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Animal Attraction
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Her Unexpected Engagement by Kyra Jacobs
Crazy, Wicked Love by Melissa Foster
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Drive Me Wild by Melanie Harlow
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The fastest way to fall in love? Swear off dating.
Tired of meeting men who only wanted to use her as an in with her famous father, Rachael Eller gave up on dating and focused her affection on a pair of lovable rescue dogs. A savvy and successful businesswoman in the suburbs of Cincinnati, her opposition to romance crumbled in the face of a daring prospective client and a local veterinarian. How could fate be so cruel to send these two amazing men into her life at the same time? Can she risk her career for love?
Her Unexpected Engagement by Kyra Jacobs
Crazy, Wicked Love by Melissa Foster
What Lovers Do by Jewel E. Ann
Drive Me Wild by Melanie Harlow
You'll love this!
The fastest way to fall in love? Swear off dating.
Tired of meeting men who only wanted to use her as an in with her famous father, Rachael Eller gave up on dating and focused her affection on a pair of lovable rescue dogs. A savvy and successful businesswoman in the suburbs of Cincinnati, her opposition to romance crumbled in the face of a daring prospective client and a local veterinarian. How could fate be so cruel to send these two amazing men into her life at the same time? Can she risk her career for love?
- GenresRomance
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2021
1 person is currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Halberg
5 books21 followersFollow author: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Subscribe
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Kathryn was blessed to grow up with a big, boisterous family and attended Catholic school until they moved to a then-rural growing town between Dayton and Cincinnati. The town and Kathryn grew up together, and she is thrilled to be raising her children there.
During her senior year of high school, Kathryn was awarded a full academic scholarship to Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she began classes as a chemistry major. After taking some general education classes in other content areas, she became infatuated with communication studies. A lifelong wallflower, Kathryn wanted to discover more about other people and how they tick. Not willing to completely give up her love of math and science, she may be one of the few people to ever graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and a minor in chemistry.
Moving back to Ohio to be closer to family, she landed a job in higher education as director of admissions for a small graphic design college. Several years later, Kathryn moved to a larger public university where she grew into copywriting, marketing, and social media. Eventually she enrolled at Wright State University and earned a Master of Business Administration, adding yet another suit to her deck of cards.
Along the same time, Kathryn met the love of her life, Alan, and they proceeded to grow a few humans. All boys. She's outnumbered. But she wouldn't change a thing. At least the dog is a girl. Small victories.
These days, between sports practices, laundry, cleaning, taking the dog out umpteen times per day, and round-the-clock work, Kathryn can occasionally be found sipping on sweet Riesling with gummy bears (But skip the green ones. Very scientific.) and immersed in reading, writing, or listening to groan-worthy stories from her children.
Born in Dayton, Ohio, Kathryn was blessed to grow up with a big, boisterous family and attended Catholic school until they moved to a then-rural growing town between Dayton and Cincinnati. The town and Kathryn grew up together, and she is thrilled to be raising her children there.
During her senior year of high school, Kathryn was awarded a full academic scholarship to Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she began classes as a chemistry major. After taking some general education classes in other content areas, she became infatuated with communication studies. A lifelong wallflower, Kathryn wanted to discover more about other people and how they tick. Not willing to completely give up her love of math and science, she may be one of the few people to ever graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and a minor in chemistry.
Moving back to Ohio to be closer to family, she landed a job in higher education as director of admissions for a small graphic design college. Several years later, Kathryn moved to a larger public university where she grew into copywriting, marketing, and social media. Eventually she enrolled at Wright State University and earned a Master of Business Administration, adding yet another suit to her deck of cards.
Along the same time, Kathryn met the love of her life, Alan, and they proceeded to grow a few humans. All boys. She's outnumbered. But she wouldn't change a thing. At least the dog is a girl. Small victories.
These days, between sports practices, laundry, cleaning, taking the dog out umpteen times per day, and round-the-clock work, Kathryn can occasionally be found sipping on sweet Riesling with gummy bears (But skip the green ones. Very scientific.) and immersed in reading, writing, or listening to groan-worthy stories from her children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 13, 2021
For a first book for the author, it was a damn good one. Not everything was perfect–what is–but the story and the characters made it worth my time.
