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Wilder #3
Instant Temptation
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...
273 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2010
About the author
Jill Shalvis
386 books14.1k followersJill Shalvis is a NYT, USA Today, and Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of small-town romance and romcoms, known for big feels, found family, and plenty of shenanigans.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
If you love small-town chaos, meddling friends and neighbors, sizzling chemistry, and heroes who fall hard for the one woman they absolutely did not plan on, you’re in the right place. Jill’s books blend laugh-out-loud moments with emotional gut punches, slow-burn tension, and deeply earned happily ever afters.
She writes the stories she loves to read: small-town romance and romantic comedies packed with heart, heat, second chances, grumpy/sunshine sparks, and the kind of found-family vibes that make you want to move right into the pages. Many of her series are perfect for binge-reading, and a number of her books are available in Kindle Unlimited and at major retailers.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably plotting new ways to torture her characters, avoiding laundry, or daydreaming about fictional men and the strong, complicated women who bring them to their knees—and then making them work for it.
You can follow Jill here on Goodreads to keep up with new releases, add her books to your shelves, and discover which small town you want to get lost in next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
July 27, 2015
4 The big bad wolf Stars
*Spoilers*
“Don’t get between me and my sugar, TJ It won’t end well for you.”
Instant Temptation is the last book in the Wilder series and I am sad to see it go. I would have loved to have a book or two more. I know there is no more Wilder brothers but I wouldn't mind having a follow up novella or something. This book is about the oldest Wilder brother TJ finding love. I really enjoyed TJ and Harley's story.
What this book is about
TJ Wilder doesn't know what he did all those years ago that made Harley hate him. When they were in school they use to be friends, but not anymore. When they are not avoiding each other they are fighting with each other. But no matter how much they fight with each other there is this underline explosive sexual tension between them too. When TJ goes with Harley as a professional guide to help her with some Biology work she has to do in the woods will they finally talk things out and see what is between them or will they end up killing each other?
“I heard you go running like a bat out of hell. What’s the matter, Harley, see something that bothered you?” Yes. Yes, she was bothered. Hot and bothered. “The big bad wolf.” He laughed again. “Should have stayed and let me show you what big teeth I have.”
TJ:
TJ is your typical Wilder brother. Sexy man's man with a yummy rock hard body. He loves the ladies but is a commitment phobe. TJ is very restless and goes on long trips for months at a time. His girlfriend Sam who was into outdoor adventures too, died on a river guide trip by being careless, so not only does he have walls around his heart, but it has made him cautious. Now he tries to be prepared for anything outdoors.
"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.”
Harley:
Harley is a child of two hippies that bounced from job to job while she was growing up and she never felt stable and that is what she wants most in life. She takes care of her family helping them pay their bills, and giving them money when she can. She is very hard working and tries hard not to need anyone. I love that in this book you get to see Harley's vulnerable side.
“Give me a break. This whole thing is frustrating. I don’t need people. People need me. But you, TJ” she pressed a hand to her aching heart “I need. And I really hope you got it that time because it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier to say.”
“You look like you’re torn between kissing me again and spanking me.” He dropped his hand and stared at her. “Good idea. How about both?”
TJ and Harley as a couple are very sweet. They had a very cute playfulness to their relationship once they stopped fighting and some major Heat. I loved seeing all the couples again. I was so glad that Katie and Cam are in this book. I think this book wrapped up the series nicely and was a great easy going read. I will be reading more of Jill Shalvis in the future!!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
*Spoilers*
“Don’t get between me and my sugar, TJ It won’t end well for you.”
Instant Temptation is the last book in the Wilder series and I am sad to see it go. I would have loved to have a book or two more. I know there is no more Wilder brothers but I wouldn't mind having a follow up novella or something. This book is about the oldest Wilder brother TJ finding love. I really enjoyed TJ and Harley's story.
What this book is about
TJ Wilder doesn't know what he did all those years ago that made Harley hate him. When they were in school they use to be friends, but not anymore. When they are not avoiding each other they are fighting with each other. But no matter how much they fight with each other there is this underline explosive sexual tension between them too. When TJ goes with Harley as a professional guide to help her with some Biology work she has to do in the woods will they finally talk things out and see what is between them or will they end up killing each other?
“I heard you go running like a bat out of hell. What’s the matter, Harley, see something that bothered you?” Yes. Yes, she was bothered. Hot and bothered. “The big bad wolf.” He laughed again. “Should have stayed and let me show you what big teeth I have.”
TJ:
TJ is your typical Wilder brother. Sexy man's man with a yummy rock hard body. He loves the ladies but is a commitment phobe. TJ is very restless and goes on long trips for months at a time. His girlfriend Sam who was into outdoor adventures too, died on a river guide trip by being careless, so not only does he have walls around his heart, but it has made him cautious. Now he tries to be prepared for anything outdoors.
"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.”
Harley:
Harley is a child of two hippies that bounced from job to job while she was growing up and she never felt stable and that is what she wants most in life. She takes care of her family helping them pay their bills, and giving them money when she can. She is very hard working and tries hard not to need anyone. I love that in this book you get to see Harley's vulnerable side.
“Give me a break. This whole thing is frustrating. I don’t need people. People need me. But you, TJ” she pressed a hand to her aching heart “I need. And I really hope you got it that time because it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier to say.”
“You look like you’re torn between kissing me again and spanking me.” He dropped his hand and stared at her. “Good idea. How about both?”
TJ and Harley as a couple are very sweet. They had a very cute playfulness to their relationship once they stopped fighting and some major Heat. I loved seeing all the couples again. I was so glad that Katie and Cam are in this book. I think this book wrapped up the series nicely and was a great easy going read. I will be reading more of Jill Shalvis in the future!!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
September 16, 2009
4 ½ stars – Contemporary Romance
I liked this better than Instant Gratification, but Instant Attraction is still my favorite of the Wilder series. I loved sexy as sin, alpha mountain god TJ, especially when he revealed his tender, vulnerable side, but tomboy Harley's insecure, scared of getting hurt routine was a bit annoying at times. TJ and Harley have explosive sexual chemistry and an obviously deep emotional connection (even if it takes them a while to admit it), and the romance in this is fun, sweet, and verrry steamy! It was also nice to catch up with Cam and Katie, Stone and Emma, and Nick and Annie. I just wish there were more Wilder brothers!
I liked this better than Instant Gratification, but Instant Attraction is still my favorite of the Wilder series. I loved sexy as sin, alpha mountain god TJ, especially when he revealed his tender, vulnerable side, but tomboy Harley's insecure, scared of getting hurt routine was a bit annoying at times. TJ and Harley have explosive sexual chemistry and an obviously deep emotional connection (even if it takes them a while to admit it), and the romance in this is fun, sweet, and verrry steamy! It was also nice to catch up with Cam and Katie, Stone and Emma, and Nick and Annie. I just wish there were more Wilder brothers!
November 16, 2012
4 Stars!
T.J. Wilder lives in Wishful, California & owns Wilder Adventures with his two brothers Cam & Stone. He is a professional guide that leads many outdoor treks. He is the only one in his family still single. He has always had a thing for a girl he went to school with named Harley.
All of these years Harley has also had feelings for T.J. He is the one guy she has never been able to get over. Harley ends up going on a trek with T.J. as his assistant & things quickly heat up between them.
