Temptation Ridge - Robyn Carr

Synopsis:
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.

Review:

Temptation Ridge is the 6th book in the Virgin River series and the books just seem to get better and better.  This book follows Shelby as she gets back to life after her mom died of ALS.  She is trying to find herself before she heads off to start school, so she ends up in Virgin River at her uncles house (the General) to rest, relax and ride.  Along the way, literally, she meets Luke.  A loaner, someone best left too look and not touch.  She has her sights set, he has his determination locked...for a while, it is a war of wills, who is stronger to resist what they know they both want?  

Temptation Ridge brings back lots of old friends and introduces us to many new ones.  Luke's brothers were a treat, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for that set of military yummies.  Also we meet Art, a man with down syndrome that Luke takes to instantly, it was wonderful to read about their relationship and see a softer side of Luke.  We also lost a great friend this this book, it was fast and unexpected and very sad, he will be missed a great deal.  Along with our other favorites, we see more of a relationship with the General, and Dr. Cam comes to town for a visit.  Will he get drawn in by Virgin River's mystic charms?

Notable Quote:

"He says a few days.  But he doesn't know about his impending murder." (Luke just found out his brother and mother are coming for a visit, and he has love in his heart and murder in his eyes for his brother and this unexpected visit)

Rating:

It was great to see the struggle of a guy that knows he is all wrong for an innocent girl, but he is powerless to do anything about it.  I enjoyed watching these two become acquainted and seeing Luke so embraced by the people of the town, even though he is Army and not a Marine.  I loved seeing all of our old friends and meeting new ones.  There was a birth, a death and a wedding....AND a new baby to plan for.  Seems this book had it all.  Can't wait for Rick's story, the kids tugs at my heart strings, and Jack's as well.