Within Temptation

Sons of Temptation #1

by Tanya Holmes

Category: Romantic Mystery/Romantic Suspense. This is not erotica or romantica. This is a romance centered around a murder mystery.

Heat Factor: 3 out of 5 -- The sexual tension is high, and the burn is slow. Sex is character-driven, rather than plot-driven.
================================

Love, betrayal and murder in a small town.

Twelve years after her mother's murder, Shannon Bradford fears she may have helped convict an innocent man. Even worse, her prominent family may have had something to do with it. Desperate for answers, she seeks help from the one person least likely to give it. Her best friend and childhood crush, Trace Dawson. The man she sent to prison.

Serving hard time for murder has left Trace angry and bitter. As far as he's concerned, digging into the past won't replace the years he's lost or erase the hell he's lived. Now that he's free, Shannon Bradford tops his list of bad memories. But he never counted on falling in love.

Set in a sleepy little town during the dead of winter, this award-winning romance novel is a tale of one woman's quest for truth and a man's struggle to forgive…

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Suspense, Adult

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2014

About the author

Amazon Bestselling Author Tanya Holmes is a Golden Leaf double-finalist, a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist, a recipient of the Maggie Award, the MICA Award, as well as Overall Winner of the Sandy Haddad Award and a two-time finalist and one-time winner of The Emily (Best of the Best). She's happily married with children and loves reading, writing and a good cup of coffee---but not necessarily in that order.

About Me: http://about.me/tanya.holmes
Tanya on Amazon: Author.to/TanyaHolmesOnAmazon
Sign up to receive updates: http://eepurl.com/bMwVVP
Tanya's Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/85761...

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Review posted November 8, 2015

Me before reading Within Temptation…


Me during the reading process…


After putting this book down to plow through a highly anticipated ARC that turned out to be a great read, I'm not really feeling motivated to invest a lot of time to review Within Temptation. I picked it up again, got to the finish line and in between rolled my eyes a couple times due to all the ridiculous drama towards the end and a terribly annoying heroine who ruined everything for me. I loved and devoured the awesome series The Darkest Frost: Volume 1 and The Darkest Frost: Volume 2. That's why it saddens me very much to admit that Within Temptation fell short and was a pretty huge letdown for me. The only aspect that I really liked about Within Temptation was the sexy hero, the writing and some of the smexy bits.

According to GR, a two-star rating means it was an ok read. I'm giving it an additional half star thanks to Trace, but have to downgrade to two stars because the finish was anything but ok, let alone good.

Anyhoo…

I must tell y'all that I'm surrounded by different dialects every day, even different languages. This is not a problem at all, and I'm sorry to say that y'all got on my last friggin' nerve. I tried and it's not about being lenient or more open-minded. I guess I came to a point where I crossed a certain line and couldn't take it anymore. And that terribly annoying chick of a heroine? My saying she acted like an uptight virgin…hell, turns out she was one--at twenty-six! I'm very sorry that Shannon had to go through all this, but it doesn't change the simple fact that I couldn't warm up to her. I disliked her greatly. She was sexually and emotionally very immature (similar to YA or NA heroines) and this marriage charade did irritate the living daylights out of me! Geez. I was past the 80% mark and she hadn't called it off yet. Honestly, I couldn't have cared less about her and her busy-as-a-bee-daddy fiancé. Darien here and Darien there and Darien every-friggin-where. Yeah, and how dare she have feelings *sarcasm* for Trace when she's about to get hitched in four months? After all, she knew that she wasn't in love with Darien. Seriously. I can't.

Of course she had to cause a predictable *cue eye roll* and totally ludicrous scene at 83% when Trace's ex came to his home to collect her stuff. Instead of asking a couple questions, the dumb cow bolted. Something else that annoyed me was how she kept 'defending' her horrible mother. It was unbelievable! Her mother hit her, abused her emotionally and physically and…well…I friggin' can't! Oh, yeah, and let's stop blaming her past. Something else, writing a heroine who is saddled with baggage and a crappy childhood isn't a guarantee that a reader will connect with her, let alone empathize with her.

As I saw it, she was terribly and inexcusably naïve.

He wore white OBVIOUSLY boxer briefs and nothing else. I'd never seen underwear like them. The crotch had an anatomical pouch that was quite…large, giving his sex room to…er…hang.

WTH? Has she been living on the moon??

Or this…

My eyes drifted open, and the first thing I saw was the enormous erection straining his boxers.
I stifled a gasp. Dear God, now it was even bigger.

Yep. Dear.God. I wanted to bang my head on a table. Is this woman for real?? I'm positive that an eighteen-year-old virgin would not act like her and she was twenty-six!


Plus, add in the old baby plot and I was even more thrilled. NOT.


It wasn't a bad book by any means and Holmes does write beautifully sensual scenes. I also enjoy her writing style but Within Temptation wasn't my cup of tea at all. Trace was the only reason why I finished the book.



Favorite quotes

“Your opinion of me is quite clear,” I said, “so why didn’t you just let that Jeep mow me down?”
“Simple. I would’ve done the same for a dog.”
Even as my eyes widened in shock, his stayed cold and dead.
“Now go tell your bloodsucking family and your troll of a fiancé how I threw your little olive branch back in your face.”
Pain squeezed my heart. “You really hate me, don’t you?”
He studied me, blinking in that lazy way of his. “To be honest, I don’t feel much of anything where you’re concerned.”


“It’s none of your business.”
“What? Your sex life?” He cocked his head and frowned. “Hell, do y’all even have one?” Before I could tell him to kiss my ass, he added, “Trust me. If he’s not getting it from you, he’s getting it somewhere.”
I seared him with a glare. “Your crudity is astounding.”
“I’m just giving you my humble opinion. Nothin’ more.”
“You don’t know the first thing about humility.”
“Really.”
“Yes, ‘really.’ You’re too full of yourself.”
A slow, wicked grin eased across his lips. “Maybe so. But I’d bet the farm you wouldn’t mind being full of me too."


We weren’t doing salsa anymore. This was something quite different. This was… foreplay. “Yeah, just like that,” he whispered. “Now slow it down and follow my lead.”
His ‘lead’ was hard, long, and pressed firmly against my spine. Even so, I did as I was told, moving just as he moved, until the music wrapped around us so completely nothing but the dance existed. I closed my eyes and surrendered to the heat, to the drums, and to the hard body moving so sensuously against mine.


“Take a wrong turn?” he asked, ice dancing in his eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
His jaw worked. “Four days, two hours, and twenty-three minutes of sorry. You get my messages?”
I nodded in shame. “I just…”
"Got scared.”


Trace touched my mouth with his fingertip, pressing past the barrier of my lips until my teeth parted. My breath rushed in on a gasp as he penetrated and explored. All the while, he stared down at me, his intent sure.
Before I could stop myself, I’d sucked and drawn his finger in deeper. He swore softly and his nostrils flared. After I realized what I’d done, I shamefully jerked my head away, dislodging him, but the seductive taste and feel of him remained.
"Look at me,” he commanded.


Trace made love to my mouth. His passion bled into me in degrees, and soon our tender, exploratory kisses turned feverish and desperate. He kissed my cheeks and my eyes, only to plunder my lips again, and what he gave, I gave back, tongue for tongue, breath for breath.



Minor and major quibbles aside, I'm actually very excited to read Cole's story which is due out next year!


If you haven't read anything by this author yet, then start with her fantastic PNR series The Darkest Frost: Volume 1 and The Darkest Frost: Volume 2. The books must be read in order.

