Limecello’s review of Instant Gratification (Wilder Trilogy, Book 2) by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary romance released by Brava 30 Jun 09

Instant Gratification may very well be my favorite book I’ve read this year. I really enjoy Jill Shalvis’s writing style, and tone. It’s distinct, and comfortable. Instant Gratification is the second in Ms. Shalvis’s trilogy about the Wilder books. I enjoyed Instant Attraction, but loved Instant Gratification. (I cannot wait for Instant Temptation.)

I’ve actually never done this before, but I limited my reading of this book so I would have something to go to the next day. I’ve been suffering from reading ennui, and have had the necessity to sleep at a normal hour. And let me tell you – reading about Stone and Emma’s romance is a terrific way to end your day.

Emma Sinclair is a great heroine. She’s a doctor, one that works in an ER in Manhattan, actually, but she’s gone to take over her estranged father’s practice in Wishful, California. Emma is very smart, but a lot of fun too. I really enjoyed following her along her journey of self discovery. It was nice to see Emma develop emotionally as a person, and as she grew closer to Stone. There were a lot of layers to Emma, and every part fit perfectly, and added just what it was supposed to in this book.

Stone Wilder is my favorite type of hero. He’s strong, capable, generally happy with his lot in life, has good interpersonal relationships, and is in love with the heroine. I have to say, I love it when the hero pursues the heroine, and not vice versa. Stone is smart, but unassuming. His best qualities aren’t ones that are normally listed on paper – not something you’d put on a resume. This makes people discount him, but people that know him well like and respect Stone. He’s an all around good guy, who wants to make life as pleasant and easy as possible for everyone around him. I want one. (A Stone Wilder, that is.)

It took me a bit to come up with a review for this book. Reading it just made me so very happy. Words floated around my head like “Ms. Shalvis is a genius at writing.” Or “Ms. Shalvis is a master at her craft.” And, I think both fit. Instant Gratification made me laugh, want to cry, and most importantly, squee. There are so many cute and sweet moments. Even the setting is perfect. It’s clear that Ms. Shalvis knows the area, and has done her research. I could picture so many of the places in my mind perfectly, yet the descriptions never weighed the story down.

I really liked all the secondary characters and their stories, but it was nice that each and every one worked to build Emma and Stone’s relationship, not distract from it. Emma and Stone are so perfect for each other, and complement each other exactly. There’s a satisfying amount of sweet moments, humor, heat, and conflict. I liked that both Emma and Stone were able to grow and focus on themselves, while developing their romance.

The fact that TJ’s book (Instant Temptation) doesn’t come out until April 2010 makes me want to cry a little bit. I’m wondering why I haven’t read more of Jill Shalvis’s books. I definitely can’t wait for her new ones, and highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great romance. This book made me happy.

Grade: A+

Summary:
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Wishful, California, is 3000 miles from Dr. Emma Sinclair’s last job in a New York City ER. It may as well be another galaxy. Here, running her father’s clinic for a summer, Emma treats bee stings, stomach flu, and the occasional pet cat. Plus, she has to contend with patients like Stone Wilder: gorgeous, laid-back, and irritating beyond belief. The man laughs at her. A lot. And Emma loathes him. All except that tiny part of her that wants to throw him on her examining table and break every doctor-patient rule in the book. When Stones tries to help Emma learn to loosen up a bit, he pictures white-water rafting or scenic mountain hikes. Not a mind-blowing affair that shakes them both to the core. Emma’s sure she has no place in a town like Wishful, but Stone knows different. Emma belongs here – in this town, in his life. It is convincing that this strong-minded, stubborn, sexy woman of that fact will be a challenge no Wilder man could resist.
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Read an excerpt here.