Review: Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

Animal Attraction
Book 2 in the Animal Magnetism series
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
ISBN:  9780425244005
Release date: October 4, 2011
Author's website: Jill Shalvis

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…

The characters of Jade and Dell were introduced in book 1 of the series Animal Magnetism and you could tell that these 2 had a thing for each other then.  Now that they have their own book the reader gets to see them dance around their feeling for one another, flirt, and support each other the best way they know that they can.  Jade is the receptionist at Dell's veterinary clinic but to be honest with you, she runs everything.  She's very knowledgeable at her job and Dell notices all the great things that she can do. Dell considers her more than just a receptionist and acknowledges that she is just as much a part of the clinic than he is.  They make a great team and as the time comes near for Jade to leave and return home, their true feeling for one another surface and a decision must be made on both their parts.  Jade has to decide is she is going to leave the past behind and become the strong woman that she knows she can be, while Dell has to decide if he can finally commit to someone. 

When Dell realizes that something traumatic has happened in Jade's past, he decides to teach her some self defense moves so that she can be prepared if something should happen again.  I like that he didn't push her for information as to what happened and was very patient with her learning.  His brother Adam also helped with the training and Jade finally began to realize that she has a great support system in Sunshine.  The support system also includes Lilah and Brady who were the main characters in book 1 of the series Animal Magnetism.  (psst! Brady is a Book Boyfriend of mine.)  This group of characters has become a family and Jade can truly feel that it feels right to be in Sunshine with these people.  She feels as if she belongs and Dell has a big part to do with that.

I'm giving Animal Attraction a rating of:

I have to say that I personally enjoyed book 1 in the series a little bit more than this one.  There were a few times while reading Animal Attraction that I wanted the storyline to hurry it along.  The characters make the story and Jill Shalvis does a great job including all of them throughout the storyline.  I am really looking forward to reading book 3 in the series which will be about Dell's brother Adam.  Adam is very intense and I can't wait to see him let loose and have some fun.  All I know is that whoever is his female interest in his book is going to be one lucky lady once Adam releases some of that tension.  ;)