Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Temptation Ridge (Virgin River #6)

4.24 of 5 stars 4.24 · rating details · 4,292 ratings · 232 reviews

A handsome Blackhawk pilot, Luke exited the army after twenty years, four wars and having been shot out of the sky three

...more

ebook, 448 pages

Published August 1st 2010 by Harlequin (first published 2009)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Feb 20, 2009 Auntee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of contemporary romance

Shelves: contemporary-romance, 2009_reads, made_me_cry, keepers

Wow, wow, wow! Another big winner by the talented Robyn Carr--this may be my favorite of the series since book #1, "Virgin River". There was just something about these characters that grabbed me emotionally. I loved the strength and courage of the heroine, Shelby McIntyre, who was determined to live her life to the fullest after spending years as her dying mother's devoted caretaker. And I loved the hero, former Army Blackhawk pilot Luke Riordan, who may not have been what Shelby thought she was...more Wow, wow, wow! Another big winner by the talented Robyn Carr--this may be my favorite of the series since book #1, "Virgin River". There was just something about these characters that grabbed me emotionally. I loved the strength and courage of the heroine, Shelby McIntyre, who was determined to live her life to the fullest after spending years as her dying mother's devoted caretaker. And I loved the hero, former Army Blackhawk pilot Luke Riordan, who may not have been what Shelby thought she was looking for, but boy was he ever perfect for her. Be sure to have a big box of Kleenex close by, especially if you're a big marshmallow like me, because you'll need it with this one.

After spending the last five years of her life caring for her beloved mother who was slowly dying from ALS, 25 year old Shelby has finally laid her Mom to rest, sold her house and packed her belongings, and is ready to move on with her life. It's time to get started on some things that have been on the back burner: take a vacation, see the world, enroll in college, get a job, and maybe find Mr. Right along the way. Shelby's version of Mr. Right is a clean cut guy in a polo shirt, styled hair and an advanced degree. But before she gets started on her grand adventure, she wants to spend some quality time with her uncle, retired Army General Walt Booth, at his ranch in the tiny California town of Virgin River. On her way into town she meets up with sexy, cocky, "he's so not what I'm looking for but boy I've got to have him" Luke Riordan.

Luke's 38, recently retired from the Army, and is looking to possibly settle down somewhere and get on with his post-army life. Luke and one of his four brothers recently acquired some property (complete with some run-down cabins) in Virgin River, with the idea of fixing them up and selling them for a profit. When he meets Shelby he's instantly attracted but thinks she's a teenager, and totally off limits. When he finds out she's actually 25, he's intrigued, but keeps telling himself it would be wrong, wrong, wrong to start something with her. He's not looking for love and marriage--he's tried that once and it was disasterous and humiliating--and Shelby looks like a forever kind of girl. But being around Shelby week after week is so tempting, and when she lets it be known that she is in fact not looking for marriage or forever--it would interfere with her plans--Luke is ready to give in. They begin a sizzling hot affair, and they are absolutely perfect for each other. They both think they can handle the no strings thing they've got going on, and that everything will be fine and dandy when Shelby eventually starts her new life in a few months. Neither expected that they would each fall head-over heels in love--but are they ready to admit that? Will Shelby give up her big plans for the future if Luke asks her to stay? Will Luke be willing to trust Shelby with his heart, or is he too battle scarred from his past relationships to even try? And can either of these two live without the other?

Loved, loved, loved everything about this one, from the main romance between Luke and Shelby, to the other romances between Shelby's Uncle Walt and former movie star Muriel, and Dr. Cameron Michaels surprising romance with one of Vanni's ("Second Chance Pass") girlfriends. I enjoyed catching up with all the town 'doings' in Virgin River. There's a birth, surprising pregnancies, another near town disaster where a lot of residents become heroes, and sadly, a death of a beloved character. There's 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 4 brothers. (Please Robyn Carr, write a story about at least one of them!)

The ending had me tied in knots! My heart nearly broke when Shelby thought stubborn Luke couldn't give her all that she needed, and that she wasn't enough for him (tissue alert) and decided to get on with her life as originally planned. Thank God for Luke's younger brother Aiden, who came through with a heart-to-heart with Shelby, revealing things about Luke that Shelby never knew. I loved when Shelby returned to confront Luke with what she knew, and when Luke finally declared his true feelings to Shelby, I just about melted.

Once again, the author's descriptive narrative immerses you in the tiny California town and it's colorful characters, and before long you'll be turning the pages so fast, dying to find out what's going to happen. I could not put this one down--I just fell in love with the hero and heroine--and it just about killed me when it looked like they wouldn't make a go of it. This is definitely one couple I hope to read more about. I'm also interested to see how pediatrician Cameron makes out with his budding romance--he has a lot of hurdles to overcome. And the 'senior' romance between Walt and reluctant movie star Muriel may be coming to a crossroads, and I can't wait to find out what direction it will lead to. These are all the reasons that I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in the series, "Paradise Valley".