As usual I love anything Jill Shalvis writes. This book was wonderful & full of heat! ;)) I just adore all the Wilder men & was excited T.J. finally found love! :D
T.J. Wilder lives in Wishful, California & owns Wilder Adventures with his two brothers Cam & Stone. He is a professional guide that leads many outdoor treks. He is the only one in his family still single. He has always had a thing for a girl he went to school with named Harley.
All of these years Harley has also had feelings for T.J. He is the one guy she has never been able to get over. Harley ends up going on a trek with T.J. as his assistant & things quickly heat up between them.
As usual I love anything Jill Shalvis writes. This book was wonderful & full of heat! ;)) I just adore all the Wilder men & was excited T.J. finally found love! :D
September 17, 2009
Once I determined that Harley was mostly annoying vs. TSTL, I started to get into the story. Harley has been holding a grudge against TJ for like 15 years, and he never knew why. They've always been attracted to each other but kept it a secret, for their own reasons. TJ ends up helping her with a project in the wilderness for a few days, which cranks up the sexual tension.
There is a weak suspense plot involving illegal hunting that kind of falls flat. I thought there was going to be some big reveal but it was wrapped up in a paragraph and *tada* that's that.
I did like getting to visit Cam and Stone and thir families again. This series is worth reading, despite a couple frustrating women. The author is very good at showing the building tension between couples.
There is a weak suspense plot involving illegal hunting that kind of falls flat. I thought there was going to be some big reveal but it was wrapped up in a paragraph and *tada* that's that.
I did like getting to visit Cam and Stone and thir families again. This series is worth reading, despite a couple frustrating women. The author is very good at showing the building tension between couples.
November 26, 2015
Oh. My.
That was my reaction when I finished this. I think I could understand what my GR acquaintance, Jess meant when she said in her review that this book gave great foreplay. Because it basically was that ... a great, smoldering, sensual, FOREPLAY before we reached the main course.
What I truly loved about this one was how 'focused' it was on the relationship-built. Sure, the first half or so the story practically happened in short time span ... but because TJ and Harley went off to Desolation Wilderness (as she needed to check camera tracking equipments that were not transmitting), then it became sort of isolated scenes, only the two of them, in the woods... and it felt very, very, personal and intimate. I mean, we even had them sharing sleeping bag! I loved that! (and who knew Fritos can help build fire?!?)
We still had the Wilders as secondary characters, but it didn't have on-page scenes as many as the previous books. This book is just TJ and Harley, and how they work on their off-the-chart chemistry along with the usual fears and doubts of their relationship. Definitely my favorite of the series.
That was my reaction when I finished this. I think I could understand what my GR acquaintance, Jess meant when she said in her review that this book gave great foreplay. Because it basically was that ... a great, smoldering, sensual, FOREPLAY before we reached the main course.
What I truly loved about this one was how 'focused' it was on the relationship-built. Sure, the first half or so the story practically happened in short time span ... but because TJ and Harley went off to Desolation Wilderness (as she needed to check camera tracking equipments that were not transmitting), then it became sort of isolated scenes, only the two of them, in the woods... and it felt very, very, personal and intimate. I mean, we even had them sharing sleeping bag! I loved that! (and who knew Fritos can help build fire?!?)
We still had the Wilders as secondary characters, but it didn't have on-page scenes as many as the previous books. This book is just TJ and Harley, and how they work on their off-the-chart chemistry along with the usual fears and doubts of their relationship. Definitely my favorite of the series.
July 11, 2013
What's a girl to do when she hasn't been very pleased by the previous books she read this week ? Re-read one from a favorite author that she knows will deliver on the sweet, fun and light love story she wants to read about.
Harley Stephens and T.J. Wilder grew up in the same small town. But they're not friend. Nor nemesis. They're just two people who know each other but act irritated or as if they're driving the other crazy. But only Harley knows the reason why. That she have a crush on him for the last fifteen years and that at seventeen, she gave him her virginity but booze made him forget they've once been intimated.
Everyone knows that the Wilder didn't have a great family history, except for when their young aunt unofficially became their caretaker. In high school, T.J. spent lots of time being stoned or drunk, but to the surprise of everyone (even his own) he cleaned up his act and these days, the Wilder brothers can be seen guiding groups on all sort of outdoor adventures around Wishful or outside California. T.J. is "the brain" of the operations. He's the one organizing logistics, planning the trips and thinking ideas for Wilder Adventures.
Lately, Harley has been felling dissatisfaction with her life, thinking it lack something (adventure ? companionship ? passion ?). She wants something new. Maybe she'll find it in Colorado if she succeed at her internship as a research biologist ? That's why she must keep her eyes on a group of coyotes she's tracking and have to goes arrange cameras in the wilderness. So Harley and T.J. meet often on the trails. Is it coincidence every time ? But it's the perfect place for two outdoors fans to dance around each other and fall in love, don't you think ? But the real question is : can she take a leap of faith ?
"And that there are all kinds of love."
"Yeah?"
"Then I guess it is entirely possible that I love you."
He tripped over his own feet, something she'd never, ever, seen him do, and she smiled. "In the way I loved watching those bears," she continued. "With a healthy respect and a good amount of distance for my well-being."
"No matter what she told herself, there was something between them. Something uncontrolled, which should have scared her.
Instead, it turned her on."
It's no surprise I've had a blast re-reading the series. I wished the epilogue would have been more fleshed out, since it was the last book and at times I thought Harley should tone down a bit with her initial rudeness, but it was still cool to read about an independent woman who's afraid to commit and a man who's ready to open his heart. I liked that T.J. didn't have to seduce Harley and she didn't have to be the seducer either, but that they both seduced the other just in being themselves.
Harley Stephens and T.J. Wilder grew up in the same small town. But they're not friend. Nor nemesis. They're just two people who know each other but act irritated or as if they're driving the other crazy. But only Harley knows the reason why. That she have a crush on him for the last fifteen years and that at seventeen, she gave him her virginity but booze made him forget they've once been intimated.
Everyone knows that the Wilder didn't have a great family history, except for when their young aunt unofficially became their caretaker. In high school, T.J. spent lots of time being stoned or drunk, but to the surprise of everyone (even his own) he cleaned up his act and these days, the Wilder brothers can be seen guiding groups on all sort of outdoor adventures around Wishful or outside California. T.J. is "the brain" of the operations. He's the one organizing logistics, planning the trips and thinking ideas for Wilder Adventures.
Lately, Harley has been felling dissatisfaction with her life, thinking it lack something (adventure ? companionship ? passion ?). She wants something new. Maybe she'll find it in Colorado if she succeed at her internship as a research biologist ? That's why she must keep her eyes on a group of coyotes she's tracking and have to goes arrange cameras in the wilderness. So Harley and T.J. meet often on the trails. Is it coincidence every time ? But it's the perfect place for two outdoors fans to dance around each other and fall in love, don't you think ? But the real question is : can she take a leap of faith ?
"And that there are all kinds of love."
"Yeah?"
"Then I guess it is entirely possible that I love you."
He tripped over his own feet, something she'd never, ever, seen him do, and she smiled. "In the way I loved watching those bears," she continued. "With a healthy respect and a good amount of distance for my well-being."
"No matter what she told herself, there was something between them. Something uncontrolled, which should have scared her.
Instead, it turned her on."
