mystery in the beginning about what happened to Jade, but outside of that it’s smooth sailing to love, with some four-legged creatures to help things along. We get caught up with Brady and Lilah, and it’s nice to see how they’re doing. Adam is now the odd man out, but his days are definitely numbered, of course. And I’m definitely look forward to his book to see what Ms. Shalvis has in store for him and her readers.

Grade: A+

Summary:

She’s tempting his basic instincts…

Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge…or to find one. And 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 her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There’s nothing like working with injured animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk…or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.

Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s understanding has 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…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: