All I Want by Jill Shalvis (review) ADULT title

I've been on a small town romance diet for the past couple of weeks or so, and this one was one of my favorites!



4.75 out of 5 stars

All I Want by Jill Shalvis is part of the ‘Animal Magnetism’ series and centers around Zoe Stone, who is trying to be happy that her siblings have found their perfect mates but is dealing with her staggering debt and her lonely and dilapidated house.  She is somewhat content with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Oreo, and her career as a pilot, but her inability to effect repairs around the house and her dissatisfaction with her dating life has led her to trying blind dates…which leads to the unconventional introduction to her brother’s friend, Parker James.  Parker has plenty of challenges in his own life, not least of which is the thirst to avenge the death of his colleague by taking down the leader of a major poaching ring.  

I love contemporary romances that combine humor, passion, and a bit of danger, and this story fits the bill delightfully.  This is the kind of book that you are likely to be embarrassed to read in public because of your tendency to burst into laughter at inopportune times, but you can’t put down because you want to know what is going to happen next.  Despite the fact that it is part of a delicious series, it can be read as a stand-alone title, although the glimpses of characters from the previous books will undoubtedly make you want to read their stories if you haven’t yet had that pleasure.

Small-town romances have the advantage of a small pool of characters who tend to know each other, with plenty of history between them and meddlesome interactions.  The charm of being able to feel the warmth and caring that is characteristic of this environment is a testament to the talent of this author, and it is always wonderful to visit the town of Sunshine, Idaho and catch up on the doings of its inhabitants.  I love the interaction between the fierce (lol) guard dog, Oreo, and the irrepressible kittens, and the beauty of Parker’s relationship with his beloved younger sister, and I constantly giggled at the repair attempts that seem to be such a challenge to Zoe.  The touching descriptions of the love that she has for so many of the beings in her life really bring her to life for me and the intensity, focus, and compassion that Parker displays makes him an irresistible hero to me and their reluctant romance kept me enthralled and rooting for them.  There’s so much to enjoy in this story, find a comfy spot, a tasty libation, and enjoy the trip to Sunshine!

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

A few of the other titles in this series incude:

          

Still the One by Jill Shalvis (review)

4.5 out of 5 stars


Still the One by Jill Shalvis is part of the captivating ‘Animal Magnetism’ series and features the very prickly and handicapped Darcy Stone, sister to pilot Zoe and veterinarian Wyatt. A.J. Colton, the passionate and sexy Navy veteran and physical therapist, has coaxed, bullied and inspired Darcy to stand on her own two feet again, but he has trouble with the idea of asking her for help even though he expects her to reach out to him when she needs to. Their relationship is fraught with land mines and obstacles, including past and present hurts, but both know the value of working hard to get what one wants—although they are not sure that they both want the same thing!


This is a delicious contemporary romance story that is part of a wonderful series peopled with an intriguing combination of characters. Darcy hasn’t been the most personable character in the series thus far, but one can’t help admire her determination and perseverance, no matter how prickly her personality. It was wonderful watching her go after what she thought was important and heartwarming to see what she was putting her efforts into, helping others.

I love series that allow you to get a glimpse of characters who have become important to you during their own time in the spotlight and the camaraderie and care and concern displayed by both the male and female factions in this town is a delicious component of this series, even as one can’t help but laugh at the snarky comments exchanged by those who know each other’s foibles and how best to take shots at each other. There are wonderfully heated scenes of intimacy but just as importantly, there are emotional and intense interactions that make these characters memorable and familiar as they deal with insecurities and challenges that can only be overcome with determination and a little help from friends and family, something we can all identify with. The characters continue to evolve in this delightful series and there are enough secondary characters who deserve their own time in the spotlight that I am hopeful for many more stories in this town.

© Night Owl Reviews 

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




Other titles in this series (I haven't read them all, but definitely have them on my TBR mountain)

                   





My review for "Then Came You" is at this link

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.  

 Other titles in the series: