Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis - Audio version

Animal Magnetism
Audio Version

by Jill Shalvis

Book One of the Animal Magnetism series.

Released June, 2013.

This is the book where we were introduced to

Sunshine, Idaho. It's a wonderful series. But as

with most Jill Shalvis series books, they can be

read as stand alone stories.

Lilah Young is a tough, determined, stubborn,

animal lover. People lover too. But the well being

of the animals in Sunshine is her passion. Often

times, very passionate people drive themselves too

hard. Spread their time and feelings too thin.

Brady Miller has connections to Sunshine, Idaho.

But he has been hiding out from them for a while.
When he finds himself spending a limited amount of

time in Sunshine, reconnecting with his oldest friends,

he gets up close with Lilah. When she rams into him

on the road. With her car. That happens to filled with

a variety of animals.

This is a story of self discovery. The two of them fight it,

they fight their connection. So how do two very stubborn,

determined people stop holding back? The only way they

have to protect themselves is to keep their hearts well guarded.
Are they brave enough to let the guard down, for just

a minute?

Karen White is the narrator. She does a lot of Jill Shalvis'

books. And she does a terrific job. She is fun and easy

to listen to. I always enjoy her work.

Review by Lisa Hutson

I bought my copy from Audible.com  





The Wicked Duke by Madeline Hunter

Madeline Hunter saved the best story for last in her Wicked Trilogy! The Wicked Duke is a smart, sexy, well-plotted whodunit filled with exceptional characters! Lancelot Hemingford, the Duke of Alyesbury, has spent the past nine months in seclusion at his country estate. Percy, his older brother, died quite suddenly and Lance is the primary suspect in his brother’s death. Lance is a charming rogue and is my favorite of Ms. Hunter’s heroes.

 
The author sets the tone and engages the reader in the first few pages of the novel. Marianne Radley mistakes Lance for a poacher while she is visiting a local graveyard. She exchanges polite conversation with him and mentions his rustic grooming, his beard. Lance shyly asks her if she would dance with him if he shaved. Marianne response is that they should be properly introduced first. Marianne has returned home to her childhood home with her widowed mother and cousin. Her uncle, Sir Horace inherited her family’s estate and is the local justice of the peace and he believes that Lance harmed his daughter. Sir Horace is investigating the case and will determine Lance’s fate. 

The relationship between Lance and Marianne is very romantic. Loved the scene when Lance charmed Marianne by kissing her hand….very slowly. (swoon!) The couple’s romance evolves slowly and the writing is very sensual. Although Marianne appears to be calm and in control, she falls for Lance. The couple is well suited. Marianne brings out the best in her husband and her questions force Lance to look at situations in a different way. 

 
The author does a wonderful job weaving both families into the storyline. Enjoyed Gareth and Ives’ visits with Lance. The complicated relationship between Sir Horace, Marianne’s mother and cousin Nora was an important dynamic in The Wicked Duke. Lance’s desire to solve Percy’s murder drove the plot; Percy’s presence was felt during the storyline. The author was able to blend mystery, suspense and romance in this novel. The conclusion of the novel and the unmasking of the murderer was fabulous! The identity of the murder surprised me—Kudos to Madeline Hunter for a well-written book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Novel provided by the author.

Celeste photo by Susan Gorman

Crazy Stupid Love - Movie Review

Crazy Stupid Love

A Movie Review

This movie released in 2011

Starring Steve Carell, Julianne Moore,

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone

You can probably guess what this one is about from

the title. It's a completely unexplainable story.

There are surprises. Plenty of them.

I love all the unexpected laughter and fun. You

really think you will dislike certain characters

But in the end, it's all about love.

And a happy life.

This movie is one fantastic scene after another.

This is just one of them. Looking for a romantic

movie for the evening with your sweetheart?

This one will work. It's so romantic and such

real life, flawed characters.
Highly recommended.

Review by Lisa Hutson