This isn’t a real love triangle, as Rachael isn’t in love with both men, but she has feelings for them, and it complicates her relationships. Gabe is the reformed player who wants something serious for the first time, and Rick is jaded because of past betrayals but has an instant deep connection with Rachael. You’ll love them both, and you’ll cringe at some of their actions–we’re always expecting more from the people we love. Like Rachael, you’ll have a hard time choosing only one. I felt it stalled a bit though, with the repetition of actions and reactions that were unnecessary.
I really enjoyed following Rachael. If her love life is a mess, she also has to redefine her professional and personal life along the way, due to some incidents. There were a lot of scenes where she just re-learned to live and enjoy. Through this new sentimental situation, she changes her priorities and discover some truth about herself. I loved that aspect of the story. Because a woman isn’t only defined by the man she’s with.
The side stories about the characters around her, especially her real sister and her surrogate sister, as well as what is shown of her parents’ relationship, offered another angle to read Rachael’s struggles. She observes, asks, compares. Through her eyes, and as the main theme of this book, we can reflect upon what makes a relationship. And what breaks it.
Quickie
- Series: The Eller #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #love triangle #dogs
- Triggers: cheating (real from a side characters, and some could consider as from the main character), some violence (mostly accidental)
- Main couple: Rachael Eller & (Gabe McAllister or Rick Thomas)
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + though the romance is the focus of the story, there are many scenes that have nothing to do with it
- – the love triangle stalled a bit at some point
This isn’t a real love triangle, as Rachael isn’t in love with both men, but she has feelings for them, and it complicates her relationships. Gabe is the reformed player who wants something serious for the first time, and Rick is jaded because of past betrayals but has an instant deep connection with Rachael. You’ll love them both, and you’ll cringe at some of their actions–we’re always expecting more from the people we love. Like Rachael, you’ll have a hard time choosing only one. I felt it stalled a bit though, with the repetition of actions and reactions that were unnecessary.
I really enjoyed following Rachael. If her love life is a mess, she also has to redefine her professional and personal life along the way, due to some incidents. There were a lot of scenes where she just re-learned to live and enjoy. Through this new sentimental situation, she changes her priorities and discover some truth about herself. I loved that aspect of the story. Because a woman isn’t only defined by the man she’s with.
The side stories about the characters around her, especially her real sister and her surrogate sister, as well as what is shown of her parents’ relationship, offered another angle to read Rachael’s struggles. She observes, asks, compares. Through her eyes, and as the main theme of this book, we can reflect upon what makes a relationship. And what breaks it.
Quickie
- Series: The Eller #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #love triangle #dogs
- Triggers: cheating (real from a side characters, and some could consider as from the main character), some violence (mostly accidental)
- Main couple: Rachael Eller & (Gabe McAllister or Rick Thomas)
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + though the romance is the focus of the story, there are many scenes that have nothing to do with it
- – the love triangle stalled a bit at some point
April 16, 2021
This is my first book I have read by Kathryn Halberg and it won't be my last. It is a great start to the series. I like all the characters and the story lines was good. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
June 15, 2021
This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters and an interesting story line. The author brings Rachael ,a strong independent woman meeting two men and is now confused and anxious trying to figure out her life. She brings tons of emotions and had me glued to the pages to see what happened next. Her scenes are painted perfectly and the story moves quickly and smoothly. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 19, 2021
DNF 44%
The dogs was so adorable and funny, but that was it. Rachel was boring and i felt that things happend extremely fast with those she liked. Too fast. I didn`t connect with any of them, well maybe the animals.
I got this eARC from netgalley.
The dogs was so adorable and funny, but that was it. Rachel was boring and i felt that things happend extremely fast with those she liked. Too fast. I didn`t connect with any of them, well maybe the animals.
I got this eARC from netgalley.
June 16, 2021
This was a fun and energetic romp through a sweet romance…. Plus dogs!! I enjoyed the pacing and flow of the story, and I was walkways wondering what was going to happen next. I can’t wait to read the next book!
April 25, 2021
I don’t tend to read a lot of contemporary romance, but “Animal Attraction” was just the breath of fresh air I needed to break up my routine. I especially loved the main character, Rachael. She was smart with a great sense of humor. I really appreciated that she wasn’t the typical Hallmark-movie career woman who can’t balance a demanding job with personal relationships. She may not be perfect, but she doesn’t have to give up her ambition to find a man—and neither of the love interests even suggest that she should. Rachael felt like a real person—someone I could be friends with—and her story will appeal to strong, modern women like her.
