Rumor Has It
By Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Rumor Has It returns readers to the small town of Sunshine, Idaho and this time Jill Shalvis is turning her focus on second grade teacher Kate Evans and ex-soldier Griffin Reid. Seriously wounded in an explosion in Afghanistan, Griffin returns to the hometown he couldn't get away from fast enough to attend his sister's wedding to his best friend, try to mend fences with his father and figure out what he's going to do next now that his military career is over. The last thing he expects is an attraction to his little sister's best friend: the sweet girl who's had a crush on him since they were kids, the woman that his sister has ordered him to stay away from but whose kisses are setting him on fire.
Science whiz, Kate Evans has a full plate...and then some. A second grade teacher, she's also her family's lifeline, taking care of her father, teenage sister and eight-year-old brother following her mother's death and father's addiction to pain meds. For the past two years, Kate has turned down a chance to attend grad school because of her family responsibilities and once again, the deadline is fast approaching. She has two weeks to make a decision to go to San Diego to school or stay in Idaho. Only now, it isn't only her family that's impacting her decision. Her best friend's older brother has come home and has Kate spouting obscure science facts all over town. It's a family trait to babble science facts when she's nervous and Griffin Reid is making her very nervous indeed!
Reading a Jill Shalvis novel is like spending time with good friends. By the end of the story, I know the characters well and I'm completely invested in them, their families and their happy ending. Kate and Griffin just may be my favorite Shalvis couple. Kate is kind, caring, sweet, funny and very, very intelligent. I would love to be her friend. Griffin is one of the good guys. Strong in character but wounded in body, he's reluctant to show any weakness...until he's reunited with a quirky, nerdy, sexy lady who just may be the best medicine any doctor could order. Add to that a stand-out secondary cast (Kate's younger brother, Tommy is a personal favorite), realistic challenges, humor and heartfelt emotion and you have a story that I couldn't read fast enough and never wanted to end.
Rumor Has It made me laugh, cry, sigh and want to revisit Sunshine, Idaho again and again. I highly recommend it!
~PJ
We’d like
to welcome the Jill Shalvis Rumor Has It blog tour to the Romance Dish today. Jill is the bestselling
author of over four dozen romance novels, including her upcoming sexy
contemporary romance RUMOR HAS IT, book four in the Animal Magnetism series set
in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho.
Jill is known for stories that are sexy, fun and full of heart. The 4-time Rita nominee and 3-time National
Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe . Visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com
for a complete book list and daily blog.
Q: Jill, will you tell
our readers a little bit about the Animal Magnetism (Sunshine, Idaho) series,
and where your inspiration came from?
A: I’ve always wanted to write
a series where I could incorporate cute animals. Cute animals and sexy heroes together, who
can resist that. So I came up with a
series about a set of wildly alpha brothers running an animal center in Sunshine,
Idaho at the base of the Bitteroot Mountains.
Q: What is your
favorite thing about writing this series? The sexy men, the heroines, or the
animals?
A: All of the above, but okay, let me admit the truth –
the combination of hot guys and adorable animals is pretty much irresistible
for me.
Q: What do you
think makes romance readers and the romance community so strong?
A: I think what makes the romance community so
strong is that romance readers are awesome.
They’re loyal and dedicated and always so willing to help support our
community by talking about the books and making it okay to read whatever you
want, may that be straight contemporary, romantic suspense, erotica,
whatever. I love that. As far as having a strong presence, that is
an accidental cause of working alone most of the days out of the year. Reaching out to romance readers and writers
via social media is just a really great way to not always be alone. J
Q: Are
contemporaries your favorite genre to read as well as to write? If so, can you
give our readers some of your favorite recommendations?
A: Yes, though I love to read everything, across
all genres. Heck, I’m happy reading the
back of a cereal box. But as for my
recommendations in the contemporary genre, you can’t go wrong with Robyn Carr,
Kristan Higgins, Carly Phillips, Susan Mallery, Lori Foster, Rachel Gibson…
Q: Do you think reading romance makes us expect
more from our own romantic partners? What effect do you think romance has on
those that read it?
A: We’re
writing fiction. Not nonfiction. But made up stories, fantasies really. I’m not writing “How To Have A Hot Romance.” Or “How To Train Your Significant Other Into
Being A Perfect Mate.” I’m writing a
fictional tale. I think our readers are
sharp, and are well aware and capable of knowing the difference between a pat
Happily Ever After and real life. If I
can provide someone with a fantasy, a little escape from her reality, then I am
considering it a job well done.