It's no surprise I've had a blast re-reading the series. I wished the epilogue would have been more fleshed out, since it was the last book and at times I thought Harley should tone down a bit with her initial rudeness, but it was still cool to read about an independent woman who's afraid to commit and a man who's ready to open his heart. I liked that T.J. didn't have to seduce Harley and she didn't have to be the seducer either, but that they both seduced the other just in being themselves.
March 23, 2020
I am happy to see that her more recent books (circa 2019-2020) do not rely so heavily on "how many sex scenes can I get in this book without it being considered porn." Putting that aside, the actual "story" was a nice wrap up.
January 22, 2011
Jill Shalvis is an excellent writer of contemporary romance. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of her Wilder series, and I'm a little sad that there are no more Wilder brothers left. The good news, though, is that I can now work my way through the rest of her books.
I really like Shalvis's writing. She seamlessly blends humour, very steamy romance and a touch of adventure set against a stunningly vivid backdrop. Her prose is smooth, effortless and above all, entertaining and enjoyable. There's always a lot of heart in Shalvis's stories, and in this series, she has beautifully portrayed the strength and importance of family.
TJ is the oldest of the delicious Wilder brothers, all of whom had a very rough start to life before deciding to join forces and make something of themselves, which they have done very successfully with Wilder Adventures. They each cope with the past in their own way, and TJ's way is to take all the long and remote treks, allowing him to disappear for weeks and months at a time.
There was never any doubt that I was going to like TJ, but Harley's character was not what I expected from her introduction in the previous books. With a name like that and all appearances to date being of her in her grease covered mechanics overalls with her prickly attitude, I was expecting more of the same.
Thankfully, we got to see a very different and much more feminine side of Harley that complimented her independent, tomboy nature. She was also hiding a secret from TJ that explained her prickliness toward him, and once TJ found out, I loved how devastated he was and how much effort he put into making it up to Harley. As with all the books, Shalvis has packed in a lot of emotion to go with the smoking hot love scenes.
Shalvis has become one of my favourite CR authors on the strength of these three books, and now I can't wait to devour everything else she has written!
I really like Shalvis's writing. She seamlessly blends humour, very steamy romance and a touch of adventure set against a stunningly vivid backdrop. Her prose is smooth, effortless and above all, entertaining and enjoyable. There's always a lot of heart in Shalvis's stories, and in this series, she has beautifully portrayed the strength and importance of family.
TJ is the oldest of the delicious Wilder brothers, all of whom had a very rough start to life before deciding to join forces and make something of themselves, which they have done very successfully with Wilder Adventures. They each cope with the past in their own way, and TJ's way is to take all the long and remote treks, allowing him to disappear for weeks and months at a time.
There was never any doubt that I was going to like TJ, but Harley's character was not what I expected from her introduction in the previous books. With a name like that and all appearances to date being of her in her grease covered mechanics overalls with her prickly attitude, I was expecting more of the same.
Thankfully, we got to see a very different and much more feminine side of Harley that complimented her independent, tomboy nature. She was also hiding a secret from TJ that explained her prickliness toward him, and once TJ found out, I loved how devastated he was and how much effort he put into making it up to Harley. As with all the books, Shalvis has packed in a lot of emotion to go with the smoking hot love scenes.
Shalvis has become one of my favourite CR authors on the strength of these three books, and now I can't wait to devour everything else she has written!
February 26, 2010
This book being my first ARC sent to me by an author I planned on keeping it on my shelf forever and ever because I'm a sentimental sap. After I read it though this book is staying on my shelf forever and ever because I genuinely liked it and I'll be revisiting it to re-read my favorite parts.
Instant Tempation was my first Jill Shalvis book and I think she writes in a very entertaining, easy to read way. I haven't read the first two books in Ms. Shalvis's Temptation series but this book is definitely a standalone--if you'd read the previous books, the characters you know and loved from those are great secondary characters in this book. Set in a tiny but beautiful town of Wishful, this is the story of super sexy TJ and tomboy Harley.
I really liked Harley and loved her inner dialogue and of course I couldn't help but fall in love with TJ along with her. I like the banter between TJ and Harley and their back and forth flirting. There was also great sexual tension between the two but I thought the whole "will they or won't they" just got a tad bit too long and dragged the story a little. Also, I don't know if it's just the ARC but I got a bit tired of reading how damn fine and hot TJ was, which was pretty much in every other paragraph when you're reading the story through Harley's perspective but this didn't take away from the story. However, I really liked that Harley didn't hold "the incident" that happened when they were in high school against TJ and TJ in turn didn't obsess over it too much. I've read books in the past where it's centered around a past "incident" between the main characters and the story just went around in circle over that but I'm glad it didn't happen in this book. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as spicy as I thought it would be. I've read books published by Brava before and they were very spicy (maybe even too spicy for me) so was expecting that with this book but it has just the right amount of steam for me. This book also had great secondary characters like TJ's aunt Annie, Harley's sister Skye, and of course the other two Wilder brothers.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and the ending left a smile on my face. Both TJ and Harley were likable, fun characters and I enjoyed their story. Now, I want to check out Stone and Cam's (TJ's brothers) books as well. It's a fun romantic comedy and perfect for a sexy weekend read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Instant Tempation was my first Jill Shalvis book and I think she writes in a very entertaining, easy to read way. I haven't read the first two books in Ms. Shalvis's Temptation series but this book is definitely a standalone--if you'd read the previous books, the characters you know and loved from those are great secondary characters in this book. Set in a tiny but beautiful town of Wishful, this is the story of super sexy TJ and tomboy Harley.
I really liked Harley and loved her inner dialogue and of course I couldn't help but fall in love with TJ along with her. I like the banter between TJ and Harley and their back and forth flirting. There was also great sexual tension between the two but I thought the whole "will they or won't they" just got a tad bit too long and dragged the story a little. Also, I don't know if it's just the ARC but I got a bit tired of reading how damn fine and hot TJ was, which was pretty much in every other paragraph when you're reading the story through Harley's perspective but this didn't take away from the story. However, I really liked that Harley didn't hold "the incident" that happened when they were in high school against TJ and TJ in turn didn't obsess over it too much. I've read books in the past where it's centered around a past "incident" between the main characters and the story just went around in circle over that but I'm glad it didn't happen in this book. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as spicy as I thought it would be. I've read books published by Brava before and they were very spicy (maybe even too spicy for me) so was expecting that with this book but it has just the right amount of steam for me. This book also had great secondary characters like TJ's aunt Annie, Harley's sister Skye, and of course the other two Wilder brothers.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and the ending left a smile on my face. Both TJ and Harley were likable, fun characters and I enjoyed their story. Now, I want to check out Stone and Cam's (TJ's brothers) books as well. It's a fun romantic comedy and perfect for a sexy weekend read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
October 19, 2014
Rating: 3.5
D’aww. What a super cute read.
This is a character driven story and I liked that. There were a few plot points here and there, one of which could be considered weak. However, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story.
Harley did get on my nerves initially with her indecision and her need to push TJ away. It was obvious to both of them how much she wanted him. A sentiment he reciprocated. However, I realized that she was only guarding her heart and I couldn’t blame her for being careful.
TJ allowed me to realize that patient men are sexy men. He was a total dreamboat and really sexy. Did I already mention he was sexy? Because he was really sexy.
