Customer Reviews

Animal Magnetism (Berkley Sensation)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have read many novels by Jill Shalvis, but this one is my favorite by far. Of course, being a huge animal lover probably added to my delight with this romance, but the strength of the story comes from her creation of such remarkable and believable characters. Lilah was a joy throughout the novel and what's not to love about Brady. I really appreciated that Ms. Shalvis did not use any contrived plot devices to separate the couple so that she could bring them back together, instead she depended on honest emotions. Don't miss this well-written novel that had me both laughing and crying.

STORY BRIEF:

Lilah left college to care for her grandmother until she died. Lilah has no other relatives. She turned her grandmother's property into a kennel/animal shelter. Her neighbors are Dell and Adam, two attractive Native American guys who were brothers in the foster care system. Dell is a veterinarian. Adam trains search and rescue dogs. Adam also trains people with their pets. Brady spent two years as a teen with Dell, Adam, and foster dad Sol. Sol later died. The three guys consider themselves family. Brady has been in the Army and Special Forces for many years. He is now a pilot for hire - somehow still working with the military. He takes a month off to visit his brothers. They have a used helicopter they want him to repair and fly. They also want Brady to live there and work with them. Brady is handsome and generates a lot of interest from women in the area. He and Lilah meet. They are lustfully attracted to each other. He tells her he doesn't do relationships and he never "stays" in one place. She tells him he doesn't need "to stay." She just wants to have some fun sex for a while, and she won't be hurt when he leaves.

A sample of their conversation page 132: After their first night of sex, Brady feels guilty. Lilah says "Don't worry. I'm not going to ask you to go steady. This is light and easy remember? You're in the clear, so you can breathe now." She was right, he wasn't breathing. He drew in some air. "You really are different, you know that?"

REVIEWER'S OPINION:

The story brief above is what we learn in the beginning of the book. But by the end not much else seems to have happened - other than answering the big question of will he stay or will he go. What fills the book is ordinary, everyday events like buying donuts for breakfast, having Brady take care of a puppy for a while, Brady and Lilah going on a dinner date, and having a lengthy discussion about their pasts. It's like dating someone in a small town with a variety of animals interrupting you.

The story is character driven rather than plot driven which is ok, but I would want something different, unusual, quirky, weird, or "something" about one or more of the characters. All these characters were normal regular likeable people with good motivations, which is nice but doesn't take it to four stars for me.

Something minor bothered me. Lilah's arm was hurt requiring 18 stitches. A few days later she goes swimming in the lake. I'm shaking my head. Irresponsible! Infections! No doctor would allow this.

The first sex scene was not passionate enough. There was too much conversation taking me out of the moment. Other sex scenes were ok, somewhat hot.

DATA:

Story length: 295 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes:10. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 21. Copyright: 2011. Genre: contemporary romance.

Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis

Contemporary Romance - Feb. 1st, 2011

3 1/2 stars

Lilah Young is the co-owner of the only kennel in Sunshine, Idaho. While trying to keep the kennel afloat, she also rescues strays and spends her night taking online classes to get her degree in veterinary science. Brady Miller, a freelance pilot, stops by Sunshine to visit his brothers, never intending to stay long...until his truck is rear-ended by Lilah's jeep. Soon Brady is fighting his attraction to Lilah, resisting his brothers' pleas to stay in Sunshine, and adopting a dog with the most ridiculous name. But can Brady resist Lilah's infectious charm? Will Lilah convince Brady to stay?

Funny and endearing, Animal Magnetism is a fun and cheerful romance. Lilah is one of the most unconventional heroines. She loves junk food and swears way too much, but you can't help but like her. She's the perfect antidote to Brady's serious side. Plus, Twinkles, Brady's dog, is so adorable. The scene where Brady tries to get Twinkles to sleep is hilarious!

Downright adorable, this is the perfect book to read when you want something light and breezy. Thoroughly charming, Animal Magnetism is a fun read and a must for animal lovers like me.

Reviewed by Pauline from Bookaholics Romance Club

You can't go wrong with a Jill Shalvis book! A light read, loved the characters, wanted to go out and get a duck and made me laugh. I want to move there and run a shelter! Loved all the animal interaction, the repertoire is very enjoyable and amusing. Hopefully there will be a book with Brody's "brothers". Can't wait!

This isn't Shalvis' best book and I usually really like her.

Lilah is overworked and burning the candle at both ends. Brady comes into town to help out his old foster-brothers (who just happen to be Lilah's best friends). The attraction is instant and I liked that. Lilah is different than a lot of other characters -- she takes matters into her own hands -- she kissed Brady first and after they sleep together, he wakes up and she's already left. She tells him she only wants a fling with no attachments (which is all he is willing to give) and when she starts having feelings for him, she never reneges on what she agreed to.

However, not much changed in this book. I didn't feel the characters grew or developed, like Shalvis is usually so good at. The best friends are flat, boring characters (which since they are 2 good looking single men, will probably turn into a series) and not all that likable.