Q: You write so many wonderful contemporaries, how
do you keep each novel fresh and exciting?
A: Keeping
it fresh is a constant battle, and I struggle with that daily. I just love writing, and this genre, and work
hard to do the job so I can keep doing it and pleasing readers. Also, I find that stalking neighbors and
friends, and being extremely nosy about their personal lives and conflicts is very
helpful. J
Q: What’s your advice for a first-time pet
owner?
1.
Read up on your pet, on the specific breed.
2.
Be patient.
3.
Be patient.
4.
Be patient. J
5.
Oh, and if there’s training issues? Chances
are it’s you, so revisit #1.
Q: The interactions shared between you and Alpha
Man always entertain; what is a recent “He Said, She Said” between you and
Alpha Man that we may not have heard yet?
Me:What are you eating?
Him (mouth full):
Nothing
Me:
It smells like Oreos.
Him:
…
Me:
Are you … eating Oreos? I thought we were out of cookies!!
Him:
There’s only four left.
Me:
I need two.
Him:
I’ll give you one.
Me:
No! You can’t eat just one cookie!!! There’s a rule!!!
Him:
Show me the book where this rule lives.
Me:
I’LL WRITE YOU THE $%#!#$!@ book, give me a second cookie and no one gets hurt!
Him:
Is it possible that you need something to go with that cookie?
Me:
Milk?
Him:
I was thinking Midol…
Q: Your friendship with Kristan Higgins and your friendly battle for “Man Wars” has become infamous. Why do you two connect so well?
A: I think our chemistry
translates well because it’s genuine.
You can’t fake a real friendship.
We connect on lots of levels,
such as competing for readers (kiddin!), and because we’re both raising
aliens—er, teenagers.
A: If you read RUMOR HAS IT, you may notice a new vet is
working at Belle Haven. Dr. Wyatt Stone. He and his two sisters, Darcy
and Zoe, are each going to get their own story next year. J
Readers, why do you read romance? And what do you think makes the romance community so strong?
One randomly chosen person leaving a comment no later than Friday, November 1st will receive a copy of Rumor Has It. (U.S. addresses only)
I love this series and can't wait for the release of "Rumor Has It." I like seeing the journey a couple takes towards their HEA.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great journey, Jane. Hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI read romance because I love it and it's a great escape. I think what makes the romance community so strong is because we all love romance, and there are so many different kinds of it to read. Love your books, Jill, and loved your interview.
ReplyDeleteCathy, it's the best kind of escape, isn't it? I can forget everything for a few hours when I lose myself in a good book.
DeleteOh, too bad I can't enter since I'm not American. I just love the Animal Magnetism series (and Lucky Harbor too!). In all her books, Jill never fails to make me laugh and I can't help but be invested in the lives of the characters because they become so real. Can't wait to read Rumor Has It! :-)
ReplyDeleteThey do become real, don't they? I especially felt that way while reading Rumor Has It.
DeleteCongratulations to Jill on her new book! I enjoy reading romance because the stories are uplifting but deal with real life troubles and situations. I think the romance community is so strong because romances deal with love, loss and the importance of families and those are ideas that so many people relate to.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Maureen. I think we can all relate to those situations and emotions.
DeleteLoved the interview. Love Jill's books and Kristan's too. Thanks for the contest. And so happy to have a chance to win it - Today is my bday and keeping my fingers crossed for a win.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Pat! Hope you have a lovely day!
DeleteGood Morning ladies!!! I need love and laughter in my life, cause real life is often sad and depressing, especially watching the news.
ReplyDeleteI think we can all use love and laughter in our lives and Jill Shalvis excels at giving it to us. :)
DeleteWhat can I say, reading a Jill Shalvis book is like being with my friends. You get so involved in their lives and want the HEA outcome to be sweet and sexy.. And that is what Jill gives her readers. She makes us laugh and cry and makes us sighhhhhhhhh with all those sexy heroes in her books.. Can't wait to get my hands on this new Animal Magnetism book...
ReplyDeleteI read romance to escape real-life violence that I hear about every day on the news.