[♡Karlyn P♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* 'Wow, this book ended on a high note! Whew!' Stars

ETA: Update - New release date moved up to May 2014

WITHIN TEMPTATION is a solid, well-plotted, and sexy romance suspense set in Temptation, West Virginia. And it is a DEBUT novel, which seriously blows me away! I have read many veteran authors in this genre who never came close to the writing quality and plot-building of Tanya Holmes. She uses alternating first-person POV of both the hero and heroine, so we get to see the story and romance unfold in real-time from their perspective. I am used to seeing this writing style in new-adult romances, but this is the first time I've seen it in romance-suspense. And it worked great.



The Crime
The story circles around the 12-year old murder of Shannon's mother Lilith Bradford, and the release of Trace Dawson from prison. He was found guilty of the murder based on bogus evidence and circumstances that were carefully crafted to pin the murder on him. The town folks nicknamed him the Butcher Boy, and his return home is anything but warm and welcoming.


Shannon Bradford
Shannon's testimony was key to convicting Trace of her mother's murder, but she now questions everything she claimed to have witnessed. She has many lost memories, and as some start to return things do not add up. She suspects foul play, and turns to Trace for help tracking down the truth. But is this rich and privileged woman on to something, or are the memories of her childhood crush on Trace just confusing her?



Trace Dawson
Trace just wants to lie low and get his probation over with so he can leave this town, but the town folks are making it impossible. His employer and longtime friend Cholly is suffering a back-lash from hiring Trace, and the bane of his existence Shannon is insisting he help her find out the truth of what really happened twelve-years ago.


Trace and Shannon are from opposite worlds; she is from the rich and privileged, and he is from the poor and disadvantaged. They met as kids and formed a special bond of friendship. As different as their worlds were they shared many similarities -- including abusive parents. Now adults, their class difference is even more blaring, but their bond soon returns and it sparks a deep and passionate romance that defies all social expectations of them.

My Thoughts
WITHIN TEMPTATION is a multi-layered suspense where nothing is as it seems. As one thing is uncovered more questions arise, a pace that continues until the final reveal which rocks the town. I loved how the mystery was done in layers, and how there was more than one person 'guilty' of this or that, yet not everyone understood the connections of what their part meant. Most suspense stories pin all the bad stuff on one person, but in this case 'guilt' was multi-layered based on the different contributions to the whole. That really brought my rating up! There is a 'bad guy', you just have to keep pealing back those layers.



As you can tell, I really enjoyed this one! It started a bit slow and I had some early concerns, but as it picked up the pace I became glued. It really picks up at the halfway point, and the first half lacks much 'romance' or 'suspense'. That part of the book lays down much of the story that will build on the rest of the book.

The romance was sweet, steamy, passionate, and believable. Oh, I have no doubt that these two are going to live the best and most well deserved HEA, even despite the large social class differences between them. This is a definite 'must read' for romance suspense fans.

ARC provided by the author Tanya Holmes in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Tanya!

And thank you to Didi for this awesome book recommendation. I now owe you one. ;-)

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS OR 10+++++++/10!!!!!!

THIS IS A DEBUT? INCREDIBLE.

I LOVED THIS. It was the best RS I've read to date. It had me hanging on every word, breath, shadow...looking for an answer to solve the ridiculously good and absorbing mystery of a wrongfully accused man and a woman viciously murdered at his supposed hands.
Trace has been in prison for 12 years, paying penance for a murder he was accused of committing. The book starts out with Trace's release. He's only been out for hours and already the hell storm is starting.

Shannon Bradford helped put Trace away. 12 years later, she is second guessing herself, doubting what she thought she knew. But she was 14 years old when she spoke out against Trace. Her best friend, her supporter, her crush. He was18 at the time and through a series of misfortunate events, he became the lead suspect and eventual guilty party in a case wrought with inconsistencies and outlandish claims.

But now, Shannon seeks the help from the one man she fears had been wrongfully imprisoned. She seeks the truth and deep down knows Trace didn't kill her mother. She's also suffering from some sort of amnesia. She doesn't remember things she should, she doesn't remember seeing what she supposedly saw...so what is happening? Where are her memories? Who REALLY killed her mother?

Trace is bitter and resentful. His family has paid and suffered from his imprisonment. The sleepy town of Temptation is out to flay him and turn his freedom to hell. When Shannon approaches him he's suspicious, angry and says hurtful things. But eventually through her persistence and ability to connect with Trace she wins his reluctant aid in shedding light on a murder committed long ago in cold blood. But underlying all this secrecy is an attraction and love many years in the making. Trace and Shannon reconnect in many ways and it was a beautiful undertone throughout the book.

This book was INCREDIBLE. The pacing was perfect. I loved the guessing, anticipating and eventual surprise of the real murderer. It was shocking! Never did I suspect this person! This is also a book meant to be read almost blind. Read the synopsis and that's it. I won't give anything away in this review.
It's told in first person alternating POV and it worked beautifully. There was no repetitious scenes or conversation. That's the best way alternating POV works. I don't want to read an alternate POV of the same scene.

Trace was...kind and thoughful, sweet and giving, loyal and loving. His bitterness didn't define him. His resentment didn't overshadow what he knew was right. He admitted when he was wrong and sought justice for himself, his family and Shannon.
Shannon was a great heroine. She didn't leave buried a secret years in the making. She was often discouraged by her family and made to feel crazy and overly emotional. She often succumbed to societal, familial and personal pressure. She was never given the understanding or patience she deserved. Except from Trace, who treated her as an equal. But in Temptation they were not equals.

Shannon was rich. Trace was poor. Shannon was university educated. Trace was not.

These differences are man made and not subject to our heart's desires. This was an atmospheric small town story with big time crime...crime layered in lies and deceit.
This book had everything and the sexy time was done right. I don't like multiple pages of sex where the scenes become more about endurance and shock value than good ole' fashioned sensuality. TH writes her sexy time with a fierce and focused rawness. It reminded me of Linda Howard where the sexy time makes a much larger impact because of the way it's written not how long it is. Tons of sexual tension...lots, I loved that build up.

Although this doesn't release till May, put it on your radar...add it to your books. I can't say enough good things about it. Could not put it down unless I had to....LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT.

Cover release: March 25/14
Book Release: May 12/14

As posted at www.choicebookreviews.net

***Arc kindly provided by the author for review ***

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This book is now available for download ....

This is the story of Shannon and Trace. Trace is just out of prison, after 12 years. He was convicted of murdering Shannon's mother. Shannon fears that she might have helped convict an innocent man, Trace, and wants to try and rectify the matter. Trace, obviously wants nothing to do with her. He wants to serve his parole and get out of town pronto.


Trace is bitter and resentful. He always protested his innocence. This is set in the town of Temptation. Shannon is now engaged to the town's eligible bachelor and is a successful Realtor.
She was 14 when Trace was sent to prison. He was 18. They always had a connection and that connection was still there.


It was Didi who mentioned that this read like a Linda Howard book - yes, it did. And that is perfectly fine with me. If I was the author, I would be delighted to be compared to the fantastic Ms Howard. I know the setting is contemporary but it had a sort of olde worlde feel to me, like it was set many years ago. Also sort of like the older Sandra Brown novels that I have just discovered. Atmospheric. Not sure why but, as I said I was not complaining as I am a fan of those sort of books.


I started the book and then stopped to read something else and found it a bit hard to get back into it. But once I was about half way through, it all started happening. The lies, the deceit, the sexual tension, the bitterness.

This is a "Debut novel” and I must say I was very impressed with it.

Of course with small town life, memories do not fade quickly and Trace is shunned when he returns. Shannon has always felt she had to hold herself higher than others because of her mother's reputation.

I am a bit of a sucker for opposites attracting. He is from the wrong side of the tracks. Her family is like royalty in the town.