But the thing that is so different with this novel than most of Shalvis' novels is it had no staying power. Once I read it, that was it, it was out of mind. I never thought about it again.

As an alternative, read her Lucky Harbor series instead -- much better books.

Especially me, I guess. I'll have to admit to being biased. I was in the Army myself in the Nurse Corps in Med Evac (Hoo-ah!) and worked around plenty of special forces including the 75th Ranger Regiment, SEALs and Coalition SAS. Far from seeming independent and ruggedly individualistic, I found Brady far too emotionally fragile, even considering his traumatic past. Scared to cuddle a little dog? Please! We had feral cats and kittens running all over the place in Iraq and Afghanistan and the SF guys used to adopt them and keep them in their quarters with treats. Far from being committment phobic, those poor guys seemed to constantly be getting their hearts broken by wives and girlfriends stateside that would break relationships off with them, unable to handle their back-to-back tours of duty. Then, they'd recklessly meet a girl on the rebound when they got back home and get re-married and repeat the cycle on their next deployment. OK, I got my grouse off. I guess you can't write a successful romance novel about an ex-Army Ranger that was married twice, is paying child support to two different women and is slavishly all over the heroine to make her Wife Number Three. I liked Lilah and the other characters. But, Brady doesn't cut it as one of the rugged, tough, strong SF guys I used to know. Sure, they're emotionally fragile themselves with their desperation for love and affection. But, it beats Brady's terror of it.

Lilah Young who runs Sunshine Kennels in Sunshine, Idaho has a Jeep full of animals. A duck, some puppies and a pot bellied pig. She accidentally rear ends the truck in front of her because her hands are a bit full. Lilah is currently going to school to become a vet and is very low on funds. Her worthless Jeep won't even start after the minor accident. The owner of the truck she hits is Brady Miller. Brady is back in Sunshine only for a brief visit. He is ex-Army and currently an independent pilot for special missions. His foster brothers Dell and Adam have asked him to come home for a visit.

When Brady sees Lilah with all her pets and her broken down car, he offers to drive her home. They even share a brief kiss, unable to deny the attraction between them. What they both don't realize is Brady's foster brothers are very good friends with Lilah. They run into each other again, and go for the casual fling.

Animal Magnetism has a cute start - the first chapter or so is really strong. Brady and Lilah have nice chemistry to begin with - I even believed in their shared kiss on their first meeting. But unfortunately, the chemistry doesn't grow from here. Part of the problem is Lilah. She is so perfect. Actually, all the characters in the book are too perfect. Lilah is full of sunshine, working at Sunshine Kennels in Sunshine, Idaho. She never gets angry, or ticked off. Even at the end when it is time for Brady to leave, she says, "I hate that you are going, but I'd rather have the pain of that than not having had you in my life at all." This is a fine attitude to have if there had been any other conflict in this book. But there isn't. Nothing happens. Lilah also repeatedly says that she is not looking for a serious relationship or a white picket fence. But her character screams white picket fence. She is very content in her small town and her morals and the way she presents herself point directly toward relationship material. So I never bought into that attitude. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other, but I felt like something is missing. Dell and Adam are wonderful people, everyone in the small town is a wonderful person. Bottom line - I needed some kind of conflict. Not just the threat of Brady leaving, and then Lilah not being completely heartbroken when he does leave.

Lilah also has numerous single men hovering around her. Adam and Dell, ex boyfriends, and a few other male characters. Not once does she hang out with a girlfriend. The only other female character that is prominent in the book is the receptionist at the Vet practice and she comes off as very gorgeous, sarcastic woman. To me, her character doesn't make sense to be friends with all these single men, and no girls.

There are some cute lines in this book. Brady is more of a quiet, alpha hero. I liked him a lot more than I liked Lilah. Their romance scenes are very hot and I have no complaints there. I thought I wouldn't like the animal aspect, but that was my favorite part. Abigail the duck, and the many dogs and cats are very endearing in this book.

I assume this is the start to a series that will feature Brady's foster brothers Adam and Dell or so I hope. I've read Jill Shalvis in the past and have enjoyed her work. Animal Magnetism is a cute book, just too much cuteness for me.

Rating: C+

In Sunshine, Idaho animal kennel worker Lilah Young believes she will never meet her forever. That is until she backs her animal filled jeep into his parked truck as he watches the fender bender. The owner is a visiting hunk Brady Miller. They are instantly attracted to one another.

A pilot and photographer, just out of the military service, Brady is in Sunshine helping his foster brothers Dell and Adam. He and Lilah agree to a fling while he is in town; both understand once he leaves, their tryst ends. However, their lust grows stronger as they fall in love, but neither is confident enough to offer a change to the original rules of engagement.

