Thanks for stopping by! I'm so excited to share my thoughts on Jill Shalvis's latest release in the Animal Magnetism series, "Then Came You"! This small-town romance delivers everything I love about Shalvis - charming characters, undeniable chemistry, and a setting that makes you want to pack your bags for Idaho.
Title: Then Came You by Jill Shalvis
Release Date: July 1, 2014
Series: Animal Magnetism #5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: 9780425270172
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Story
Veterinary intern Emily can't believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship.
Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn't just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans...
My Review
Then Came You is everything I love about Jill Shalvis—charming small towns, heart-tugging romance, and characters who feel like people you could actually meet. Emily is fiercely driven, and watching her carefully planned life unravel in the most unexpectedly romantic way was a joy. Wyatt, with his quiet strength and emotional depth, is the kind of book boyfriend that makes your heart sigh. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their banter had me smiling more than once.
What makes this story stand out is the perfect balance of warmth and sizzle. The backdrop of Sunshine, Idaho adds to the cozy vibe, while the emotional growth both Emily and Wyatt experience gives the story real weight. I especially loved the scenes that involved the animals—Shalvis always does such a great job weaving in furry companions that add humor and heart.
If you're a fan of small-town romances with heat, humor, and heart, Then Came You is one not to miss. It's a wonderful blend of slow-burn attraction and emotional connection that kept me flipping pages late into the night.
Characters That Shine
Emily is the kind of heroine I can really get behind - ambitious, determined, but not so stubborn that she can't grow. Her fish-out-of-water situation in small-town Idaho creates both humor and genuine character development opportunities.
Wyatt exemplifies what Shalvis does best with her heroes - he's strong and capable without being overbearing, supportive without being pushy. The way he balances his own responsibilities while being there for Emily shows real emotional maturity.
Small Town Magic
Sunshine, Idaho, is practically a character in its own right. Shalvis has a gift for creating small-town settings that feel authentic rather than overly quaint. The veterinary clinic setting provides the perfect backdrop for both professional tension and personal growth, while the community atmosphere adds warmth to the overall story.
Animal Magnetism Series
Then Came You works perfectly as a standalone, but fans of the series will enjoy catching up with familiar faces and seeing how the Belle Haven animal clinic continues to be the heart of this community. Shalvis maintains the warm, interconnected feel that makes this series so appealing without requiring readers to have extensive background knowledge.
Why I Love Jill Shalvis
Shalvis consistently delivers exactly what I want from contemporary romance: real people dealing with real issues, genuine chemistry that builds naturally, and enough humor to keep things from getting too heavy. Her ability to weave animals into her stories without making them feel like gimmicks is particularly impressive - the pets and patients at Belle Haven add both heart and authentic veterinary atmosphere.
A Taste of the Romance
Here's a glimpse of the chemistry between Emily and Wyatt:
Emily sat on a fallen log and leaned back. When she was little, she'd loved to try to star watch. In LA, this was tricky because of all the city lights, not to mention smog. Doing it here, in the land of the big sky, was a whole new ball game. "I'm not lonely," she said to the horse, who snorted again and swished his tail.
"Good. Cuz you're not alone."
Two long legs came into her peripheral. Wyatt crouched at her side and looked into her face. "How are you?"
"Fine," she said.
Nodding, he sat on the log at her side and leaned back, presumably to look at whatever she was looking at. "Pretty night."
...My Final Thoughts
Then Came You showcases everything that makes Jill Shalvis one of my go-to authors for contemporary romance. The combination of heartfelt emotion, steamy chemistry, and authentic small-town charm creates a reading experience that's both satisfying and memorable. Whether you're new to the Animal Magnetism series or a longtime fan, this book delivers exactly what you're hoping for from a Shalvis romance.
Join the Conversation
Have you read the Animal Magnetism series? What do you love most about Jill Shalvis's writing? And can we talk about how perfect that stargazing scene is for showing their chemistry? 💕
More from the Animal Magnetism Series
- Animal Magnetism #1 - Where it all began
- Animal Attraction #2
- Rescue My Heart #3
- Rumor Has It #4
- Then Came You #5 (This book)
- Still the One #6
- All I Want #7
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
About Jill Shalvis
Jill Shalvis is a New York Times bestselling author who lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
L
0 comments
Thanks for being here! I love hearing from readers, so please leave a comment below. Just a heads up - I have comment moderation turned on to keep the spam bots at bay, so your comment might take a little while to appear.