If you are a fan of contemporary romance, do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in this wonderful series. It's sexy, hot, has colorful characters, interesting happenings, and most importantly, is very romantic. Hopefully there's many more books to come--5 big stars!

(less)

18 likes · like · see review

Feb 20, 2009 Isis FG rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Isis FG by: continutation of a series

Shelves: author-robyn-carr, series-virgin-river, 2009, info-full, genre-romance-drama, reviewed, published-2009, stars-5

Yet another excellent edition to the Virgin River series. I think I liked Second Chance Pass just a smidge more...so I'd probably rate this one 4.75 stars. But it was still a great book to read. I had a few minor quibbles, but overall, I enjoyed it a lot.

Temptation Ridge, the sixth book in the Virgin River series, takes up back to Virgin River where you catch up with existing characters, meet some new ones, see some previous ones return, and say a last goodbye to another. Shelby McIntyre, who wa...more Yet another excellent edition to the Virgin River series. I think I liked Second Chance Pass just a smidge more...so I'd probably rate this one 4.75 stars. But it was still a great book to read. I had a few minor quibbles, but overall, I enjoyed it a lot.

Temptation Ridge, the sixth book in the Virgin River series, takes up back to Virgin River where you catch up with existing characters, meet some new ones, see some previous ones return, and say a last goodbye to another. Shelby McIntyre, who was introduced in the previous book, is moving to Virgin River for a little while, planning to stay with her Uncle Walt and cousin Vanessa. On the way into town, she meets Luke Riordan, an retired army man coming to Virgin River to work on some property he owns.

After five years taking care of her invalid mother, Shelby has plans. Take a few months to herself, travel a little, then start nursing school. And if she happens to meet a guy somewhere in there, all the better. She knows just what kind of guy she wants...until she meets Luke. From the first there is a strong attraction between them. Luke tries to fight it. He believes he's no good for her. But Shelby, once she decides she wants Luke, doesn't let up. And soon the two are virtually playing house.

While elsewhere in Virgin River, Walt and Muriel move their relationship further, a beloved character dies, babies are born, pregnancies discovered, and a bunch of kids are put in danger. Pretty much everything you'd come to expect from a Virgin River novel.

I always enjoy coming back to Virgin River and getting to see what all the characters are up to. I just love Mel and Jack. They're kind of the heart and soul of the series. There were some scenes with Mel in this book that just broke my heart. I cried for like 10 pages straight.

I really liked Shelby in this book. She's such a strong, together heroine. Rather empowering to read about. I loved the way she handled the situation with Luke, especially near the end. Their romance was sweet yet hot. I do wish they'd gotten a little more attention during the first part of the book, but I was really happy that for once the last page (chapter) of the book dealt with the H/H instead of some other Virgin River couple.

If I had to quibble with one or two things...one would be the introduction of Abby and the reintroduction of Cameron. What's happened between them so far is very similar to Nikki and Joe from the last book. I just found a little bit of a lack of originality there. And the other thing would be that I thought it was weird that in the beginning, Mel was one this big kick about her weight but after that one chapter, it was never mentioned again. Grant it, she was rather distracted, but I just thought it was odd for something to be introduced like it was this big thing for her, then completely disappear.

They're just little quibbles, though. I liked everything else about the book. And I'm really looking forward to Paradise Valley...though I am a bit dubious about the potential heroine of that one.(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Feb 26, 2009 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2009, published-2009, genre-contemporary, top-100-favorites, steam-warm

Fantastic addition to the series. I agree with other reviews who rate this right up their with book 1 Virgin River. (I also agree that it was difficult not to read in one sitting!! I was up all night!) The main romance in this book is with Luke and Shelby, and it was a beautiful romance. Shelby is the kind of heroine I like to read: smart, fun, level-headed. We also get to see some continuing characters as well as meet a few new ones. There are a lot of emotions in this book from happy, funny, t...more

11 likes · like · see review

Feb 27, 2009 Kathrynn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series-virgin_river_carr, own, 2009, romance-feel_good, romance-contemporary, theme-former_military, favorites, reviewed

Loved it! I've enjoyed all the Virgin River books, but this is the best one since the first hit the shelves, imo. Be sure to read the series in order because the characters continue to develop with each book.

Neat reading about the earlier characters and getting updated on them: Mel and Jack, Brie and Mike, Preacher (John) and Paige, Walt and Muriel, and many more. This book did not have the Shady Brady (Dan) character in it, though.

The two main characters in this one were Luke Riordan and Shel...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 01, 2013 ❀angela rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nook, romance

I know there are a lot of fans who are thrilled with the updates about previous main characters, but I haven't been reading these in order. I was really bored reading about characters I didn't care about, and there were a lot of them. Not just the previous main characters, but newly introduced characters that were thrown in because the author wanted to have three romance plot lines. I'm usually all for secondary characters but one too many things were going on in this book.

