Helpful Score: 5
*Disclaimer*
The rating for this book is based solely on personal preference and not on any shortcomings in the writing or the author.
Jill Shalvis is an author many adore and have encouraged me to read. This was my first attempt and I'm afraid I may have picked up the wrong book to start with. The synopsis sounded perfect - right up my alley... small town love story between the owner of the local kennel and an ex-military pilot with lots of animals and humor added in. What's not to like, right? The problem for me was in the fact that I couldn't find much of an actual story.
The book starts with Lilah (h) accidentally rear-ending a total stranger's truck. He offers to give her a ride home, she accepts and they end up in a long and heated make-out session within minutes (reality check here... what intelligent woman would jump into a stranger's truck then immediately start making out with them... OK, without it being her profession?!?!) At this point, Lilah decides it's been awhile since her libido has had any fun so why not enter a no-strings-attached month long fling with said stranger. What follows is 275 pages (of a 295 page book) of sex. Now, for those who are looking for and enjoy reading about nothing but sex, this is undoubtably the perfect book and would rate a rousing 5 stars. For those - like me - who skip or skim the graphic sex scenes, or are story driven readers and require some kind, any kind of feelings or emotion before diving into the sexcapades, this book shouldn't even be considered. There just isn't much else there - well until the last 20 pages where, of course, they realize it hasn't all just been fun and games.
Again, let me reiterate, I have absolutely nothing against those who bow at the alter of Shalvis. I totally understand. I even admire her for keeping her characters honest to their natures, she never suggested her heroine was anything other than what she was. She didn't yammer on about the heroine being a "strong, independent woman who would never consider anything but a deep, meaningful relationship", then strip her brains and toss her into bed the minute she sees a hot guy. What she writes, she writes well. This particular premise just isn't my cuppa.
The rating for this book is based solely on personal preference and not on any shortcomings in the writing or the author.
Jill Shalvis is an author many adore and have encouraged me to read. This was my first attempt and I'm afraid I may have picked up the wrong book to start with. The synopsis sounded perfect - right up my alley... small town love story between the owner of the local kennel and an ex-military pilot with lots of animals and humor added in. What's not to like, right? The problem for me was in the fact that I couldn't find much of an actual story.
The book starts with Lilah (h) accidentally rear-ending a total stranger's truck. He offers to give her a ride home, she accepts and they end up in a long and heated make-out session within minutes (reality check here... what intelligent woman would jump into a stranger's truck then immediately start making out with them... OK, without it being her profession?!?!) At this point, Lilah decides it's been awhile since her libido has had any fun so why not enter a no-strings-attached month long fling with said stranger. What follows is 275 pages (of a 295 page book) of sex. Now, for those who are looking for and enjoy reading about nothing but sex, this is undoubtably the perfect book and would rate a rousing 5 stars. For those - like me - who skip or skim the graphic sex scenes, or are story driven readers and require some kind, any kind of feelings or emotion before diving into the sexcapades, this book shouldn't even be considered. There just isn't much else there - well until the last 20 pages where, of course, they realize it hasn't all just been fun and games.
Again, let me reiterate, I have absolutely nothing against those who bow at the alter of Shalvis. I totally understand. I even admire her for keeping her characters honest to their natures, she never suggested her heroine was anything other than what she was. She didn't yammer on about the heroine being a "strong, independent woman who would never consider anything but a deep, meaningful relationship", then strip her brains and toss her into bed the minute she sees a hot guy. What she writes, she writes well. This particular premise just isn't my cuppa.
Patti I. (craftypatti) reviewed Animal Magnetism (Animal Magnetism, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
What a great first book in the series. I couldn't put it down. Loved it!! Can't wait for the next one!
Helpful Score: 1
This was sweet. I'll admit, it was definitely a bit predictable, but the animals in the story were cute. I liked the fact that it seemed like the hero realized he was in love before the heroine, which was an unusual switch for a contemporary romance.
I'll be reading the sequel for this one when it comes out.
I'll be reading the sequel for this one when it comes out.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm so glad I picked this book up because I forgot all about Jill Shalvis. Yes, this was a typical romance with lots of cute animals thrown in. But what makes this book special was the great dialogue between the characters. There were some laugh-out-loud moments and lots of silly sexual inuendos. Add on a handful of steamy love scenes which makes it an awesome, easy read. All the characters were great and funny.
Looking forward to Jade/Dell and Adam/Holly's storeis.
Looking forward to Jade/Dell and Adam/Holly's storeis.
