11 October 2014

Tessa's Temptation Tour Stop!

What happens when the siren becomes the tempted?
College student Tess Burke is on the verge of eviction. Her life changed when her dad was in a bad car accident. He’s been in the hospital for months and making little progress. Desperation is setting in. They’re about to lose everything.
Successful architect Chase Carlisle has made a name for himself among the rich and famous. His work keeps him busy, leaving little time for a social life. When an old family friend contacts him and asks him to care for his vibrant, sassy daughter, Chase feels obligated to take her in; Patrick Burke had helped him when he was a troubled teenager, heading down a path of destruction. If not for Pat, Chase would have never become the man he is today.
The wild child turns Chase’s world upside down, tempting him in ways he can’t resist. The sexy younger woman shows him what he’s been missing the past few years. Their attraction is obvious from the beginning despite Chase’s apprehension to getting involved with Pat’s daughter. Tess wears him down but gets caught in her own trap when she becomes the object of his deepest, darkest desires.

As you have read and heard many times, reviews are the personal opinions of the reader.  The reason I state this now is because Tessa’s Temptation is one of the few times I have to openly disagree with the synopsis that I was given.  I read it and had a picture in my mind of how the characters were going to appear. The more I read the more I felt I had strongly misjudged them going into the book just by the synopsis. 
Tessa Burke wasn’t given an easy ride in life.  Now in her early twenties she has survived her mother issues, her father is in the hospital not recovering from an accident like they expected, money issues are at an all-time high and she is trying to carry on with her own life while handling the out of control issues she didn’t even create.  I found her to be a strong and determined young woman who never had a chance to be a wild child.  I think if you look at the big picture this girl had every right to rebel or be sassy, but she never lost her view of what was important. Sure she had the sexual feelings and desires that other women that age had and face it when you are in the arms of Chase Carlisle, who could blame her but the synopsis said she was wild child, I saw her more as a woman who has learned to use her sassy ways as a mean of survival and this is the first time she has been placed in a role of not needing to take care of everything so she was letting Chase see the real her. 
The second issue I had with the synopsis was when it said Chase felt “obligated” to help Tessa’s dad when he requested that Chase take Tessa with him and care for her.  Chase was a troubled teen, it was Tessa’s dad who took him in for three years and guided him back to a successful path in life.  Now as a successful architect he has the means to give back to Patrick Burke and I never once felt he was obligated but more honored that Patrick trusted him enough to request his help.  I also respected that Chase had genuine feelings for Tessa and didn’t make her feel like a payback project.  It was clear that little beauty was turning him on but he couldn’t get past the age difference and really while growing up she was more of a little sister than future lover.  Balancing out his commitment to Patrick and his desire for Tessa, the author gave us a great story about Chase and his struggle to do the right thing. 
So let me not lead you astray here, yes they are attracted to each other and there are plenty of times Chase’s dilemma of right and wrong didn’t enter the picture.  Meaning there are some great passion filled scenes here between the two.  You also get to be exposed to a psycho, I mean what is a story without a crazy woman trying to cause problems and giving you someone to hate. Over all the part of the story that had my heart was watching Tessa and Chase step out of the shadows of the past and explore who they are meant to be as individuals and as a couple.  The coming together of these two under the most stressful of situations is what made this story begin, but watching those two navigate through the ups and downs trying to find their own kind of balance is what made me put this book in my reread categories.  I felt the book was well written, smooth reading and gives you a range of emotions that will keep you invested in the story. 
Amazon US || Barnes & Noble || ARe
“I wanted to talk about last night.”
“What about it?” Tess turned to look at him, her auburn locks blowing in the light breeze that danced through the porch.
“Tessa, about that kiss…” Chase stared out at the property. “I’m sending all these mixed vibes. I’m never this indecisive.” He was used to taking what he wanted and worrying about consequences later. With her, everything was different. She threw him off balance and made him think about his every move.
