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series Reading Order

Animal Magnetism Books in Order

8 Books
2011 – 2015 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order

While every book in the Animal Magnetism series is written as a standalone romance that can be enjoyed on its own, reading them in publication order is highly recommended. Following the series from the beginning allows you to watch the community of Sunshine, Idaho grow, and you will get to see returning characters and couples check in as the timeline progresses.

  • Book 1: Animal Magnetism (2011) – Focuses on Lilah Young and Brady Miller.
  • Book 2: Animal Attraction (2011) – Focuses on Dell Connelly and Jade Bennett.
  • Book 3: Rescue My Heart (2012) – Focuses on Adam Connelly and Holly Reid.
  • Book 4: Rumor Has It (2013) – Focuses on Griffin O'Dell and Kate Campbell.
  • Omnibus: Stray Hearts (2014) – A collection containing both Animal Magnetism and Animal Attraction.
  • Book 5: Then Came You (2014) – Focuses on Wyatt Stone and Emily Carpenter.
  • Book 6: Still the One (2015) – Focuses on Darcy Stone and A.J. Colten.
  • Book 7: All I Want (2015) – Focuses on Zoe Stone and Parker.

Chronological Order and Caveats

The chronological order of the series matches the publication order exactly, meaning there are no complicated timeline jumps or flashbacks to navigate. The primary source of confusion for many readers is the placement of Stray Hearts (2014). Some retail databases and book lists categorize it as Book 5 because of its release date. However, Stray Hearts is not a new story or novella; it is simply a print omnibus collection of the first two novels, Animal Magnetism and Animal Attraction. If you have already read the first two books, you can skip this collection entirely.

Family and Character Connections

The series features strong family connections that thread the books together. In particular, the Connelly brothers (Dell and Adam) take center stage in books 2 and 3, while the Stone siblings (Wyatt, Darcy, and Zoe) drive the stories in books 5, 6, and 7. The local veterinary clinic and animal rescue projects in Sunshine serve as the central hub where these characters cross paths, making the cozy town feel like a real, interconnected community.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best order to read the Animal Magnetism series?

The best way to read the series is in publication order. This allows you to experience the growth of Sunshine, Idaho, and see returning characters progress naturally: Animal Magnetism, Animal Attraction, Rescue My Heart, Rumor Has It, Then Came You, Still the One, and All I Want.

QIs Stray Hearts a new novella or story in the series?

No. Stray Hearts is a print omnibus collection containing the first two full-length novels: Animal Magnetism and Animal Attraction. You do not need to buy or read it if you have already read the individual first two books.

QCan the Animal Magnetism books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book in the series features a complete, standalone romance with a satisfying conclusion. You can read them out of order without getting lost, though reading in order enhances the small-town community experience.

QHow many books are in the Animal Magnetism series?

There are seven full-length novels in the series. The collection Stray Hearts is sometimes numbered as an eighth book in online retail lists, but it only contains reprints of books 1 and 2.

QAre there any crossover books or spin-offs with Jill Shalvis's other series?

No. While Jill Shalvis has other highly popular small-town romance series like Lucky Harbor, Heartbreaker Bay, and Wildstone, they are set in separate universes and do not feature direct crossovers or character spin-offs with the Animal Magnetism series.

QWhat is the setting of the Animal Magnetism series?

The series is set in the fictional, charming small town of Sunshine, Idaho. The town's tight-knit community, local veterinary clinic, and animal rescue efforts form the backdrop for each story.