Rowena’s review of Instant Temptation by Jill Shalvis.
Hero: TJ Wilder
Heroine: Harley Stevens
T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he’s about to reconnect with the one woman he’s never been able to forget…
Get Your Pulse Racing 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…
There was something about TJ Wilder in the previous books that made me eager for his story. I loved his sense of humor when ragging on Stone for his fear of needles, I enjoyed seeing him be the big brother to Cam when Cam came back and I loved seeing him tease his brothers about every little thing under the sun and couldn’t wait until it was his turn to bite the love bug.
I’ve been anxiously awaiting this story for quite some time now (I wanna say since I read Cam’s book but it was really in Stone’s book that I developed ants in my pants for more TJ) and to say that I enjoyed the book would be putting it mildly.
I adored this book.
Shalvis never fails to make me happy when reading one of her books. I could be having the most shittiest of days and I’ll pick up a Shalvis to read and everything will be right in my world again. She has a knack for putting me in a good mood. This book was no exception.
TJ Wilder is the last of the Wilder boys to settle down and while he loves women, he loves the outdoors more. He likes having his freedom to do what he wants to do, whenever he wants to do it. He gets itchy after staying in one place for too long so he takes off on crazy treks across different lands. On one of his trips home, he gets closer to Harley. TJ and Harley grew up together and she’s good friends with everyone in TJ’s family…except TJ.
With TJ, she’s grouchy. She growls at him and TJ never knew why. He’s aware of Harley and again, he doesn’t know why. Harley on the other hand knows exactly why she’s so grouchy when TJ is concerned. She’s got some unresolved issues with him and she’s also got this insane and insistent crush on him that just won’t go away. It’s annoying and since he always looks so delicious, she blames him for her crush. Makes sense right?
Seeing these two bicker their way to a love match was quite the entertaining ride. I enjoyed the hell out of these two. Once TJ finds out what went down back in the day to make Harley behave the way that she does toward him and seeing him trying to make things better. To make it all better softened me toward him and made me love him all the more.
TJ was a fantastic hero and it was easy to see why Harley loved him…or crushed on him. He was totally crush worthy. He had the whole outdoorsy sexy man thing going for him and I totally ate it up. I loved seeing him interact with his family, I loved seeing him interact with Harley (even when they were fighting/arguing/bickering whatever you want to call it) and I just loved him. He was such a man’s man and I totally adored all of him.
Harley is one of those I can do anything you can do better kind of women and while that can sometimes get on my nerves, I found that Harley didn’t make me want to punch her in her throat. I’ve got to say that surprised the hell out of me because I could tell that she was that do it myself kind of woman but she wasn’t one of those too stupid to live heroines and I liked her.
One of the many reasons why I love this series is the camaraderie between the Wilder brothers. You can tell that all joking aside, this was one united family. They laughed together, they fought together and they loved together. They were a solid unit and it’s always a treat to see them again.
In this book, Annie is pregnant and it was such a treat to see her and Nick again. To see everyone again, really. I love that Jill Shalvis can bring back characters and not have them over power the main couple. Nobody was stealing TJ and Harley’s thunder and I appreciated it.
This book was a fantastic reading romp that I would definitely recommend to fans of Jill Shalvis, this series and anyone in the mood for a lighthearted straight up contemporary novel. This one doesn’t disappoint.
Grade: 4.75 out of 5
GIVEAWAY ALERT: Because I loved this book so much, I’m offering 3 copies of this book to 3 lucky winners. All you have to do is leave a comment on this review and let me know who your favorite Wilder brother is and if you haven’t read the books yet then let me know why you want to read this book and your names will be tossed in the hat for a chance to win a copy.
Good luck!
This book is available from Brava. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
I can’t pick ALL of the Wilder brothers? I suppose Nick, if I have to choose.
Cam, although I’ll have to reserve final judgment until after reading this!
Great review. I have not read this series. I love Jill’s writing and would like to read this book.
Well, I fell in love with Cam first, so I’m going to say Cam. This is a fantastic series, and it was my introduction to Jill Shalvis, who I’ve been slavishly reading since I “discovered” her.
4.75, wow !!! Great review too 😉
TJ is definitely my favorite brother, that’s why I’m so excited about his book.
Please count me in this contest (pleeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaase)
I am new to this series but after all the great reviews from you guys, I really want to dig in and try these Wilder boys out.
Please count me in for the contest.
ok, I am so excited about this one! Great review BTW. 😉
Rowena, I always enjoy your reviews. Somehow, your voracious reviews never fail to remind me of my love for food and my love for romance. All that ” i can just eat him up” – lol! Yes, I definitely need me some TJ.
I really NEED this book. I only read Cam’s story so far and have been dying for TJ’s. Dunno why but he got my attention even then. Plus, I could use some Jill Shalvis humor, i’ve been feeling down lately ::tears::
🙂
I haven’t read any of the Wilder books but I can’t resist a book that will put me in a good mood.
As of now… favorite brother is Cam but he is the only one I’ve met. I have Instant Gratification in my TBR pile so I’ll be reacquainting myself with Stone soon enough. Would love to have TJ’s story to complete the Wilder Adventure!
I haven’t read this series, but these books sounds great. I love Jill Shalvis, so count me in please for TJ’s story!
Oh Rowena, you are so GREAT !
I haven’t read any of the books, but i’m soooo want you to make me the lucky ones 🙂
Why i want them so bad ? because I’ve came across several GOOD reviews about Jill’s Books. And Please please Pick ME !
I haven’t read the Wilder brothers books yet, but based on your coverage, I’m going with TJ!