I must say the sex scenes were fairly smokin' hot. Just like I like 'em!

He hadn't kissed me, yet I knew his touch. Hadn't swept his tongue inside, yet I knew his taste.
He sucked my lips, testing and tasting, until I'd unfolded like a rose beneath the sun's command.

Leaves dances mini funnels over the grass. The sun had just begun to set and a thin, golden arc crowned the autumn-colored treetops and hills.

A life lived in fear is a life half lived

I was literally kept guessing until the last minute. This is the first book in this series and I am really intrigued to read the second one which is about Trace’s brother, Cole.


There were also a lot of songs and music references in the book which I love…. She didn’t mention The Boss but as she does not really know me, I will let her off …. This time.



*** Angie, Didi, Jill …. Your reviews made me check out this author and request an ARC which she kindly provided

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery



‘Geographically speaking, I was free, but I still thought like a con. Still felt like a caged animal. Something told me that to survive this place, I’d have to define stuff in terms of Gainstown. Nothing made sense outside of it.’

‘I’m the butcher boy of Temptation’
Trace just finished doing a 12 year bid in prison when he spots the one responsible for keeping him behind bars. Shannon Bradford. And ironically he ends up coming to her rescue on the day of his release.

Oh how fate likes to bring up unfinished business.

Murderer:
The small town has a long memory and Trace being back in town does not please the people. Shannon found Trace that fateful day over her own mother’s dead body murder weapon and all. Problem is things are a bit hazy for Shannon about that day her memory seems to not missing pieces of what happened. A discovery leads her to confront Trace. In her heart she knows he did not kill her mother but she can’t shake the images. He was there that day over her dead bloody body.
But, if not him then who killed her?

Trace and Shannon have a history, with a 4 year age difference Shannon was in love with him as a teen but in teen years a 4 year gap can make a BIG difference. Therefore their relationship remained in the friendship zone.

Oh how fate likes to show us what we need.

Temptation:
Ever since his first day back in town, ever since he and Shannon came within close proximity to one another it’s been there…this slow burn and yearning for one another. They both feel it whether they like it or not.

Oh how fate likes to tempt us.

“Here’s the thing, I see you sometimes and it’s –it’s like my brain objects, but my body has other ideas. Try as I might, I can’t stay away. And you…” He paused to half smile. “Can’t seem to stay away from me either.” -Trace

A reluctant Trace eventually caves and decides to help Shannon put together the missing pieces. Only learning the what and who behind his imprisonment leads them down a path to crazy town; where everyone is a suspect.

In the midst of all this Trace and Shannon find it hard to keep their hands off one another. Fiancée be damned. Oh, did I not mention her engagement? Hmm, must of slipped my mind *shrugs* Tanya Holmes manages to lightly sprinkle in some VERY SEXY times between these two in a way that does not over take the story. Trace is harboring a lot of anger and bitterness inside. Never the less while has he tried to keep his feelings toward Shannon in the non romantic atmosphere the smog of lust takes him on a ride. One she will never forget if you know what I mean *wink,wink*

‘I knew his scent, his touch. How it felt to have his mouth close around me. And he knew what I tasted like, knew me in ways no man ever had.’ -Shannon



My Thoughts
This was a pleasant surprise, it’s not often a book meets your expectations however Within Temptation by Tanya Holmes did just that! A perfect mix of Romance-suspense-and mystery there never a dull moment in Temptation. Her characters are beautifully layered as she reveals their hidden truths in soft tender moments and some in highly charged emotional moments.

What I found interesting was that Holmes did not allow Trace to be a tortured male..Bitter, yes. Angry, yes. But not a tortured soul, although he could have been once you hear his story and some of the things he goes through after his release. The whole situation with his parents and his brother that alone is enough to leave one tortured but not Trace. Those things hurt him yet they did not define him or leave him broken to the point of no return.
And the best part was he did not run from his feelings for Shannon once he recognized them for what they were. LOVE!

One thing is for sure you will fall in love with Trace I have no doubt in my mind about that.

Fave Scene hands down was the dance scene. HOLY HOTNESS can I get a Trace of my own?!?

My Rating and Why
Within Temptation gets 4 STARS for having a great plot, smoking hot characters and for being well written. Just when I thought it was going one way it took a sharp turn and took another. Good job at keeping me on my toes Holmes!

My Ratings
Characters- Sexy, Sexy and Innocent (Pun intended)
Writing Style- Purposeful, favorable my preferred cup of tea
Plot/Storyline- Man is released from prison only to be confronted about his past and questioned about his role on the day of the murder he was convicted of. Did he really do it?
Steam Factor- High/Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 7
Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I say High this book kept me guessing
Overall- I LOVED IT!
My Recommendation: READ IT!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/realitybitesletsgetlost


*Copy kindly provided by the author for an honest review*

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may be on parole, but you're still the warden of your own penitentiary. So, between the two of us, who's the real prisoner, darlin'?"

Wow. As far as debut novels goes, this was superb. I couldn't believe this was Tanya Holmes' first novel. I'm not even sure how to best describe what I read just now. Think soap opera (or Dallas) on steroids, with a murder mystery thrown in, and a romance expertly interwoven into the suspense. Makes sense? Well it did in my head.

This is not erotica or romantica. This is a romance centered around a murder mystery.

Heat Factor: 3 out of 5 -- The sexual tension is high, and the burn is slow. Sex is character-driven, rather than plot-driven.

That sums it up perfectly actually. The romance is not the front and center of this book, but it is perfectly weaved around the story. Tanya did a perfect job of creating a slow burning romance between 2 characters without it taking away from the overall plot and mystery. This was not action packed, edge of your seat suspense. What it was, was a nail biting mystery that kept you guessing until the very last page. I enjoyed it thoroughly and can't wait for more from this author.

Trace Dawson has spent 12 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit. What's worse is it was the testimony of a little girl that he cared for immensely that sent him there. To say he's bitter and resentful would be putting it mildly. He's out now and doesn't want anything to do with digging up the past, or dealing with the woman that swore in court that he was the one responsible for the murder of her mother.



He's concentrating on his present and attempting to live in a town that will forever see him as the "butcher boy" of Temptation. He's ostracized and forced to deal with the constant gossip and pointed fingers of the small townspeople. So when Shannon attempts to right her wrong and tell him that she may have made a mistake all those years ago, he's not exactly receptive to the idea.



Shannon is guilt-ridden over possibly sending an innocent man to jail, and the thought that her prominent and rich family may have also had a hand in it doesn't help matters. She wants to right that wrong...if only Trace will give her the time of day.

Beneath the hate, guilt, and resentment there is a strong undercurrent of lust that flows between them...even if both Trace and Shannon do their best of fighting their feelings

You're too full of yourself."
A slow, wicked grin eased across his lips.
"Maybe so. But I'd bet the farm you wouldn't mind being full of me too."

I loved the slow burn here. The author does an excellent job of building the sexual tension and really making you understand the connection between these characters. The romance, although not predominant, was still incredibly satisfying.

I'm about to take you someplace you've never been, and when you come back, you'll always remember it was me who took you there.

I think I loved this book as much as I did because of Trace. He was such a great character. My heart broke for him and everything that he has endured and continues to endure. Shannon...well Shannon was probably the one thing that kept this from a 5 star read for me.

There's an element present here that is usually a turn off for me in most books a somewhat love triangle. It could have worked, if not for a few minor things.