November 1, 2021
This book was given to me for free by NetGalley in an exchange for my honest review, it will be released on 15 Jun 2021.
This is a story of a successful independent woman, focusing on her priorities, working in a famous company build by her parents. Rachel has 27 and zero time for love, at least it's what she thinks until getting in a situation between two men, Gabe a well known famous and rich man although with the fame of a lady-man and Rick a successful veterinarian with a very strong passion for animals, her thoughts never went that far, she never gave the next step into a relationship, so she sees herself discovering her place between ups and downs, breaking a heart and feeling heartbroken.
I read this book in one sitting, felt compelled by the positive vision of a woman that knows what she wants and at the same time, how okay it is to struggle when you don't know what to do, I loved the romantic and wild journey, but realistic, I felt compelled along all of it and found myself wishing for her and Rick. The smut wasn't cringy and ridiculous, made it all sound very realistic and real. I recommend this book to everyone that loves a fast pace book with romance and cuteness, this was perfect reading for a rainy day and I strongly recommend
This is a story of a successful independent woman, focusing on her priorities, working in a famous company build by her parents. Rachel has 27 and zero time for love, at least it's what she thinks until getting in a situation between two men, Gabe a well known famous and rich man although with the fame of a lady-man and Rick a successful veterinarian with a very strong passion for animals, her thoughts never went that far, she never gave the next step into a relationship, so she sees herself discovering her place between ups and downs, breaking a heart and feeling heartbroken.
I read this book in one sitting, felt compelled by the positive vision of a woman that knows what she wants and at the same time, how okay it is to struggle when you don't know what to do, I loved the romantic and wild journey, but realistic, I felt compelled along all of it and found myself wishing for her and Rick. The smut wasn't cringy and ridiculous, made it all sound very realistic and real. I recommend this book to everyone that loves a fast pace book with romance and cuteness, this was perfect reading for a rainy day and I strongly recommend
January 11, 2022
While I enjoy contemporary romance novels if they have good characters and a strong storyline, it is unfortunate that many of them do not have these aspects. Thankfully, this author made sure to include these two basic—yet necessary—attributes to her book. In addition, it had two things that won me over immediately: first, the author spells her first name the same way I do, which is not common and I liked it (that’s just a personal observation, everyone); second, Olive and Martini, the main characters’ two rescue dogs, sucked me in right away. Yes, folks, I am a dog lover and if two “characters” in the book are going to be canines, then you’ve got me at “hello,” so to speak.
This is actually a very well-written main character. Rachel Eller is a strong and successful woman and shows that in the way she handles her business life. She has given up on men because that is a part of her life that never seems to go right, as most men are more interested in getting past her to her father rather than being truly interested in spending time with her. Now, along come two choices for Rachel—Gabe, the ex-playboy who’s finally trying to switch to something serious, and Rick, the veterinarian who has been hurt in the past and does not want to be hurt again, making him incredibly gun-shy.
This romance really does have a lot going for it. It is paced well. The characters are interesting and make for a great triangle as they all have flaws and are not coming across as picture perfect. That makes the story seem more like real-life as opposed to some romance novels where everyone is rich, perfect, and have no worries whatsoever. The supporting cast is also very well-written; the females come across as being supportive of each other and truly caring instead of making that impression while quietly stabbing each other in the back. In many novels, this is the case, so these relationships between the characters seem truly genuine and a nice change from the normal. And, as I mentioned before, two adorable dogs steal the show and add the cuteness and fun factor that is needed to balance the serious side of things.
For a first novel I thought this was a great read and the perfect way to spend a quiet day because, once you start, you will want to finish without putting the book down. The journey that Rachel finds herself on in the story is an interesting one and I think everyone will want to follow along with it and see how it ends. I am looking forward to the next novel in the “promised” series and the next journey for another one of these memorable characters.
This is actually a very well-written main character. Rachel Eller is a strong and successful woman and shows that in the way she handles her business life. She has given up on men because that is a part of her life that never seems to go right, as most men are more interested in getting past her to her father rather than being truly interested in spending time with her. Now, along come two choices for Rachel—Gabe, the ex-playboy who’s finally trying to switch to something serious, and Rick, the veterinarian who has been hurt in the past and does not want to be hurt again, making him incredibly gun-shy.
