Puppy love 

Jill Shalvis
Author Book List

Co-owner of the town's only kennel, Lilah Young has lived in Sunshine, Idaho, all her life. Pilot-for-hire Brady Miller is just passing through. But he soon has Lilah abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire. It's Brady's nature to resist being tied down, but here's something about Lilah and her menagerie that keeps him coming back for more.

Excerpt

“Legend says that if you take a moonlight dip, you’ll supposedly find your one true love.” “Of course.” He nodded. “It’s always midnight. So, do you swim often?” “Never at midnight.” He couldn’t help it, he laughed. With a slow shake of her head and a smile curving her mouth, she reached out and touched a finger to his curved lips. “You’re a cynic,” she chided. It’d been a long time since someone had touched him, unexpected or otherwise. A very long time, and he wrapped his finger around her wrist to hold her to him, letting his eyes drift closed. “For how big and tough you are,” she said very softly, “you have a kind mouth.” He opened his eyes and met her gaze. “You should know it’s not kindness I’m feeling at the moment.” “No?” A brow arched, and the light in her eyes spoke of amusement, along with a flash of heat. “What do you feel?” Dangerous territory there. Nothing new for him. He did some of his best work in dangerous territory. “Guess.” Still smiling, she leaned in so that their lips were nothing but a whisper apart. Even surrounded by a duck, two puppies, and a potbellied piglet, she still smelled amazing. He wanted to yank her in and smell her some more, but he held very still, absorbing her closeness, letting her take the lead. When she spoke, every word had her lips ghosting against his, her breath all warm, chocolately goodness. “I’m more of a doer,” she whispered, and kissed him. Excerpt #2 Lilah swiped at her eyes. She was not going to cry. “Suck it up,” she whispered fiercely to herself. “It’s all good, no matter how hard it is.” “I’m going to refrain from saying ‘That’s what she said’ since you seem to be having a moment.” Whirling around, she glared at Brady, who was leaning against the front wall of the building. “Why do you keep sneaking up on me?” Instead of answering, he handed her a bag. Opening it, she found two additional old fashioned chocolate glazes. “Since you handed yours off,” he said with a shrug. “Thought you could use some.” “I gave them away so I wouldn’t eat them. I was saving myself.” “Okay.” He tried to take the bag back, but she slapped his hand and hugged the bag to her chest. He appeared to fight a smile, but his voice was serious. “Are you okay?” “Yes. Though I’d be a hell of a lot better if you hadn’t told the whole world that I have a parking problem.” “I didn’t tell the whole world. Just what’s his name. Your friendly ex.” She blew out a sigh. “Nick. And how do you know he’s an ex?” “It’s either that, or he’s a prospect. Which would explain the hungry look on his face.” “Ex,” she admitted. “And he looked hungry because he was. For donuts.” “And for you as well.” Stepping into her personal space bubble as he had a habit of doing, Brady cupped her face and tilted it up to his, running his thumb under her eye, catching a tear she’d missed. “You don’t look like you’re okay,” he said quietly. She sent him another glare just for the heck of it and tried to turn away, but he held her still. And close. And Lord, he was deadly in close. “What?” she asked, sounding testy. Because she was. He backed her closer to the building, under the eaves and away from the window, giving them a little bit of privacy. “You look like you need . . .” His eyes darkened a little and his thumb brushed over her bottom lip now, making it tingle and tremble open. “What? I need what?” “This.” Holding her gaze for as long as possible, he leaned in and lightly brushed her mouth with his warm, firm one. She heard a sound, a whimper really, and realized it was her. He was right. She needed this. Bad. Fisting his shirt to hold him close, she heard the sound again, horrifyingly, embarrassingly needy. “Shh,” he whispered soothingly, and then kissed her once more, not lightly this time.

SMALL TOWN ROMANCE WITH ADORABLE ANIMALS AND THE WOMAN WHO LOVES THEM

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Animal Magnetism

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