Since the plot isn’t particularly gripping, I found myself dropping the book in favor of other entertaining activities like otome games and Disney World rides. It’s not to say the book isn’t entertaining. It’s just a bit of a slow burn that never fully grew to a full flame.
It was great to see how Cam & Katie and Stone & Emma are doing, along with Annie and Nick. I won’t lie, I will miss this heartwarming bunch.
Overall, a satisfying end to the trilogy.
D’aww. What a super cute read.
This is a character driven story and I liked that. There were a few plot points here and there, one of which could be considered weak. However, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story.
Harley did get on my nerves initially with her indecision and her need to push TJ away. It was obvious to both of them how much she wanted him. A sentiment he reciprocated. However, I realized that she was only guarding her heart and I couldn’t blame her for being careful.
TJ allowed me to realize that patient men are sexy men. He was a total dreamboat and really sexy. Did I already mention he was sexy? Because he was really sexy.
Since the plot isn’t particularly gripping, I found myself dropping the book in favor of other entertaining activities like otome games and Disney World rides. It’s not to say the book isn’t entertaining. It’s just a bit of a slow burn that never fully grew to a full flame.
It was great to see how Cam & Katie and Stone & Emma are doing, along with Annie and Nick. I won’t lie, I will miss this heartwarming bunch.
Overall, a satisfying end to the trilogy.
June 3, 2015
Jill Shalvis' books are always a comfort read for me, because I always know what I'm going to get: a bit of humor, great characters, and a pretty steamy read! This book was no exception in giving me those items, but I did have a problem with the fear of commitment that both TJ and Harley had. They almost lost out on love because of it, and it also began to drag the plot down a bit. I kept wishing that they'd get over it! I did like the check in with the other couples from the series and how everything got resolved in the end. All in all, it was a good way to proverbially cleanse my reading palate!
September 13, 2014
Once more the plot was a bit too similar to the previous two, even if the characters all had their own personalities and could not really be mistaken for the other.
The blurb of this book is totally incorrect, as it left me thinking Harley and TJ had a past history that TJ never could forget .
This whole series is very pleasant to read, but does not have anything to make it stand out and remain unforgettable in my mind.
The blurb of this book is totally incorrect, as it left me thinking Harley and TJ had a past history that TJ never could forget .
This whole series is very pleasant to read, but does not have anything to make it stand out and remain unforgettable in my mind.
October 23, 2012
*2,5 stars*
I really like the Wilder guys and if the story was still fluffy and sexy with funny dialogs some parts were less interesting than others and some were no more fluffy but plain sugary. Also, the outline of the 3 books was pretty much the same which killed part of the pleasure.
February 13, 2020
What can I say about this one except- boring. Very boring. Jill Shalvis often does this. It’s a great setup with the potential for a bit of action or excitement and... nothing. Just waffling back and forth between the main characters. What a disappointment.
December 4, 2012
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.
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!
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.
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!
February 7, 2010
Once again, Jill Shalvis did not disappoint with book 3 and sadly, the final installment of the Wilder series.
Of the three brothers, TJ is my favorite. They're all tough, rugged, handsome, and totally badass, but TJ is just over the top smokin hot. He makes sullen look super sexy.
TJ seems to be the most introverted of the Wilder brothers, but at the same time seems to be the most forth right with his feelings for the girl. While, he may not be up front and extremely open about his feelings verbally, and he may not want to acknowledge those feelings to himself, TJ makes his feelings for Harley obvious in his actions. Harley does the same in return, yet I found her to be even less willing to acknowledge those feelings.
I found Harley to be the most frustrating of the Wilder brothers' love interests. For being so brave and strong, she was very scared and protective of her heart and emotions. But based on her past and her familial relationships I can understand that fear and protectiveness.
It was great to have the rest of the Wilder gang as part of TJ and Harley's story. I enjoyed seeing the progression of the relationships between Cam and Katie, Stone and Emma, and Annie and Nick along with Not-Abigail.
Of the three brothers, TJ is my favorite. They're all tough, rugged, handsome, and totally badass, but TJ is just over the top smokin hot. He makes sullen look super sexy.
TJ seems to be the most introverted of the Wilder brothers, but at the same time seems to be the most forth right with his feelings for the girl. While, he may not be up front and extremely open about his feelings verbally, and he may not want to acknowledge those feelings to himself, TJ makes his feelings for Harley obvious in his actions. Harley does the same in return, yet I found her to be even less willing to acknowledge those feelings.
I found Harley to be the most frustrating of the Wilder brothers' love interests. For being so brave and strong, she was very scared and protective of her heart and emotions. But based on her past and her familial relationships I can understand that fear and protectiveness.
It was great to have the rest of the Wilder gang as part of TJ and Harley's story. I enjoyed seeing the progression of the relationships between Cam and Katie, Stone and Emma, and Annie and Nick along with Not-Abigail.
August 2, 2016
Sigh. If I'm being completely honest, this is somewhat of a generous 3-star rating on my part. I think I suffered from the same thing while reading this book as I did while reading Hawke and Sienna's book in the Psy-Changeling series, and that's that I love the build-up of the couple more than them actually getting together.
I still loved TJ and Harley here, and I loved that they had such an interesting backstory, but the plot of the book simply didn't work for me. Part of it felt really contrived, and there were storylines (such as the hunters illegally shooting coyotes) that were seemingly resolved in two sentences.
I liked that they were off on their own for basically the first half of the book, but the writing was so repetitive during that, that it made me cringe. If I had to read about one of his body parts accidentally brushing up against one of hers one more time, I might have screamed. I liked those scenes the first two or three times, not so much the 8th time around.
I also really couldn't stand Skye and missed seeing more of the other Wilders.
I did enjoy the book, or at least certain parts of it, but it makes me sad that I didn't love it more. The second was my favourite by far.
I still loved TJ and Harley here, and I loved that they had such an interesting backstory, but the plot of the book simply didn't work for me. Part of it felt really contrived, and there were storylines (such as the hunters illegally shooting coyotes) that were seemingly resolved in two sentences.
I liked that they were off on their own for basically the first half of the book, but the writing was so repetitive during that, that it made me cringe. If I had to read about one of his body parts accidentally brushing up against one of hers one more time, I might have screamed. I liked those scenes the first two or three times, not so much the 8th time around.
I also really couldn't stand Skye and missed seeing more of the other Wilders.
I did enjoy the book, or at least certain parts of it, but it makes me sad that I didn't love it more. The second was my favourite by far.
January 10, 2011
3.5 stars. I love Jill Shalvis. I love her writing I love her characters. My friend Carrie said you can count on her for a comfortable read. She's right. I've yet to be disappointed.
July 15, 2015
3.5 stars
This was really cute and I enjoyed it much more than the other books in the series.
This was really cute and I enjoyed it much more than the other books in the series.
July 12, 2018
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2P237Gt
Overall I enjoyed Instant Temptation! But, I did have some issues with a couple scenes that were really inappropriate.
The Gist: Well. Harley and TJ have some sparks. And some irritation with one another. Something he don't understand the source of. But he's going to find out even if he has to invite himself along on a multi day hike she's taking for work. They're gonna settle this. Even if they have to get nekkid to do so. Mmhm.
I liked em. TJ's all sexy alpha. He's a nature guide and does extreme tours. A bit of a wander. Has a quiet authority about him and is a good guy. And Harley's a giver. Does everything for her family and is just trying to figure out her next step.
Their romance was pretty fun. They drive each other batty, bicker and pretend they don't care about the other but majorly fail on that front. They're a bit stubborn and so perfect for each other.
I did have a couple issues with some scenes that really needed to be rethought. They were questionable and had the roles been reversed would have caused quite a stir with readers. Disappointing to see that in a Shalvis book and that NO ONE had issues with the two scenes and what was done and said to the hero.
--When they were teens the heroine slept with the hero when he was too drunk to know what was going on (or remember it). They were not a couple and she was sober. Can you imagine if a hero had done that to the heroine? Rape would be hinted at for sure.
--And then this scene as the two lead a nature tour and the female customers get a bit handsy with the hero. Again, can you imagine a hero legitimately saying this to a heroine? Absolutely not. But a heroine saying it to a hero is totally fine?
“Must be exhausting to fend off four beautiful young women’s advances.” Fend them off he had, with more calm, impassive pleasantry than she could have managed. “I mean sure, they want to eat you up,” she said. “You might have gotten groped a few times getting in and out of the water, but overall, it’s been easy enough to handle, right?”
Overall, though, minus those two issues Instant temptation was a pretty good time. Great hero and heroine, some fun adventures and a happy ever after. Can't complain about that!
March 21, 2011
Review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...
My Review:
TJ & Harley have a history- unfortunately, he doesn't remember it. In fact, he has no clue why she has always gotten so prickly around him. He's just always thought that she flat-out doesn't like him when, in fact, the problem is quite the opposite.
TJ's the oldest of the 3 Wilder boys. He's always been attracted to Harley, but never thought that the feelings might be returned until they are thrown together where little clues start to slip. As an adult, he is an honest, amazing really all-around good guy. That wasn't always the case (i.e. that forgotten history with Harley.) This makes for some beautiful, heart-wrenching scenes that I absolutely loved when the story all comes out.
Harley is tough, straightforward, honest, and super hard-working. Circumstances have made it so that she is responsible for both her parents and her sister while trying to finish school and work as the local mechanic. She's drowning financially and mentally, but is too proud to ask for help from anyone in the town that loves her. TJ sees this and can't let it go on any longer- whether she wants his help or not. She would really prefer NOT.
This story is so honest...there were no mental games to this relationship and I love that. Jill Shalvis has put together a beautiful couple here and has written their story gorgeously. I found myself being pulled completely into the emotions of the story and TJ & Harley.
While being so emotionally charged, the story continued to feature all the same characters from the first 2 books which kept me giggling with their familiar digs at each other. This is a family that loves each other unconditionally and show that love with snark and sarcasm. It's really fun to read.
A great book to finish a great trilogy!
My Review:
TJ & Harley have a history- unfortunately, he doesn't remember it. In fact, he has no clue why she has always gotten so prickly around him. He's just always thought that she flat-out doesn't like him when, in fact, the problem is quite the opposite.
TJ's the oldest of the 3 Wilder boys. He's always been attracted to Harley, but never thought that the feelings might be returned until they are thrown together where little clues start to slip. As an adult, he is an honest, amazing really all-around good guy. That wasn't always the case (i.e. that forgotten history with Harley.) This makes for some beautiful, heart-wrenching scenes that I absolutely loved when the story all comes out.
Harley is tough, straightforward, honest, and super hard-working. Circumstances have made it so that she is responsible for both her parents and her sister while trying to finish school and work as the local mechanic. She's drowning financially and mentally, but is too proud to ask for help from anyone in the town that loves her. TJ sees this and can't let it go on any longer- whether she wants his help or not. She would really prefer NOT.
This story is so honest...there were no mental games to this relationship and I love that. Jill Shalvis has put together a beautiful couple here and has written their story gorgeously. I found myself being pulled completely into the emotions of the story and TJ & Harley.
While being so emotionally charged, the story continued to feature all the same characters from the first 2 books which kept me giggling with their familiar digs at each other. This is a family that loves each other unconditionally and show that love with snark and sarcasm. It's really fun to read.
A great book to finish a great trilogy!
April 21, 2010
This is the 3rd and final book in Shalvis' Wilder Adventures series. I really enjoyed the first two and was looking forward to reading about TJ and Harley.
In the previous books TJ seems the least likely to fall in love. He's aloof and detached, though he obviously cares about his family. I was surprised then that he was the one who was willing to think about more than a casual relationship.
Harley's reasons for not wanting to pursue a relationship with TJ were sound, but they seemed to go on just a bit too long.
The backdrop and secondary characters were was wonderful as always. I love the relationship between the three brothers and Harley and her sister, Skye. They were very well written.
In the previous books TJ seems the least likely to fall in love. He's aloof and detached, though he obviously cares about his family. I was surprised then that he was the one who was willing to think about more than a casual relationship.
Harley's reasons for not wanting to pursue a relationship with TJ were sound, but they seemed to go on just a bit too long.
The backdrop and secondary characters were was wonderful as always. I love the relationship between the three brothers and Harley and her sister, Skye. They were very well written.
April 18, 2017
I know Shalvis was going for tension in this one, building it up to a big climax. But it just read as angsty. I love her characters and her writing, but I wanted this one to just get to the point already.
That said, I always love Jill Shalvis and I'll pretty much read anything she writes.
Lisa Ivary was great on the audio.
That said, I always love Jill Shalvis and I'll pretty much read anything she writes.
Lisa Ivary was great on the audio.
June 8, 2012
Excellent! I loved this, and wish that there were more Wilder brothers! :)
October 17, 2018
So lovely and heartwarming. Jill Shalvis never fails to amaze me
July 19, 2010
I liked what little we saw of TJ in the two previous books so I have been looking forward to reading his story. Harley is also a character that we got a glimpse of before and I liked the idea of Harley and TJ together. It turns out they worked really good together.
Harley is one of those characters I could see myself being friends with if she existed in RL. She's easy to get to know and like. She does have some blind spots when it comes to her family. Her parents are good parents, they love their two daughters, but they're not exactly responsible when it comes to money and bills. They have come to rely on Harley to help them out. Same thing with Harley's sister, Skye. I don't have a problem with helping family and friends out now and then but with Harley it got to be a habit that was seriously affecting her life in the form of her bills not getting paid. This and Harley having a crush on TJ for years and not telling him are her two weakest traits. But I did like her in spite of those things.
TJ is the oldest of the Wilder brothers. I think the word remote describes him well. He's not cold but he keeps to himself, which is fairly easy since he's gone so much. TJ has a tragedy in his past that he hasn't gotten over. It's clouding his perception of what's really important to him - namely Harley. There were times that, like TJ's brothers, I just wanted to bash him over the head. Don't you just love it when characters make you want to do bodily harm to them? LOL Aside from the whole head bashing thing, I really, really, liked TJ. He's a bit gruff but he has this incredible soft side that you see when he's with his family and Harley. He knows there's chemistry between them, he doesn't deny it, but he's convinced himself that he doesn't do long term relationships. He's just not around enough. Of course his logic if flawed because he could be around more if he wanted to. Run away TJ, run away.
TJ's not the only one who's running away. Harley has been working hard and now it's payoff time. She's going for a permanent job in Colorado. She's convinced herself it's what she wants and what would be best for her. Then she spends some time alone with TJ in the wild and is drawn by the beauty of the outdoors. And the hot, sexy guide that is TJ. :) Harley's always loved being outside but doesn't see herself making a living at it.