“Don’t worry about it. We both know we’re attracted to one another. It happened and it’s not a big deal.”
“It isn’t?” When had she become so mature? Why wasn’t she trying to convince him that they should be together?
“Is that what you wanted to tell me?”
“Not really but if you’re okay with it...” He shook his head; the heat of her breath had lingered on his lips for hours after that kiss. Every time he closed his eyes he felt her sigh against his mouth. “I can’t forget about it. I know I told you we couldn’t be together but none of my reasons make sense anymore. The more time I spend with you the more I want you.”
“Are you saying you want to be with me?”The look of vulnerability in her eyes scared him. She put on a good act when it came to being tough but he knew the truth. There was a sweetness; an innocence about her. One that told him she was still a girl; still on the verge of becoming a woman – who needed to be loved, respected and desired. God help him, but he wanted to be the man to show her all of that, and give her the world. 
“I want to back away from you; I don’t want to let you in.” How much longer could he fight her? Fight these baser instincts?
“Then go.” The certainty in her eyes gave him clarity. This was her last attempt where he was concerned.
“I can’t, Tessa. Your pull is too strong.” He lowered his mouth to hers, focusing on those forbidden lips. The devil did exist. She stood in front of him as the flirtatious redhead who now consumed his mind, body and soul. “I can’t resist your temptation anymore.”
“Then don’t.”
“I’m not sure I’m the right man for you.”
“Why can’t you let me decide for myself?” She let out a frustrated breath. “I’ve been making choices about my life for a long time. I don’t need you to do what you think is best for me. That’s not helping either one of us. All you’re doing is making both of us miss out on something wonderful.”
He admired her spirit. That vibrant spirit and uninhibited determination. “I know you’re capable of making your own choices.” He kissed a path to her ear. “You’re capable of so many things. I want to be the man who helps you realize all of your dreams.” He moved his mouth along her jaw and back to her lips. “I can’t fight this anymore. I won’t.”
“It’s about time.” She kissed him, sweeping her tongue inside his mouth. “We’ve been doing nothing but wasting time,” she said when she finally stopped for a breath.
“No, we haven’t.” He took her face between his hands. “We have all the time in the world. We can take everything slow. I want you Tessa, but after our explosive chemistry in the study, I think moderation is in order.”
“Would you be this controlled with anyone other than me?”
“No.” That was the truth. Patience was not a virtue in his world.
“Then why?”
“Because I care about you. I don’t want to screw this up.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t be so surprised. I’ve grown quite fond of you.” He kissed her softly. “I want to do this right for a change.”
“You don’t need to be so careful with me.”
“I do. Trust me.” He stroked her soft cheek. “Why don’t you get some breakfast while I shower?”
“I could shower with you…” She grinned provocatively. “That might be fun.”
“Don’t tempt me.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “When you’re ready we’ll go get those pumpkins, maybe visit your dad and then stop somewhere for a late lunch. How does that sound?”
“Like a date?” She trailed her finger down his chest to his waistband. “I’d love to.”
“Perfect.” He kissed her one more before pulling away. At this rate they’d never leave the porch. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Are you sure?” She gripped his biceps, pulling him back to her. “We could stay here and just… get to know one another.”
Good God, but she was a cheeky addiction! 
“I love your fearlessness but we’ll stick with my plan.” He tapped the tip of her nose with his finger. “We’ll leave in an hour.”
“Fine,” she huffed as she walked over to the porch swing. “I’ll be ready.”
He laughed as he made his way into the house, dropping his mug off in the sink before hurrying up the back staircase, taking two steps at a time. The faster he showered, the sooner they could be together. Tessa was right, he had been wasting time, but no more. Today was a new day, full of so many possibilities.
He stripped out of his pajama bottoms and t-shirt while he waited for the water to heat up in the large, master shower. Thoughts of her wet, soapy and naked with him in the stall did nothing for his persistent erection. He stepped into the shower and let the hot water flow over his tense muscles. The multiple shower heads drenched his skin as the heavy steam filled the room. He closed his eyes and let his mind disengage, but then the stall door opened.

***
Would you stay up to read the next chapter? lol

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.
She loves connecting with readers. You can find her here...

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