Instant Attraction [Paperback]

Jill Shalvis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2009

The first in a sensational new series, Jill Shalvis introduces Cameron, Stone, and T.J. Wilder--three bad-boy heroes who effortlessly mix breathtaking adventure and scorching sex appeal. . .

Get Wild. . .And Then Get Wilder. . .

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl--working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn't fit in anywhere. That's all she wants. Well, that--and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she's crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed--that part defies explanation. . .

After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he'll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie's killer smile triggers something deep in his gut. . .among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a checkbook is the biggest rush he's ever felt--and an adventure Katie's wishing would never end...

"Jill Shalvis sweeps you away." --Cherry Adair

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The first in a new series by veteran romance author Shalvis hits the ground running. After Katie Kramer survives a devastating accident, she resolves to live life balls out and leaves L.A. for a job with Wilder Adventures in the Sierra Madre mountains. Hunky Cameron Wilder, a champion snowboarder whose career ended with his own devastating accident, appears, and the attraction is instant for both of them. But neither wants a relationship so it's up to the Wilder clan to make them realize that they were meant to be together. What elevates this beyond the standard of the genre is the Wilders, particularly the subplot around Cameron's surrogate mother, Annie, and her husband, Nick. Their relationship problems and love for each other are more authentic than what's found in most romance novels. The Wilder men make great romance heroes while Katie is a great heroine: fearless but vulnerable, bright, charismatic and a great match for Cameron, who is classically reserved and brooding. By focusing on the Wilder family as much as she focuses on the couple, Shalvis thoroughly engages readers as she finds the perfect women for the other Wilder men. (Feb.)
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Product Details

• Paperback: 312 pages
• Publisher: Brava; Original edition (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758231237
• ISBN-13: 978-0758231239
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

New York Times Bestselling author Jill Shalvis wrote THE SWEETEST THING and over three dozen other romance novels including her acclaimed Lucky Harbor series. The 6-time Rita nominee and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog, and http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvis for other news.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An adventurous romance!, February 1, 2009

By 

Laurie (OH - USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Instant Attraction (Paperback)

After surviving a horrendous accident that nearly took her life, Katie Kramer decides that it's time to make some changes and take charge of her life and her future. Deciding to take a temporary bookkeeping job for an outdoor adventure business in the Sierras, she's pleased with her decision. Until, that is, one of the owners of the business arrives unannounced in the night, demanding to know why she's in his bed. Despite this initial misunderstanding, sparks fly between Katie and former snowboard champion Cameron Wilder and she soon finds herself in the middle of her very own fast-paced, wild adventure.
Cameron Wilder suffered a career-ending injury and is struggling with constant pain and a near addiction to pain meds. Having been estranged from his family for several months, his homecoming was a welcome surprise for everyone. Even more unexpected than his return is his instant attraction to Katie. He typically prefers low-intelligence snow bunnies, not smart, sensible, sweet girls like Katie Kramer. His family at Wilder Adventures repeatedly remind Cameron that employees are off-limits to the owners but Cameron can't help himself. He figures they're both adults, they both know that Katie's position is temporary, and when the time comes they'll simply move on. But that plan proves to be less than perfect when it's time for Katie to leave.
Jill Shalvis writes great emotion and has a real talent for injecting just the right amount of humor at just the right time. Cameron and Katie are irresistible. Both are slightly damaged and more than a little vulnerable - imperfect enough to be perfect for each other. Secondary characters with their own stories are an added bonus to the story. I highly recommend this book to all contemporary romance lovers. If you've enjoyed Jill's books in the past, you're going to love this one, and if you're new to Jill, this is the first book in a fun new series - there's no better place to start reading her work!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Instant Attraction Is Another Shalvis Keeper, February 1, 2009

By 

Judy "book reader" (Cincinnati, ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Instant Attraction (Paperback)

Instant Attraction By Jill Shalvis is spectacular. Its everything I enjoy from her books and so much more.

Katie Kramer's new motto is Live Life Balls Out is really put to the test when she takes a temporary job at Wilder Adventures. After surviving a terrible car accident Katie feels she has to push herself to the limit. Late one night she is shocked to find Cameron Wilder claiming she is in his bed. This wasn't at all what she was planning when she wanted new things.

Cameron Wilder has his own demons to deal with after a snow boarding accident. He wondered the world trying to get it out of his mind but has finally returned home to figure out what he truly wants. His first night back "goldilocks" is in his bed. Katie is so different from any other woman he has ever known. And her vow has him reevaluating his own world.

Katie and Cameron both work hard at keeping their problems close to their hearts. But soon realize another survivor like themselves will help them to heal. Their attraction is instant and hot enough to melt any snow. Once Katie's temp job is over will they fight to keep each other in their lives.

Jill Shalvis introduces readers to the fascinating Wilder clan in Instant Attraction. Katie and Cameron are complex characters and their chemistry is explosive. Then secondary romance of Annie and Nick is heartfelt and emotional. This is a well rounded novel and should be on everyone's list to buy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Introducing the Wilders, July 7, 2009

By 

Deborah Verlen "Deborah" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Instant Attraction (Paperback)

Instant Attraction introduces the males of the Wilder family and this first novel features Cameron an ex-Snowboarding champion who was used to adulation, money and women falling into his lap until an accident ended his snowboarding days. Katie Kramer, the heroine, takes a temporary job at the Wilder resort after surviving a horrific bridge collapse that killed 30 others and left her the only one alive.

Many romance novels feature the hero/heroine, some type of plot, and the mechanisms that follow the couple until they fall in love for a happily ever after. Instant Attraction has those elements, but what sets it apart from many other romance novels is the growth of the two main characters. Both Cam and Katie are emotionally damaged individuals from their respective accidents. As their story and love affair progresses, the characters are very real in their feelings, their emotional issues from their accidents, and instead of coming together in an unrealistic fashion where their problems are swept under the rug and conquered by true love--you actually experience their healing and journey towards health and love with them.

Highly recommended if you like some substance to your romance novels!