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 13, 2012 Jenny E rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-heroine, have-kleenex-handy, on-my-kindle, romance

This was BY FAR my favorite book of the series so far. I really liked the characters, and I could really relate to the heroine and the issues in their relationship. I got choked up a couple times during this story because I could definitely relate to some of the relationship issues and feelings.

This possibly could have been a five-star book, but the repetition gets annoying - re-hashing everyone's story!

Then, the Cameron plotline... I don't even know about that, but this is why I can't quit th...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Julie (Mom2lnb) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Heartwarming, Small-Town Romances

Shelves: contemporary-romance, desert-island-keepers, read-2012

Reviewed for THC Reviews
Robyn Carr has really been on a roll lately with the Virgin River series. When I first started the series, I enjoyed the stories, but wasn't quite as impressed as other readers seemed to be. However, with each book I've read, they seem to keep getting better and better. In Temptation Ridge, Ms. Carr builds on the character of Shelby MacIntyre who was first introduced in Whispering Rock and pairs her with a brand new hero who has just come to town, tough guy and former Bla...more Reviewed for THC Reviews
Robyn Carr has really been on a roll lately with the Virgin River series. When I first started the series, I enjoyed the stories, but wasn't quite as impressed as other readers seemed to be. However, with each book I've read, they seem to keep getting better and better. In Temptation Ridge, Ms. Carr builds on the character of Shelby MacIntyre who was first introduced in Whispering Rock and pairs her with a brand new hero who has just come to town, tough guy and former Black Hawk pilot, Luke Riordan. There are also a couple of secondary romances brewing, we get to visit with all the residents of Virgin River, including all the past heroes and heroines, and say goodbye to another beloved character who has been there since the beginning. I was very saddened by this character's passing, and have to say that I know the author is doing her job very well when she creates a character who seems so real, I can actually cry over their death. As always, coming back to Virgin River is like coming home to visit family.

Luke is the owner of a group of broken down hunting cabins just outside Virgin River. After retiring from the military, he comes to town to fix them up, intending to resell them for a profit, but ends up finding a place where he feels at home. Luke has a reputation as a playboy, but he's a total goner for Shelby from the moment he first sees her on the road into town. Thinking she's too young for him, he tries to keep his distance, but it only takes one look at her for him to prefer her demure innocence over a slutty willing woman he meets in a bar. Almost instantly he begins to loose his taste for casual sex and barely even realizes it. When Luke started getting jealous of his brother, Sean's ability to charm Shelby, it was rather funny, although I think he was only half kidding about murdering Sean for it.:-) Luke may be a little rough around the edges, but he's incredibly gentle with Shelby. He's such a considerate and tender lover, and their love scenes were absolutely perfect. What Luke does for Art, an abused, homeless man with Down's Syndrome is nothing short of wonderful. It all goes to show what a big heart Luke has even though he tries to hide it. I thought it was rather funny that Shelby seemed to be the one who was OK with the casual nature of their relationship, while Luke was the one who was experiencing deeper feelings and beginning to be bothered by her easy-going attitude. In spite of knowing he's falling in love with Shelby, he fights it tooth and nail, in part because of his ex-wife's cruel betrayal. He also thinks Shelby is too young to be tied down to a man who's considerably older than her and that she should experience more of life before making a commitment to any relationship. On the surface this seems like selfless reasoning and I did understand his issues, but Luke was such an incredibly stubborn man, I almost wanted to jump into the story and smack some sense into him. He was ready to give up the only woman who truly loved him for himself and made him happy. Normally, I'm not a fan of a secondary character giving away important information about a main character because it usually takes away valuable relationship development from the couple. However, in this case, without his brother, Aiden's intervention, I'm not sure Luke ever would have come to his senses.

I realized when I was quite a ways into the story that the author was writing most of the scenes from Luke's perspective. We don't get a whole lot of input from Shelby's point of view, so a lot of what we learn about her comes from the way that Luke and the other characters view her and her own actions. Shelby is a very sweet girl who spent several years of her youth caring for an ailing mother. She didn't have to do this. It was her choice, and I think this alone shows what a strong, determined young woman she is. Now that her mother has passed away, Shelby is ready to start a new life and wants to go to nursing school, but first she comes to Virgin River to spend some time with her Uncle Walt and cousin, Vanni. Even though Luke is nothing like the man she'd envisioned for herself, Shelby finds that she is very attracted to him almost immediately. For being shy and sheltered in her youth, Shelby certainly comes out of her shell and blossoms very quickly. She seems to really enjoy flirting and teasing with Luke and then watching him squirm. Shelby is very kind and caring, but she's also very headstrong and independent. She definitely goes after what she wants and what she wants is an experienced, attractive man like Luke to be her first lover. She didn't expect to fall in love with him so easily, but when she believes that Luke doesn't return her affection, she decides that maybe it's time to leave town. I really appreciated that Shelby was so mature about their relationship. Right from the start, Luke was honest with Shelby about not being a commitment sort of guy, so after giving him ample time to express his feelings, Shelby doesn't whine or cry or beg for things to be different. She merely tells him how she feels and leaves the ball in his court. I loved the way Shelby went toe-to-toe with Luke in the last few pages. I was beginning to doubt this couple having an HEA, but Ms. Carr really pulled it off through Shelby's determination and assertiveness.

As I mentioned earlier, there are a couple of secondary romances in Temptation Ridge. First we have Cameron who briefly dated Vanni in Second Chance Pass. I always liked him and thought he would make a good hero. Although I certainly didn't want him paired with Vanni, I was rather disappointed that such a nice guy got left out in the cold. Still, I thought we'd probably seen the last of him when that all ended, so I was very glad when he turned up again in this book. It looks like he has finally found a good match with Abby, one of Vanni's friends. Cameron is a real sweetheart. He's hot, he's a doctor, he loves kids, and he's kind and caring. I can't believe no one has snapped him up yet. I know I'd do it in a heartbeat. I just love how tender and gentle he is with Abby, trying to reassure her and allay her fears. Hopefully, he'll finally get the HEA he's been craving. It definitely looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of Cameron in Virgin River, and I certainly can't say I'm complaining. I think he's going to make a great addition to the community. The other secondary romance is for Walt and Muriel. Muriel is very down to earth for a famous movie star, and Walt is just head over heels for her. They take things to the next level and experience a deepening of their relationship that began in Second Chance Pass. These two show that love isn't just for the young, but also the young at heart.

You can't have a Virgin River book without lots of secondary characters. All the previous heroes and heroines return. Jack and Mel are still the backbone of the town. I just love how Jack reassures Mel that her body is still beautiful to him, although I still think she was being a bit too self-conscious given the circumstances. I was very pleased however, to see that for once Mel was not giving Jack a hard time in this book. She did get a little bossy at one point, except this time it's directed at poor Preacher and his fabulous cooking. She was also a little meddlesome, but this time it was for a good reason and greatly helped a long-time resident of the town. I loved Mel's banter with Doc too. Mike and Brie welcome their first child, and I'm really starting to enjoy the birthing parties the town holds every time a new baby arrives. Preacher and Paige, Paul and Vanni, and Mike and Brie all move into their new homes. I was thrilled to see Joe and Nikki marrying, although I dearly would have loved to see more of this couple. They had really captured my attention with their brief but passionate secondary romance in Second Chance Pass. Tom stopped in for a quick visit before heading to West Point, and I'm really glad to see that he and Brenda are still a couple despite their youth and the long-distance nature of their relationship. We also get a pretty good introduction to Luke's two brothers, Sean and Aiden. Sean is more the carefree jokester, while Aiden is a little more serious and looking to settle down. These two become the heroes of Angel's Peak (#10) and Moonlight Road (#11) respectively.

Virgin River is a very symbiotic community. When Mel said it's almost more like a commune than a town, she couldn't have been more right. I just love the way everyone works together to help everyone else out. It's like a modern frontier settlement where people, in some ways, depend on each other for survival. If only this town were real, I'd love to go there for a visit or maybe even to live, but alas, it only exists in the mind of Robyn Carr. I'm so glad that she has chosen to share it with her readers and will be greatly looking forward to my next visit. I've been very excited for Ricky's story for a long time, and he's next up in Paradise Valley.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 16, 2012 Regina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-also-listened-to, adult-contemporary, romance, listened-to-audio-only, have-from-library, have-in-audio

3.5 stars. An enjoyable installment in the Virgin River series. Temptation Ridge brings some significant changes to Virgin River that set up the little town for more happenings in later books.

I really enjoy all the characters in this series. Temptation Ridge brings some good scenes with Mel and Jack. Mel is back to work and struggling with issues as a new mom of two very young children. Brie has her first child. The main storyline was sweet, passionate and sometimes heartbreaking. There are thr...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2011 Quinn added it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Please bear with me as I stumble through this review. I’ve been sitting staring blankly at the screen for a full minute, because I’m still not sure what I think of this book. It has some absolutely wonderful moments, and some powerfully tragic ones, too. But it seems like it’s taken me six books to finally start getting irritated with things that have bothered other readers right from the start.

For a start: Mel. I’ve never been particularly bothered by her character or the author’s penchant for...more

7 likes · like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance-series

4 STARS

Ready? Shelby is back in VR staying with her uncle Walt while she applies to college, plans a few trips and start to be like other women her age. Her first day back she meets Luke Riordan (new resident in VR). Both are looking for anything but each other but also cannot help but only look at one another. If they go in knowing that they both have other plans then they can be with another and part as friends...or can they?

Art, a 30 year old man with down syndrome, is the other new resident...more

like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads, 2012-romance-challenge

You are introduced to Shelby a little in prior books, she is Vanessa's Cousin who was taking care of her ailing mother. Shelby's mother passes and she finally gets to live her life. She goes to Virgin River to stay with her Uncle at his ranch till she decided what to do. Even before she arrives she meets her fate in the form of Luke, however neither know it yet! Luke is a lot older then Shelby and doesn't want to ruin her life like his was when he was her age of 25. Luke has a lot of baggage and...more

like · see review

Oct 10, 2011 emerald rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved it...that's what I can say. The age gap surprised me initially - how could a romance between a 25 year old and 38 year old work?! But it did, and boy, did it work good! Shelby was an interesting character to read. Sure she's stubborn, youthful, vibrating with energy, but at the same time she is also mature beyond her years. She has a good, genuine heart that you can speak of in just a few pages, but at the core of it all lies a girl that is vulnerable and longing for the regular experien...more

like · see review

Feb 19, 2011 Suzanne Barrett rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Temptation Ridge is Book 6 in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. If one goes online to check out any of Ms. Carr’s books, they will find themselves awash in comments from devoted followers. Why the adulation? Because Ms. Carr delivers on a theme readers the world over, love. Brave military men and the women who love them who live to a code of honor, seemingly missing in today’s gimme, gimme, entitlement era.

I love that this series provides new characters with their struggles while keeping us info...more Temptation Ridge is Book 6 in Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. If one goes online to check out any of Ms. Carr’s books, they will find themselves awash in comments from devoted followers. Why the adulation? Because Ms. Carr delivers on a theme readers the world over, love. Brave military men and the women who love them who live to a code of honor, seemingly missing in today’s gimme, gimme, entitlement era.

I love that this series provides new characters with their struggles while keeping us informed on the previous characters who inhabit tiny Virgin River, her fictional town in the Humboldt County redwoods. That said, I have a few issues with this particular book. While the characters, old and new, are interesting and developed so that I want to see what’s happening next, this is the book where I got a little jaded at the pages and pages of hot, mind-blowing sex. I’m no prude, but there comes a point when a good thing can be overdone, and I found myself skipping pages to get to the plot. Also, and I understand that it is one person creating the scenes, but each character in the boinking episodes seems to do and say the same things as other characters in previous books. I would have preferred some variation on the theme (one of the reasons I really liked the story of Preacher and Paige–he wasn’t a jaded Lothario, used to sex anywhere and everywhere. That made him rather endearing.)

Okay, this is the story of (mainly) Luke Riordan, eldest brother of five Irish American boys. Luke is thirty-eight, recently retired from an Army career flying Black hawks, a veteran of five conflicts and having been shot down three times. He’s also the veteran of a very brief, painful marriage that has left him scarred on the inside, unable to commit to any woman. He meets General Walt Booth’s niece Shelby McIntyre as she arrives in Virgin River to spend time at her uncle’s. It’s instant attraction for both Shelby and Luke, but Luke figures she’s a teenager and off-limits. Shelby is young, just twenty-five, but after years of caring for her ill mother, she’s ready to see life and the things she’s missed. She’s never had a boyfriend, never had sex, and she wants Luke to be the first. Luke attempts to discourage her, but not very hard–after all, this is Virgin River and the author is Robyn Carr.

As Shelby and Luke get better acquainted, friendship turns to something much more satisfying. I found Shelby quite refreshing as an inexperienced girl who knew what she wanted. Luke was harder to warm up to until his gentle side emerged. I liked the way he took Art Cleary, a young man with Down’s syndrome under his wing.

Meanwhile, Walt is falling for retired actress Muriel St. Claire, and the feeling is mutual, even though the five-times-married Muriel wants only an affair.

Early in the story, we’re treated to Joe Benson’s marriage to flight attendant Nikki. Nikki’s and Vanni’s flight attendant friend Abby is a member of the wedding party and she hides the fact that her own marriage is over–has been over for quite some time. She seeks solace in the hotel bar and runs into Dr. Cameron Michaels. They talk, have drinks, and end up in his room for a night of sex. Michaels awakens in the morning and Abby has gone. But Cameron cannot forget Abby and he goes to great lengths to track her down.
Ms. Carr does a fantastic job of tying each of the threads into a finely woven ending, but you’ll have to get your own copy to see how she does it.

As I said earlier, I found the almost nonstop sex a bit tedious, but Mr. Carr redeemed herself with some good conflict, danger, great insight into the human psyche and enough sweeteners to make me anticipate the next story.

