Review Rewind: Instant Temptation by Jill Shalvis

One of my favorite authors, the awesome Jill Shalvis, has a book out today that was previously released. Instant Temptation is from her Wilder Series and while I had previously reviewed this book on the blog, I thought it would be fun to repost the review to show much much I enjoyed the book. I've updated the cover and some of the information on the post. Originally posted: 1/7/11

Instant Temptation

Book 3 of the Wilder Series

Publisher: Kensington

Genre: Contemporary Romance

ISBN: 780758231284

To Harley, the landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for T.J. Wilder, who's invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. Harley's career is riding on this trip, and she doesn't need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction. But T.J. is a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise - just like he's done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that's been smoldering all these years. T.J. knows how proud and capable Harley is, but he's damned sure not letting her put herself at risk when there are illegal hunters in the area. She needs him, with the same soul-stirring urgency that he's always craved her. And here, in this beautiful place days from civilization, he'll finally have a chance to prove it - over and over again...

(synopsis from Amazon.com)

She did it again folks! I thought Stone's book was good, but once I started reading Instant Temptation I realized I was wrong again. We meet the last of the Wilder brothers, TJ. TJ is the oldest of the brothers and the once that sacrificed the most to start up the company that they share. TJ is the one that brings in the big bucks and takes the far away trips so that his family may remain at home. He has another reason for always being away, and Harley is the woman that figures out why. Harley and TJ have a history, one that reader can sense after they run into each other through book 1 and 2 of the series. We finally figure out why Harley tries her best to avoid TJ. He notices that she is very close to his brothers, but keeps her distance from him. He tries his best to be nice to her, but all she does is let him know that she wants nothing to do with him. We eventually figure out why TJ rubs Harley the wrong way. And we learn that Harley really wants TJ to rub her the right way. ;) Harley has been carrying a torch for TJ for a long time and once he figures that out, they have the opportunity to move on. TJ lets her know that he has also had feeling for her for some time and we get to see them fall for each other. They've got it bad for each other and Jill Shalvis does an excellent job writing the progression of their relationship.

There are so many smoldering scenes in this book as the two characters give into their attraction. There is a scene involving a sleeping bag that had me holding my breath as I was reading it. They are both outdoor types and when the opportunity arises for them to work together, they realize that they make a great team. They can see each others talents in what they do and take the time to let the other know just how great they are. This one scene had me getting a little misty eyed as I read it. Harley let's TJ know how she feels:

"But you're the one that keeps on giving. Your time, your experience, your resources..."
"Anything. Anything you need."
"Now, see, that," she said softly. Looking confused and a little anxious to boot. "I don't get it. Because in return, I don't give you anything. I mean I drive you crazy, I'm sure, but that doesn't count."
He shook his head. Then let out a low laugh and nodded. "Okay, yeah, you drive me crazy," he admitted. hell, he'd told her as much. "But you also make me laugh. You make me feel good. And sometimes, Harley, when you think I'm not paying attention, you look at me like..."
"Like what? she whispered.
"Like I'm worth something to you."
"TJ." She stared at him, her eyes two fathomless pools he could drowned in. "You always have been."
Simple words. Simple sentiment. Both went straight through him and warmed him in a way he hadn't realized he needed warming. "And you wonder what you give me," he murmured, reaching for her.

The reader gets small intimate moments like that throughout the book that has us rooting for them to give into their true feelings. And when they do, it is oh so good!

I'm giving Wicked Temptation *5* Bells!

Book 3 ended up being my favorite of the series and although it is the last book of the series, it ended so beautifully that it left me one happy reader. TJ Wilder, you are the Wilder brother of my dreams!

So now I have a new author to covet and will find the time to read as many of her books that I can. If you'd like to find out more information on Jill Shalvis' books, click on this link to view her book list on her website.