This romance really does have a lot going for it. It is paced well. The characters are interesting and make for a great triangle as they all have flaws and are not coming across as picture perfect. That makes the story seem more like real-life as opposed to some romance novels where everyone is rich, perfect, and have no worries whatsoever. The supporting cast is also very well-written; the females come across as being supportive of each other and truly caring instead of making that impression while quietly stabbing each other in the back. In many novels, this is the case, so these relationships between the characters seem truly genuine and a nice change from the normal. And, as I mentioned before, two adorable dogs steal the show and add the cuteness and fun factor that is needed to balance the serious side of things.
For a first novel I thought this was a great read and the perfect way to spend a quiet day because, once you start, you will want to finish without putting the book down. The journey that Rachel finds herself on in the story is an interesting one and I think everyone will want to follow along with it and see how it ends. I am looking forward to the next novel in the “promised” series and the next journey for another one of these memorable characters.
June 23, 2021
A fantastic first novel.
Rating: 4/5
What a phenomenal start from a new author. Halberg’s ‘Animal Attraction’ was a crazy good story about steam, sensuality, and the sense that’s involved in relationships. I’ve had to sit on this one for a few days, but boy do I have some strong thoughts.
To start off, I’m not a big fan of steam. It’s just not my thing. But if Kathryn Halberg were to drop any book in my lap, regardless of steam level, you best bet I’d eat that up. Why? It’s simple. She’s a master at writing dynamic characters. Watching Rachael process the events in her story, from the main plot to the side stories, and the people in her life, including the adorable Olive and Martini, was a pleasure. And so so realistic.
The best part? All those gooey feelings that the leading men in this story had to offer. Like sure, knees knocking is fabulous. But also just the pros and cons, the ups and downs. I’m still fanning myself.
And of course the adorable ending! I wasn’t sure which man I wanted Rachael to end up with but I am bet not upset with the outcome. You can believe that I’ll be waiting anxiously for the next book in the Eller Series to come out!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Animal Attraction. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rating: 4/5
What a phenomenal start from a new author. Halberg’s ‘Animal Attraction’ was a crazy good story about steam, sensuality, and the sense that’s involved in relationships. I’ve had to sit on this one for a few days, but boy do I have some strong thoughts.
To start off, I’m not a big fan of steam. It’s just not my thing. But if Kathryn Halberg were to drop any book in my lap, regardless of steam level, you best bet I’d eat that up. Why? It’s simple. She’s a master at writing dynamic characters. Watching Rachael process the events in her story, from the main plot to the side stories, and the people in her life, including the adorable Olive and Martini, was a pleasure. And so so realistic.
The best part? All those gooey feelings that the leading men in this story had to offer. Like sure, knees knocking is fabulous. But also just the pros and cons, the ups and downs. I’m still fanning myself.
And of course the adorable ending! I wasn’t sure which man I wanted Rachael to end up with but I am bet not upset with the outcome. You can believe that I’ll be waiting anxiously for the next book in the Eller Series to come out!
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Animal Attraction. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 17, 2021
This was my first experience reading this author's work and based on the blurb, I was quite excited to dive into this love triangle. Without giving too much away, let me say that there were times when I questioned Rachael's decisions and her reasoning for those decisions. She's an accomplished, smart woman but there were a few times when I questioned her decisions. I really like Gabe's character from the get-go -- I thought he was genuinely who he said he was. On the other hand, Rick had me scratching my head at times and wondering about his decisions and actions. That being said, I loved, loved, loved Olive & Martini! They stole the entire show as far as I'm concerned. They were adorable and definitely added to the storyline! This was a different kind of read for me, but an enjoyable one nevertheless. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
May 25, 2021
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley!
I am not sure where to begin. I enjoyed the first part of this book, then it took a turn I did not enjoy. I like the author's writing style, but don't think I'll be reading any of the other books.
I am so disappointed in this book. I thought I'd love it. This book felt pointless. I don't like how this ended or choices that were made. I wanted this to go in a different direction and realized it was not going to.
I really wanted to like this, and again did the first part. I'm grateful it was a pretty quick read. There were so many stupid decisions and situations in this book. I'm annoyed and will leave it at that.