ReplyDeleteJill is the only contemporary romance author that I consistently read her books. And I just love her blog too! I think authors and their readers are a wonderful mix of caring about one another. Those that enjoy HEA are generous souls I think :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I love Jill's books, I love this series, I love your review, and I love the blog, PJ! I simply CANNOT wait to read this book!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis one is on my TBB list. I always look forward to a new Jill Shalvis book.
ReplyDeleteI read romance because it makes me happy to do so. I revel in my escapes to worlds where problems have solutions, broken hearts are mended, and endings are not periods but ellipses.
I love Jill's books. And you always get a hea, that is why people love to read romance.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new book. I like reading about pets, especially dogs, and this series celebrates animals. I think the romance community is so strong, because social media allows readers to meet other readers and authors. After I read a great book, it's nice to have forums where you can discuss it.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed reading all my life! It helps with daily stresses and puts me in such a better mood! Romance is a part of life from the peck on the cheek to love making all night! Romance is on just about every channel on TV now. I would rather read than watch tv!
ReplyDeleteI think that its the love and honesty and the HEA. I have a great life, but reading romance keeps my young.
ReplyDeleteI read romance because it makes me happy! The romance community as a whole seems to be empathetic & mostly positive toward each other.
ReplyDeletehi jIll love your books. love the books because we want to live that fantasy of hea and takes u away from reality. they are sexy books and looking a hot guys si not bad either . congrats on the book and great reviews
ReplyDeleteKimH
I love Jill's books and I think romance is popular because we want to live the happy ever after and get lost in the books
ReplyDeleteI love this series...and all of Jill's books actually. LOL
ReplyDeleteI read romance for the hope it brings that there will always be a HEA. I think the romance community is so strong because of all the different types of romances out there. And also because some people look down on romances. That unites romance readers faster than anything in support of our beloved books and authors.
Marcy Shuler
bmndshuler(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm a sucker for a good HEA :) Love Jill's books and thanks for such a fun interview!
ReplyDeleteI real romance because it is positive in a negative world. It gives me a lift when I need it. I sleep better at night for having read something from a romance. It relaxes me. It de-stresses me. Digging into a new romance is exciting...like taking a vacation. And why our community is so strong? Well, we're comprised mostly of women. Need I say more? jdh2690@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love romance because it takes me away from everyday life! I love reading a story that I know is going to have a happy ending, I love Jill's books and I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletemlawson17 at Hotmail dot com
I read romance to spend some time in another person's world. Life is crazy and I want to relax, enjoy, and know I will finish the story with an HEA or at least an HFN. I can travel through time, travel the world, have a bit of adventure, and meet all sorts of wonderful people & creatures as well as some that are not so nice. Whether it is contemporary small town, Western, historical, suspense, or paranormal there is something special for whatever mood I am in.
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to Kate and Griff's story! I can't get enough of Jill Shalvis' books! Her books are my favorite contemporary series!! Wish I could enter though!
ReplyDeleteI love Jill's books and love romance because it is a good escape from any problems I may have at the time. And I think most people feel that way, that is why the community is so strong.
ReplyDeletePatty B Coral
I like to read romance novels because it is fun to escape and fall in love with the heroes while they fall in love with each other. Also in most novels there is always a happy ending, which I love! I think the romance community is so strong because they cover most areas from historical to paranormal to mystery to erotica, etc. There is something for almost everyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win!
I like to read romance for all the same reasons - hea and a great escape mechanism.
ReplyDeleteNatalie's Mama
Thanks so much for having me and for your lovely review! Loved the pic too! Jill
ReplyDeleteJill has become an auto-read author for me! I read for enjoyment and escapism, and I read romance for the HEA ending. The romance community is strong because we are our own support group. We "get" each other's addiction to romance.
ReplyDeleteI read romance to take me to places I won't be able to visit on my own. After dealing with life's ups and downs I need to look forward to a rewarding HEA. I'm awed by the talented romance authors and their vivid imaginations. They allow me to explore different jobs, cultures, time periods and roles.
ReplyDeleteThe romance community is strong because everyone cares about the authors, their characters and their involvement with the readers. The conferences showcase their love of all aspects of writing and promoting their work. Readers feel included!
I love the HEA, but I also enjoy reading about strong, memorable characters. I'm looking forward to Jill's newest.
ReplyDelete