Harley + TJ = lots of outdoor sex, indoor sex and pretty much anywhere they could find some alone time. Shalvis knows how to write it hot and adds in a bit of humor. The romance is sweet, funny and heartbreaking. I love these two together! They fit so well, everyone knew it, even Harley and TJ but Harley wanted long term and TJ didn't. It takes a swift kick in the pants for both of them to realize what they really want. It was fun seeing how they got to that nearly elusive HEA, traveling over all those bumps along the way.
I have to mention the other members of the Wilder family. First, there's TJ's two younger brothers - Stone and Cam. Loved the teasing, joking, playfulness of the three brothers. They may give each other a hard time but it's all done in love. Tough love a lot of the time but the love is still there. Then there's Annie and Nick. Annie is the aunt of the three boys who took them in a helped raise them when she was very young. Nick is a good friend to the brothers and Annie's husband. They're a cute couple. It's definitely a family story with the main focus on the romance. A really good end to the Wilder brothers.
Harley is one of those characters I could see myself being friends with if she existed in RL. She's easy to get to know and like. She does have some blind spots when it comes to her family. Her parents are good parents, they love their two daughters, but they're not exactly responsible when it comes to money and bills. They have come to rely on Harley to help them out. Same thing with Harley's sister, Skye. I don't have a problem with helping family and friends out now and then but with Harley it got to be a habit that was seriously affecting her life in the form of her bills not getting paid. This and Harley having a crush on TJ for years and not telling him are her two weakest traits. But I did like her in spite of those things.
TJ is the oldest of the Wilder brothers. I think the word remote describes him well. He's not cold but he keeps to himself, which is fairly easy since he's gone so much. TJ has a tragedy in his past that he hasn't gotten over. It's clouding his perception of what's really important to him - namely Harley. There were times that, like TJ's brothers, I just wanted to bash him over the head. Don't you just love it when characters make you want to do bodily harm to them? LOL Aside from the whole head bashing thing, I really, really, liked TJ. He's a bit gruff but he has this incredible soft side that you see when he's with his family and Harley. He knows there's chemistry between them, he doesn't deny it, but he's convinced himself that he doesn't do long term relationships. He's just not around enough. Of course his logic if flawed because he could be around more if he wanted to. Run away TJ, run away.
TJ's not the only one who's running away. Harley has been working hard and now it's payoff time. She's going for a permanent job in Colorado. She's convinced herself it's what she wants and what would be best for her. Then she spends some time alone with TJ in the wild and is drawn by the beauty of the outdoors. And the hot, sexy guide that is TJ. :) Harley's always loved being outside but doesn't see herself making a living at it.
Harley + TJ = lots of outdoor sex, indoor sex and pretty much anywhere they could find some alone time. Shalvis knows how to write it hot and adds in a bit of humor. The romance is sweet, funny and heartbreaking. I love these two together! They fit so well, everyone knew it, even Harley and TJ but Harley wanted long term and TJ didn't. It takes a swift kick in the pants for both of them to realize what they really want. It was fun seeing how they got to that nearly elusive HEA, traveling over all those bumps along the way.
I have to mention the other members of the Wilder family. First, there's TJ's two younger brothers - Stone and Cam. Loved the teasing, joking, playfulness of the three brothers. They may give each other a hard time but it's all done in love. Tough love a lot of the time but the love is still there. Then there's Annie and Nick. Annie is the aunt of the three boys who took them in a helped raise them when she was very young. Nick is a good friend to the brothers and Annie's husband. They're a cute couple. It's definitely a family story with the main focus on the romance. A really good end to the Wilder brothers.
March 22, 2018
Instant Temptation is the 3rd and final book in Jill Shalvis’s Wilder series built around the love lives of the 3 Wilder brothers Cameron, Stone and TJ and their young Aunt Annie and her husband Nick. This book is the story of TJ the eldest brother and Harley who has been a minor character in the first two books Instant Attraction and Instant Gratification. Other than the first book Instant Attraction where Cameron and Katie, two total strangers experience an instant attraction the titles seem little more than a cute and sexy marketing tool to attract readers. Because the gratification between Cole and Emma in book #2 was hardly instant as modern romance books go and the temptation for TJ and Harley in this book was far from instant. Truth is Harley has had a crush on TJ since they were both in high school if not longer, although TJ was a couple of years ahead of her. And TJ has had an attraction to Harley for several years now. So I guess you can’t tell a book by its title!
TJ Wilder (we never do learn whether that’s his actual name or his initials) along with his two brothers and his aunt run a travel adventure business, Wilder Adventures based in the little town of Wishful Ca. in the Sierra Mountains near Lake Tahoe. TJ specializes in out of town expeditions to exotic locals like Alaska. In fact TJ prefers being away from Wishful. Why was never fully explained to my satisfaction. It has something to do with the death of his college sweetheart Sam in a river rafting accident years ago that he wasn’t even a part of. At any rate although TJ loves his family and does his thing to help the business prosper by leading highly profitable out of town excursions, he prefers to be off somewhere else and when his family calls him on his emotional and physical distancing they always play the “Sam card.” So I assume TJ’s emotional and physical distancing has something to do with her death. TJ is your typical panty melting, alpha good guy romance novel male character. He always seems to be sporting a sexy two days growth of beard and his hair always seems finger combed with just a little falling over his forehead and curling at the back of his neck, in an oh so sexy way. He’s got broad shoulders, muscled pecs and eight pack abs, muscular thighs etc. etc. Seriously how do you women readers not get tired of these cookie cutter modern romance novel heroes? About the only thing that ever changes is their hair and eye color.
Harley grew up with the Wilder brothers in Wishful, is a pretty capable outdoor enthusiast herself, has just after 7 years of studying part time, earned her B.S. degree in biology while working as a mechanic at Nolan’s garage to put herself through college and help support her bohemian, hippy parents and her 21 year old younger sister Skye. Harley is also a very talented amateur photographer. Through this book and the previous two we’ve learned that Harley is a woman pretty handy with a wrench who knows her way around motors although we never learn where or how she mastered the trade. What we do know is that it’s not her life’s dream to wear greasy overalls and have dirt and grease under her finger nails. Working as a mechanic despite her talents, is just a means to an end. So while she continues to work part time at the garage she’s also working as an unpaid intern on a study of the local coyote population hoping it leads to a coveted full time paying job as a wildlife researcher in Colorado.
While Harley gets along well with just about everyone she is extremely prickly with TJ. This has been going on for over 10 years now and while it has bothered TJ, apparently not enough for him to come right out and ask her why she treats him like something stuck to the bottom of her hiking boots while she warmly embraces the rest of his family and friends? Odd. Harley is planning a wilderness excursion to fix some cameras that had been set out to capture the coyote activities in a remote area of the state park that abuts Wishful. Because TJ has a thing for Harley and because he is a protector by nature he forces himself into her expedition. During said expedition he finally coerces Harley into revealing the reason she acts so annoyed with him. The rest of the story consists of TJ trying to atone for the callous act he didn’t even remember committing the summer after his high school graduation, while pursuing Harley in hopes of enticing her into a friendly and casual sexual relationship. Harley takes one step forward and two steps back waffling between wanting TJ but realizing she’s not a woman who can be in a casual sexual relationship with TJ the only man who has the power to get under her defenses and break her heart. And since lots of casual hook ups is all TJ has had in the ten years since Sam’s death and he’s scheduled to leave for Alaska for several months and she’s hoping to get a job in Colorado, that’s all they can ever have. The only temporarily in Wishful thing is a common theme for the women in all three stories. Katie was only a one month temp. office worker. Emma was only in Wishful to run her father’s medical practice until he was healthy enough to return to work. Now Harley is only temporary because she wants a job in Colorado. Will TJ ever want more from Harley than a casual sexual relationship? Will Harley let down the walls she’s built around her heart to prevent TJ from breaking it again and realize she’s already given her heart to TJ years ago so attempting to protect it from him is futile. Will TJ give up taking the long out of down excursion jobs? Will Harley pass on the researcher job in Colorado if she’s offered it? Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.