I am not sure where to begin. I enjoyed the first part of this book, then it took a turn I did not enjoy. I like the author's writing style, but don't think I'll be reading any of the other books.
I am so disappointed in this book. I thought I'd love it. This book felt pointless. I don't like how this ended or choices that were made. I wanted this to go in a different direction and realized it was not going to.
I really wanted to like this, and again did the first part. I'm grateful it was a pretty quick read. There were so many stupid decisions and situations in this book. I'm annoyed and will leave it at that.
June 6, 2021
This is such a fun read! Hot and steamy with heart. Halberg did a great job setting up a complicated love triangle with two believable, opposing options for Rachel. Both men are realistically flawed, and all three had work to do on themselves before they were ready to be in relationships. I really love too that there were supportive women in Rachel's life--her sister, Carlie, and their close childhood friend, Kim--when too often women are pitted against each other in fiction. This also sets up nicely more books in the Eller series, which I'll happily read. I hope we'll get one too about the man Rachel doesn't pick!
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy!
Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy!
June 14, 2021
One ticket to crazyville...
by and1515
Rachael has been letting the best part of life quietly pass her by; while she's been to busy focusing more in one direction then she really should have.
But when some guy's more impressed with your father then you; yeah it's hard to tell when some one just might be into you for you.
So how did she end up with quite a fascinating but one seriously weird conundrum and even more importantly how does she figure out which path to choice?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
Rachael has been letting the best part of life quietly pass her by; while she's been to busy focusing more in one direction then she really should have.
But when some guy's more impressed with your father then you; yeah it's hard to tell when some one just might be into you for you.
So how did she end up with quite a fascinating but one seriously weird conundrum and even more importantly how does she figure out which path to choice?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2021
Two men are introduced early on and… I hate both of them. Through the course of the story I feel like they’re both impulsive, judgmental and possessive. I actually expected this to turn into a psychological thriller where one of them tried to murder her. *spoiler* no is murdered. The main character is brilliant, sassy and caring with a touch of cynicism. She’s a lead I can get behind but I wish there had been an option 3 as far as men go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2021
This story has a lot of twists and turns. I love that Rachel has Olive and Martini, those two dogs steal so many scenes. I love that Rachel is independent and work minded but I think she needs a little more personal interaction. I think Rick is a little too hard hearted and gruff. They work together overall, but I was just a little bit rooting for Gabe. I am glad Rick and Rachel finally see eye to eye and both wise up I hope.we see Gabe in another story. Carlie too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2021
I absolutely loved Animal Attraction by Kathryn Halberg. The book was a scrumptious vacation read that left me wanting to know more about the intoxicating Eller sisters. I loved the story telling and romance, it was a fast read that sucked me in one page one, I couldn’t put it down! I cannot wait for her next book!
July 16, 2022
This was my first read from this author. I would have loved the story more if it was written in the first person, sorry deal breaker. However, aside from that, I thought it was a good story, so I will be reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2021
This is book one in the eller series. It has a strong independent woman and 2 sexy men. The story has drama conflict and big choices to make
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2021
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. Read it in one day! It was a good balance of steam and real life and a bit of humor. The characters were so realistic and I felt like I could be friends with them. Now I have to wait until February for the next one to come out!
June 16, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! It has great characters and a nice storyline. I would definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2021
I enjoyed Rachael's book. This was an entertaining read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 10, 2024
This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a romantic and engaging tale of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of relationships, with a dash of humor and heart, as Rachael navigates her way through two captivating suitors and the chance to find her true match.
June 15, 2021
This is Kathryn Halberg’s debut novel and I am impressed! Rachael is a strong, career-driven female lead, which is so refreshing to read in the romance genre. I never felt like she wavered in her strong, independent characteristics, even as I was kept guessing what her decisions would be. The love interests, Rick and Gabe, were both great characters and I could not get enough of her cute pups, Olive and Martini. Rachael’s relationships with her family and friends were also enjoyable to read about, and I anticipate we will get to know all of them even more as the series progresses! I can not wait to read Carlie’s story next in the second book of the series, Hidden Agenda.
August 29, 2021
Enjoyed
This was a good book to pick up and read. It move quick enough to keep my interest.
I really enjoyed the decision that Rachel and Carlie have to make
This was a good book to pick up and read. It move quick enough to keep my interest.
I really enjoyed the decision that Rachel and Carlie have to make
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews