Blog Tour: Rumor Has It (Animal Magnetism #4) by Jill Shalvis

Rumor Has It

Animal Magnetism #4

By:  Jill Shalvis

Published:  November 5, 2013

Publisher:  Berkley

Source:  Publisher

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Animal Magnetism Series:

GR's Summary:

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....

My Thoughts:

Rumor Has It, by Jill Shalvis, was such a fast-paced, fun, cozy and warm story. I absolutely loved it!  Throughout the whole story, I found myself smiling, laughing, and swooning over the sexy, hot, and very serious Griffin Reid.  I adored Kate Evans.  She was a sweetheart (she'd be upset to be called that), who had a beautiful heart filled with caring, compassion, and selflessness.  The secondary cast of characters were so much fun and each had their own distinct personalities.  I loved the beautiful, outdoorsy, setting of Sunshine Idaho.  As I read, I could picture the beautiful majestic mountains, the warm close knit community, and the raw beauty of a place where many felt lucky to call home.

Kate Evans is a second grade teacher who takes care of everyone, but doesn't have any time for herself.  Her mother died a little while back, so she cooks, cleans, does laundry, and manages the lives of her recovering alcoholic father, her sweet but awkward 7 year old little brother, Tommy, and her hormonal and feisty teenage sister, Ashley.  She hasn't been on a date in years.  Her whole life is her family, and the second graders in her classroom, that she treats with great love, patience, compassion, and care.  Kate is best of friends with Ryan, the school principal, and even though they previously had a short term relationship, they both agreed that they were better off as friends.  Kate has been given the, "teacher of the year" award several years in a row, and has been offered a full scholarship, to U.C.S.D in their master's program, combining science and education.  This is a dream opportunity for Kate, but she has turned it down every year, because she knows that her family needs her.

Griffin (Griff) Reid was a demolitions expert for the army, until he got injured and almost killed when an IED went off at ground zero.  Now, he has returned to Sunshine Idaho to attend his sister, Holly and best friend, Adam's wedding. On his first day back, her runs in to Kate Evans, his little sister's best friend and a beautiful woman that he once viewed as a little girl.  Kate has had a crush on Griff since she was a young girl, and when she see's him, her nerves get the best of her.  She starts spouting scientific facts.  Kate was a hilarious character. I couldn't help but laugh throughout the whole story every time she spewed her random scientific facts.  She also had a habit of saying whatever was on her mind, and had a tendency to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, when she spoke.  I felt many moments of embarrassment for Kate, and found myself blushing for her.  At the same time, I loved how real her character was.  Kate would be the type of person I'd love to have as a friend.  She sets out with a one track mind, and the determination to seduce Griff. What follows is an adventure filled with humor, laughter, fun but awkward moments, a steamy hot romance, and a beautiful love affair!

My Rating:

I give Rumor Has It, by Jill Shalvis, 4 delightful, heartfelt, and fun loving Stars! I think this story would make a great movie.  It warmed my heat and was what I would classify as a "feel good" read!  The characters came to life for me, the setting was beautiful, and the pacing of the story was perfect!  If you love sweet, contemporary romances, with a side of humor, a huge dollop of sexy, and a topping of heart felt, Rumor Has It, is the perfect choice for a bookish escape!

My Favorite Quotes:

"She didn't look like any teacher he'd ever had, except maybe in his fantasy life.  She's certainly been his favorite fantasy last night, and everything about her--
 each smile, each sexy step, hell her every breath--put him in overdrive."  (eARC, Loc. 540)

~Griffin

"The truth was, he flat out stole her breath.  He always had, from the first time she'd seen him.  He met her gaze then, and she had to steel her resolve against the unwelcome wave of emotion that welled up inside her.  His hand was on hers, and he smelled so fricking amazing, she ached.  She ached from head to toe for him.  How stupid was that?  She wanted him.  Not for comfort or security.  Those things were an illusion.  She wanted him just for her.  She didn't have a chance with him, and yet that didn't seem to matter to her heart. Just once, she thought with yearning.  Okay, maybe twice.  Three times tops."  (eARC, Loc. 1175)

~Kate

"He hadn't been smart enough to pick her.  She'd picked him.  He'd gotten lucky is all.  She'd picked him, and then she'd added color to the black and white that was his world.  She'd added dimension.  She'd added...life."  (eARC, Loc. 3170)

~Griffin

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Guest Post:

Q & A With Jill Shalvis:

We’d like to welcome Jill Shalvis to A Bookish Escape 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. 

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. 

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.   

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’ll hopefully fall in love with Darcy and Zoe, my hero Dr. Wyatt Stone’s two sisters.  They’re each going to get their own story next year.   And more Lucky Harbor is coming as well, so stay tuned. 

About the Author:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky animals. Any resemblance to the quirky animals in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com for a completely booklist and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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Giveaway:

1 Print Copy of Rumor Has It (U.S. Only)

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