Rumor Has It On Tour And A Giveaway

It’s always a delight to have bestselling author Jill Shalvis visit with us here at Thoughts in Progress. Jill joins us today to talk about her soon-to-be released new sexy contemporary romance, RUMOR HAS IT. This is book four in her Animal Magnetism series set in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho.


As part of her tour, Jill has graciously answered some questions about her writing and is offering a copy of her book, RUMOR HAS IT (slated for release Tuesday), to a lucky visitor. More on that at the end of the post. I’ll also be sharing my thoughts on her latest release.

Can you tell our readers a little bit about the Animal Magnetism (Sunshine, Idaho) series, and where your inspiration came from?

Jill:
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.

What is your favorite thing about writing this series? The sexy men, the heroines, or the animals?

Jill:
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.

What do you think makes romance readers and the romance community so strong? 

Jill:
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.

Are contemporaries your favorite genre to read as well as to write? If so, can you give our readers some of your favorite recommendations?
 
Jill:
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…

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?

Jill:
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.
 
You write so many wonderful contemporaries, how do you keep each novel fresh and exciting?

Jill:
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.

What’s your advice for a first-time pet owner?

Jill:
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.

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?

Jill:
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…

Your friendship with Kristan Higgins and your friendly battle for “Man Wars” has become infamous. Why do you two connect so well?

Jill:
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.

What’s next for Jill Shalvis?

Jill:
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.

Jill, thanks so much for joining us today and sharing this behind the scenes look at RUMOR HAS IT and your writing. I love your advice to first time pet owners. That’s also so true no matter how many times you get a pet.

Now a little background on Jill. 

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Jill Shalvis is the award winning author of over four dozen romance novels, including her sexy contemporary and award winning Lucky Harbor series (FOREVER AND A DAY was one of Amazon’s Top Romances for 2012). She won a Rita for SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE and is a 3-time National Readers Choice winner as well. 

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.

For more on Jill and her writing, visit her website at www.jillshalvis.com where you’ll also find a complete book list and daily blog.

RUMOR HAS IT by Jill Shalvis

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid needs to recover from a war injury so he goes home to Sunshine, Idaho. While he doesn’t have happy memories of growing up there or leave on the best terms, he plans to make the best of it. 

Always calling Sunshine home, Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science. Dreaming of a happily-ever-after, Kate wants to break away from the routine she knows as Sunshine.

Griffin knows Kate as his little sister’s friend. But, now he’s discovering she is so much more. Both are trying to find their way in life and aren’t sure if they are right for each other. As the sparks fly between them, fate may have plans of its own.

Author Jill Shalvis, capturing a small town atmosphere, transports readers to Sunshine. She’s created realistic, likable characters that will stay with you. The characters are well developed and well balance with strengths and weaknesses, humor and seriousness. 

The story moves at a steady pace keeping the reader’s attention from beginning to end. RUMOR HAS IT is the fourth installment in the Animal Magnetism series but is a standalone read.

This is a fun, light-hearted tale that will make you smile and touch your heart.

Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis, An Animal Magnetism Novel, Berkley, @2013, ISBN: 978-0425255827, Paperback, 304 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of RUMOR HAS IT. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.

To enter this giveaway, just send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Rumor Has It.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of RUMOR HAS IT is 8 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy stories that include pets as characters or important elements of the tale?