5 STAR ARC Review: Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis - MUST read contemporary romance!

Books like these are why I love to read romances.  These are hope, fun and an absolute enjoyment.

Original Title: Rumor Has It

Series: Animal Magnetism #4

Author: Jill Shalvis

Publisher: Penguin

Release Date: November 5th, 2013

Source: Review copy from the publisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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…

REVIEW

Kate is one seriously fun, smart, kind, strong and hot heroine.   And she is a second grade teacher.  And a very good one at that.  Who dated only once in her life before and that happens to be her best friend, Ryan.  When Griffin, her best friend Holly's brother and her only crush since childhood, comes back to Sunshine, Idaho, having been injured at military, there was an instant attraction.  Things didn't help when she tried to seduce Griffin and he refused it. 

Griffin is a Special Ops soldier.  And okay, yeah, he was smoking hot.  And he is injured and have severe migraines at times.  He just want to see his dad and make things right; and attend his sister's wedding celebration and move on.  But, there is a serious problem and the name is Kate.  Until then, Kate was just his little sister's friend.  But, the feelings when he is around Kate confuse him and he just tries to move away from 'sweet' Kate, afraid of hurting her.  Well, such hot chemistry can't be fought. 

I have not read any of the other books in this series, but I don't need to.  Although there are old characters popping up (I read the synopsis of the previous novel and the names matched), it doesn't have anything to do with the plot of this novel. 

The characters were all amazing; except for that child's father - he is a jerk.  I loved Kate, who takes care of her family - dad, her brother Tommy and her sister Ashley - and everyone she comes across. She loves taking care of them.  And even when her dream scholarship comes to her, she has rejected twice.   And I think she is the best, when she handles the kids. 

"Please don't make me climb up there.  Because I will, and you both know I hate heights.  I might cry all over the both of you." 

And the random science facts that she keeps saying when she is nervous will make you crack up. 

And there is no need to say much about Griffin.  He is the perfect guy for Kate, being all careful and caring for Kate, which is new to Kate.  He is not a good teenager; but he tries to make things right with his family.  What is all with these Alpha males and Jill Shalvis?  She creates the perfect characters.  I am already in love with half of those Alpha men in Lucky Harbour, and now Sunshine too? 

All well, the other characters are really great too.  Especially Tommy, Kate's brother.  That boy is so innocent and cute.. 

"Your shoes are on the wrong feet," she said. Tommy looked down at himself. Kate waited. But Tommy just scratched his head.  "But I don't have any other feet." "Fair enough," Kate said.  "Let's go." 

The romance - well, this novel is by the Queen of Contemporary Romance - so obviously the romance is perfect. 

Do I even have to say it?  It's Jill Shalvis - and that, by default, means it's a MUST read contemporary romance.