Then Came You by Jill Shalvis (review)

                                          

 5 out of 5 stars


Then Came You by Jill Shalvis is a heartwarming and steamy addition to the ‘Animal Magnetism’ series and features newly graduated Dr. Emily Stevens, who is repaying the financial contributions to her veterinary school tuition by interning at the Belle Haven clinic in Idaho. Her integration into the practice is complicated by her past history with sexy Dr. Wyatt Stone and her disappointment at not being assigned to her preferred clinic in California. Working in a mixed practice definitely stretches Emily’s diagnostic and physical muscles but her determination to restrict her relationship with Wyatt to a professional level is sabotaged by the heat that erupts whenever they are in the same room. Wyatt has his own personal baggage, including a determination never to force his choices on anyone else, and a contradictory inability to communicate his true feelings in contrast to his ability to soothe even the most cantankerous of patients and their owners. These two talented veterinarians will have to figure out whether they can pursue their dreams and remain in each other’s lives, but first they will have to find a way to communicate their deepest dreams.


This is one of those stories that makes you want to immediately find everything else the author has written because all of the characters are so engaging that you want to know the backstory on everyone you meet between the pages. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading works by Ms. Shalvis before but she has definitely been added to my ‘must read’ list. This is a fascinating contemporary romance that blends quirky characters who have plenty of challenges to overcome, gives a glimpse of the multitude of challenges that accompany working with patients who can’t necessarily articulate their needs and symptoms (unless they are a voluble parrot named Peanut), and details multiple romantic relationships that have unique challenges. The vivid characterization of both the human and non-human players and the searing intimate encounters depicted enthrall the reader and the artistry with which this author brings to life a multiplicity of vignettes that entertain with both drama and comedy make this a fantastic read and I look forward to reading more of her impressive and heartwarming stories.


© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.  

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