Review: Amazing, emotionally driven story
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 22, 2013
“I don’t want to feel like I’m always screwing up. I want to feel loved. I really do.”Lila's been living with a secret that's eating away at her soul, leaving a shell of the woman she wants to be. She presents a tough shell of beauty and perfection, but underneath all she has ever wanted was to be accepted and loved. Now that her best friend has moved out of town in pursuit of her happiness, Lila starts spiraling out of control. Partying, drinking and sleeping around. Her life is on a downward spiral and her only source of comfort is the boy she least expected to be her rock.“I’m not looking for a relationship. They’re ugly, raw, brutal, painful, life destroying. They exist only in the hearts of the needy and I don’t need anything from anyone. I’m perfectly content being alone, hiding in the desolate place inside myself.”Ethan has been living with guilt, regret and heartache since the night he walked away from the one girl who had meant anything to him. Unable to move forward with his life and escaping a life of abuse, he finds solace in drinking and women. He is not relationship material, but it feels great to be able to be with someone he can connect to and let go with. Although attracted to Lila from the moment he met her, he treasures the friendship they've developed and doesn't think he can offer her much. But when he sees her struggling, he can't help but be there for her. Even as he struggles with the past that has come up to haunt him.This is the time to decide which one to let go - Lila or his past.Once again, Jessica Sorensen delivers an amazing, emotionally driven story about of two people learning to let go of their past in order to be able to start planning for a real future. Their journey was a treat to read and I wouldn't change a thing about it. From the start, I was drawn into the story by the intensity and the impact of the events that were taking place. I felt for the characters as individuals and cheered them on as a couple as the story progressed. From friends to confidants to lovers, Lila and Ethan's story was packed-full of emotions. It was edgy and rough. It was beautiful."This isn't just about sex. There is so much more to it than that. We have a connection. We have since the day we met."Their struggles differed but both wanted the same thing out of life - to be loved and be happy. Accepted without 'IFs' or 'BUTs'. After many struggles, honest interactions, explosive moments and frustrations, Lila and Ethan come to a place in life where they were able to move forward. They relied on each other, they laughed, they cried and they loved.Although The Temptation of Lila and Ethan is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone. Then again, why would you miss on such a wonderful cast of characters. Their stories will tug at your heartstrings and will leave you wishing all of them the happily ever after they deserve.I receive this title from the publisher in exchange of my honest opinion.