Shannon is engaged to the prosecuting attorney that is responsible for sending Trace to jail. Fine. Shannon isn't really in love with him but can't bring herself to end the relationship because of the comfort. OK. Things begin to happen with Trace that further proof her feeling for him and her lack of feelings for her fiance. Yet she still doesn't end the relationship. I could have understood all that...maybe. But the fact that the fiance had to be made the bad guy and be cheating on her the whole time in order to be the catalyst that finally makes her leave him? I could have done without that. I really wish that Shannon could have had the strength to leave him for her lack of feelings alone.

All that aside, this was an amazing debut novel that I would strongly recommend for anyone that loves a mystery and romance.

Told in alternating 1st person POV

And I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book with Trace's brother, Cole. That one sounds like it's going to pack a hell of punch.

***ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an hones review***

For more reviews visit

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Riveting Stars!! Ding Ding Ding …we have winner!! I dove in and didn’t come up for air. It consumed me and when I turned the last page I was spent! That’s the way I like my romantic suspense...leaving me breathless!!

Okay…I’m impressed! This book could easily be turned into a movie script and what a movie it would be!! I love a good mystery, and boy oh boy, this was right up there at the top and could give some of my favorites a run for the money!

Very close to being a 5 star read, barring one or two issues, things I didn't feel were either necessary to the plot, or didn't work for me in the overall scheme of things When Shannon finds Trace dancing, I found it to be a little weird. Also, when they claimed to have fallen in love with each other, understandable on her part, not so much on his considering their ages at the time, but might not bother other readers. However, the mystery/suspense portion worked extremely well, and the author did a fantastic job baiting the reader and then luring them along. At one point I thought for sure I had it figured out, and I didn't. The story chips away gradually until you finally have a handle on what really happened all those years ago. I honestly couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

Trace...Trace...Trace. *Dreamy sigh* It disgusted me to read what he'd been through and sickened me to see the torment continue when all he wanted to do was move forward. His understanding of Shannon's predicament as a young girl, and never holding her fully responsible for what happened to him, floored me. What a boy, what a man!! Trace was fiercely protective of Shannon, as she was of him. I thought I was going to hate her, but quite the opposite, I admired her strength and the way she retaliated and showed no fear when Trace was being harassed and then did everything in her power to right the wrong. The sexual tension between Trace and Shannon was there throughout the read, but the author played it right, she didn't rush them into sexual intimacy, she let them burn for each other...slooooowly! In order for them to find balance and form a relationship, they had to trust first and believe in each other, and when that was all in place...YOWZA!!

This was a very well done intense and intriguing romantic suspense, and on top of that a pretty damn amazing debut book. The alternating first person points-of-view worked quite well, and it was rich with dialogue which is always a plus in my book, any book for that matter. The author keeps the reader guessing, and has a plausible explanation for everything. It's exciting and sensual, heartbreaking and at times distressing, and never ever dull... a real page-turner and in the end, extremely satisfying! I didn't think I'd be smiling after I turned the last page, but I was.

The next book is about Cole…this I've got to read! I was hoping we would get more about him, but I couldn't imagine how the author would pull that out, so I didn't hold out hope for a book. But, after reading Within Temptation, I have no doubt Tanya Holmes has the talent make it work!


*A copy of the book was provided by the author to Swept Away By Romance in exchange for an honest review*

[Angie **loves angst** · Rating 4 out of 5]

ITS LIVE: Amazon

Books descriptions usually determine my anticipation levels for reading a book. Sometimes just reading a blurb will cause me to drop everything else I'm reading and start a book right away. After reading the blurb for Within Temptation, not only did I like the sound of it but it sounded like there was a healthy dose of angst to be expected.

Shannon Bradford


Trace Dawson



The Plot
He's an ex-convict. She's a realtor.
He's poor. She's rich.
He's single. She's engaged.
He wants her to leave him alone. She wants to help him.

It all takes place in a town called Temptation...


The novel starts out when thirty year old Trace is released from prison, about to start his new life. He has just finished serving twelve years in prison accused of murdering Shannon's mother. Even though years have passed the town's people memories have not faded, and Trace is shunned and treated like an outcast. It was really disheartening to see the way Trace was spoken to and treated upon his release. No one, not even persons who've been incarcerated, deserve to be treated inferior or bullied. The Bradford name is very influential in the small town, and Shannon's family try their best to make Trace's life uncomfortable. When they finally meet face to face Shannon has no idea how to react to Trace. Trace on the other hand dislikes Shannon, since it was her testimony which sent him to prison and in turn ruined his family. Trace and Shannon shared a bond during their teenage years when he worked for her family, but years apart and the murder of her mother have turned them from friends to strangers.

My Thoughts
Shannon and Trace had a long, murky path to wade through, and there were many thorns in their way including lies, half truths, cover ups and small town gossip. It felt like the entire town was conspiring against them, but I still stood on the sidelines rooting for these two.

Trace was a guy with a good heart, who truly wanted to turn his life around and start fresh. I felt the connection between him and Shannon right away, and I enjoyed the fact that they got reacquainted with each other before exploring the romantic side of their relationship. I read many romance novels and it feels as if after a five minute conversation the H/h are jumping in bed together. There's none of that here. The author allows the anticipation and the sexual tension to build between the H/h. This is not an erotic romance so if you're looking for tons of sex, I'm sorry to disappoint. The romantic scenes are pretty hot, but the author does not rely on these to tell the story.

Shannon's family are some of the most hateful characters I have ever read about, and if her mom was not already murdered I may have just strangled her myself. There is an element of romantic suspense as Shannon and Trace rekindle their friendship and investigate her mother's murder. I enjoyed the fact that the story was not predictable. Right up to the very end I was guessing, and the author provided clue after clue as the story progressed.

This is a story of second chances, forgiveness and the overcoming power of love. Highly recommended for those who love small town romances with a strong, intelligent heroine and a lovable hero.

Rating: 4 Sweet Stars



Special thanks to Tanya Holmes for allowing me to beta read this lovely book, and provide an honest review.

[Aestas Book Blog]

Um... WOW!!! This sounds freaking AWESOME!!

Love, betrayal and murder in a small town…

Twelve years after her mother's murder, Shannon Bradford fears she may have helped convict an innocent man. Even worse, her prominent family may have had something to do with it. Desperate for answers, she seeks help from the one person least likely to give it. Her best friend and childhood crush, Trace Dawson.

The man she sent to prison.

Serving hard time for murder has left Trace angry and bitter. As far as he's concerned, digging into the past won't replace the years he's lost or erase the hell he's lived. Now that he's free, Shannon Bradford tops his list of bad memories.

But he never counted on falling in love.



WITHIN TEMPTATION is a contemporary/romantic suspense/mystery hybrid. Set in a sleepy little town during the dead of winter, this award-winning romance novel is a tale of one woman's quest for truth and a man's struggle to forgive.

====================================

This story is the first in a trilogy of standalone contemporary romance novels in the 'Sons of Temptation' series.

RELEASE DATE: MAY 2014

[Duchess Nicole]

DNF @ 42%...no rating

I think I need to just cut my losses. I'm so bummed, but rather than push on through to the end and shred the book that everyone seems to love, I'm just going to be a quitter.

At this point, I've been bored since the beginning and the book is starting to be a chore. Candy Crush kept calling my name! Level 290...booyah!

I'm literally in the 1% minority with my opinion here, so take it for what it's worth. (prevaricating again...it's becoming habit) I'll try to be short and sweet.

The story setup is interesting, and I literally have about twenty friends who read and LOVED this story. Maybe initially, my expectations were too high? The cover is pretty **pets pretty man in handcuffs and fantasizes naughty things**. I think this is just one of those books that wasn't me.

