Review: Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr (e-book)

First line: Shelby was within ten miles of her Uncle Walt’s ranch when she had to pull over to the side of the highway 36, the busiest stretch between Virgin River and Fortuna, behind an old pickup truck that looked vaguely familiar.

Synopsis from B&N: Shelby McIntyre has big plans—plans that include finding Mr. Right. Her dream man will have a clean-shaven jaw, creases in his pants and hopefully and advanced degree. What she gets is rugged Luke Riordan.

At twenty-five, after five years as her mother’s caregiver, it’s time for Shelby to experience freedom and adventure. Time for travel, college and romance. But when she visits Virgin River, she runs into Luke Riordan, decidedly not whom she has in mind.

A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three times. At thirty-eight he’s tough and jaded. His major was in one-night stands, with a minor in commitment avoidance.

Technically, these two are all wrong for one another. But sometimes what you want and what you need are two different things…two very good things.

My thoughts: This is the 6th book in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series and as I slowly make my way through this series, I find that each book gets better and better. Maybe it’s because not only do we meet new characters with each subsequent book, but we get to catch up on ones we have already met – ones that feel like old friends already.

In Temptation Ridge, Shelby and Luke are the primary story. After spending years as her dying mother’s caregiver, Shelby is ready to life her life to the fullest. She is full of courage and determination and is not going to let anyone stand in her way of what she wants. Former Blackhawk pilot Luke Riordan was betrayed by a woman he loved in the past and he’s determined to not fall in love again, especially with a woman who is so much younger than he is. And especially not a woman who has been so sheltered and inexperienced in life. Shelby and Luke have an instant attraction that is irresistible to them both and naturally, the whole town wants to have an opinion in their relationship. 

Besides Shelby and Luke’ story, there are also some new characters introduced, including an abused, homeless man with Down’s Syndrome who Luke befriends, the introduction of one of Vanni’s flight attendant friends, and most importantly, the introduction of Luke’s mother and two of Luke’s four brothers, which  provided for some very funny scenes. Might any of these characters be the focus for any of the upcoming books in this series?

There are a lot of emotions in this book – happy, funny, tearful, steamy, suspenseful – that keep you glued to the pages. We are also given hints as to what might be coming up in the next book and I can’t wait to get to it.

Do you read this series? If so, what are your thoughts on it? Have any favorite characters?

(I purchased this e-book.)

Books in this series:

1. Virgin River                                  11.  Moonlight Road
2. Shelter Mountain                         12.  Midnight Confessions
3. Whispering Rock                          13.  Promise Canyon
4. A Virgin River Christmas          14.  Wild Man Creek
5. Second Chance Pass                    15.  Harvest Moon
6. Temptation Ridge                        16.  Bring Me Home for Christmas
7. Paradise Valley                            17.  Hidden Summit      
8. Under the Christmas Tree       18.  Redwood Bend
9. Forbidden Falls                           19.  Sunrise Point – due out Apr 2012
10. Angel’s Peak

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