As the final book in the series Ms. Shalvis does an adequate job of including not only the Wilder men in this story but also gives Katie the heroine of the first story some presence as more than the fiancée and soon to be wife of Cam, but also as Harley’s friend and confidant and dispenser of wisdom in regard to the Wilder men. Although in the first book she’s the businesses book keeper, in this book she’s seemingly demoted to receptionist which I can’t quite figure out? Emma the local M.D. and brother Stone’s girlfriend and the heroine of the second book is present but in a lesser role mostly just as Stone’s girlfriend always dressed in her doctor uniform. Aunt Annie whom we learned in the second book is at almost 40 pregnant with her first child (not-Abigail) and Chuck the former feral cat and her adorable kittens help provide some humor to the story. Tart tongued Serena who added some needed zing to the first two books as Harley’s BFF and Cam’s ex is gone now living in NYC with Spencer and operating a pastry shop there. Her character is capably replaced by Harley’s sister Skye a likable and sexy if somewhat immature and irresponsible 21 year old part time college student who makes a habit out of sponging off of her older sister. Added into the mix is Nolan whom Harley works for at the garage who is also her potential suitor and competition for TJ to spice things up a little. There’s a nice little epilogue which allows us to tie up a few loose ends and see a bit into what the future holds for the Wilder’s and the women they love. All in all this was a pretty good book and a pretty good series. It's not the first romance series I've read based in the Sierra mountains. Its not even the first series I've read based upon a family run adventure business. It’s not as good as Shalvis’s much longer (12 book two novella), Lucky Harbor series but that series along with Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series has become the benchmark I measure all other romance novel series by so it’s a very high standard. What Instant Temptation and the short Wilder series is, is a solid entertaining modern romance series if you like your series based around small towns and the rugged outdoors. I'd give this book and the series a solid 7 out of 10 stars if Goodreads provided that sort of rating system.
TJ Wilder (we never do learn whether that’s his actual name or his initials) along with his two brothers and his aunt run a travel adventure business, Wilder Adventures based in the little town of Wishful Ca. in the Sierra Mountains near Lake Tahoe. TJ specializes in out of town expeditions to exotic locals like Alaska. In fact TJ prefers being away from Wishful. Why was never fully explained to my satisfaction. It has something to do with the death of his college sweetheart Sam in a river rafting accident years ago that he wasn’t even a part of. At any rate although TJ loves his family and does his thing to help the business prosper by leading highly profitable out of town excursions, he prefers to be off somewhere else and when his family calls him on his emotional and physical distancing they always play the “Sam card.” So I assume TJ’s emotional and physical distancing has something to do with her death. TJ is your typical panty melting, alpha good guy romance novel male character. He always seems to be sporting a sexy two days growth of beard and his hair always seems finger combed with just a little falling over his forehead and curling at the back of his neck, in an oh so sexy way. He’s got broad shoulders, muscled pecs and eight pack abs, muscular thighs etc. etc. Seriously how do you women readers not get tired of these cookie cutter modern romance novel heroes? About the only thing that ever changes is their hair and eye color.
Harley grew up with the Wilder brothers in Wishful, is a pretty capable outdoor enthusiast herself, has just after 7 years of studying part time, earned her B.S. degree in biology while working as a mechanic at Nolan’s garage to put herself through college and help support her bohemian, hippy parents and her 21 year old younger sister Skye. Harley is also a very talented amateur photographer. Through this book and the previous two we’ve learned that Harley is a woman pretty handy with a wrench who knows her way around motors although we never learn where or how she mastered the trade. What we do know is that it’s not her life’s dream to wear greasy overalls and have dirt and grease under her finger nails. Working as a mechanic despite her talents, is just a means to an end. So while she continues to work part time at the garage she’s also working as an unpaid intern on a study of the local coyote population hoping it leads to a coveted full time paying job as a wildlife researcher in Colorado.
While Harley gets along well with just about everyone she is extremely prickly with TJ. This has been going on for over 10 years now and while it has bothered TJ, apparently not enough for him to come right out and ask her why she treats him like something stuck to the bottom of her hiking boots while she warmly embraces the rest of his family and friends? Odd. Harley is planning a wilderness excursion to fix some cameras that had been set out to capture the coyote activities in a remote area of the state park that abuts Wishful. Because TJ has a thing for Harley and because he is a protector by nature he forces himself into her expedition. During said expedition he finally coerces Harley into revealing the reason she acts so annoyed with him. The rest of the story consists of TJ trying to atone for the callous act he didn’t even remember committing the summer after his high school graduation, while pursuing Harley in hopes of enticing her into a friendly and casual sexual relationship. Harley takes one step forward and two steps back waffling between wanting TJ but realizing she’s not a woman who can be in a casual sexual relationship with TJ the only man who has the power to get under her defenses and break her heart. And since lots of casual hook ups is all TJ has had in the ten years since Sam’s death and he’s scheduled to leave for Alaska for several months and she’s hoping to get a job in Colorado, that’s all they can ever have. The only temporarily in Wishful thing is a common theme for the women in all three stories. Katie was only a one month temp. office worker. Emma was only in Wishful to run her father’s medical practice until he was healthy enough to return to work. Now Harley is only temporary because she wants a job in Colorado. Will TJ ever want more from Harley than a casual sexual relationship? Will Harley let down the walls she’s built around her heart to prevent TJ from breaking it again and realize she’s already given her heart to TJ years ago so attempting to protect it from him is futile. Will TJ give up taking the long out of down excursion jobs? Will Harley pass on the researcher job in Colorado if she’s offered it? Guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.
As the final book in the series Ms. Shalvis does an adequate job of including not only the Wilder men in this story but also gives Katie the heroine of the first story some presence as more than the fiancée and soon to be wife of Cam, but also as Harley’s friend and confidant and dispenser of wisdom in regard to the Wilder men. Although in the first book she’s the businesses book keeper, in this book she’s seemingly demoted to receptionist which I can’t quite figure out? Emma the local M.D. and brother Stone’s girlfriend and the heroine of the second book is present but in a lesser role mostly just as Stone’s girlfriend always dressed in her doctor uniform. Aunt Annie whom we learned in the second book is at almost 40 pregnant with her first child (not-Abigail) and Chuck the former feral cat and her adorable kittens help provide some humor to the story. Tart tongued Serena who added some needed zing to the first two books as Harley’s BFF and Cam’s ex is gone now living in NYC with Spencer and operating a pastry shop there. Her character is capably replaced by Harley’s sister Skye a likable and sexy if somewhat immature and irresponsible 21 year old part time college student who makes a habit out of sponging off of her older sister. Added into the mix is Nolan whom Harley works for at the garage who is also her potential suitor and competition for TJ to spice things up a little. There’s a nice little epilogue which allows us to tie up a few loose ends and see a bit into what the future holds for the Wilder’s and the women they love. All in all this was a pretty good book and a pretty good series. It's not the first romance series I've read based in the Sierra mountains. Its not even the first series I've read based upon a family run adventure business. It’s not as good as Shalvis’s much longer (12 book two novella), Lucky Harbor series but that series along with Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series has become the benchmark I measure all other romance novel series by so it’s a very high standard. What Instant Temptation and the short Wilder series is, is a solid entertaining modern romance series if you like your series based around small towns and the rugged outdoors. I'd give this book and the series a solid 7 out of 10 stars if Goodreads provided that sort of rating system.