(less)

like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Jeannie and Louis Rigod rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Virgin river flows passed the town of Virgin River, somewheres south of Garberville and north of Santa Rosa, California in the mountains. The town comprises of approximately six hundred hearty souls that truly care for each other and try to take care of each other. That to me is the attraction of this series.

This novel revolves around one newcomer to the town and one returning member. Luke Riordan, recently of the Army Black Hawk division finds his way to where he and his brother, Sean had p...more

like · see review

Mar 10, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a good installment. I really liked Shelby and Luke. Shelby was a great romantic heroine. Different from a lot of the typical ones in that she wasn't experienced at all, but she wasn't a fluffy doormat, either. You can definitely see why Luke falls for her.

And why she falls for Luke. *throws ice water in face*

Anyway, there are some sad things that cause tears and some happy things that cause tears and a lot of smiles along the way. In short, a typical Virgin River book.

My one huge compl...more

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 04, 2009 Edna Lyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, contemporary-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was so refreshing after reading book 5. Shelby and Luke were great characters and were absolutely perfect for each other. I think they may be my favorite couple since Mel and Jack. Shelby was a strong, smart, and funny heroine. Luke never had a chance. He was an enjoyable character...an ex-Army pilot who immediately meshed well with everyone. His family, which I'll talk about, provided some great humor. I also really enjoyed how their romance progressed and was resolved at the very end...more This book was so refreshing after reading book 5. Shelby and Luke were great characters and were absolutely perfect for each other. I think they may be my favorite couple since Mel and Jack. Shelby was a strong, smart, and funny heroine. Luke never had a chance. He was an enjoyable character...an ex-Army pilot who immediately meshed well with everyone. His family, which I'll talk about, provided some great humor. I also really enjoyed how their romance progressed and was resolved at the very end. It was fun and felt real that they fell so hard for each other.

The Riordan brothers! All of them are military men so they fit right in. Sean was so charming and funny. He's full of life and seemed like a little troublemaker. Aiden was a bit more on the mature side. He came to the rescue and I loved him for that. I'm excited that each of them have their own books coming out next year. I can't wait to read more about them and hopefully be introduced to Colin and Paddy.

LMAO at Mel's pun about "I don't think there are any virgins left in Virgin River. The birth rate around here is on the rise." seriously a book never goes by without someone getting pregnant or giving birth.

Mel and Jack of course made their appearance in this book but it didn't seem as heavy as other books. Unfortunately, Mel and the town lost the great Doc Mullins. With his feisty spirit, I really thought he'd live until he was 110. I've gotten so attached to these characters, it really felt like I lost a friend.

With that, Virgin River gained Cameron. I was very happy to see that he was in this book. I'm a little iffy on the whole Cam and Abby storyline because it's awfully similar to Joe and Nikki but then again there have been three widow storylines, two of them with the heroine ending up with the best friend. Anyhoo, I think this one has the potential to be better since Cam and Abby seem to be getting to know each other slowly.

As much as I enjoyed the amusing parts with Walt intimidating Luke, I grew a little tired of reading about him and Muriel. I'm sure they'll be just fine after she comes back from LA.

And lastly i'd like to mention Cheryl. I'm glad they brought her back even if it was brief because I was wondering what happened to her. I'm glad she got help. I hope she'll be able to keep it up and maybe even find herself someone.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 23, 2009 Kath rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow. Best in the series so far. It's amazing that you can follow this one with all of the story lines, but the characters are so richly drawn that it's not hard at all. The primary storyline is around Luke and Shelby. Luke has lots of emotional baggage due to a failed marriage, so he's the love em and leave type of guy. Shelby is just beginning her life after spending years taking care of her mother with ailing health. Great story line and great characters. What I enjoyed even more was the story...more

like · see review

Aug 07, 2010 Ruth rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Temptation Ridge (Virgin River) is book 6 (with library books you take what you can get when you can get it). The main couple is Luke--a retired Army Blackhawk pilot who had invested in some cabins which he planned to rehab and sell and Shelby, a twenty-five year old who has spent the last five years caring for her mom who was dying of ALS. Now she is in town to live with her uncle, a retired general, while regrouping. He is one of those guys who isn't looking for marriage. She's a virgin who do...more

like · see review

May 12, 2013 Lara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-tower-team, 2013

I enjoyed this book as it was a bit of a departure from many of the earlier books--no life-threatening violence or scares regarding the main characters. I like the way we keep up with the characters from the earlier books, but not in too dramatic a fashion. I'm glad Cameron made a return--he was too nice of a guy to drop. And I love the story between Walt and Muriel.

We only see a glimpse of Tom and Brenda, who I like but felt that in some ways they were stand-ins for Rick once he went off to bas...more

like · see review

Jul 13, 2010 Ally rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, ebook

Just pointing out I couldn't get a copy of book #5 Second Chance Pass in the series so I weighed my options and decided to continue on with the series without reading it.