A couple of things that I can say specifically that contributed to my boredom were how many characters were involved, and a lack of details about specific incidents. The initial murder...why not give the reader deets? It felt like the author was trying to hide some evidence from me or something. There were a lot of scene changes, and it felt like the current scene playing out kept getting interrupted just when it was getting good. Possibly it's just the author's writing style but there wasn't a lot of inner dialogue with the characters, and since the story is told in first person dual point of view, I really needed to be in their headspace. I didn't feel like I got that. There are a LOT of people in this crazy town, and ninety five percent of them are evil, gossiping monsters? Meh...I wanted more sympathetic characters. Neither protagonist really has anyone to lean on wholly. The hero, maybe a bit with his friend the ex basketball star. More characters were still being introduced when I threw in the towel so who's to say I've even met the murderer yet? I wanted to sink into the story, and instead it felt like I was watching it from a distance, skimming over interesting facets.

I never had a good sense of who the H/h really were, and by the time I was getting very frustrated with my own boredom and completely ready to throw in the towel, the heroine walks in on the hero doing some mashup of ballet, old pop dance moves, and ballroom dancing. The guy is pirouetting and moon walking, and she's standing there swooning, for goodness sake. I have nothing against dancing but for a hardened ex con to suddenly break out in dance made me literally laugh out loud and I don't think I could move on from that.

I'm sorry, my lovelies! I'm sorry, authoress! Just not my cuppa.

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book – Within Temptation (Sons of Temptation #1)
Author – Tanya Holmes
Publication Date – May 9, 2014
Type – No Cliffhanger Series
Genre – Romance, Suspense
Rating – 4 out of 5 Stars

Book provided by Author (Blog Tour) in exchange for an honest review.

I was so blown away that this is a debut novel from Ms. Holmes.  The story line was unique – the writing was spotless and the reading was effortless.  From the moment I picked up this wonderful book, I was hooked and had to know what was coming next.



I fell in love with the characters and the emotions ran ramped – I loved how this story was about second chances at love along with a mystery and suspense mixed in with it.  It made the story so full of action and questions which made me wonder what was going to happen.

Forgiveness and second chances is the major plot – Shannon wants the truth and will stop at nothing to find out what happened to her mother while Trace is battling with raw emotions of hatred and bitterness to the one person who hurt him in the past but wants to help him in the present.



Will these two find out what happened that day and who it was that actually murdered Shannon’s mother? Through their investigations and rekindling their past friendship, will Shannon and Trace be able to put aside the past and learn to forgive? Learn to put the guilt aside?

This is a beautiful story of childhood love that withstood the test of time and bitterness to bloom into a chance for second chances.

For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[♥Sharon♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm keeping this one short and sweet because I've done things a bit backwards once again.

Just a little bit ago I read The Darkest Frost Series which Tanya has also written. I fell in love with those books. I thought her writing was fantastic and very creative.

Then I decided to give this one a try which I understand to be her debut novel. Having read TDF, this one ended up falling short for me. Had I not had the experience of reading TDF I think I would have liked it a bit more. I couldn't dial back my expectations.

So in the end, I found the two main characters likable and the plot did have a couple of twists but because I did have a few eye rolling moments I ended up liking and not loving it. :)

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve years ago, 18-year old Trace Dawson was put to jail for a murder he didn't commit.
Now he's back in town and the first person he sees is Shannon - the then 14-year old girl whose mother he supposedly killed. Shannon was the main witness for the prosecution.
But now she's here and she wants to re-connect.
They used to be friends. She was the girl who always followed him around when he worked at her family's huge estate. She was a good friend, but 12 years in prison can change a person.

And even though he promised her would never hate her, there's this little bit of resentment towards her inside of him.
But now he's back home, not much of a home though. His parents both died recently and his sister is married to an ex-con 'friend' of his. And the town hates him.
And then there's Shannon. She can't remember much of what happened 12 years ago. But since she recently found an old diary of hers, memories started to come back. And now she's not sure about anything anymore. Did she really see Trace kill her mother? Or was he only leaning over her mother to help her? She never really believed that the boy she loved as a little girl could do something like that.
But with everybody in her family keeping secrets and the sheriff not returning her calls, something must have happened back then. Something she can't remember just yet, something that could be very dangerous once she does remember.

And while Shannon and Trace try to find out what really happened, their friendship starts to blossom again. More than friendship. 12 years ago 14-year old Shannon was way too young for 18-year-old Trace, but now she's not a little girl anymore. And even though she's engaged, they can't stay away from each other.
But the whole town is against them. How can Shannon hang out with this psychopathic murderer??? Everybody is spying on them and making problems for them, and nobody is giving Trace the chance to prove he's innocent.

Will they find out who really killed Lilith??? Why is everybody trying to hide something? And more importantly, what are they hiding?

Will there be a chance of a Happy Ever After for Shannon and Trace???
Or will everybody die at the end?
Will there be a Cliffhanger????☺☺☺



I'm not telling you of course ☺☺☺


____________________________

I REALLY ENJOYED READING THE BOOK!!!



When I first saw the cover and the title of the book, I was totally expecting a sexy Motor-bike-gang-Romance. But that is SO not what is happening here. Trace does have a bike, but he's not a biker. He's an adorable, sad, gorgeous man, who loves to dance (he even taught dance-lessons in jail!).

A man who was sent to prison for something he didn't do.
He missed so much of his life! The unfairness of that all made me cry right at the beginning of the book...



Poor Trace!

But now he's back and he can finally start his life. But the stupid people in this stupid town....grrrrr

Without his best friend and without Shannon, he would probably not have known what to do....

it's all so sad :(

I like the way the Author tells the story in both Shannon and Trace's POV....that way we get to know them both really good.

You can't put the book down, because you NEED to know what happened 12 years ago. You need to know who is to blame for sending our sweet innocent Trace to jail!!!

And we soooo need to see Trace and Shannon together at the end of it, because she just can't end up with this old guy!!!!!! o.O



Lots of people in this book totally deserve one of those (or 2 or 3) ☺



Were there some things I didn't like??
yep - 3 ☺ - but those are only my personal dislikes ☺

First - the name of our heroine: Shannon. I have NO idea why, but I don't like that name. No offense to all you Shannons out there, but the name just doesn't have any heroine potential for me...

Second - for my extremely anti-religious self, there was a bit much religion in it - not all that bad, but a bit too much for a sexy suspense Romance!

Third - the cover. I love it - and I love the guy on it, but it doesn't fit the book in any way. Yes, they added Trace's tattoos and handcuffs...but...he's just OUT of jail - not just IN jail, so that doesn't make any sense. And he doesn't run around without a shirt all the time either ;)

BUT all ^that^ aside....

The book is an amazingly interesting mix of moving drama, suspense, romance, sexiness, mystery.

GO GET IT!!! ☺

oooh and book #2??? It will be about Cole - that's all I'm saying ☺ I can't wait!!!

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 4 out of 5]

4++ Temptingly Delicious Stars!!

What if your mother was brutally murdered? And what if you spent the whole time following her murder dissecting the details, replaying them in your head, and wondering....was the right person convicted?

Within Temptation was a great debut. I actually have no nails left thanks to this book!! This is a murder/mystery/suspense/love triangle/young love/romance that had twist after twist up until the very end! The story is told in dual POVs and begins on the day that Trace is released from prison on parole, for his involvement in the murder of Lilith Bradford. The setting is small town West Virginia, where everyone is all up in each other's business, and unfortunately for Trace, he does not have a welcoming committee awaiting him upon his release (the town has ever so affectionately labeled him "Butcher Boy").

Shannon Bradford found her mother dead twelve years ago and has spent the entire time worrying that the wrong man was sent to prison. And even worst, her testimony helped put him in prison. And this wasn't just any man. Trace was Shannon's friend, someone she looked up to, her protector, and maybe the love of her life.