December 12, 2014
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
All good things must come to an end and that's what INSTANT TEMPTATION is to the Wilder series. But Jill Shalvis saved the best for last!
T.J. is the Wilder bother that stays gone for long periods of time taking clients on weeks to month-long treks into the mountains. He uses these trips to feel free and to avoid one spunky blonde tow truck driver that gets his motor running.
Harley is said tow truck drive and she has her hands full taking care of her hippie parents and little sister. Harley is short on her rent and eating cheap so that she can foot the bills for her family. She does all this while working a full-time job and trying to finish college and working an intern job for free in hopes she will get her dream job.
T.J. and Harley bicker like two kids fight over the last piece of candy. But what neither of them will admit is that all the bickering gets them both hot and bothered in another way. Harley does her best to stay away from T.J. because of one night they spent together back in high school. Harley thinks that T.J. doesn't remember the night because she means nothing to him even though her high school crush on him has never died. T.J. can't stop thinking about Harley and can't figure out why she can't stand him.
After the two open up to each other during a trip in the woods all becomes clear and they start to work on a HEA. I've said it before and I'll say it again . . . second chance at love in contemporary romances is one of my favorite tropes.
I'm sad to say that it took me 3 books to get into Liisa Ivary's narration. Now I'm sold on her voice for the Wilder gang and wish there were more books to listen to. If you're looking for a fun and sexy small town romance series you should pick up Jill Shalvis' Wilder series and I recommend it on audio. They are fun and fast listens with just the right about of heat.
All good things must come to an end and that's what INSTANT TEMPTATION is to the Wilder series. But Jill Shalvis saved the best for last!
T.J. is the Wilder bother that stays gone for long periods of time taking clients on weeks to month-long treks into the mountains. He uses these trips to feel free and to avoid one spunky blonde tow truck driver that gets his motor running.
Harley is said tow truck drive and she has her hands full taking care of her hippie parents and little sister. Harley is short on her rent and eating cheap so that she can foot the bills for her family. She does all this while working a full-time job and trying to finish college and working an intern job for free in hopes she will get her dream job.
T.J. and Harley bicker like two kids fight over the last piece of candy. But what neither of them will admit is that all the bickering gets them both hot and bothered in another way. Harley does her best to stay away from T.J. because of one night they spent together back in high school. Harley thinks that T.J. doesn't remember the night because she means nothing to him even though her high school crush on him has never died. T.J. can't stop thinking about Harley and can't figure out why she can't stand him.
After the two open up to each other during a trip in the woods all becomes clear and they start to work on a HEA. I've said it before and I'll say it again . . . second chance at love in contemporary romances is one of my favorite tropes.
I'm sad to say that it took me 3 books to get into Liisa Ivary's narration. Now I'm sold on her voice for the Wilder gang and wish there were more books to listen to. If you're looking for a fun and sexy small town romance series you should pick up Jill Shalvis' Wilder series and I recommend it on audio. They are fun and fast listens with just the right about of heat.
December 11, 2011
Posted on Under the Covers
The hero T.J. Wilder is a roughened outdoorsman with hot motorcycle and a sense of humor, a protective streak and the happy hands of a horny teenager . His green eyes are striking, causing you to melt into yourself and those six buddies he calls abs goes everywhere he does. All that is channeled into the Big Bad Wolf and T.J. turned out to be the cause of some of my wildest dreams! Let’s not forget the raw sex appeal that simply oozes from his pores. The guy is one sexy beast!
T.J. and Harley have known each other for most of their lives. As friends, they used to hang out with each other when they were younger. But after one night of too much alcohol and what seemed to be a lifetime to repressed emotions, Harley and T.J. share a night that either they can’t remember or one doesn’t want to remember.
Now older and supposedly wiser, Harley is experiencing some financial problems. A trek to study a rare coyote is the next thing on her agenda, but T.J. isn’t willing to let Harley go off alone without his professional guiding, especially when danger begins to reveals itself in a series of coyote deaths.
Meanwhile, Harley and T.J. try to come to terms with their shared pasts and how a future with each other would turn out. It isn’t easy and a lot of distractions stand in the way, but as with all of Shalvis’s books, true love always prevails!
There were a lot of cute moments in this book. Shalvis turns up the sexual tension in this book until it’s almost unbearable. Every time T.J. laid a hand on Harley, I was buzzing with excitement but countless times they were interrupted and it nearly caused me to go bald. There’s just something potent about that T.J. Wilder! Though not my favorite in the series (that still goes to Stone and his adorable fear of needles), I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Shalvis never fails to make me fall in love.
As the last book in the series, I’m super bummed to note that I’m almost caught up on all of Shalvis’s books. I’m not sure what series I should explore next! If you’re a Shalvis fan, let me know in the comments which series/book I should go for!
*Review Copy provided by publisher
The hero T.J. Wilder is a roughened outdoorsman with hot motorcycle and a sense of humor, a protective streak and the happy hands of a horny teenager . His green eyes are striking, causing you to melt into yourself and those six buddies he calls abs goes everywhere he does. All that is channeled into the Big Bad Wolf and T.J. turned out to be the cause of some of my wildest dreams! Let’s not forget the raw sex appeal that simply oozes from his pores. The guy is one sexy beast!
T.J. and Harley have known each other for most of their lives. As friends, they used to hang out with each other when they were younger. But after one night of too much alcohol and what seemed to be a lifetime to repressed emotions, Harley and T.J. share a night that either they can’t remember or one doesn’t want to remember.
Now older and supposedly wiser, Harley is experiencing some financial problems. A trek to study a rare coyote is the next thing on her agenda, but T.J. isn’t willing to let Harley go off alone without his professional guiding, especially when danger begins to reveals itself in a series of coyote deaths.
Meanwhile, Harley and T.J. try to come to terms with their shared pasts and how a future with each other would turn out. It isn’t easy and a lot of distractions stand in the way, but as with all of Shalvis’s books, true love always prevails!
There were a lot of cute moments in this book. Shalvis turns up the sexual tension in this book until it’s almost unbearable. Every time T.J. laid a hand on Harley, I was buzzing with excitement but countless times they were interrupted and it nearly caused me to go bald. There’s just something potent about that T.J. Wilder! Though not my favorite in the series (that still goes to Stone and his adorable fear of needles), I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Shalvis never fails to make me fall in love.
As the last book in the series, I’m super bummed to note that I’m almost caught up on all of Shalvis’s books. I’m not sure what series I should explore next! If you’re a Shalvis fan, let me know in the comments which series/book I should go for!
*Review Copy provided by publisher
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