This is my least favourite book in the series and I really had to force my way through the story. I didn't like Luke all that much when he was with Shelby, I disliked the way he kept holding back, knowing Shelby had plans for her future and never thought he should be included in them. I liked Shelby I thought she was a well writ...more

like · see review

Feb 22, 2012 Lawana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: robin-carr

Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr

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 AN 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 B...more

like · see review

Mar 16, 2009 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance, military-or-ex-military, own, tearjerkers, my-4-star-romances

Ok, #6 of the Virgin River series and an excellent continuation. If it wasn't for the fact that several more of the series will be released in the future I'd be disappointed in the way certain things were left hanging. But I know that Ms Carr will step up to the plate and tie those loose ends up. This book is focused on Luke Riordan and Shelby McIntyre relationship.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 11, 2011 Bree T rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, library-reads, romance, series, women-s-fiction

In the sixth Virgin River book, Shelby, who is Vanessa’s (from book #5 Second Chance Pass) cousin, is front and centre. Shelby is 25 but based on life experience she might as well be 17 or 18 as she has spent quite a few years caring for her terminally ill mother. Now that her mother has finally passed and Shelby has had time to grieve, she has packed up her belongings, sold the house and come to Virgin River to have a bit of a break and decide what she wants to do with her life. She’s never had...more In the sixth Virgin River book, Shelby, who is Vanessa’s (from book #5 Second Chance Pass) cousin, is front and centre. Shelby is 25 but based on life experience she might as well be 17 or 18 as she has spent quite a few years caring for her terminally ill mother. Now that her mother has finally passed and Shelby has had time to grieve, she has packed up her belongings, sold the house and come to Virgin River to have a bit of a break and decide what she wants to do with her life. She’s never had an opportunity to do anything for herself before, because her life has always been about taking care of her mother and putting her mother’s every need first. She’s never had a job, never gone to college and never had a boyfriend.

Luke Riordan is a former Army Blackhawk pilot who has left the service after doing his twenty years. In his late thirties, he and his brother went halves on a Virgin River property with a neglected house and six little neglected cabins. Luke has a fancy to fix the house up to live in and fix the cabins up to rent out to summer campers, holiday makers and fishermen. In his late thirties and with a string of flings behind him, Luke’s been around a few times. And he’s not looking to settle down now. When Shelby catches his eye, Luke thinks he ought to be locked up for thinking the things he’s thinking about a girl who doesn’t look out of her teens. Finding out that Shelby is a mature 25 doesn’t entirely improve matters, because she’s still as innocent as a fresh, baby-faced teenager.

Shelby is attracted to Luke Riordan. She thinks he might be a perfect way for her to springboard herself into a new life – a little fling, some kissing, some good times before she leaves Virgin River to travel and then do a nursing degree. After all, she’s had plenty of experience being a nurse and she can’t think of a career she’d like to be involved in more.

Luke knows that the two of them aren’t suited in any way. Shelby might say that she’s only after a bit of fun, but Luke doesn’t think that deep down, she’s that sort of girl. And he sure as hell isn’t the commitment and marrying kind so any involvement between them will only end in heartbreak. Plus there’s the fact that Shelby’s uncle is a retired 3-star General and Luke hasn’t been out of the Army long enough not to be intimidated by rank or unable to respect it. He’s determined not to do anything to get him on the wrong side of the General, who’s made it clear that he doesn’t really want Luke anywhere near his niece, who has been like a daughter to him.

Seems like fate might have other plans for these two mismatched people.

Now this is more like it – this one really reminded me how good these books can be. When you have two likable and enjoyable characters as the main love story, it changes everything and I wish I liked others in the books as much as I liked Luke and Shelby. Shelby was a really good character, despite the fact that Luke kept thinking she was like an innocent teenager, she displayed a maturity that was unexpected, especially regarding relationships. That was surprising, given the fact that she’d never been in one and had barely had any interaction with the opposite sex. Sometimes I find the ‘so innocent it hurts’ female protagonist really cliched but Shelby somehow managed to avoid that. She was fresh and fun and a lot more interesting to read than the previous one, her shrill and bossy cousin Vanessa. Although we’re treated to some Vanessa in this book, thankfully it’s not too much and she most remains in the background as a ‘big cousin offering advice’ on the odd occasion.

Luke is awesome – he’s one of, I think, five Riordan brothers that Carr has introduced to spice up the local population although so far we’ve only met Luke and two of the brothers but I’m sure the rest will turn up. It’s great to see an injection of new characters and these ones all look like fairly attractive options! Luke himself was a guy with hidden depths. A tough Blackhawk pilot, a womaniser, the anti-commitment man, he also displayed a really soft and generous side, a compassionate side, which was especially evidenced when he discovered a man with Down Syndrome living in one of the dilapidated cabins that he was fixing up. The man was on the run from an abusive and immoral housing situation and Luke takes him in, buys him clothes, gives him a job and eventually, works out a way in which the man won’t have to go back to his previous situation.