Oh how fate likes to tempt us.

"Memories flooded my mind, of the quiet riot he was, the secret crush I'd had on him, and the extraordinary friendship we'd shared so many years ago. As fast as those images came, others replaced them."



And so this story begins...Shannon is hungry for answers and wants Trace's help, while Trace just wants to move on with his life and forget the nightmare that the last twelve years of his life have been. He is angry at Shannon and acts terrible and hateful towards her, but on the inside, he is at war with himself and his still VERY existent feelings for her. *Sigh* Trace was pretty wonderful and damn sexy!!! I loved him actually. A partly Latin man that can dance AND kick some ass! What's not to love?!? He's kind of the tortured hero, because even while Shannon was playing a role in convicting him, he was still fighting to protect her from afar.

"For a moment, I'd have sworn I'd seen a flicker of the boy who'd taught me to dance"



Little by little, their defenses start coming down, and the easy friendship they once had slowly begins to re-emerge. But there is still roadblock upon roadblock for these two. Shannon still has her doubts and her guilt and Trace still has his grudge. Also, Shannon is part of the most influential and privileged family in the area. And Trace? Well, Trace was the son of the maid in Shannon's home growing up. This is how they met. I usually have trouble connecting with characters like Shannon, that fit the "poor little rich girl" mold, but I really did not have this issue with Shannon. She is wealthy yes, but she isn't spoiled. She's a strong heroine in search of the truth and answers and refuses to let anything stand in her way.

And OH HOT FRIGGIN' TAMALE when the sparks start flying with these two....damn!! Yes, it is a slow burn like the author clearly states in the blurb...almost an enemies-to-lovers type situation (because of what they'd become), but oh-so-worth the wait!! The romance ranges from tender and sweet to hot and scorching!! There are a few scenes that gave me a total case of the heart flutters along with a need for a cold shower. Shannon is all innocence, while Trace is all passionate sensuality.



"Oh, baby," he said. "I can't breathe without you in my world. Don't you get that yet?"

But what will happen when family secrets begin exposing ugly truths? Who will Shannon believe? What will all of the digging uncover? And how far away will she get pulled from Trace? And, oh by the way, did I mention that she is engaged?? And to one of the attorneys that played a key role in Trace's trial no less.

I will just say that I kept thinking I had this story figured out, only to find out that I so didn't. There are many layers and many players. This book really had it all...suspense, romance, angst, mystery, sexual tension, a love triangle...the list goes on.



I really enjoyed the story lines with the secondary characters as well, particularly Trace's sister Bev's and her husband Icky, Trace's former cell mate.

The only reason that I didn't give this book a full 5 stars is because it lulled just a bit for me during the first half. Right after their initial reunion, up until about the halfway mark, a lot of the story is spent kind of setting the stage. I just found a lot of moments where it was easy for me to put the book down. However, once the second half hit, and lazy reading was OVER, and I was glued to my iPad frantically reading and turning pages, so this really only took a tiny bit away from the overall reading experience for me.

Holmes' writing is really excellent and I CANNOT believe that this is her first book! Within Temptation is the first book in the Sons of Temptation series. From what I hear, book two will feature Trace's brother, Colt, and I can't wait!



ARC kindly provided to Rebel Book Chicks as part of blog tour.

For more honest reviews, book updates, giveaways, and other complete craziness, visit our blog at http://www.rebelbookchicks.com/

Follow us on FB:https://www.facebook.com/rebelbook...
Follow us Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebelBookChicks

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good romantic suspense that had me guessing from the beginning till the end. I find myself feeling invested and totally engaged in both the romance and the suspense department. I kinda suspected everyone in the picture, so when the truth was revealed I'm not that shocked. But was surprised by some revelation nonetheless.

Trace and Shannon were some sort of childhood friends. She was the rich girl, while he was the hired help. Their friendship ended in a tragedy when Shannon's mum was killed and Shannon's statement help to put Trace behind bars for a crime he did not commit.

Twelve years later, Trace is now out for parole. His whole family was destroyed, only his sister, Beverly left. There is so much bitterness in him for the wrongfulness he had endured and the way the townsfolk treated him didn't help with the matter at hand. When Shannon seek him out, things just gets ugly.

Shannon questioned the truth and wanted Trace help to bring back her repressed memory. Trace was reluctant to dig up old memories and he basically gave up on clearing his name. She wanted to remember, but he wanted to forget.

With new evidences pilling up, they both no longer can ignore that the real murder is still at large and should be brought to justice. Together they both tried to dig up old buried memories, some sweet, some bitter, some ugly, but Shannon relish remembering Trace as the boy she long to be with since she was a wee teenage girl. I felt the most lovely recount was of how Trace took care of her and wanted to protect her from her family.

Their interaction started off with bitterness and hatred, then came understanding and then turn angst. Shannon being engaged to a prosecutor put her blossoming relationship with Trace at an impasse because she fear to let go of the life she built. I wanted her to dump her fiance so bad, but I understand her reluctant and she needs time to figure things out for herself.

I agree there isn't much sex scenes, but the few that we had were totally memorable and much meaningful compare to having meaningless sex just to make up the page count. Her virginity did shocked me, I can't believe she didn't sleep with her fiance. It is just unbelievable and worth some eye rolling. Oh, but the broke condom really came as a surprised. I was laughing when I realize this is the first time I read about it.

Overall, Within Temptation offer a perfect balance of romance and suspense. The plot just pull me in and can't put it down until I had everything figure out. This is a standalone, the next one will feature Trace's brother, Cole who is currently still in the mental health institute. I am totally intrigued for his story.

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY RATING: ☆☆☆☆ "Within Temptation (Sons of Temptation, #1)" Tanya Holmes



Complimentary copy provided by the author "Tanya Holmes " in exchange for an honest review.

4 BUTCHER BOY STARS

Ok I admit it I am a cover hoe!! And this cover is off the scales hot!! who the hell is that guy!! Licks screen *wipes chin*

A Poignant story about Love, Murder and Betrayal that will have you guessing right till the end!!

Serving hard time for murder has left Trace a bitter and angry man, twelve years served behind bars, prison had changed him from an easy going ready to smile boy into a dangerous edgy man..

With it being such a small town Trace and Shannon were bound to run into each other eventually just didn't expect it to happen the very day he was released from prison..



"He was a name synonymous with death. A name frightened children whispered while swapping campfire stories"

Shannon had known Trace since the age of six, his mother used to clean their house dragging Trace along with her and was later hired to do odd jobs that came up around the place. So it was bound to happen that these two would forge a friendship.

Lilith Bradford, Shannon's mother had been linked to at least a dozen men before her death, Trace being one of them.



Murder in the second degree, thirteen years - a minimum of ten served, he maintained his innocence throughout the trial. A letter supposedly written by Shannon kept him behind bars a year longer.

Trace's mother had died with a plastic bag over her bead whilst he was in prison, a crucifix in hand, and a bellyful of pills washed down with Jim beam.
But his crazy dad had gone of to his maker with a bang, he blew his brains out with a shotgun.
Not long after Trace's younger brother had ended up in an Asylum due to slashing his wrists with a knife and smeared himself with his own blood after finding the bodies of his parents both dead.

[KatLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! A Really Good Debut!



“The course of true love never did run smooth.” –William Shakespeare

What a fitting opening statement for this story. Trace and Shannon’s road to happiness is fraught with deception, treachery, as well as a good serving of heartache.

The book begins with thirty year old Trace Dawson’s release from prison. Convicted of second degree murder, he’s spent twelve years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. The conditions of his parole have sent him back to Temptation, West Virginia, his home town as well as the place of the homicide.