There is plenty of sunshine and a few flaws in this fun contemporary romance. Whereas Lilah has begun to believe she is the anti-male stay magnet, Brady knows his reputation even with his two BFFs is that of Dr. Death. The story line is extremely linear, but the fun is walking and flying with the lead couple and their buddies (animals included) as love is everywhere the reader goes in Sunshine, Idaho.

Harriet Klausner

Brady and Lilah meet when Lilah rear ends Brady's truck. Brady takes the collision surprisingly well, offering Lilah and the menagerie she is transporting a ride home when her jeep won't start. She's happy when he's good with her collection of animal boarders, and that he isn't a serial killer...Brady seems slightly bemused by Lilan and company, but willing to roll with it. He takes life as it comes, and deals with things accordingly. Not a big one for planning ahead or making lasting connections, our Brady.

We find out that Brady has been guilted into coming to Sunshine by his former foster brothers, Dell and Adam. Dell and Adam just happen to be Lilah's best friends and self appointed big brothers/protectors of virtue. Brady is a pilot for hire, an ex Army Ranger. He is lured to Sunshine, Idaho by Dell and Adam to fix up a helicopter. The brothers hope to convince Brady to stay.

Lilah has a kennel/boarding service and is Sunshine born and bred. She is the town darling. Thanks to Adam and Dell, her love life is nonexistent, save two exes with whom she is still friendly.

Brady and Lilah make a connection that neither can deny. They decide to enjoy each other for as long as Brady hangs around, no strings. Animal Magnetism is a collection of moments, some funny, some sweet, some heartbreaking, some tender, some hot. There is no huge overlaying conflict except for the knowledge that Brady is unable or unwilling to commit to a life in Sunshine. It is a gentle slide into an inevitable attraction and affection between these two lonely people who are more accustomed to people leaving than staying.

Some scenes made me laugh out loud. Some, like Truth Uno, made me cry. Jill Shalvis captures small town life, complete with the characters who inhabit them. You want to hang out with these people, have coffee with them and share their moments. You want Lilah and Brady to realize they deserve each other. Animal Magnetism is a story of two really good people who are even better together. If you are in the mood for a great feel good story, a laugh or two and some tears along the way, you will love this book. Jill Shalvis, as usual, hits this one out of the park.

There is some foreshadowing in relation to Dell and Jade, as well as Adam and Holly. Can't wait for their stories.

Brady Miller is spending a few weeks relaxing in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho where his two foster brothers, Dell and Adam live. Brady has just come back from fighting in Afghanistan. As Brady is picking up his breakfast at the local 7-Eleven, a woman rear-ends his truck.

The driver, Lilah Young, the co-owner of the only animal kennel in town has her hands full with not only two puppies and a potbellied pig in the car, but a mallard duck who won't quit it's squawking. A car accident is the last thing Lilah needs since she's low on cash. And when she meets the attractive owner, who she feels is passing judgment on her, she's not certain how she can make amends. But then the man, who introduces himself as Brady, offers her a ride and has the power to make her duck obedient, she can't help but quickly become attracted to him. Maybe the reason is because she hasn't had any sex a long time due to her working long hours at the kennel to keep it up and running.

Because Lilah is good friends with Dell and Adam, she comes in contact with Brady almost every day. They both flirt outrageously with one another to the point they want to do much more than just innocent flirting. Since Brady is only in Sunshine for a short while, he doesn't want to start a relationship with the adorable Lilah, who wears her heart on her sleeve whenever it comes to the animals she takes care of. And Lilah is reading willing and able to have a no-strings affair with him, he takes her up on that offer. Unfortunately his heart gets involved with this small town woman who he dreams of possibly having forever with.

Animal Magnetism is perfect for those readers who enjoy reading small town romances with larger than life men. Brady acts tough and distant because of his past where he was passed from foster home to foster home, and then becoming a military pilot with no real place to call his home. When he meets Lilah, his opinion about settling down slowly starts to change.

Unfortunately this latest by Jill Shalvis didn't work for me. Animal Magnetism is more of a character driven novel since there isn't a great deal of action or suspense. Everything rests upon the build of attraction between Brady and Lilah. But it falls flat. I just didn't feel the connection between these two at all. And even when they both get together and hop on the sheets and have their physical fun, even those love scenes were lacking. Jill does trying to show a well-rounded Brady and Lilah with their personalities and interactions, but it didn't come across that well on the pages.

Animal Magnetism was pretty ho-hum in my case. I was waiting for something exciting to happen but it never came. I also grew annoyed with Brady, who didn't seem true, as if he was putting on an act the entire time. I guess this could be because he didn't want anyone to get close to him, but it seemed as if he was trying too hard. Also the secondary characters didn't really bring much to the story as a whole.

While I have enjoyed Jill's other books in the past, the only real positive I can say about Animal Magnetism is the cover with the hot man holding the adorable puppy. If you're looking for a well-rounded, satisfying romance, I'd look elsewhere.

Katiebabs