I think Luke and Shelby ended up being one of my faovurite couples in the series so far and this book pulled me right back in when the previous two had started me drifting away a bit. I had the next one out from the library at the same time and although I had intended to wait before starting a new VR book and maybe read a few others in between, I ended up diving straight into book #7 as soon as I finished this one in the hope that it would be just as good.(less)

like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, contempory, favourite-man, favourite-series, favourites, funny, romance, romance-army-etc, virgin-river

THE BEST BOOK EVER.

Loved it- not many books bring me to tears. This one did. I just loved it soooo much.

I loved seeing the old guys and meeting the new ones, i loved the secondary romances and i love Jack. But - i Really loved luke and Shelby they were perfect and so honest and sad and sweet and sexy an fun.

Perfect

1 like · like · see review

Apr 10, 2009 Sherri *The Lady Hillindale* rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Temptation Ridge is the 5th book in Robyn Carr's series about the people in Virgin River, and the 2nd in the 2nd "trilogy". This is mainly Shelby & Luke's story, although others have side stories in the book.

Pro's:
Shelby & Luke - good, believable romance
Luke - tough and masculine hero, alpha male
Mel & Jack - love their continuing storyline
Art - I really enjoyed reading a storyline about a disabled person that wasn't condescending

Con's:
Vanni - cannot stand her character. Too much of a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 27, 2011 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, dec-2011, read-in-2011, sizzling

Probably my favourite in the series....alongside the first book in the series (Jack and Mel). This book probably got me the most teary as well as there were a couple of heart pulling moments in there (had a moment of near panic whilst I was reading waiting for my husband who was at a Doctor's appointment because I could feel the throat tightening and the tears about to come....thankfully didn't burst into tears in the middle of the waiting room lol!!).
I really enjoyed Luke and Shelby's story, th...more

like · see review

Mar 12, 2009 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: march-2009, read-in-2009

I heart Virgin River. I really wish I could move there.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 22, 2010 KimKirt rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-contemporary

You know, I'm just not sure how I feel about this series, I guess I'm on the fence. I've read #2 and now #6 in this series (in that order) and I honestly don't feel like I've missed much between the 2nd and 6th book. I'm not sure if all the books are like this, but Mel and Jack sure do get a lot of airtime, at least in the two I've read, and they are not the main characters.

I couldn't find myself getting wrapped around the main characters in this one, Luke & Shelby. I mean, Luke for all his...more

like · see review

Jan 30, 2012 Aspen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Carr has opened her world of Virgin River for all to experience, and it only gets better with each installment! I found this series by reading the 14th first! The Virgin River Novels do not need to be read in order but definitely ALL of them need to be read. The characters that live, and stumble upon, Virgin River are all unique and will easily be loved from the first page. Carr has created a whole new type of story from so many different POVs and other love stories in the making throughout each...more

like · see review

Aug 28, 2010 Mom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-during-2010

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.

Technic...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (18)

More editions...

Genres

Romance

207 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

108 users

Contemporary

74 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

13 users

Adult

10 users

War > Military

5 users

Literature > American

4 users

Love

4 users

Romance > Romantic Suspense

4 users

Romantic

4 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Robyn Carr

A RITA award-winning author of 25 novels, Robyn Carr has found a whole new following with her stories about the independent women and former marines of Virgin River."

RT's Career Achievement Best Author Award winner (2010) for Contemporary Romance.

More about Robyn Carr...

Books by Robyn Carr

A Virgin River Christmas (Virgin River, #4)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Temptation Ridge

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Temptation Ridge

“He stared at her and his smile slowly faded. He put his hands on his hips. He took a deep breath and felt tears gather in his eyes. “You’re all I need to be happy, Shelby,” he said. “You’re everything I need…”
He actually surprised her. Her arms dropped from over her chest and she gaped at him for a second.
“You’re everything,” he said. “It scares me to death, but I want it all with you. I want you for life. I want what you want, and I want it right now. Everything, Shelby. I want you to be the lead in my shoes that keeps me on the ground. The mother of my children. My best friend, my wife, my mistress. It’s a tall order.” He took a breath.
“If you won’t quit, I won’t.” — 13 people liked it

“...-you know no one wanted to see the old boy go. I bet where ever he is, the fishing's good"
"Given his surely behavior, the fish might be fried where he is,” — 1 person liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Temptation Ridge
avg rating	preview: Temptation Ridge Goodreads rating: 4.24 (4292 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9085752-temptation-ridge?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1282851623l/9085752.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9085752-temptation-ridge?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr[/url]

Temptation Ridge (Virgin River #6)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website