Unfortunately, his first encounter is with twenty six year old Shannon Bradford. Once upon a time he was her hero. Childhood friends, a young girl’s first crush and in his own way, her protector, all combine to make their relationship special.

However, she’s the last person he wants to see. Her testimony in her mother’s murder trial helped rob Trace of his freedom and changed the course of his and his family’s life forever.

New facts have surfaced causing Shannon to doubt Trace’s involvement and thinking she possibly helped send an innocent man to prison. She needs his help finding answers and putting the pieces together to solve the mystery. Hopefully she can convince him to put aside his anger and bitterness and find the truth of what happened that fateful day.

Tanya Holmes has produced a winning debut with this well written Murder Mystery Romance. As the cause of Shannon’s doubts surface, the plot thickens and leaves the reader wanting more. Told in alternating POV, the combination of mystery, suspense and sizzling chemistry make this an easy page turner. The only drawback I found was in Shannon. Her indecision concerning Trace often left me thinking her too wishy washy and kept me from fully connecting to her character.

All in all, a very good debut with a perfect mix of mystery, suspense and romance. I’m looking forward to reading the next standalone novel offered in this series.

A big Thank You to my friend, Jilly, for leading me to this one:)!

[Georgina ☽ themalf0ydiaries · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

“A life lived in fear is a life half lived.”

Within Temptation is a suspenseful story full of romance, sexual tension, murder, lies and stolen memories.
It makes you think, If you can't rely on your family and your mind, Who can you really trust?

"Over a decade ago, on a hot September morning, I entered hell. In my nightmares, I could still smell the blood, could still see Trace Dawson clutching a garden spade while crouched over Mother's corpse."

This is the story of Shannon and Trace.
Twelve years ago Shannon Bradford found her mother brutally murdered supposedly by the hands of Trace Dawson, her friend, her protector, the boy she started to fall in love with. Now Trace is back on Temptation on parole and Shannon is sure that the boy who helped convict wasn't the one who killed her mother, so she needs his help to solve the mystery.
But if Trace didn't murder her mother, who did?

Trace... OHMYGOD TRACE. He was such a dreamy character. Even after all the disgusting and disturbing stuff he had to deal at prison, even after he was convict of a crime he didn't commit he still cared and protected Shannon.

"I may be on parole, but you're still the warden of your own penitentiary. So, between the two of us, who's the real prisoner, darlin'?"

I loved how he pushed Shannon to overcome her fear of living under her mothers reputation and be able to just live. Not being afraid of what others would think of her. That shows a great deal of how much he actual cares for her.

I enjoyed Shannon as a character. I liked how we got to see her past and how her relationship with her mother affected every other relationship she had and overall her life.

I even liked Darien and I would have loved if we got to see more of him please don't judge me .

"He hadn't kissed me, yet i knew his touch"

I loved that we got to see they're relationship develop. Tanya Holmes did a great job building the connection and sexual tension of the main characters slowly and beautifuly which made it more believable and not at all forced.


Overall I enjoyed this book and can't wait for the second one to come out, with Trace's brother Cole. It's gonna be a bumpy ride for sure.

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Within Temptation was an intriguing read filled with mystery, suspense, love, imminent obstacles, healing, forgiving, and forging your own destiny.

12 years ago, Shannon Bradford's mother was murdered and her best friend/crush was sent away for murder. Now almost a decade later, things still don't add up and her only hope to solving this mystery is to go to the person she had convicted, Trace Dawson... only, he wants nothing to do with her. Period.

Bitter and confused with the betrayal of Shannon, Trace just wants to forget and restart.

But, with Shannon's persistence, they start to investigate the events of what led up to her mother's death.

Can they figure out who the true murderer is? And when trouble comes looking for them, how will things plan out? Especially, when feelings develop and love is in bloom?

Read and you will find out!

My thoughts: Wow, this was such a diverse and complex read!! I loved every moment of it as it kept me guessing, on my toes, and gave a sprinkle of romance in it.

Ms. Holmes does a fantastic job in portraying the intricacy of this plot and the characters that from the moment you start it, you will not be able to put it down!! I know I didn't!! It was very engaging!!

A very well thought out and written debut!! I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author!!








I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!*

[Kelly| Just Another Horror Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! One of the best books I've read this year!!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was 2.5 stars the first 60% and 3 the last 40%. I really fought to keep reading, but it was a case of "Whodunit" that made me stick it out. This book reminded me of the TV series Dallas, mixed with a Lifetime movie, and an episode of Snapped. Mix in there a romance.

Trace is released from prison after serving 12 years for the killing of Lilith Bradford. Testimony from Shannon Bradford (Lilith's daughter) put him there. All she remembers is seeing Trace over her dead mothers body.......

The book was about Trace and Shannon reuniting. They have always had a bond and an attraction that they hid while growing up (she was 6 years old when they first met)Trace was 4 years older but he was there for her, he kept her secrets and made her feel special.

It seemed weird that they fell into an easy attraction since he served 12 years for a murder he didn't commit, and she's the one who put the nail in his coffin with her testimony. Guess that's easy to forgive when you have a history huh? Why didn't she visit him in jail once she realized she was wrong? Why didn't she try to figure it out before? Why the fuck did it take his release from prison to say "oh hey, I'm pretty sure you didn't do it, sorry bout that testimony, wanna find out who did it with me??"
Oh and also, she's 26 and engaged to the 48 year old lawyer who put Trace in jail.....hmmm that's weird. Daddy issues.

Anyways, they cant fight the attraction, which wasn't very hot. Some of the stuff they said sounded so odd. Not sexy at all.

"Sensation burned across my chest and bathed my loins as he nursed on me through my blouse"....Ewww. Loins was used more than once.

"Just that I want to get inside you so bad my nuts ache"... Nuts huh.

"Before I knew it, he'd shoved his hands under my derrier and tugged me closer"...derrier?? you mean ass. Its ass in sexy times!

The only thing I liked was getting to the whodunit part. It all unraveled pretty quickly and then the book was over. Between the two characters, I liked Trace better.

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tanya Holmes' writing. Her desriptions and dialogues are beautiful and special.

My beef was with the heroine. I usually don't read books where the heroine cheats. She broke it off with her fiance 80% into the book and after several sexual encounters which, although they aren't intercourse, still qualify as sex

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A life lived in fear is a life half lived”

Please prepare yourself for one hell of a rollercoaster ride. Within Temptation by Tanya Holmes is just that. It has everything. Murder, lies, sexual tension, abuse, botched memories. The list goes on. When I was given this ARC to read, I thought I was getting a contemporary romance with a hint of a murder mystery. Boy was I wrong. The plot is so full of twists and turns I was desperate to know the truth by the end. As for the romance? I was sincerely afraid that my nook was going to catch on fire it was so hot!

Trace Dawson has just been released from prison after 12 years for the murder of Shannon Bradford’s mother. The Bradfords are the wealthiest family in town and Trace was a bad boy whose family made their living by working for the Bradfords. Shannon was always enamored with Trace, however at the age of 14 she was the main witness that sent him to prison for her mother’s murder. Now that he is out and has returned to their small town, her whole life is being turned upside down and she is beginning to question everything and everyone she knows. Did Trace really murder her mother? Why are her memories so distorted? And how can there still be so much sexual tension between her and this man who may or may not have murdered her mother?

Sound complicated? That is just the tip of the iceberg. The secrets and twists just kept pouring out with every page turned. The plot was absolutely amazing. This book was unlike anything I have read. Some romance novels have the heat but they lack story and content. This is certainly not the case here. There is a lot of buildup and a lifetime of sexual tension that has to be dealt with. Oh, and the small fact that Shannon is engaged to the prosecuting attorney who put Trace in prison just complicates things more.

