Tracy’s review of Rumor Has It (Animal Magnetism #4) by Jill Shalvis
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…
Griffin has never really felt like he had a place in Sunshine, Idaho, his hometown. He never liked it as a kid and let everyone know that. As soon as he turned 18 he left and joined the Army and became a demolitions expert. He got too close to an IED, however, and now he’s home and out of the Army for good. He’s not sure that he belongs in Sunshine now any more than he did before but he’s willing to try, especially when he meets up with his sisters best friend, Kate. He had always noticed Kate but now she’s all grown up and he can’t seem to keep his eyes or his hands off her, no matter how hard he tries.
Kate is a second grade teacher at the local elementary school but is also a complete science geek. She even starts spouting science facts whenever she gets nervous – she just can’t seem to help herself. Kate is also the caretaker of her family. Her father, her teenaged sister and her little brother all look to Kate to help them in so many ways. She loves taking care of people so she doesn’t see this as a hardship but she now has a chance to go to San Diego to get a masters degree and it’s a full scholarship. She wants to go so badly but how can she walk away from her family, her job, her community and her friends when they all need her so much.
Kate’s had a crush on Griffin for forever so when she sees the man he’s turned into she’s almost struck dumb. The attraction doesn’t waver and they soon find themselves in bed together – just for a fun, no strings attached night and then they’ll both move on. Kate tries to do that but Griffin decides that one night is not enough.
I love Jill Shalvis. Seriously, that woman always delivers when she writes and I find I just can’t get enough of these fun, likable characters and their romances.
In Rumor Has It Kate and Griffin are an odd match, but one that works. They may actually be my favorite Sunshine couple but since I like them all so well it’s a close race. Griffin’s intense and confused about his place in life (which only gets worse as the book goes on) and Kate is a woman who knows where she should be but wants to continue her education so that she can improve her beloved town.
Griffin finds a place with Kate. He feels comfortable to be himself and that means so much to him. He has friends but he still hides part of himself back from them. Not with Kate. Once he finally gives in to himself and his desire to be with her he’s all in. Now, that’s not to say he doesn’t play a good tortoise when he finds out some shocking news. Instead of talking to Kate and trying to work things out he pulls his head into his shell and cuts himself off. It was very sad to read as I really loved how he shined.
Kate is a wonder. She is an amazing woman that, though she seems to be completely fictional, could be anyone of us. She worked her butt off and helped those around her to the point where she took no time for herself. I can’t tell you how many women I know who are like this. Kate managed well, however, but she really had bad self-esteem when it came to men. She’d actually only ever slept with one man so she just couldn’t get it through her head that Griffin found her hot – even after he’d said it as plain as day. 🙂 Kate was not only good for Griffin but he was good for her. He taught her new things and made her do things for herself. He made her believe that she could take the scholarship and her family would survive. I loved that he backed her on that.
The romance had its ups and downs but for the most part had me smiling and sighing through most of the book. Shalvis once again has written a delightful romance as well as a wonderful story about family. This is one I definitely recommend you pick up immediately as you won’t want to miss it!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
The Series:
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This title is available from Berkley. You can buy it here or here in e-format. This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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