Wow, great review! I have never read Jill Shalvis’s Wilder Adventures series, but your review definitely made me want to. I love a book that has the perfect mixture of romance and humor, especially one that puts you in a good mood. Last, but not least, who wouldn’t want to read a series that features hot brothers! Please count me in!
So far, Cam is my fave but it’s not final til I read this book….TJ’s been teasing me in the last two books so he may change my mind of which Wilder boys I like the most. Lol.
Thanks for the review!
I would love to win since I have never read any of Jill Shalvis’s books but your glowing review is enough to make me go out and want to pick them up!
Thanks!
I’ve only read about Cam but now I want to read more about TJ too!
msboatgal at aol.com
I want to read this book because the blurbs are catching my attention and I am really interest in reading more about the books.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
Cam was my first and therefore has a special place in my heart. He’s strong, brooding, and oh so appealing. This is a great series and I’m really hoping to win this book.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
This comment has been removed by the author.
I would like to read this book because I want to read the Instant series. I LUV Jill Shalvis reads. She was a new author for me in 2009 and so far I LUV everything I’ve read. Please enter me!! Thanks, Sue
suehusseinATAOLDOTCOM
I haven’t read any of the Wilder books yet, but all the reviews are so amazing, that I can’t wait to get my hands on them! 🙂 Thanks
I haven’t read any of these yet and it sounds like I’m missing out. I love books set in CA, and I really love stories where the main characters already know each other before they fall.
I haven’t read the books yet, just ordered book 1 because of your review a few days ago *gg*
and I want to read it because of your review and all the snippets you posted! Jill Shalvis was one of my first authors when I started reading and her books are all keepers!
greetings, Ina
Cam is my favorite so far. I love her writing.
I have not read this series yet, but I would love to! INSTANT TEMPTATION would be a nice change of pace from my usual favorites. I’ve heard wonderful things about Jill Shalvis. Great review!
Diana
bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh my gosh this book sounds so fantastic! And yes, that is the exact reason why I want to read it 🙂
I’ve yet to start this series, would love to get to know the Wilder brothers.
I haven’t yet read about any of the brothers, but I’ve heard such great things about them and I’d really like to read this book!
Wonderful review!
I fell in love with Stone after his book.
I can’t wait to get my hands on this! I dread the series ending though. Don’t you think she can find some long-lost siblings?
Thanks for the contest.
Well, I’m looking forward to TJ’s story, but so far, my fave is Cam! Not sure if Cam will be dethroned by TJ…you never know. Thanks for the giveaway.
I haven’t read the third book yet, so I don’t know how I’ll feel about TJ, but between Cam and Stone, I like Cam more.
Diana
I have read one of Shalvis’ books but know that I thought her writing style was captivating and I can’t even imagine that any of her future books would be a disappointment. Lovely review . . .
I’m gonna have to say Cam!!! Thanks for the review!!
-Robyn
I have read great reviews for Jill’s work, but I have not read any of her books. This series is on my wish list. The story lines sound great, and the covers are gorgeous : ) I’d love to win!
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
I have read the other two Wilder brothers books and added this book to my TBB (and TBR) list. Stone is my favorite brother so far. I’d love to win this bool. Thanks for the giveaway!
My favorite so far is Stone because he’s still fresh in my mind. Looking forward to TJ’s story.
Cursing Mama,
Nick is a dreamboat, isn’t he? Which of the Wilder brothers did you like out of Cam, Stone and TJ? Any of them?
Mollie,
Cam is definitely a good one but for me, TJ won me over in this one.
Mph,
Aww thanks! It’s easy for me to gush about books that I really enjoyed so I’m glad my enjoyment came across.
Maureen,
This book will definitely put you in a good mood.
Mariska,
No worries, I enjoy sharing my love of books with others. Good luck!
Amy Huber,
As much as I love the idea of more Wilder goodness, I’m glad this isn’t one of those open ended series because then they just keep going and going and then I fall out of love with them. This way, she ends the series on a high note and we’ll get to look forward to another family, series, etc…to fall in love with. =)
LSUReader,
TJ for the win! =)
Buried by Books,
I totally agree! I love books where the hero and heroine have known each other since childhood. So good!
Everyone, good luck! I’ll keep the contest open over the weekend and then announce the winners next week. Happy reading!
I am just starting on the first book “Instant Attraction” and I am absolutely loving it!!!! Would love to have the complete set. Please count me in.
ktulanko AT aol DOT com
I love Jill’s books and would love to win this one.
Rosie G.
auntrg@yahoo.com
ithink i would have to say Cam so far, of course I have not read TJ’s books yet 🙂
I forgot to say I havent read any of this series yet, so cannot pick a favorite.
Rosie G.
auntrg@yahoo.com
I want to read this book because I love book series in which each book goes to a different family member.
I love Jill’s books, and I love all the Wilder men. So hard to choose.
I think I like Cam the best so far but then again, I did enjoy Stone and who knows how I’ll feel after I read the this one – it could be TJ!!
They’re so hard to pick from.
So,… Cam.
No, Stone, no TJ…. no,…. Cam.
I think.
Stone. I haven’t read the other brothers stories yet
I’d have to say Cam, but it is hard to choose only one! I wholeheartedly agree that these are “happy books”!
Really these contests that make me choose make me cry! You’re really going to make me choose between Cam, Stone and TJ???
I can’t!
Cam is so utterly yummy
Stone is afraid of needles and I can so totally relate to that!
And TJ..I think *sigh* says it all.
And on top of that all these men love to make out in closets…
How can you make me choose between them? How?
Gun to my head? Okay TJ then…
I have not read any books from this series so can’t tell you who is my favorite but the book sounds good and the covers are SO yummy looking too!
kalynnick AT yahoo DOT com