I honestly do not have anything negative to say about this story. The plot is great, the characters are well rounded and their connections are believable. The story plays out perfectly, with the secrets and details revealed at just the right pace. The story keeps you guessing until the very end and the climax is one of the best I’ve read. If this is Ms. Holmes first novel, I can’t wait to see what else she has coming.

5 stars and lots of shots of Herradura Tequila! Enjoy!

This ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.

Read our other Book & Drink Parings at www.fortheloveofbooksandalcohol.com

[Tianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: 5 Stars *****
For this book I'm liking..
Dark Paradise by Lana Del Ray


My Shannon:


Like I said, for some reason I can't stop picturing her with the blond vintage waves, red lipstick and classy attitude.

My Trace:


Can we say:

I know I can LOL. '

Give me a sexy, alpha male, emotionally guarded, somewhat douchebag, somewhat loving ex-con any day. Though preferably not with a nickname like "Butcher Boy"... that part would be slightly alarming...

Anywhoo, this book was just... WOW! The author is an award-winning novelist and after reading her work, I can definitely see why. Every single character in this book was incredibly well developed with each of their flaws shining through. I loved - and I mean LOVED - the tension between Trace & Shannon. Chemistry like that... it's just wild! It was feral, primal, raw, sweet... forbidden... very very forbidden ;) , but I mean who doesn't love some candy they can't have? Not to mention said candy is the convicted killer of your mother... can you say COMPLICATED! Yikes!

As mentioned above, the book is actually a romance centered around a mystery and I believe it'd be very hard to pull something like this off. I mean I'm no expert in the mystery department, but from what I've read either the mystery outshines the romance or vice versa. Within Temptation did not fall into either of these categories. This book was a crazy web that had you flipping pages almost faster than you could read them. The mystery kept pace with the romance beautifully and I found I wasn't reading for just one of the two things, but for both of them. Just when I think I'd have things figured out... but turned out I didn't know sh*t! My head was reeling, my heart was pounding and my brain's synapses were firing (yes, they were actually firing! I was thinking! Holy mother of pearl! :P ). Everything from the language to the setting had me completely immersed in this story and it was so well written, the entire thing played out like a movie in my head.

Highly, HIGHLY recommended book! An absolutely amazing story and I must say... Y'all should go pick it up!

[KathyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really loved this book...
Engaging, romantic and suspenseful with a super sexy male lead that won my heart! I love stories that allow the couple to come together slowly while at the same time giving us an engaging plot that keeps us wondering and guessing until the very end.
Loved the connection between this couple that began as a childhood infatuation and brews into love 12 years later after Trace is finally paroled from prison for murder. Did he do it? Maybe... you'll have to read to find out. At age 14 Shannon was infatuated with Trace and he always looked out for her. It doesn't take long for them to fall back into old routines and to move from infatuation to something more. The attraction is very strong between these two. Trace and Shannon come from opposite sides of the social ladder. Shannon being the daughter of a wealthy parents and Trace the son of one of the workers in the house where she lived. But, emotionally they are on the same page both having suffered similar types of trauma. It was understandable how these two easily fit together. There was one scene in the book that had me reminiscing this famous Dirty Dancing couple:



... yep... Trace can dance... and he gives Shannon a lesson or two. **HOT** :)

The murder mystery kept me guessing until the very end... I mean, it could've been anybody! Everyone had plenty of reasons to have taken out their anger on the victim, including Shannon and Trace.
This was beautifully written... and, wow... this is a debut novel! I will be looking for the next book for sure. And, yay! These are stand alones... thanks... we all hate to be left hanging... another reason to just dive on in!
Highly recommend to fans of Romantic suspense...

ARC was provided by Love Between the Sheets for review

www.ktbookreviews.com

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Jill for having recommended this book to me! It was so worth readigng it! *hugs*

The story is wonderfully realistic. All the characters act very real-lifelike. There're moments they act stupid, but not as a heroine who goes out in the night when there's a moster after her just to spite the hero. No, here the stupidity is due to anger, or hurt, or just plain pique.

It's a story where hate is disguised as love and love disguised as hate.

Where hurt feeling and wrongs done are what drive the characters.

A wonderful book about forgivness and about the power of love!

[Yesmina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style, plot and characters dynamics amazed me!
FMC and MMC were childhood friends with crushes on the side. They were 4 years old apart (which is a big deal during teenage years, especially when one becomes an adult and the other a minor)+ FMC is from old money and MMC is from a poor family with horrible reputation.

One day FMC witnessed MMC over her mother's corpse and he was soaked in her blood. She testified against him and MMC went to jail for 12 years. The book begins with the MMC out on parole: the last person he wants to see is the FMC who destroyed his life.

But the two of them keep meeting, their old flame kept on burning, the secrets are slowly unraveling.

I loved how deep emotions within the MCs are portrayed. How FMC wanted to follow her heart but her life conditioning kept her imprisoned. How the MMC wanted to be better despite all the wrong he faced.

This book features a grumpy/ sunshine pair. The trope was done realistically and not for the sake of drama or exaggeration.

【01⭕】【02⭕】【03⭕】【04⭕】【05⭕】
【06⭕】【07⭕】【08⭕】【09⭕】【10⭕】
【11⭕】【12⭕】【13 ⭕】【14】【15⭕】
【16】【17⭕】【18⭕】【19⭕】【20⭕】
【21⭕】【22⭕】【23⭕】【24⭕】【25⭕】

[Geri · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I received a copy of this book as a beta reader. It is the first novel from Tanya Holmes and I can only hope it won't be her last!! From the first word to the last, you feel a part of the story. It has everything I look for in a good book, suspense, murder, tension, love, betrayal, family dynamics, and strong male and female characters. I started the book on a Saturday evening and could not put it down until I finished it, which just happened to be at 4:00 a.m.! The loss of sleep was so worth it. In fact, the book was so good I re-read it yesterday before writing the review. I am amazed that this is the first novel and not one of many from Ms. Holmes. You are taken into the private lives of the characters and feel that you know them and at times I was feeling the same doubts the characters were. Ms. Holmes writing is captivating and I look forward to the next installment from Temptation. Trace is so well written, you can feel his pain and his passion. Shannon is as well and there are times you can relate with how she lets 'how things will look to people' interfere with what she feels and wants to do. Your mind has you trying to figure out the mystery; however, there is no way to imagine the plan Ms. Holmes has for us, her readers. I would so love to meet Trace, as well as, many of the other characters as well. Would love to punch Icky in the face, lol! Sometimes when you read a book that is past suspense, it is lost and only included as an afterthought, not this book. Within Temptation is worth the read and every single positive review and recommendation it receives. This book is definitely a keeper and I can't recommend it enough. I will come back once the book has been released to add more, but I do not want to give any spoilers away. I sure hope this ends up on everyone's To Be Read list, it is worth your time.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad that I picked this up after seeing several of my friends raving about it. It was a real good read, few things that got on my nerves was Shannon wishy washiness over how she felt about Trace. She would hurt him and he was suppossed to instantly forgiver her for whatever transgression she did. Never mind the 12 year gaping wound. Also at times it would take me a minute to figure out who was doing the talking. but despite those things, this was still a really good read and I am looking forward to Cole's book.

[Diana's · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW... This sounds soooo good!

***Update*** It definitely was.. through out I was hoping that Trace would get some semblance of Peace and a Happy Ending!!
which he did and I was sooooo happy for it.. poor guy deserved it!!